Better Together: Latest Partnership with Linking Lives, Eastbourne

Together in Sussex have recently entered into a partnership with Linking Lives Eastbourne by providing funding that will assist in rejuvenating volunteer reach, aiding staffing costs and administration. In response to the global pandemic, there has been a steady uptake in referrals to Linking Lives’ services which the funds will support in covering extra office costs and referral assessments during this rapid growth and demand. The funds will also be used for upgrading the website to reach more volunteers, and the production of a new film for volunteer recruitment.

Martyn Relf, Chair of Linking Lives comments:

“Linking Lives Eastbourne is delighted to partner with Together in Sussex and so appreciate their support.

Covid lockdowns have served only to emphasise how vital simple human connection is. Loneliness and isolation are realities so many experience and our shared vision is that Christians should be at the forefront of addressing this need in our communities. We trust and pray that Churches in more localities will embrace this vision and that the Linking Lives model will play a part in equipping them.”

We each uniquely support bonds within the community and those vulnerable to marginalisation and isolation. Together In Sussex, launched in 2017 by Church Urban Fund, equips and enables churches in the Chichester Diocese to connect with and support members of the community who are at risk of deprivation and marginalisation. Linking Lives Eastbourne trains and partners vetted volunteers from local churches with community members as part of a befriending service. Volunteers make either phone calls or home visits to those referred; referrals can be made by anyone from individuals themselves, medical and social professionals to friends and family to help those experiencing loneliness and social isolation.

Martin Poole, Chair of Linking Lives comments:

"We're delighted to be entering into this partnership with Linking Lives Eastbourne to help them grow this important work. This is a great example of best practice when churches want to support those who are isolated and alone and we hope that the expertise developed in this project will assist churches in other parts of the diocese to do the same."

Together In Sussex’s funds has landed at celebratory timing as a new partnership imminently connects the two charities in further synergy. Church Urban Fund and Linking Lives will soon be formally uniting for further projects and ventures.

For further information visit:

Linking Lives Eastbourne: linkingliveseastbourne.com