SES Water’s Better Futures Programme Invites New Applications to Support Local Communities

Launched earlier this year, Better Futures is designed to go even further towards providing support for those who need it most.

The fund will provide £5m over five years for community funding, in addition to the £200m programme announced in December by SES Water’s parent company, Pennon, to help customers who are vulnerable or struggling financially.

The programme is divided into two main components, Hardship funding and Community funding:

• Hardship Funding: A helping hand in the form of a small grants programme to support individuals and families who suddenly find themselves in difficult financial circumstances.
• Community funding: Funding of community groups which inspire physical activities, education, health and wellbeing and positive environmental outcomes - supporting the lives of people and places they love for generations to come.

Who can apply?

Better Futures is open to projects within SES Water’s service area from schools, colleges or academies, registered charities and other not-for-profit organisations, constituted groups or clubs, Community Interest Companies (CICs), and local community groups.

To apply for a share of the community funding, your project needs to involve one or more of the following:

• Nature and the environment - projects and organisations that directly impact and protect nature for the benefit of community health and wellbeing.
• Education - providing new opportunities to help people of all ages grow and develop.
• Community - groups that bring people together to create a sense of purpose within communities.
• Vulnerability - organisations providing care and support to people who need extra help.

The funding can be used for buying and hiring equipment, supporting skills and training, employee salaries for time dedicated to working directly on the project and for professional fees such as hiring builders, groundworkers or an interpretation design agency

Susan Davy, CEO of Pennon, said: “Supporting our customers is hugely important, both to me and to all of my dedicated colleagues across the region. This extends well beyond the essential drinking and wastewater services we provide and includes financial wellbeing and the support we give to those who may be struggling.

“Better Futures is about doing more than ever before and my brilliant team and I are looking forward to welcoming applications to the community funding programme as we take action to support our customers and communities.”

For more information on how to apply for Better Futures funding, visit Better Futures Fund Page