Chichester Community Development Trust (CCDT) is delighted to announce that it has been awarded £1,000 in funding from the Southern Water Community Fund. This support comes at a crucial time, as the cost-of-living crisis continues to place immense strain on communities and charitable organisations alike. With an incredible 377 applicants vying for funding, we are particularly honoured to have been selected—a testament to the essential work CCDT delivers across the Chichester district.
As custodians of 14 community assets, CCDT provides bespoke services that empower the most vulnerable in society while building connections across the wider community. Rising operational costs, including heating and essential maintenance, have made the running of these services more challenging than ever. However, this generous contribution from Southern Water ensures we can keep our spaces warm, welcoming, and accessible to all—especially during these colder months when support is most urgently needed.
“Help like this is invaluable,” says Clare de Bathe, CEO of CCDT. “It enables us to continue offering vibrant and inclusive spaces where everyone in the Chichester district feels supported and inspired. We remain committed to turning our community assets into places that bring people together, spark ideas, and drive positive change.”
Making Space for All
CCDT’s mission is deeply rooted in community collaboration, ensuring that local voices shape the transformation of its buildings and land. By creating inspiration-fuelled spaces, CCDT creates opportunities for local entrepreneurs, organisations, and creatives to thrive. Every penny generated is reinvested to sustain these initiatives, ensuring that CCDT can serve the community for years to come.
Southern Water’s Commitment to Supporting Communities
Southern Water, acutely aware of the pressures many households are facing, is not only supporting charities like CCDT but also providing direct assistance to their customers. Through their Priority Services, tailored schemes, and tariffs, they are addressing the challenges posed by the cost-of-living crisis head-on.
“Southern Water’s support demonstrates the importance of businesses investing in the communities they serve,” added de Bathe. “Their funding is more than financial—it’s a vote of confidence in the power of grassroots organisations to make a lasting impact.”
As the need for support grows, CCDT continues to champion inclusivity and innovation within the Chichester community. This funding is a step towards ensuring that no one is left behind.
For more information about CCDT and its services, or to explore ways to get involved, please visit www.chichestercdt.org.uk.
