Supporting ‘Swale – A Celebration of Cultures’ across Sittingbourne, Faversham and Sheerness

For immediate release

Diversity House is proud to announce that it has been awarded £19,850 from The National Lottery Community Fund through its Awards for All programme, supporting the delivery of “Swale – A Celebration of Cultures” across Sittingbourne, Faversham and Sheerness.

The flagship community project will celebrate Swale’s rich cultural diversity while creating meaningful opportunities for residents to connect, participate, improve wellbeing and build a stronger sense of belonging.

Under the powerful theme “One Borough • Many Cultures • Stronger Together”, the project will bring communities together through a programme of cultural, wellbeing and community-led activities, helping people from different backgrounds, generations and experiences to meet, share, learn and celebrate together.

Creating stronger, healthier communities

  • Engage more than 800 residents across Swale.
  • Deliver 24 cultural and wellbeing activities.
  • Train 30 community volunteers to develop local leadership and participation.
  • Strengthen community connections, belonging and inclusion.
  • Create welcoming opportunities for residents to share their cultures, experiences and talents.

The project reflects Diversity House’s core values of Support. Dignity. Respect. and its commitment to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate and feel valued within their community.

A message from our CEO, Dr Christine Locke

We are absolutely delighted and deeply grateful to The National Lottery Community Fund for awarding Diversity House £19,850 through Awards for All.

This investment is not simply funding a programme of activities; it is an investment in people, relationships and the strength of our communities.

Swale is home to people from many cultures, backgrounds and walks of life, and this project gives us an important opportunity to celebrate that diversity while creating spaces where people can come together, build friendships, share experiences and support one another.

At Diversity House, we believe that everyone deserves to feel that they belong. Through ‘Swale – A Celebration of Cultures’, we want to turn that belief into meaningful action, connecting communities, promoting wellbeing and empowering residents to play an active role in shaping the places where they live.

On behalf of Diversity House, our trustees, staff, volunteers and the communities we serve, I would like to extend our sincere thanks to The National Lottery Community Fund and, most importantly, to National Lottery players. Their support is helping us create opportunities that will have a lasting and positive impact across Swale.

We look forward to working alongside our partners, volunteers and residents in Sittingbourne, Faversham and Sheerness to make this a truly inclusive, vibrant and community-led celebration.

Dr Christine Locke, CEO, Diversity House

Celebrating diversity. Building belonging. Inspiring wellbeing.

“Swale – A Celebration of Cultures” will provide opportunities for residents to discover and celebrate the many cultures represented across the borough, while also promoting wellbeing and encouraging greater community participation.

The project will work with community organisations and local partners to ensure that activities are accessible, inclusive and responsive to local needs.

Diversity House believes that cultural celebration can be a powerful vehicle for connection, helping people discover what they have in common while appreciating the experiences, traditions and contributions that make Swale such a diverse place to live.

The project will also provide opportunities for local volunteers to develop their confidence, skills and community leadership, creating a legacy that extends beyond the funded programme.

Thank you to National Lottery players

Diversity House would like to place on record its sincere appreciation to The National Lottery Community Fund for this award and to the millions of people who play National Lottery games and make community investment possible.

The grant will enable Diversity House to reach more residents, strengthen local partnerships and create positive experiences that promote connection, inclusion and wellbeing.

Everyone is welcome

Diversity House will be sharing further information about upcoming activities and opportunities to get involved through its social media and community networks.

Residents, community groups, volunteers and local organisations across Sittingbourne, Faversham and Sheerness are warmly invited to be part of this exciting initiative.

Free • Inclusive • Community-Led
One Borough. Many Cultures. Stronger Together.

Our project was made possible thanks to #NationalLottery players.

ENDS

Notes to editors

Organisation: Diversity House

Project: Swale – A Celebration of Cultures

Funding: £19,850

Funder: The National Lottery Community Fund – Awards for All

Geographical focus: Sittingbourne, Faversham and Sheerness

Project themes: Cultural diversity, community connection, wellbeing, volunteering, inclusion and belonging

Target reach: 800+ residents

Planned activities: 24 cultural and wellbeing activities

Community volunteers: 30 to be trained

Diversity House values: Support. Dignity. Respect.