Summerfield Charitable Trust grants £2m for children and families

A new programme to create better access to children and family services across Gloucester, Cheltenham, Tewkesbury and the Forest of Dean will commence this autumn thanks to funding from the Summerfield Charitable Trust as part of “Children and Families” theme of the Summerfield Community Chest project.

The new Family Hubs Catalyst Programme will create a network of community-based support for families with young children that reaches beyond buildings and deeper into neighbourhoods to connect with families and children.

These improved social connections will support wellbeing, assisting and encouraging residents to take action to improve their lives.

Eight new Neighbourhood Connector roles have been created thanks to the £2 million grant that has been awarded by Summerfield Charitable Trust. The Neighbourhood Connectors will be based at organisations across Gloucestershire including The Venture, Fair Shares, Aspire Foundation, Move More, Forest Voluntary Action Forum (FVAF), Fresh Hope and Artshape.

The programme will be overseen by the Gloucestershire Gateway Partnership, a group of local organisations who came together in April 2025 to support Gloucestershire Gateway Trust with their successful bid to manage Children and Family Hubs in Gloucester and the Forest of Dean.

Matt Lennard, CEO of Gloucestershire VCSE Alliance, said:

“Gloucestershire VCSE Alliance is proud to be working in partnership with The Summerfield Charitable Trust to help identify and support projects that address some of the county’s most pressing strategic challenges.

“At the heart of this collaboration is a commitment to co-production, truly listening to communities and shaping services around what people say they need.”