WinterFest’s Wellbeing Fund was established after the 2019 event to give grants to people in Brightlingsea to help improve their mental, physical or social wellbeing. Eighty per cent of the money raised is put into the fund, with the remaining 20 per cent going to the charity Mind. The fund provides individuals or families with up to £150 to pay for items or activities to promote physical and mental health and wellbeing – such as sports activities, family days out, music lessons or art tuition. In its first year, the  fund awarded more than 20 grants to community groups, local organisations, individuals and families. Community groups can apply for grants of up to £300.

Alix Sheppard and Dave Griffiths, who organise Brightlingsea WinterFest,  were “overwhelmed” by the response to the launch of the Wellbeing Fund.

“Dave and I were delighted with the number of applications for the first round of grants from the new fund,” said Alix. “ It is very gratifying to be able to help local groups, families and individuals, who all put forward very compelling reasons why the grants will help improve their health and wellbeing.”

She added: “We are very happy that WinterFest is creating a legacy to go back into the community, helping in practical ways all the year round.”