At Wave Community Bank, we were honoured to take part in the 3VA Celebrating Communities event on Wednesday, 18th September, held at the Shackleton Hall in Eastbourne’s Welcome Centre. As proud partners of 3VA, we deeply value the opportunity to join over 200 guests representing community groups, charities, voluntary organisations, and individuals from across East Sussex. This gathering was a powerful reminder of the great work that 3VA and its members are doing to support and uplift the local community.
The Celebrating Communities event is a shining example of 3VA’s mission to unite its members in celebrating the contributions of local charities to our communities. With over 400 charity members, 3VA (Voluntary Action for Eastbourne, Lewes District, and Wealden) plays a vital role in enabling and supporting community groups and voluntary organisations. By improving quality of life and promoting equality of opportunity across East Sussex, they provide a voice for the voluntary and community sector, advocating for it in conversations with local government and statutory authorities.
At Wave Community Bank, we are proud to partner with 3VA and contribute to this impactful work. Through our Workplace Savings Scheme, we offer 3VA staff the opportunity to save money and access affordable loans, helping to build financial resilience in the workforce. As a not-for-profit organisation, we share 3VA’s commitment to social and voluntary action, and we are proud to work closely with them to support and develop local voluntary groups and organisations in Eastbourne, Lewes, and Wealden.
The work of 3VA resonates deeply with our mission to strengthen and build resilience in our communities. As we stood alongside the many charities and community groups showcasing their services, it was inspiring to see the incredible range of support available to the local community. The event was a true celebration of collaboration, where ideas were shared, and the hard work of countless organisations was recognised.
One of the highlights of the day was the awards ceremony, overseen by BBC News Presenter and Reporter Juliette Parkin. The event featured speeches from Josh Babarinde OBE MP, who praised the efforts of the voluntary sector, and the awards were presented by local dignitaries including Jessika Hulbert, Chair of Wealden District Council, Lesley Boniface, Chair of Lewes District Council, and Candy Vaughan, Mayor of Eastbourne. An address from the Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex further highlighted the invaluable impact these groups have on local volunteering efforts
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the award recipients. Their achievements stand as a testament to the incredible work being done in the community, and each winner was truly deserving of the recognition.
The event itself was a fantastic experience, filled with engaging activities and wonderful hospitality. It was a privilege to be a part of this celebration, and we are already looking forward to next year’s event, eager to celebrate another year of the great work being done by 3VA and its members.
If you would like Wave Community Bank to be part of your events or wellbeing initiatives, we would love to hear from you. We’re always excited to engage with the community and showcase how we can help build financial resilience.
Employers looking to support their staff’s wellbeing can benefit from our FREE Workplace Savings Scheme, allowing employees to save directly through their wages and access affordable, ethical loans. To find out more click here – Save With Chorus
