The excitement is building here at Wave Community Bank, and we’re thrilled to announce the top ten finalists for our fantastic £500 community giveaway! You, our incredible community members, nominated so many deserving individuals and local causes, and the competition was truly inspiring.
You may notice that these are organisations or groups you may never have heard of or know little about. As part of our role in the community we see the opportunity to champion and raise the profile of some of those lesser known organisations and the impact of the £500 and the raising of their fundraising profiles would be felt even more.
We’ve been overwhelmed by the passion and dedication shown by everyone who entered. Each of our top ten finalists represents the very best of our community, working to make a real difference, support others, or simply bring a little extra joy to those around them.
Meet Your Top Ten Finalists!
We’re so proud to showcase these incredible individuals and initiatives. Here they are, in no particular order:
Medway – Cleopatras Legacy CIC– Led by the inspiring Desiree, Cleopatra’s Legacy CIC provides vital support to individuals navigating hair loss and breast loss, often due to cancer. For over 17 years, Desiree has offered a discreet “one-stop solution” for specialist wigs, hair systems, breast forms, and accessories, helping people regain confidence and a sense of self. Despite her own health challenges, Desiree tirelessly works to expand her support, even self-funding breast health seminars for ethnic minority and impoverished communities. Her dedication to restoring dignity and empowering others truly changes lives.
East Sussex– Haven Community Cars provides an invaluable transport service via their dedicated voluntary drivers, ensuring that individuals unable to use public transport due to disability or cost can attend vital appointments and social engagements. This service is crucial for access to hospital, dentist, podiatry, and optician visits, significantly benefiting the physical and mental well-being of those who rely on it.
Bexley – The Tommy Crush Foundation delivers vital Mental Health First Aid awareness training to grassroots sports coaches across Kent, Medway, and North Kent boroughs. This crucial training equips coaches with the knowledge and skills to spot signs of mental ill health in young people, hold supportive conversations, and effectively signpost to professional services. Thanks to the dedicated fundraising of their trustees, this invaluable training is provided for free, significantly impacting youth mental well-being in the community.
Bexley – End2End TV CIC is a not-for-profit TV production company run entirely by young people. They offer innovative opportunities for youth to find their voice and creativity, learning technical skills in film and television through hands-on experiences. Their mission is to empower young people to become creative storytellers, digital champions, and engaged community members. Projects often involve creating documentaries, news segments, and commissioned content, with participants gaining nationally recognised Arts Awards, boosting their confidence, communication, and leadership skills.
Kent – Tiles of Joy is a vibrant ceramics project from JAW Ceramics CIC, which has engaged over 1,000 people to brighten communities with impressive installations. These inclusive workshops foster pride and combat isolation, with initiatives like “Tiles of Hope” and “Good Grief Wednesdays” focusing on loss and mental well-being. Recognised for its significant community impact, Tiles of Joy provides affordable, fun, and creative experiences, including collaborations with Pilgrims Hospice and other non-profits, with their work even being featured at Dreamland.
Kent – The Sinden Theatre is a special community asset, empowering students in musical theatre with excellent facilities and engaging performances. Beyond the stage, it actively uplifts the community through accessible tickets and workshops. Students gain not just technical skills but also empathy and confidence in a safe, empowering environment. The Sinden profoundly impacts lives, proving the arts’ powerful force for good.
Kent – Swanley Scouts provides high-quality, adventurous activities to young people aged 4-17 across 10 local groups, including those in deprived areas. Run entirely by dedicated volunteers, they focus on instilling values, fostering resilience, and actively contributing to the community. Prioritising inclusivity and financial accessibility, Swanley Scouts welcome everyone, regardless of background or ability, providing vital support and skills for life. Donations directly enhance the experiences offered, especially for new groups in areas facing transport barriers.
Brighton and Hove – Drum and Blaze is a vibrant samba school that significantly impacts its community by promoting mental health through communal drumming. They offer a safe and inclusive space for neurodivergent, LGBTQI+, and senior members, ensuring everyone feels respected. Beyond their members, Drum and Blaze extensively supports local charities and fundraisers, proving that music has a powerful ability to unite and uplift.
Brighton & Hove – The Community Kitchen offers vital cooking and gardening courses, alongside food and nature activities, supporting individuals facing disadvantage. Their community cookery courses not only improve diet and wellbeing but also combat loneliness by bringing people together. A standout is their Dementia Cookery group, a true lifeline that provides a gentle, supportive environment for participants to regain confidence and enjoy delicious meals in good company. The Kitchen’s incredibly welcoming team creates a safe, fun-filled, and transformative space for all.
Brighton & Hove – The Village Food Bank is a crucial grassroots initiative dedicated to supporting low-income LGBTQ+ individuals and their dependents. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by this community, they provide essential food, toiletries, and other necessities in a safe, affirming, and inclusive environment. Beyond basic provisions, they collaborate with other LGBTQ+ affirming services to offer holistic support, including benefits advice, housing assistance, and social groups. Their personalised approach and “Meet and Eat” events make them a true beacon of solidarity.
How to Cast Your Vote
Your vote is crucial in helping us decide who will receive the £500! We want our members to have a direct say in supporting those who mean the most to our community.
To cast your vote, simply click on this link: Here!
You can vote once until the voting closes on 31st August . If you don’t remember your membership number if you pop in your name and date of birth we can verify you.
Remember, every vote counts, so make sure you choose the person or cause you believe is most deserving.
What Happens Next?
Voting will close on 31st August 2025. We’ll then tally all the votes, and the winner of the £500 giveaway will be announced shortly after! Keep an eye on our blog and social media for the big reveal.
We’re incredibly excited to see who you choose and to empower one of these fantastic finalists to continue their amazing work.
Thank you for being a vital part of the Wave Community Bank family and for helping us support our local communities.
Happy voting!
