Grassroots Women's Groups Network

Welcome to the Grassroots Women's Group Network meeting for Autumn 2026.

This Autumn's meeting we welcome John Lewis from the National Lottery's Community Fund and the Citizen's Assembly to talk more about the Age Friendly work in Torbay and hear more about the Live Longer Better Active Lives programme.

Did you know the National Lottery Community Fund launched a new strategy in 2025? As part of this, the Reaching Communities programme has evolved to focus on delivering the greatest impact for communities most in need. It prioritises projects that support people experiencing disadvantage, discrimination, or deprivation, including those that address health inequalities and barriers to coming together.

John Lewis will outline the current priorities and missions of the Reaching Communities programme and will be available to answer questions.

Reaching Communities provides funding of between £20,001 and £500,000 to eligible organisations for one to five years. The programme welcomes applications from grassroots organisations addressing equity needs, particularly where communities are actively involved in shaping decisions and delivery.

This includes organisations supporting women facing inequity, for example, through projects focused on mental health, reducing social isolation, or addressing the wider social determinants of health.

As well as outlining the priorities and missions, John will explain which organisations are eligible, what the funding can support and the application process.

Reaching Communities England | The National Lottery Community Fund

Come along, find out more, ask questions in a supportive environment and meet others running groups for women in Torbay.