We were founded in 2014 to work across Mid Sussex to bring together and help local voluntary organisations and community groups. We have evolved as a charity through various iterations, locations and name changes. Today, we are Community People.

We are a charity on a mission to support the VCSE sector to grow and thrive for the benefit of the whole community. Quite simply, we are a charity that connects people and communities. Businesses too.

We work across Mid Sussex and with partners across West Sussex. Our main office is at The Cherry Tree Centre in Burgess Hill. This is a well-loved and used community centre that we manage.

Our Vision:

Strong and connected people and communities.

Our Mission:

To champion the role of community organisations and the people who power them.

Our Values:

  • We are welcoming
  • We are knowledgeable
  • We are collaborative
  • We listen and learn
  • We are kind
  • We speak up

Downloadables:

Meet our people

Katie Rabone

Katie Rabone

Chief Executive Officer

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Sylwia Dudek

Sylwia Dudek

Finance Manager

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Nicola Brewerton

Nicola Brewerton

Community Development Manager

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Dawn Langston

Dawn Langston

Centre Manager

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Glenda Bonde

Glenda Bonde

SVLA Strategic Lead (West Sussex)

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Sasha Brown

Sasha Brown

Senior Community Development Coordinator

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Lilly John

Lilly John

Volunteer & Corporate Engagement Lead

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Helen Crofoot

Helen Crofoot

Community Engagement & Participation Coordinator

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Gordon Knott

Gordon Knott

Head of Community Hubs & Operations

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Trustees

James Baldwn

James Baldwn

Chair

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Philip Chadwell

Philip Chadwell

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Melissa Case

Melissa Case

EDI Lead

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David Mason

David Mason

Treasurer

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Gabrielle Gardner

Gabrielle Gardner

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Paddy Mayhew

Paddy Mayhew

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Annette Capper

Annette Capper

HR Lead

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Andy Langler

Andy Langler

Vice Chair

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Victoria Dickinson

Victoria Dickinson

Trustee

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Our Wider Network:

We are a member of West Sussex Infrastructure Alliance, now called West Sussex Links. We give support, development and infrastructure services to voluntary and community groups across West Sussex. Between us, we support around 1,500 organisations, encouraging and supporting volunteers who contribute to a thriving voluntary community sector. We work collaboratively as partners to benefit our communities and our members, and we have a shared vision for the future.

Voluntary Action Arun & Chichester
Crawley Community Action
Community Works