Croydon Loves You Grants Programme 2026 supports 21 creative projects across the borough

21 community organisations, artists and grassroots groups have been awarded funding through the first round of Croydon Loves You 2026 Grants Programme, supporting a diverse range of creative projects designed to improve the health and wellbeing of residents across the borough.

The programme continues to champion the power of arts and culture in addressing some of Croydon’s most pressing challenges, including loneliness, mental health and physical activity. This year’s funded projects will engage a wide range of residents — from new mums and young people to adults experiencing isolation, disability, or socio-economic disadvantage.

The newly funded projects reflect the breadth and creativity of Croydon’s community sector, offering everything from creative writing and filmmaking to dance, music, outdoor art and traditional crafts. Together, these 21 projects demonstrate how arts and culture can play a vital role in improving health, reducing isolation, and strengthening community resilience.

Mummy Writes (Nicola Wes) – will deliver accessible creative writing workshops for new mums identified by the Family Hub as in need.

Black Introverts (The Introvert Space CIC) – will run filmmaking workshops to build confidence and self-esteem among self-identified Black introverts.

KWABO (Fabienne Adikpeto) – will offer basket-weaving workshops supporting global majority women experiencing mental health needs near Broad Green.

Common Ground (Donna Govan) – will facilitate collage and planting sessions for people attending South Norwood Community Kitchen, including those facing homelessness or low income.

The Outdoor Project (Tangled Feet / Go Wild With Us UK CIC) – will provide creative outdoor learning workshops for students at Croydon PRUs in need of mental health support.

New Addington Creative Writing Project (New Addington Creative Writing Group) – will deliver a sustained programme of weekly creative writing sessions for adults requiring support in New Addington.

Therapoetry (Therapoetry) – will deliver writing and performance workshops as step-down mental health support for global majority adults referred by services.

Tradition in Motion (Subrang Arts) – will offer Kathak dance workshops alongside health information to support mental and physical health of South Asian women in the south of the borough.

Inclusive Arts Sessions (The Garwood Foundation) – will provide weekly visual arts activities for adults with learning disabilities at Bramley Hill Day Centre.

Mosaic/Action (Norwood JunkAction) – will combine environmental action and creative upcycling to reduce isolation among residents of Southern Housing properties while creating a permanent mosaic for nearby Holmesdale Community Garden.

Make and Mend (ARCC Ltd) – will run weekly upcycling and sewing sessions to support wellbeing and skills development for ARCC attendees.

Making a Scene (Make a Scene Theatre) – will deliver a weekly drama programme for adults with learning disabilities, culminating in a public theatre performance.

Youth Action for Monks Hill (PCC of St Francis, Monks Hill) – will provide creative arts and cooking sessions for children from low-income backgrounds at risk of social isolation and poor mental health.

Rhythm Generation (Rhythm Generation Ltd) – will run an African drumming project for young people who would benefit from mental health support, leading to live performances.

Sound Minds (White Hut Studios) – will deliver culturally relevant music production workshops supporting Black men experiencing mental health challenges in New Addington.

Create Without Limits (Croydon Voluntary Association for the Blind) – will offer weekly multi-artform creative sessions tailored for vision-impaired adults.

Respect the Game (Syrus Consultancy CIC) – will provide music production workshops for young people who are NEET, experiencing the criminal justice system or facing mental health challenges.

BollyFun Fit (Apsara Arts) – will run inclusive dance sessions promoting healthy lifestyles and wellbeing for adults in need of support.

Queer Croydon Creative Wellbeing Sessions (Queer Croydon) – will host regular creative workshops to reduce isolation and improve mental health within LGBTQ+ communities.

Thrive Choir (Music Relief Foundation) – will bring people together through weekly singing sessions aimed at improving wellbeing and social connection.

Finding Your Flow (BTS Creating Wellbeing Ltd) – will deliver creative visual arts and mindfulness sessions supporting wellbeing, particularly for global majority adults.

Find out more about how Croydon is using creative projects as a vital part of its public health strategy here, along with more ways to get involved and find creative health resources.