COMMUNITY groups in Newquay are being urged to apply for funding through The Headland Community Fund.

The town’s Headland Hotel and Spa has been pioneering an innovative approach to community giving through its partnership with Cornwall Community Foundation (CCF) since 2019.

By adding £1 per night to each guest stay and combining this with staff fundraising initiatives, the hotel has created a sustainable funding stream that directly benefits the Newquay community.

The Headland Community Fund, which was established in 2019/20, is open for applications until Friday, October 31. In the 2024-2025 funding round, over £12K was awarded to six community projects, reaching over 472 beneficiaries across Newquay and surrounding areas.

Veryan Palmer, family director at The Headland, explained: "We believe that as a business rooted in this wonderful community, we have a responsibility to give back. Our guests love knowing that their stay contributes to making a real difference to local people's lives."

The 2024-2025 period saw projects deliver over 228 hours of community activities, from art therapy sessions to outdoor family activities.

Three community projects that have benefitted from the funding include Cornwall Mind, United Cornwall Football Club and Imagine Outdoors Together CIC.

Three of the six funded projects focused specifically on mental health, with 100 per cent of beneficiaries reporting improved wellbeing. The projects have also created lasting social networks.

From young leader programmes to outdoor education, the fund invests in Newquay's next generation, helping young people build confidence and develop skills.

The strength of The Headland Community Fund lies in its partnership with Cornwall Community Foundation, which has been awarding grants to grassroots organisations since 2003.

"This partnership perfectly demonstrates how the hospitality sector can become a genuine force for community good," said Tamas Haydu, CEO of Cornwall Community Foundation. "The Headland Hotel's commitment goes beyond corporate social responsibility - it's about creating lasting connections between visitors and the community that welcomes them."

Since becoming CCF Business Club members in 2016, The Headland has maintained a consistent focus on supporting mental health provision and crisis relief.

The genius of the fund lies in its sustainability. The £1 per night contribution creates a reliable funding stream that grows with the hotel's success, while staff fundraising initiatives demonstrate the team's commitment to their community.

"Our team take enormous pride in knowing that their workplace actively contributes to positive change in Newquay," added Veryan Palmer. "It's become part of who we are as an organisation."

"We're not just funding projects; we're building community resilience," reflects Tamas. "Each grant creates ripple effects that extend far beyond the immediate beneficiaries."

To apply for funding, visit: cornwallcommunityfoundation.com/cornwall-charity-grants/grants/