Purpose

This report presents an application for funding under the Council’s Community Funding Programme.

Executive summary: An application to the Community Fund has been submitted by Bee-released Counselling CIC (Community Interest Company) for £389 from the Community Fund to support the purchase of a laptop.

Bee-released Counselling CIC, based at Fareham Marina, was established in 2024. Since the end of 2025, the organisation has moved to larger premises at the marina to increase its capacity to support more clients. They provide a low-cost counselling service for individuals on benefits and for those in caring roles. Volunteer counsellors deliver weekly face-to-face sessions for Fareham residents at a cost of £10 per session. In addition, they host themed coffee mornings focused on mental health and attend community events, including Fareham’s Community Showcase, to raise awareness of their services.

In 2024, Bee-released Counselling CIC supported 75 Fareham residents, increasing to 82 in 2025. In 2026, demand has continued to grow, resulting in a current waiting list.

The purchase of a laptop would support the organisation to improve accessibility for counselling sessions, particularly for those unable to attend in person, and will help to increase capacity in response to rising demand.

Bee-released Counselling CIC is requesting £389 from the Community Fund for the purchase of the laptop. In addition, they intend to purchase a mobile phone to the value of £299 from their own reserves to support communications as their contribution towards the project. As of the close of July 2025, the CIC listed £658 in their accounts.

Both Ward Councillors, Councillor Lisa Whittle and Councillor Kirsten Wiltshire, are supportive of this application.

Decision

RESOLVED that the Executive Member for Leisure and Community approve the award of £389 from the Community Fund to Bee-released Counselling CIC.