URL: https://moderngov.fareham.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2787

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: This report presents an application for funding under the Council’s Community Funding Programme.     An application to the Community Fund has been received from Sophie’s Legacy requesting £1,576 towards the purchase of two 600 litre upright freezers for their Fareham office.   Sophie’s Legacy is a Fareham-based charity that supports families with children in hospital by meeting essential practical needs, improving wellbeing, and reducing health inequalities. A core element of their work is ensuring that parents staying on children’s wards have access to nutritious food during times of significant emotional, physical and financial strain.   The organisation currently provides 5,600 frozen meals per year across Hampshire, of which 20–40 per week benefit parents of children being treated at Queen Alexandra Hospital, across Paediatrics and NICU (the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit). Of these, 12% support Fareham residents, equating to up to five Fareham families per week.   The important work of the charity is undertaken by a committed group of volunteers, 30 (three quarters of the total number) of which are residents of Fareham.   Sophie’s Legacy is seeking to purchase two 600-litre upright freezers for the Fareham office to store donated COOK frozen meals. Their current freezers are inefficient and no longer suitable for safe storage. The replacement units will ensure food safety, reduce energy usage and allow the organisation to continue delivering this vital support to families during extremely challenging times.   The total project cost is £1,751.96. Sophie’s Legacy is requesting £1,576, with the remaining £175.96 being met from their own reserves.   As of 30 January 2026, Sophie’s Legacy held £113,749.11 in their accounts for operational and strategic priorities. In the accounting year 1 April 2024 – 31 March 2025, there was an income of £623,578 and expenditure of £630,778.   Ward Councillor, Councillor Martin supports Sophie’s Legacy application. No response has been received by Councillor Bastable at the time of this report.

Content: This report presents an application for funding under the Council’s Community Funding Programme.     An application to the Community Fund has been received from Sophie’s Legacy requesting £1,576 towards the purchase of two 600 litre upright freezers for their Fareham office.   Sophie’s Legacy is a Fareham-based charity that supports families with children in hospital by meeting essential practical needs, improving wellbeing, and reducing health inequalities. A core element of their work is ensuring that parents staying on children’s wards have access to nutritious food during times of significant emotional, physical and financial strain.   The organisation currently provides 5,600 frozen meals per year across Hampshire, of which 20–40 per week benefit parents of children being treated at Queen Alexandra Hospital, across Paediatrics and NICU (the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit). Of these, 12% support Fareham residents, equating to up to five Fareham families per week.   The important work of the charity is undertaken by a committed group of volunteers, 30 (three quarters of the total number) of which are residents of Fareham.   Sophie’s Legacy is seeking to purchase two 600-litre upright freezers for the Fareham office to store donated COOK frozen meals. Their current freezers are inefficient and no longer suitable for safe storage. The replacement units will ensure food safety, reduce energy usage and allow the organisation to continue delivering this vital support to families during extremely challenging times.   The total project cost is £1,751.96. Sophie’s Legacy is requesting £1,576, with the remaining £175.96 being met from their own reserves.   As of 30 January 2026, Sophie’s Legacy held £113,749.11 in their accounts for operational and strategic priorities. In the accounting year 1 April 2024 – 31 March 2025, there was an income of £623,578 and expenditure of £630,778.   Ward Councillor, Councillor Martin supports Sophie’s Legacy application. No response has been received by Councillor Bastable at the time of this report. RESOLVED that the Executive Member for Leisure and Community approve the award of £1,576 from the Community Fund. 

Date of Decision: April 1, 2026