On 6 November 2025, Sussex hosted a brand-new event: Angels’ Den.

The event was delivered by the Focus Foundation, an organisation dedicated to helping UK charities create meaningful and lasting change in people’s lives.

After reviewing more than 100 applications, the Foundation selected 10 finalist charities to take to the stage and compete for a share of £100,000—while also winning the hearts of a 200-strong audience at the iconic Brighton i360.

Five Angels each contributed £10,000 to the funding pot, with the Focus Foundation doubling the total to £100,000. The Angels were:

Chris Goodman – Co-founder of Focus Group and Focus Foundation

Rob Starr MBE – Founder of Secio Mortgages and The Starr Trust

Sarah Willingham – Owner of the i360, Founder of Nightcap, and former investor on Dragon’s Den

Nazila Blencowe – Founder of Baron Homes

Martin Gallagher – CEO and Chairman of the Clare Foundation

The concept for Angels’ Den was the brainchild of Mike Clare, former CEO and Chairman of Dreams PLC, and Founder of the Clare Foundation.

The charity awards were as follows:

£5,000 – WOLO Foundation

£5,000 – Springboard Project

£5,000 – MindOut

£5,000 – Sussex Nightstop

£7,500 – Pelican Parcels

£8,750 – The Launchpad Collective

£8,750 – The Real Junk Food Project

£12,500 – Grassroots Suicide Prevention

£17,500 – Children’s Respite Trust

£25,000 – Brighton Table Tennis Club

Pelican Parcels
£7,500 Award
Pelican Parcels will use its funding to support vulnerable families in Brighton & Hove. The charity provides essential items such as beds, cots and Moses baskets, helping restore dignity and stability.

The Real Junk Food Project
£8,750 Award
Funding will support the “Feed Bellies, Not Bins” initiative, rescuing surplus food and turning it into nutritious meals. Their Kemptown café fosters community, connection and sustainability.

The Launchpad Collective
£8,750 Award
The award will support refugees into employment through CV training, interview coaching, and tailored placements, helping individuals rebuild their lives with confidence.

Springboard Project
£5,000 Award
Funding will help create a SEND hub for young adults, providing social connection, skill-building and accessible community space.

Grassroots Suicide Prevention
£12,500 Award
The award will fund a youth-focused version of the Real Talk interactive film, designed with young people across Sussex.

WOLO Foundation
£5,000 Award
Funding will support a nature-based emotional development programme for young people affected by cancer.

Sussex Nightstop
£5,000 Award
Funding will expand outreach work to support young people at risk of homelessness, offering safety, dignity and practical support.

Children’s Respite Trust
£17,500 + £13,440 Audience Award
Funding will create The Sanctuary, a calming garden room to support children with additional needs and their families.

MindOut
£5,000 Award
Funding will deliver mental health services for LGBTQ+ individuals, including counselling, crisis intervention and peer support.

Brighton Table Tennis Club
£25,000 Award
Funding will support the Junior Coaching Programme, nurturing the next generation of coaches from within the club community.

Marcus Tomlinson:
“The level of engagement from the Sussex finalists was significantly higher than in previous events. The overall standard was outstanding.”

Tara Colsell-Hawes:
“It’s inspiring to see the Angels and the Focus Foundation empowering grassroots charities that are so often underfunded but so incredibly valuable.”

Chris Goodman:
“Angels’ Den was a spectacular showcase of the incredible work being done across Sussex.”