Bexhill - CIC
Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Heather Winchester, founder and CEO of Bexhill Family Collective CIC (Community Interest Company).
We’re a community-focused organisation supporting families across Bexhill and the surrounding areas. Everything we do is about breaking down barriers to work, education, and everyday life.
Our services include a community nursery school, a community garden, and a food pantry. We also run free holiday clubs during school breaks and organise outdoor activities for families with young children and those who are home-educated.
At the heart of it all is one simple belief: it really does take a community to raise a child.
What inspired you to start the CIC?
The idea came from a real gap in the community. Back in 2020, East Sussex County Council made the decision to close children’s centres and nursery schools. I was running those nurseries at the time, and I saw first-hand how vital they were, especially in areas facing deprivation. I couldn’t just let that support disappear.
So, after a long fight, we secured a lease for what used to be Rainbow Childcare Centre in Sidley, now known as Dragonflies Community Nursery. That was the starting point, and from there, everything has grown.
What makes Bexhill Family Collective different?
The biggest difference is simple: we’re not driven by profit. We don’t have shareholders. We don’t have targets that override everything else. Every decision comes back to one question: what’s best for the children and families we support?
We’re not here to fill spaces or hit numbers; we’re here to build trust, create meaningful experiences, and genuinely support families.
Any income we generate goes straight back into the community. That might mean new sensory equipment, staff training, better outdoor learning resources, or forest school sessions in our garden. The investment always goes where it matters most.
Tell us about your team…
We’re a team of 21, with most of our staff based in the nursery.
At Freedom Works, I share our office at The Palace in Hastings with some of our core team: our Volunteer Coordinator, Community Garden Project Lead, Community Pantry Lead, and Nursery Manager.
It’s a passionate, dedicated group of people who all care deeply about what we’re building, and the families we support.
What does a typical week look like?
No two weeks are ever the same!
Between running the nursery, managing the food pantry, organising activities for families, and developing the community garden, there’s always something happening.
During school holidays, we run free clubs to support families who need it most. In term time, we focus on outdoor activities, especially for under-fives and home-educated children.
It’s busy, but it’s incredibly rewarding.
Tell us about your community garden – how did that come about?
This is definitely one of our most memorable moments!
It started with a simple idea. I went to a council meeting to ask if we could put a shed on a disused allotment site, just so nursery staff could store equipment for forest school sessions.
They said yes.
As I was leaving, I joked, ‘I nearly asked you for the whole piece of land.’ And they replied… ‘Done.’
I walked out thinking, what have I just agreed to?!
Fast forward two years, and we now have a thriving community garden with a yurt, pond, polytunnels, mud kitchens, and so much more. It’s become a space for learning, connection, and creativity, and a real asset to the community.
Do you collaborate with others?
We’ve worked with a range of community organisations and are always looking to do more.
This year, we’re planning to collaborate with youth projects to deliver Bushcraft activities in the garden, which we’re really excited about.
We haven’t yet worked with other Freedom Works businesses directly, but we’re absolutely open to it, especially if it benefits the families and communities we support.
What drives you?
It’s about community. We want to support families not just during early years, but throughout their lives: creating networks, opportunities, and spaces where people feel supported and connected.
Seeing the difference that makes, day in and day out, is what keeps us going.
Why did you choose Freedom Works?
Honestly, it was the vibe. It’s friendly, relaxed, and has everything you need to get work done while still feeling comfortable. It’s a space where you can focus, but also connect with others.
We move into our permanent office in February 2026 but have had a designated desk and hot desked here during 2025
What’s coming up – and how can people get involved?
We’ve always got something going on!
The best way to keep up with our events is through our Facebook page or by picking up one of our ‘What’s On’ leaflets around Freedom Works.
We’re also always looking for helping hands at the community garden, whether that’s a one-off project or something more regular. If you feel like getting your hands dirty, contact Leanne.dedman@bexhillfamilycollective.org.uk
And if anyone is interested in running a community or wellbeing event at the garden, or collaborating with us in any way, we’d love to hear from you – email heather.winchester@bexhillfamilycollective.org.uk
Websites: https://www.bexhillfamilycollective.org.uk/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-winchester-3285a2119
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BexhillFamilyCollectiveCIC/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bexhillfamilycollectivecic/