RELEASE THE WELLHelp build the future
Architectural visualisation of the proposed community building, glowing with warm light at dusk

131 LEWES ROAD · BRIGHTON

A place to belong.
A future to build.

For more than 160 years, this place has brought people together. Help us open its next chapter.

Be part of the next chapter
RELEASE THE WELL / A COMMUNITY FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGNProposed design visualisation
ONE SHARED PURPOSE.

Thumbprint Foundation

Fresh Start Community Association

The Well

THE HEART OF IT

More than a building.
A lifeline.

A warm meal. A listening ear. Somewhere to start again.

At 131 Lewes Road, faith becomes practical care. Food support, coffee mornings, youth groups, homework clubs, counselling and creative activities bring people together across Brighton.

Thumbprint Foundation, Fresh Start Community Association and The Well share a simple purpose: to welcome people from all walks of life and help communities flourish.

Discover what comes next
FareShare — Fighting hunger, tackling food waste

Partnering to bring families food weekly.

University of SussexUniversity of Brighton

Working with local universities to give students practical experience.

REAL PEOPLE. LASTING CONNECTIONS.

“We connect with
hearts and not labels.”

— Fresh Start / campaign brochure

529

local people benefited from
Christmas Cheer in 2025.

Supporting families, isolated neighbours and people facing hardship — with compassion, dignity and a place at the table.

WHY NOW

The work is growing.
The building needs care.

A much-loved place with so much more to give.

The 19th-century building needs significant repairs. Damp, roof leaks and outdated facilities make everyday use harder. There are no lifts, access is limited, and valuable space is underused.

This project will give the people who use the centre a safer, more accessible and more welcoming place to come together.

THE NEXT CHAPTER

Make room
for possibility.

A renewed community centre.
More space to serve.
A stronger future for the work.

Proposed bright community hall welcoming a diverse, multigenerational community
Architectural visualisation · proposed community space
01

A better community home

A new rear extension, flexible rooms and an improved courtyard will make more space for connection, activities and support.

02

Unlock every level

Renewed basement and ground-floor spaces, with new lifts and step-free routes, will help more people take part.

03

A future that sustains itself

Three self-contained flats within the upper floors will create housing and an income to support Thumbprint’s long-term work.

The fundraising brochure states that the proposed works have received planning approval. Visualisations illustrate the proposal.

WHAT YOUR SUPPORT WILL HELP MAKE POSSIBLE

Open doors.
Change everyday lives.

01 / BELONGING

More room
for everyone.

Flexible spaces for community activities, practical support, learning and recovery.

02 / ACCESS

A welcome
without barriers.

Lifts, step-free routes and clearer signage for people of different ages and abilities.

03 / CARE

Safer spaces.
Greater dignity.

Better safeguarding, privacy, lighting and ventilation, with clearer separation of community and residential areas.

04 / RESILIENCE

Built to serve
the next generation.

Improved energy performance, durable materials and new residential income to strengthen the future of the work.

ROOTED IN SERVICE, SINCE 1860

A long story.
An open next chapter.

1860

The roots of the Connaught Institute and Mission begin on Lewes Road.

1997

Fresh Start’s community projects begin, continuing the legacy of practical care.

2003

Fresh Start begins leasing the building for its community work.

2007

Thumbprint Foundation is established, carrying the work forward.

HELP RELEASE THE WELL

Build a place.
Leave a legacy.

Help create a stronger, safer home for this community — and for everyone who has yet to walk through its doors.

Whether you are an individual, a business or a grant-making organisation, the project team would love to talk about how you can help.

LET’S BUILD IT TOGETHER

Start with a conversation.

Contact the team to discuss a gift, project funding or a longer-term partnership.

Discuss supporting the project projects@freshstartbrighton.org.ukPrefer to talk? 01273 602157

The project team can provide current funding information and confirm how to make your contribution.

A FEW THINGS YOU MAY BE WONDERING

Good questions.
Clear answers.

What will the funding support?+

The proposed work covers investigations and preparation, demolition of the rear extension, basement works, a new extension and refurbishment of the existing building. Professional fees and fit-out also form part of delivering the project. Ask the team for the current, confirmed budget.

Who will benefit?+

Thumbprint Foundation is well recognised by Brighton & Hove Council and the surrounding community. The organisation works with families and individuals of all ages and backgrounds locally, supports university students gaining practical experience, and equips and trains people globally across a range of spheres. They work proactively to ensure that all their activities, services and spaces connect with hearts and not labels. This project will also support the faithful congregation members and organisation workers who are actively a part of the work they do.

Why does the proposal include flats?+

Three self-contained open-market flats are proposed within the existing upper-floor residential space. They will provide housing and help generate income to support Thumbprint’s long-term work.

Can I give online?+

Please contact the project team to arrange a contribution and confirm the appropriate giving route. This page does not collect payments or payment details.

Contact the project team ↗

A glimpse of what comes next

Architectural visualisation of the proposed redevelopment · 131 Lewes Road