The Headland Community Fund: Transforming tourism into community impact
Since 2019, The Headland Hotel and Spa has pioneered an innovative approach to community giving through its partnership with Cornwall Community Foundation (CCF). By adding just £1 per night to each guest stay and combining this with staff fundraising initiatives, the hotel has created a sustainable funding stream that directly benefits the Newquay community.
“We believe that as a business rooted in this wonderful community, we have a responsibility to give back,” explains Veryan Palmer, family director at The Headland.
“Our guests love knowing that their stay contributes to making a real difference to local people’s lives.”
In the 2024-2025 funding round, over £12K was awarded to six community projectsA piece of work that delivers an output., reaching over 472 beneficiariesIndividuals being supported by the group or organisation applying for a grant. across Newquay and surrounding areas.
Cornwall Mind’s art support group
When Jane moved to Newquay, she felt completely isolated and had lost touch with her passion for art. The fund’s £2,753 grant enabled Cornwall Mind to run bi-weekly art therapy sessions that transformed her life.
“By reconnecting with her passion for art, building new social connections and finding a sense of purpose, Jane overcame her feelings of isolation,” reports the project team. Jane now runs her own art studio and volunteers teaching arts and crafts to others—a remarkable journey from isolation to inspiration.
All 22 participants showed significant improvement in their mental wellbeing scores, with many forming lasting friendships beyond the sessions.
United Cornwall FC: building confidence through sport
Ian had stepped away from football due to family commitments and was hesitant to return. The fund’s £1,880 grant supported inclusive, pay-as-you-can football sessions that welcomed players of all abilities.
“The sessions and friendlies that UCFC put on have given me the confidence to join a Saturday 11-a-side team,” Ian shares. “Without UCFC, I wouldn’t have found a team, let alone have the confidence to ask to join in.”
The project created 578 social footballing experiences for 50 adults, with 100% of participants reporting improved mental health.
Imagine Outdoors Together: supporting families and young people
The fund’s grant of £3,000 enabled outdoor learning for over 400 families. One powerful story involves a boy struggling with his transition to secondary school, who was suspended within his first two weeks. The project offered him a young leader role, giving him responsibility and purpose.
“He has now successfully transitioned to a new school where he is thriving educationally,” reports Matt from Imagine Outdoors Together. “He continues his role as a young leader, even helping during school holidays.”
A model of professional partnership
The strength of The Headland Community FundA sum of money made available for grant making, often with specific criteria/conditions. lies in its partnership with Cornwall Community Foundation, which has been awarding grants to grassroots organisationsGroups of people coming together on a local level to address an issue. since 2003.
“This partnership perfectly demonstrates how the hospitality sector can become a genuine force for community good,” says Tamas Haydu, CEO of Cornwall Community Foundation. “The Headland Hotel’s commitment goes beyond corporate social responsibility—it’s about creating lasting connections between visitors and the community that welcomes them.”
Since becoming CCF Business Club members in 2016, The Headland has maintained a consistent focus on supporting mental health provision and crisis relief—two of the most pressing needs facing coastal communities.
The fund’s impact is multifaceted:
Mental health and wellbeing: Three of the six funded projects focused specifically on mental health, with 100% of beneficiaries reporting improved wellbeing. In a coastal community where seasonal employment and social isolationLoneliness, lack of access to human interactions. can impact mental health, this targeted support is invaluable.
Community connection: Projects have created lasting social networks. As one UCFC participant noted: “The sessions really make a difference to people. The football gives an initial reason to go. The people make the difference though.”
Youth development: From young leader programmes to outdoor education, the fund invests in Newquay’s next generation, helping young people build confidence and develop skills.
A sustainable model for the future
The genius of The Headland Community Fund lies in its sustainability. The £1 per night contribution creates a reliable funding stream that grows with the hotel’s success, while staff fundraising initiatives demonstrate the team’s personal commitment to their community.
“Our team take enormous pride in knowing that their workplace actively contributes to positive change in Newquay,” adds Veryan Palmer. “It’s become part of who we are as an organisation.”
The 2024-2025 period saw projects deliver over 228 hours of community activities, from art therapy sessions to outdoor family activities.
“We’re not just funding projects; we’re building community resilience,” reflects Tamas Haydu. “Each grant creates ripple effects that extend far beyond the immediate beneficiaries.”
The Headland Community Fund proves that business success and community impact can be mutually reinforcing. By connecting the generosity of visitors with the expertise of professional grant-makers and the passion of local community groups, it has created a model that other tourism businesses could adopt and adapt.
