Announced in January 2026, three local charities have benefited from the Waitrose Community Matters scheme. This scheme’s motto is “Small tokens, big difference.” Community Matters supports thousands of local projects across the UK using food to make a difference. You collect your green token at the checkout, you use it to choose the local charity that means the most to you. The project with the most votes receives £1,500, while the second and third receive £1,000 and £500 respectively.

The Haslemere Youth Hub received £1,500

Registered Charity Number: 1182842

The Haslemere Youth hub helps children and young people, in Haslemere and surrounding areas, to develop their capabilities through leisure activities in an affordable and safe environment.

Activities are offered for preschoolers through to teens and young adults, all under one roof, seven days a week. Affordable activities are also offered for all ages during the school holidays. In addition, the hub has a children's counselling service 'I'm all ears' - that runs voluntary bi-weekly sessions.

A cafe and play area offers parents and carers the perfect place to meet and make new friends.

The Hunter Centre received £1,000

Registered Charity Number: 1173587

The purpose of The Hunter Centre is to improve the quality of life for those living with all forms of dementia.

Through their Day Care Centre in Haslemere they provide care, companionship and stimulation for people living with a dementia diagnosis.

They support families and those looking after someone with dementia, whose lives change too as a result of the illness. The Welcome Club offers an informal support group for carers, where they can chat to others in a similar position and have access to legal and dementia care professionals.

“Whether you have had a diagnosis of dementia, or are taking care of someone with the illness so that they can continue to live at home - we can help.”

Home-Start in Waverley received £500

Registered Charity Number: 1119141

Home-Start in Waverley offers support to parents with young children within the borough of Waverley and its environs.

Carefully selected volunteers, with parenting experience, can visit regularly and offer emotional and practical support. This parent-to-parent support is a simple yet effective way of enabling families to get back on track.

“We're there for parents when they need us the most, because childhood can't wait.”