How £1 a Night at The Headland Hotel is Changing Lives in Newquay

Since 2019, The Headland Hotel and Spa has been quietly transforming its success in tourism into meaningful community impact through The Headland Community Fund. Partnering with the Cornwall Community Foundation (CCF), the hotel adds just £1 per night to each guest stay, combining this with staff fundraising to create a sustainable source of funding that directly benefits the Newquay community.

Turning Stays into Support

“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, more than £12,000 was awarded to six community projects, supporting over 472 people across Newquay and the surrounding area.

From Isolation to Inspiration

A £2,753 grant to Cornwall Mind helped run bi-weekly art therapy sessions for people struggling with mental health challenges. One participant, Jane, moved to Newquay feeling isolated and disconnected from her passion for art. The sessions helped her rebuild confidence and form lasting friendships.

“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.

All 22 participants in the Cornwall Mind art support group showed significant improvement in their mental wellbeing scores.

Football That Builds Confidence

Another local success story comes from United Cornwall FC, which received a £1,880 grant to fund inclusive, pay-as-you-can football sessions.

Ian, who had stepped away from football due to family commitments, found the courage to return. “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 football experiences for 50 adults, with 100% of participants reporting improved mental health.

Helping Young People Thrive

Imagine Outdoors Together received £3,000 to support outdoor learning for more than 400 families. One young boy struggling to settle into secondary school was suspended within his first two weeks, but after being given a young leader role in the project, his outlook changed completely.

“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 Partnership Making a Difference

The fund’s strength lies in its collaboration with the Cornwall Community Foundation, which has been awarding grants to grassroots organisations 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 remained focused on supporting mental health provision and crisis relief, two key challenges facing coastal communities.

Measurable Impact

The fund’s 2024-2025 period saw over 228 hours of community activity delivered through its supported projects.
Key areas of impact included:

• Mental health and wellbeing: Three of the six funded projects focused on mental health, with all beneficiaries reporting improved wellbeing.

• Community connection: Funded groups have built strong social networks. As one UCFC participant put it, “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 helps Newquay’s young people gain confidence and valuable life skills.

A Sustainable Model

The £1 per night contribution has proven to be a sustainable funding source that grows alongside the hotel’s success. Staff fundraising adds another layer of community commitment.

“Our team take enormous pride in knowing that their workplace actively contributes to positive change in Newquay,” adds Veryan. “It’s become part of who we are as an organisation.”

Tamas reflects, “We’re not just funding projects; we’re building community resilience. Each grant creates ripple effects that extend far beyond the immediate beneficiaries.”

The Headland Community Fund shows how tourism can directly support local wellbeing. By linking visitor generosity with local expertise, it provides a model that other businesses could follow.

Applications for the next round of funding are open until 31st October 2025. To find out more or apply, visit Cornwall Community Foundation