NEWS: Cost of living support – Grant funding announced
Winchester City Council is continuing its commitment to offering greater support for residents during the cost-of-living crisis, with a new grant fund for support groups and organisations.
In September, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community and Housing, Cllr Paula Ferguson announced a Cost-of-Living Intervention at a Cabinet meeting, which included a package of measures Winchester City Council would put in place to support residents – one of these measures was to call a Cost of Limit Summit to bring together partner organisations form across the Winchester District.
On Tuesday 22 November a Cost-of-Living Summit was hosted by Winchester City Council with around 40 organisations in attendance. The intention of the summit was to encourage organisations to work together to coordinate and maximise support for those struggling and ensure that any gaps in support are addressed.
At the summit, Cllr Ferguson also announced a new grant fund which is available from 28 November – its aim is to help organisations that are supporting people with the rising cost of living in the Winchester district. Voluntary groups, not-for-profit organisations, registered charities and Town and Parish councils, amongst others, are all encouraged to apply. Examples of activities that could be funded include: improving social inclusion by opening warm spaces; overcoming barriers in accessing services such as transport or access to the internet; helping access essentials such as food and clothing, advice and measures to reduce energy use and bills.
Cllr Ferguson says: ‘We made a promise in September that we would concentrate our efforts to support people who are struggling through this worrying time. It was heart-warming to witness so many wonderful organisations in our district come together on Tuesday, all with the same aim – wanting to help our residents and to work together to find the best ways to do that.’
‘We also know that many of these organisations are voluntary or not-for-profit, and they themselves may need support too, that’s why we have provided this new grant fund and we’re actively encouraging organisations to bid – we’ve simplified the process to make it quick and easy to apply, as we know the need is now.’
There is also a section on the council’s website where people can go to find all this information in one place. Information about and how to apply for the new grant can be found on the council’s website from Monday 28 November.
& Sue Campbell Chief Executive of Winchester District Citizens Advice