Co-op is launching a £1m funding boost to keep local community organisations warm during the winter months.
The ‘warm spaces’ initiative means community groups across the UK can apply for match funding of up to £3,000 per group until March 2022, via a new partnership with Crowdfunder. Funds have been raised by Co-op members.
Local causes could include a community café that needs funding to continue offering their building as a warm space, a local village support group wanting to extend existing activities to support more people in their community, or a youth group whose energy costs have increased.
The funding follows insight carried out by Co-op from more than 1,600 local community causes across the UK, showing 59% of projects have experienced a shortfall in funding over the past 12 months, while 84% of local causes have seen an increase in demand, particularly those providing support for people through the cost of living crisis.
It also found 29% of community projects were considering having to reduce services as a result of shortfalls in funding, while 10% of local projects have already closed or reduced services.
“As our research shows, we have a huge role to play in supporting community groups and the people they help during the cost of living crisis,” said Co-op director of community and member participation Rebecca Birkbeck.
“Funding for warm spaces forms part of our response to our community missions of access to food, mental wellbeing support and opportunities for young people. Launching this funding boost will help groups keep their lights and heating on as they bring communities together to keep warm in the coldest months of the year, increasing overall wellbeing. It may also mean people don’t have to choose between accessing food or heating this winter.
“The £1m funding boost wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for our members choosing Co-op and raising funds to support communities every time they shop with us. Our customers and members can help even more by donating through Crowdfunder or taking part by using the services that are being funded.”
Sue Collins, from Caxton House Community Centre based in north London, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the responses regarding the anxiety, stress and increased mental health issues that the current cost of living crisis is causing.
“Families and older residents have regularly told us they have to cut down on food as prices have doubled and we receive regular calls asking for emergency help, reminiscent of the first Covid lockdown. We know some residents are not heating their homes and this will get worse in the winter months. We want to be able to offer additional advice and support, at a time when our own cost for gas in the centre is increasing from £5,000 annually to an anticipated £50,000-plus.”
“We have opened ‘warm rooms’ providing spaces for residents to keep warm, socialise and access refreshments. We have lots of different activities on different days that include arts and crafts, as well as access to advice including money-saving energy tips, budgeting and debt advice, mental health and wellbeing support. Residents can also charge electrical equipment and fill flasks, with some sessions allowing access to hot food, and preprepared meals that can be microwaved at home, saving having to put on an oven.”
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