Locality and The Guardian have awarded local community organisations across the UK £10,000 each in cost-of-living grants.
These grants are intended to help local community organisations to strengthen their services and support around cost of living issues. Awardees are providing a range of support including warm-hubs, food pantries, school holiday programmes, community allotments and hardship funds and more.
These cost of living grants have been made possible by the funds raised during the Guardian and Observer's latest Charity Appeal:
Award recipients were selected based on the specific needs of their communities at this difficult time and the impactful projects they deliver. Priority was given to groups working in economically disadvantaged areas and with racialised communities.
Tony Armstrong, Chief executive of Locality said:
"Thanks to the generosity of Guardian and Observer readers, Locality are now able to provide direct financial support to grassroots charities and community groups working on the frontline of the cost of living crisis.
Last winter, we heard far too many distressing stories from our members of local people skipping meals and struggling to heat their homes. With this additional support, the grant awardees will be better equipped to support their communities through what is likely to be another very challenging winter.
This support will not only keep open food banks and warm hubs, but also enable our members to invest in local people through health support, housing advice, and job opportunities."
Yewande Kannike, CEO of One Community Trust in Tilbury said:
“This £10K Locality cost of living grant will help fund our Little Things That Mean A lot Project, a bespoke service addressing issues residents are facing as a direct result of the cost-of-living crisis.
These issues such as; dealing with private landlords, energy companies, debt agencies, and digital support to access social services become barriers to sustaining themselves and their families.
As these issues are very time-consuming, we are often the only place they can come to, that will give the time required. The difference this grant will make is that families will no longer feel anxious, worried or threatened to begin to rebuild their lives towards sustaining themselves in the future."
