Community and voluntary organisations, as well as town, parish and community councils, are being urged to apply for grants that will help them support those in need in their communities.
A total of £240,000 has been made available by the Isle of Wight Council to support local initiatives helping to provide vulnerable families with food, utilities and keeping warm.
Councillor Debbie Andre, Cabinet member for children’s services, said:
“I’m glad we can offer funding to organisations who are helping families and individuals experiencing financial hardship.
“By working with partner organisations to deliver a range of schemes we aim to reach as many Island residents as possible.
“The rising cost of living is a challenge for many people, but it is especially difficult for low-income families with children, as well as pensioners, who might be struggling with food and utility bills.
“I would like to urge voluntary, faith, charity and community groups across the Island to apply for a community grant and help to make a positive difference to the lives of local people.”
The latest community grants are funded by the Household Support Fund, provided to local authorities by the Department for Work and Pensions to support vulnerable households, especially with the cost of food and energy bills.
In addition to the grants, the council is using the funding to develop a suite of supportive measures that aim to help residents who are struggling financially.
The deadline for applying for a community grant is 1st March 2023. Organisations wishing to find out more should go to the connect4communities website for the full guidance and application form.
For further information about additional support available on the Island, visit the council’s cost of living web pages at https://beta.iow.gov.uk/keep-the-island-safe/cost-of-living/.
A total of £240,000 has been made available by the Isle of Wight Council
more of the hard working taxpayers money handed out to the layabouts to disincentivise working and supporting theirselves.
how about the council offer some money to those that are actually paying for these spongers for once.
Well said. We as a couple get no benefits, no 11% pay rise and no council tax reduction. We have to pay prescription prices, routine dental bills, vets bills and all bills at full price. No help for us whatsoever and we pay all our increasingly expensive bills.
Spongers on tax credits get thousands a year extra.