24 grants, each worth £1,000, are being awarded to community centres across the Southern Water region to help pay energy bills, so they can continue to support those in need this Winter. Southern Water has launched its Community Centre Grants scheme for a 2nd successive year, in partnership with delivery partner Costain, MWH Treatment (CMDP). This support will go towards energy costs, helping relieve the pressure that community spaces face staying open during colder months. Since the scheme was launched last year, the partnership has supported 20 Community hubs with their energy bills including social pantries, homeless drop-in spaces and arts centres – which provide a home to a wide range of events, support groups, classes, winter warmer spaces and befriender clubs. Alongside the grant, the hubs will receive support from Southern Water’s community, affordability and vulnerability teams, who deliver talks and advice on topics such as saving money on bills. Alex Willumsen, Community Partnerships and Programme Manager at Southern Water said:
“We continue to aim to build resilience and support for those facing challenges in our community. Through this grants scheme, which is part of three grant programmes open at the moment, we provide funding support designated directly to core utility costs to enable community spaces to continue to operate over winter months and support our communities to thrive.”
The Community Centre Grant is open to independently run community centres and spaces where activities such as local foodbanks, support groups and children’s programmes operate. The application process is open until midnight on 11th December 2023. Groups can apply online at https://www.southernwater.co.uk/water-for-life/community/customer-and-community-grants/community-energy-grant.
