The cost-of-living crisis is being felt across Letchworth Garden City by individuals, families and community groups. 2022 has seen a 20% increase in demand for foodbank services in Letchworth Garden City.* On a national scale, Citizens Advice report that they are currently helping two people every minute with crisis support. By the end of September 2022, they had already helped more people with energy issues than they did for the whole of last year.**
Over recent months, Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation has spoken with local organisations – many of which offer a vital lifeline to people struggling with the cost of living - to understand more about how the crisis is affecting them, and their members. These discussions have resulted in the Foundation announcing a £35,000 grant fund for community groups, charities, and clubs to help with rising costs.
Alastair Stewart, Head of Charitable Projects, and Partnerships said, “Community organisations in Letchworth are very resourceful and creative and I am sure this fund will be put to very good use across the town.”
Groups can apply for grants of up to £3,000 to help them support the residents of the town and avoid risking the valuable services and activities that run. The People, Places and Communities grant fund has been created to assist community-based organisations to meet needs caused by the Cost-of-Living crisis.
Examples what the types of activities that are eligible for funding:
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Utility costs
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Volunteer expenses
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Hire of equipment
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Materials and equipment needed for events or activities
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Food and non-alcoholic refreshments+
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Marketing costs and promotion of events
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Wider costs such as insurance
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Cost of making your event accessible to all such as BSL interpreters, translation, signage
+Grant cannot be used to subsidise food that will be sold at the event or activity.
The Foundation will be running an online discussion about the grant programme at 7.00pm on Wednesday 2 November. To sign up, email alastair.stewart@letchworth.com
Applications for the People, Places & Communities grant fund are now open, for further details and to apply, visit www.letchworth.com/grants/people-places-communities-grants
* Source: Letchworth Foodbank
** Source: Citizens Advice Bureau cost of living dashboard.
