Richmond Council is encouraging local voluntary sector groups to apply to the Cost of Living Fund to help keep residents warm this winter.
The council is providing £150K of grants to organisations that are registered charities who deliver services to help meet the needs of residents who are struggling most during the crisis.
Councillor Gareth Roberts, Leader of the Council, said: “There are many organisations across our borough who already work hard to support their communities.
“It is therefore a priority for the Council to offer them the support they need to develop plans that will help our residents and businesses weather the storm.”
Organisations can apply for grants between £5,000 and £10,000.
The grant is intended to help give extra funding to voluntary sector organisations so they can deliver accessible places to keep warm that also offer a range of activities and additional facilities such as toilets, refreshments and free Wi-Fi.
Organisations planning to support residents fighting food poverty are also being encouraged to apply for the grant.
Despite there being four food banks spanning the Richmond borough, rising food prices have increased the need for extra support.
Cllr Roberts said: “The reality of the cost of living crisis is here, and we are committed to ensuring people are able to eat well and stay warm this winter.
“By working with our partners, the Council has already offered a huge amount of support to residents but more needs to be done.”
The grant is part of Richmond Council’s £3 million allocation to finance urgent support packages which will help struggling residents, and part of its work with the voluntary sector to provide support where it is required.
Successful applicants will have to sign up to the Council’s warm spaces charter and will have their warm space listed on the Council’s warm space directory.
The deadline for applications is midnight on November 21.
Details on how to apply as well as the application form can be found at: https://www.richmond.gov.uk/cost_of_living_grant_fund
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