Voluntary and Community Sector organisations in North Tyneside are invited to apply for grant funding to support residents this winter.
Two grants have launched as part of the Council’s ongoing commitment to support residents through the cost-of-living crisis.
The popular Warm Welcome scheme will return in November with £75,000 available to support organisations to establish and run warm, comfortable places for residents to visit throughout winter.
The grant scheme means funding is available to organisations who meet the eligibility criteria to cover the cost of running the scheme, with between £2,000 to £3,000 available per organisation.
At many of the warm welcome sessions additional support was on offer, including free hot drinks and social activities.
This year, the Council is building on these initiatives by introducing a new ‘community food support’ grant where funding is available to assist those in the community who are vulnerable and struggling with food poverty. Organisations and schools can apply for access to additional grants of up to £3000.
Voluntary and Community Sector organisations in priority areas can apply for up to £10,000 additional funding which is designed to help start projects like social supermarkets, community cafes, lunch clubs and cookery classes. The funding can also be used to strengthen any existing offers.
Dame Norma Redfearn DBE, Elected Mayor of North Tyneside, said: “For many of our residents, the cost-of-living crisis is continuing to have a major impact and as we prepare to head into winter, we want to build on our plans as an authority to ensure everyone has access to support if they need it.
“Last winter showed just how vital the warm welcome scheme can be for many and I’m pleased that we’re able to offer this grant for the brilliant community and voluntary sector organisations that do so much for our borough..
“Our support extends even further this year as we look to increase what is available in our borough for those struggling with food poverty and insecurity.
“I’d like to invite all organisations who believe they could support us with this ambition to submit their application and get involved.”
The authority will be continuing its own warm welcome scheme in its libraries and customer first centres, with access to hot drinks, wi-fi, computers, baby-friendly facilities, film and book clubs, board games and more.
Applications for warm welcome fund closes on Friday 6 October and the community food grant on Friday 20 October 2023. Applications must be submitted separately.
Community Food Support Grant guidance is available below. Applications must be submitted here and eligibility criteria is included in the grant guidance document below: Community Food Support Grant Application Form (office.com).
Those who are interested in applying can contact vcs@northtyneside.gov.uk or food@northtyneside.gov.uk.
