Charities, community groups and local businesses working on the frontline to support the most vulnerable residents can now apply for a cash boost through our Greenwich Supports Community Grant Fund. Residents across the country are struggling to put food on the table, pay essential bills and manage housing repairs – Royal Greenwich is no exception. We know that many vulnerable residents across the borough rely on support from community centres and local organisations that work directly to support through hardship. To support the vital work local groups and community centres do, the Royal Borough of Greenwich has launched the Greenwich Supports Small Grants Community Fund. Funding of up to £150,000 will be available for both large established groups and smaller organisations that might be emerging in response to the crisis. The grant that can be applied for is minimum of £100 and a maximum of £9,950, whether it is used to buy equipment, make repairs or support residents directly is dependent on the applicant. Cllr Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Council said: “Inflation is at a multi-decade high and pushing low-income residents to the brink – more needs to be done to support as many people as we can. Through our cost of living campaign, Greenwich Supports, we made 12 pledges to take direct action to support residents across the borough. “The £150,000 small grants fund will support community initiatives working directly with our residents, helping us put cash directly towards feeding, supporting and caring for our diverse communities.” Cllr Adel Khaireh, Cabinet Member for Equality, Culture and Communities said: “The Council is extremely grateful to local organisations, charities and community groups that work throughout the year to support the most vulnerable people in our borough. As winter sets in this fund will allow us to give a little back, showing gratitude towards those who give so much to those in need.” This funding can be used for, but not limited to: - Providing food to meet the needs of residents - including a focus on culturally appropriate food. 
- Buying equipment such as storage cupboards or refrigerators to support food projects within community spaces. 
- Starting community food buying options such as social supermarkets, community co-ops, community fruit and veg stalls and pantries.  
- Starting community fridge models. 
- Supporting households with household bills. 
- Supporting households to access warm clothes. <a href="https://www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/greenwich-supports-funding22">Apply for a grant</a>.

Community funding of £150,000 launched to support residents with the cost of living crisis

More than £3million will be invested across 12 pledges to support residents and businesses with the rising the cost of living, as agreed by Cabinet on Wednesday 2 November. Approved proposals include targeted cash payments for the most vulnerable people in our borough - children on free school meals, care leavers and those excluded from the benefits system. The plans would not have been possible without the contribution of residents through the survey or the input of those who attended our cost of living summit. You can watch videos from the Summit at the end of this email. Actions the Council will be taking to tackle the cost of living crisis and support residents <li>£100 for every child eligible for free school meals - estimated to help 12,000 children </li><li>£250 payment for care leavers to help with winter food and other costs </li><li>£150,000 towards supporting food banks and food club initiatives </li><li>£150,000 towards Council’s annual Stay Warm, Stay Safe initiative supporting vulnerable residents with energy costs </li><li>£150,000 grant scheme for local community groups who support our residents </li><li>£300,000 funding for our Emergency Support Scheme, to provide financial support during unexpected hardship </li><li>Launching our consultation to save an average of £110 to help low-income working residents through our Council Tax Support scheme by adjusting the eligibility to support more people </li><li>Giving up to £50 extra towards school clothing payments for families with children on free school meals, and up to £25 for winter clothing payments </li><li>£50,000 fund to support the creation of warm and welcoming places around borough </li><li>£300,000 of additional funding for Discretionary Housing Payments, to help renters from the threat of being made homeless through short term payments if they are struggling to pay their rent </li><li>Launching a Community Supports initiative where residents can donate goods, money or volunteer their time </li><li>Launching a Business Support Grant focused on helping make local businesses become Real Living Wage Accredited employers. </li> If you shared your concerns with us about not being able to afford food, or struggling with you rent due to rising energy bills and unexpected hardship, we urge you to email our team directly on cost-of-living@royalgreenwich.gov.uk so we can get you the advice you need. <iframe src=https://www.youtube.com/embed/vifObMxrW4I></iframe> More videos are <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pcLQ_Bknlc&amp;list=PL9RYrPzUv72y3dTsd7L9Qr4Ctuh4zZveb&amp;index=2">available on Youtube</a>.

Survey results helping the Council forge a new path ahead 

The Council is grateful to have received so many responses to the rising cost of living survey, we know this is an issue that communities across the borough have a strong interest in. Looking at the responses so far, they have shown that more half of those who have taken part are worried about the effects of the rising cost-of-living. Cllr Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said: “We all know that making tough decisions between buying groceries and heating our homes is not a choice anyone should have to make. “The harsh reality is that this is happening in our communities. We are currently feeding thousands of children across the borough through our Holiday Meals programme because it is clear there is a need. The Council also offers free activities to reduce some of the financial burden on families. “Despite the support already on offer through, the resident and business surveys are vital in helping us understand where there may be gaps, so we can work together to close them. “Targeted payments from funding of £2.3million will be made to ensure no resident is left behind.” If you have taken part in the survey already, the Council asks that you share this with friends, family and members of your community. If residents need support filling in the survey online, they can visit one of our Advice Hubs for in person help. A physical copy of the survey can be collected at libraries around the borough, with a box for completed surveys to be submitted. Please note
Once you have taken part; you will need to confirm your response by clicking the link sent to your email.

Thank you for your continued feedback

We want you to share how the cost of living is affecting you and your communities, so that our diverse borough can shape how the Council responds to issues such as food poverty and hardship.  

How is the rising cost of living affecting you?

Royal Borough of Greenwich Cost of Living Survey

Backfill newGeocode field for projects with postcode or lat and long fields