Camden launches £1m Resilience Fund to support the borough’s voluntary and community sector
A £1m Resilience Fund has been launched by the council this week to support the borough’s Voluntary and Community Sector organisations as they adapt to rapidly changing financial circumstances caused by the cost-of-living crisis.
“These are very challenging times for our residents, and our borough’s tireless Voluntary and Community Sector colleagues are key partners in helping us deliver essential support for those most impacted by the cost-of-living crisis.
“With this £1m fund, we are further supporting these organisations to overcome the cost-of-living financial pressures they may be facing as they support our communities in the face of enormous and unprecedented challenges.”
This one-off grant, part of a wider range of funding, totalling £1.6m, will support Camden’s VCS organisations to address any immediate short to medium term financial risks caused by the cost-of-living crisis and make any changes needed that will increase their sustainability and resilience.
Further funding made available to Camden’s VCS organisations includes:
- £300,000 Community Response Fund - Assisting organisations to mobilise at a local ward level to enhance their support available to residents to deal with the impact of the cost-of-living crisis throughout the winter period.
- £200,000 Generalist Advice Fund - Increasing the capacity of the Camden Advice Network (CAN) to provide advice through community-based outreach.
- £150,000 Covid-19 Food Insecurity Fund - Supporting food network organisations who are meeting the increasing needs of residents and to address health inequalities and needs that have risen sharply since the start of the pandemic.
Further details on the VCS Resilience Fund and how to apply, as well as the other support available to VCS organisations is available on the council’s website.
The council is also providing payments of up to £500 to help residents in severe financial hardship and unable to pay for essentials – including food or energy bills – through its cost-of-living crisis fund.
A range of help and support with the rising cost of living – including accessing the council’s Cost of Living Crisis Fund - is available at www.camden.gov.uk/costofliving , by calling the council on 020 7974 4444 (option 9), by calling Citizens Advice Camden on 0808 278 7835 or by contacting one of the organisations in Camden Advice Network. Find their details at www.camden.gov.uk/can .
A range of support is available with money, debt, rising energy bills, mental health, domestic abuse and violence, accessing Government grants and more.