Cost Of living
We are currently facing the biggest cost of living crisis in decades which is impacting individuals, families, businesses and the voluntary and community sector. The result of rising costs, reduced volunteers , declining mental health and numerous other issues are affecting our local communities and our ability to support people that need it the most.
Below are some links to local, district wide and national support for anyone affected by this crisis and/or those that you support or work alongside. If the support you or your group need is not listed below please do contact us and we will support you in any way that we can.
Community Groups
Derbyshire County Council
Voluntary, community and charity organisations in Derbyshire can apply for a grant to set up warm spaces this winter.
DCC have launched a £50,000 Warm Spaces Fund to support organisations to provide a warm refuge for residents and their families struggling to heat their homes.
Organisations can apply for up to £1,000 towards the cost of opening up community venues or to extend their opening hours during the colder months.
If you would like to apply for a warm spaces grant please email grants@derbyshire.gov.uk for an application form.
High Peak borough council
With winter approaching and, as the cost of living crisis and energy price hikes continue, a number of charities, community groups and small businesses have committed to opening up their premises as ‘Welcoming Spaces’ where residents can go to keep warm.
High Peak Borough Council are pulling together a Borough wide list of available ‘Welcoming Spaces’ that residents can visit to keep warm this winter. The list will provide venue details, where to find more information and will be updated on a regular basis when new venues are identified and registered.
If you would like to register your Welcoming Space please contact Kim by emailing welcomingspaces@highpeak.gov.uk
NCVO
The cost of living crisis will affect every charity – whatever their size or cause. If you need support or guidance, they can help.
For many charities, demand for your support has risen but resources are increasingly limited. Their help and guidance can help you work efficiently and effectively. It’s all in one place and covers a range of topics including:
– Finding the money you need
– Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of your team
– Financial difficulty and insolvency.
Charity Excellence Framework
Multiple links to charitable trust and foundation and other cost of living crisis grant funding for UK charities, community groups, non profits and individuals.
To find more foundation grants, use their free Funding Finder online directory which has a Crisis Grants search category, with 70+, and also Core Cost Funding (200+) and Small Charities & Community Groups (600+) categories.
They also have free fundraising support and companies that make donations to charities by using their Help Finder.
Residents
Derbyshire County Council
Derbyshire County Council recognise the challenges affecting everyone during the winter, intensified this year by the impact of COVID-19. People are affected in so many ways, this could be financially or it could have impacted on their health and wellbeing as they may have become lonely and isolated.
The Winter Pressures referral form will initiate the process for the Community Response Unit to work with the client to link them to appropriate support and advice. In all cases, the focus will be on enabling the person to help themselves.
Citizens Advice Derbyshire districts
If you don’t have enough money to live on, you might be able to get help to afford essentials like bills and food. This includes the Household Support Fund and cost of living payments.
You should check if you can claim benefits – you might be able to do this even if you have a job.
