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A new grant funding scheme has been launched in Bedford Borough for voluntary organisations and community groups to help people struggling with the cost of living.

Bedford Borough Council is working with Compass Wellbeing and the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes (BLMK) Health and Care Partnership to provide £170K of grants to community, voluntary and social enterprise organisations, or town and parish councils, which are supporting individuals and families during the current cost of living crisis.

Grants of between £5,000 and £25,000 are available to organisations that are helping local residents to stay warm, well and socially connected this winter.

Examples of support include those that support people to access hot, healthy, nutritious meals in community settings, help with social isolation and loneliness and support for people to access healthcare.

Cllr Louise Jackson, portfolio holder for Health and Wellbeing said, “Most of us will have been affected in some way by the cost of living crisis, and our charitable and voluntary sector is not immune to rising costs and falling donations.

“By working closely with local community groups, we are aiming to ensure that as many residents as possible continue to get the support that they need”.

“I urge local organisations to get in touch and find out more about the Bedford Borough Cost of Living Community Grant Fund.”

Find more information on how to apply visit www.compasswellbeing.co.uk/latest-funding-opportunities.The deadline for applications is 18 December 2022.

More information about support for local residents can also be found at www.bedford.gov.uk/costofliving

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