Stoke-on-Trent residents to get help with food, essentials and energy costs this winter

Community groups across Stoke-on-Trent have received a share of £125,000 to support residents with food, essentials and energy costs this winter.

Organisations were invited to apply for grants of up to £5,000 from Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Community Grants scheme which has been launched as part of the Stronger Together Through Winter campaign.

A total of 35 voluntary and community sector organisations from across Stoke-on-Trent have been awarded a share of the enhanced cash pot to help:

• provide food for vulnerable residents,
• provide essentials such as clothing, white goods and hygiene products; and
• support residents with spiralling energy costs including water and repairs.

The successful applicants will use the funding between now and the end of March 2023 to support those most in need this winter.

Councillor Abi Brown, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “We are delighted to be able to award £125,000 to 35 local voluntary and community groups which are working to support our city’s most in-need residents.

“We initially earmarked £100,000 for the Community Grants scheme, however, given the volume and quality of the applications, the overall funding was increased to enable us to provide greater financial support during what will be an extremely difficult winter for some.

“Our Stronger Together Through Winter campaign is well underway and, thanks to our partners, has already supported hundreds of individuals and families in Stoke-on-Trent. We want to do everything we can to ensure help is available to everyone who needs it, when they need it.”

Middleport Matters will be providing food and other essentials to local residents this winter after receiving £4,050 through the Community Grants scheme.

Operations manager Vicki Gwynne said: “We want to help ease some financial pressures through the next few months and offer some assistance towards Christmas and other upcoming events.

“We will continue to work closely with our local community to make sure that everyone knows support is available through the winter months.”

Disability Solutions West Midlands, a charity which is run by people with disabilities for people with disabilities, has been awarded £4,500.

CEO Mandy Rollins said: “Disability Solutions West Midlands were pleased to receive £4,500 to enable small support payments for people with disabilities and their families, towards essential energy and food costs, heating repairs, warm clothing and blankets.”

For more details about the wide range of individual, financial and mental health support and community activities available for Stoke-on-Trent residents visit sottogether.vast.org.uk/

Help is also available via the Brighter Futures website at www.brighter-futures.org.uk.