MORE than 800 charities – including in Somerset, Wiltshire and Dorset – have got a new year funding boost from a National Lottery fund.

The lottery’s Community Fund has announced a £76 million package to help vulnerable people across the country, with cash handed to projects tackling food poverty, homelessness and offering financial advice among those to benefit.

Among those to benefit from the National Lottery Community Fund in Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire were:

• Age UK Somerset: £72,251.35
• Bridport and District Citizens Advice Bureau: £25,464
• Citizens Advice Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole: £75,000
• Citizens Advice in East Dorset and Purbeck Ltd: £68,712
• Doorway Wiltshire Ltd: £31,689
• The Crispin Hall Trust: £20,629

Minister for Civil Society, Stuart Andrew, said: “Charities and community organisations are on the frontline helping the most vulnerable in society, and we are allocating £100 million in recognition that they are struggling too, as demand and costs both increase.

“More than 800 charities have already been awarded these significant grants, meaning they can continue to help those in need and we will continue to roll out funding at pace.”

The funding comes at a critical time, as charities and organisations support more people struggling to heat their homes and access hot meals.

Grants worth between £10,000 and £75,000 are being allocated to cover project and core costs, including for premise rent, utilities, staff and volunteers.

The Crispin Hall Trust has received more than £20,000. Picture: Google

David Knott, chief executive at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “We’re proud to be distributing Government funding to enable frontline projects in England to support communities facing the impact of the rising cost of living.

“From the provision of food, shelter and safe spaces, to financial or housing advice, over 800 awards have already been made to critical services that will strengthen communities and improve lives at a challenging time.”

Meanwhile, as part of a £100 million package of support allocated during the Spring Budget, it was also announced that £25.5 million will be used to pay for measures to help voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations in England improve their energy efficiency.

Funding will help the long term energy and financial resilience of the sector as well as supporting the Government’s commitment to meeting a net zero target by 2050.

Via independent energy assessments, organisations will be able to identify how to reduce bills through measures such as improving or installing new energy features in the building.

The fund will also support the installation of new energy measures, such as insulation, heating and lighting systems, where applicants are eligible.

Applications for the £25.5 million VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme, administered by community charity Groundwork, are now open. Eligible organisations are able to apply for funding at www.groundwork.org.uk/vcseenergyefficiency.