Mayor’s fund helps struggling households

Community organisations across the North East are receiving fresh funding to help families struggling with the cost of living, food insecurity and financial hardship.

North East mayor Kim McGuinness has announced the latest recipients of her £1 million Mayor’s Opportunity Fund, supporting grassroots projects providing practical assistance to residents.

The fourth round of funding will back initiatives including community food hubs, affordable cooking classes, household essentials, financial advice and employment support.

Among the beneficiaries is Fenham Association of Residents in Newcastle, which will establish a community food hub and offer courses helping people prepare affordable meals.

In Gateshead, Foundations Furniture and Gardening Project will provide free and low-cost reused furniture to households experiencing financial difficulties.

Bensham Grove Community Centre will develop a community pantry alongside food-growing, repair, reuse and energy-saving activities.

Meanwhile, Wheels2Work County Durham will supply bicycles and safety equipment to residents facing transport barriers to employment, education and volunteering.

Coxhoe Village Hall Association will also receive support for its community food bank and pantry, including evening opening hours to assist working households experiencing poverty.

Other funded initiatives include community meals, debt advice, digital inclusion programmes and emergency assistance for vulnerable residents.

North East mayor Kim McGuinness said: “People across the North East are working incredibly hard, but too many are still struggling with the cost of food, household bills and other everyday essentials. 

“This funding is about getting practical support to people who need it most.

“It will help trusted local organisations provide affordable food, warm and welcoming community spaces, essential household items and advice that can put more money back into people’s pockets. 

“Our charities and community organisations understand the challenges facing their neighbourhoods, and are trusted by people who can too often miss out on support. 

“I’m proud to back their work as we tackle hardship, strengthen our communities and make sure nobody is left to face the cost-of-living crisis alone.” 

Delivered in partnership with Community Foundation North East and Point North, the programme aims to direct investment towards communities facing economic challenges.

A total of 127 grants have now been awarded to community organisations through the fund.

Rob Williamson, chief executive at Community Foundation North East, added: “The cost-of-living continues to impact communities across the North East and so support through The Mayor’s Opportunity Fund is hugely welcome. 

“At Community Foundation North East, the organisations these grants are supporting regularly tell us they are seeing demand for their services continue to rise whilst also facing the same financial pressures on their own operations. 

“Supporting their costs to deliver food or offer a warm welcoming space can be an immediate fix to a problem but also the first step to supporting people with advice and helping them access services that can make a difference to their lives.” 

Michelle Cooper, chief executive of Point North, added: “As we head into winter, too many people will be facing difficult choices about how to make ends meet as household budgets come under even more pressure. 

“That’s why we’re delighted that a number of County Durham organisations have secured funding through the fourth round of the Mayor’s Opportunity Fund, helping ensure local people can access support when they need it.  

“Once again, we’ve been struck by the thoughtfulness and creativity of the projects, with people who know their communities best finding practical ways to make life a little easier. 

“We’re proud to support these organisations and the people they stand alongside every day.” 

Applications will reopen in the coming weeks, with further investment planned to support charities and grassroots groups across the region.

County Durham-based organisations can apply via the Point North website – Grants | Point North and Northumberland, Tyne & Wear organisations can apply via Community Foundation North East – Funding and Support Grants | Community Foundation. 

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