Regulator Ofgem has written to all energy suppliers, saying it expects them to “take proactive measures to support prepayment meter customers, including customers in vulnerable circumstances.” Also, the Government is working with suppliers and the Citizens Advice charity to develop guidelines for energy companies, covering topping up prepayment meters, as well as options for those who could struggle to pay their bills if income reduces.
Here’s a link to a great article by Money Saving Expert that explains the help available, and gives phone numbers and details for suppliers:
They stated ‘Providers told us they will look at issues related to coronavirus on a case-by-case basis, but many told us they’d consider pushing back bill due dates, offer alternative payment arrangements and remove debt charges for late payment. So if you are having issues, make sure you contact your supplier as soon as possible.’
CCB and VCWB are pleased to be able to bring you two bite size funding webinars that you can access from the comfort of your own desk. Please find details below to register please click on the relevant link, if you would like to attend both you will need to complete a registration form for both.
Thursday 30th April, 11am – 11.45am. Hints and Tip to Improve Funding Bids
Please join us online for this bite size Funding webinar and for the opportunity to learn some useful hints and tips to improve your future funding bids. This sessions is support by Adult Community Learning West Berkshire.
Sara Hanson, Volunteer Sector Support Officer at Volunteer Centre West Berkshire is presenting. VCWB provides free impartial information advice and guidance about volunteering in West Berkshire. Sara is an experienced bid writer, evaluatior and trainer. Sara will be covering general useful hints and tips to consider when preparing funding forms and applications. There will be the opportunity to ask questions and the training session will also on touch on where to find other funding resources.
Thursday 7th May, 11am – 11.45am. Funding for Community Buildings
This funding webinar run by Kate Meads, Community Buildings Advisor at CCB, will cover funding opportunities available to Community Buildings and Village Halls This session with cover; • UPDATE on Government support for Village Halls, Community Buildings and Small Community Businesses (Covid 19) • Funding opportunities for Community Buildings & Village Halls • Community owned businesses • Playing fields • Q & A’s All you need to access this webinar is access to the internet and a computer/laptop or tablet. To attend please book your place by completing this booking form: https://ccberks.wufoo.com/forms/bitesize-funding-webinar-community-buildings/
A new £350,000 fund to support communities affected by the coronavirus pandemic is now open for applications.
Due to the significant impact on communities from the coronavirus outbreak, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has repurposed its annual Resilient Communities Fund to offer grants of up to £3,000 for projects that will specifically support community members in vulnerable situations.
Applications are being encouraged for projects that will provide extra help to those who are self-isolating or social shielding, such as the elderly or those with underlying health conditions. Examples include a social delivery service, online advice centres or a befriending scheme.
The fund is open to community councils, parish councils and town councils in SSEN’s network areas in the north of Scotland and central southern England. The initial funding round will close on 30 April, with additional rounds to open based on demand. Grant awards will be issued in early May to ensure timely release of funding to community groups.
In the event the fund is oversubscribed, the panel will give priority to applications which support communities that are particularly remote or isolated, contain high levels of vulnerability or low levels of resilience.
Colin Nicol, SSEN’s Managing Director, hopes the fund will make a difference as communities rally together to support those most in need:
“In keeping the power flowing, safely and reliably, SSEN will play an integral role in the communities we serve during the coronavirus pandemic. As a responsible business, we believe this role also extends to supporting communities in their own response to the crisis.
“Following positive consultation with stakeholders and independent community fund panel members, we are delighted to relaunch our Resilient Communities Fund to help fund community resilience projects that will help those most in need.
“It’s encouraging to see communities pulling together at this time and we are pleased to play a small part in that response. I’d call on all local community council, parish and town council representatives to apply for a grant where they think we can help.”
Kerry Jardine, Scottish Government’s Resilient Communities Policy Manager and Resilient Communities Fund panel member, added:
“The SSEN Resilient Communities Fund provides a significant resource for communities to enhance their resilience to the challenges that are important to them.
“Groups throughout Scotland are currently focussing their energy on supporting their communities through the risk and restrictions that Covid-19 is presenting. We are seeing communities all over Scotland come together to develop their resilience to these challenges.
“This fund can be used to support community groups in their immediate activities and thinking ahead to their community recovering and building on their resilience to future challenges.”
Paul Bright, CEO of Citizens Advice Hampshire and Resilient Communities Fund panel member, said:
“Our service is experiencing an unprecedented surge in enquiries, many from people self-isolating or concerned as they have underlying health issues. They need help with debt, housing and financial worries. This fund will allow communities across south central England to help look after the most vulnerable. I am delighted and impressed that SSEN has extended their commitment to social responsibility and have raised the bar in offering to develop such a quick response.”
Since its launch in 2015, SSEN’s Resilient Communities Fund has provided over £2.4 million to 362 local community projects to build resilience and protect those most vulnerable. The criteria for this year’s fund was changed following consultation with SSEN stakeholder groups, who strongly supported opening the fund early and targeting coronavirus response.
For more information on this year’s Resilient Communities Fund or to apply, please visit ssen.co.uk/resiliencefund.
To check who your network operator is and to see if your community, parish or town council is eligible for SSEN funding, visit ssen.co.uk/whoismynetworkoperator.
For more information on how SSEN is protecting its customers, colleagues and network during the coronavirus pandemic, please visit ssen.co.uk/covid19response/.
Thursday 9th April, 11am – 11.30am, online interactive webinar.
This is the first of our bite size interactive webinars on available funding streams in West Berkshire. Elisha Russell from Berkshire Community Foundation will be presenting on the funding streams that will be available to apply for from September 2020 and how to use the summer months to put together a strong bid. These funding streams include; Vital for Berks Essential Resources (Core Costs), BCF Funds for Older People, Give a Child a Chance & Disadvantage in Slough.
Elisha will also providing training on the NEW Emergency Fund announced this week where grants will be awarded to help meet needs appearing as a result of the Coronavirus crisis.
This webinar will be run on Zoom and the only requirement is a computer/laptop/tablet to join with the ability to hear sound and aceed to the internet. If you are able to attend please register for your place y clicking on the link below.
INFORMATION COURTESY OF WOKINGHAM & BRACKNELL INVOLVE Coronavirus A number of Community Foundations and other organisations have launched funding programmes to assist local organisations in responding to the challenges of the Coronavirus Pandemic. Below you will find a list of organisations and the types of funding they have made available.
Berkshire Community Foundation – Emergency Fund Funds allocated to Berkshire through the National Emergency Trust Appeal for Coronavirus, together with the support we have received for our Vital for Berkshire – Coronavirus Appeal, are available for grants to be allocated to local charities, community and voluntary groups working to help people affected by the crisis. Grants may be made for charitable purposes to relieve hardship caused by the Coronavirus pandemic. https://www.berkshirecf.org/available-funding/coronavirus-fund/
Greenham Trust The Trust has put in place £250,000 of emergency Coronavirus funding which is available to benefit local charitable and voluntary organisations who are supporting the elderly and vulnerable people through this crisis in West Berkshire and north Hampshire. Greenham Trust has also launched a public appeal on its charitable funding platform https://greenhamtrust.com/our-funding/
CAF Coronavirus Emergency Fund This Fund is to help smaller charitable organisations in the UK affected by the impact of Covid-19. Grants of up to £10,000 are available and for those selected the money will be made available in 14 days. https://www.cafonline.org/charities/grantmaking/caf-coronavirus-emergency-fund
SPORT ENGLAND Emergency Fund We’re making up to £195 million of funding available to help the sport and physical activity sector through the ongoing coronavirus crisis. One part of this, our £20m Community Emergency Fund, is now open to applications from organisations experiencing short term financial hardship or the ceasing of operations. There are also three other funds. https://www.sportengland.org/news/195-million-package-help-sport-and-physical-activity-through-coronavirus
Sylvia Adams Charitable Trust Small Grants to Support Children’s Charities Affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic Registered charities working with early years disadvantaged children in England and Wales can apply for small sums of unrestricted funding to assist them during this difficult period. In response to the current pandemic, this funder has changed the application guidelines and processes for its spring application round with the aim of supporting small and medium-sized charities, which may need extra assistance at this time. http://sylvia-adams.org.uk/what-we-will-fund/
The Leathersellers’ Company Small Grants Scheme – for emergency’s Supporting UK registered charities particularly working with homeless people, victims of domestic violence, nursing care to vulnerable people, and provision of food and essential supplies. Funding is for small projects or to cover unexpected costs upto £3000. https://leathersellers.co.uk/small-grants-programme/
COSARAF Hardship Funding – COVID19 Response Applications will only be accepted from recognised social organisations such as charities, housing associations, schools and social services acting on behalf of a family or individual in need. The Hardship Fund provides grants between £500-£1,000. Applications are assessed every six weeks and you can expect a response within eight weeks of your application. https://www.cosaraf.org/apply-for-funding/hardship-grants-application-guide/
Arts Council England Launch £160m Covid-19 Emergency Funding Arts Council England are making £160 million of emergency funding available to support organisations and individuals during the coronavirus pandemic. https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/covid19
Make A Difference Trust – MAD Trust Hardship Fund – Coronavirus COVID-19 Small pockets of financial assistance to those in theatre experiencing unexpected financial hardship due to theatre closures as a direct result of Government advice aimed at containing the spread of Coronavirus. https://www.madtrust.org.uk/project/make-a-difference-coronavirus-covid-19-hardship-fund/
Support for Theatre Professionals during Coronavirus Collection of funds and sources of advice or support for those in the theatre industry. Funds are available from institution specific funders and from those that support the wider industry. https://theatresupport.info/
PRS for Music Launches Coronavirus Emergency Relief Fund The PRS Emergency Relief Fund has been set up to provide immediate financial support to Performing Right Society (PRS) members during the coronavirus pandemic. Funding is being offered to songwriters and composers from around the world who are facing significant financial pressure as the global battle against the virus continues. https://www.prsformusic.com/c/emergency-relief-fund
John Lewis Partnership – Community Support Fund A £1m Community Support Fund will be available to communities across the UK to help those in need in their local communities. Teams in each shop will work together with their communities to choose the best way to use the fund. Help could include setting up additional local delivery services to support the self-isolating, the vulnerable, the elderly and those looking after them; delivering boxes of staples to local care homes and community groups, and donating products to create care packages for customers to share with vulnerable neighbours. https://waitrose.pressarea.com/pressrelease/details/78/NEWS_13/12169
Connecting Communities in Berkshire 