Moorlands Community Fund to help voluntary sector

Published on 1 February 2024

Demand for the services provided by the voluntary sector in the Staffordshire Moorlands remains high as people grapple with increases in the costs of living - and the District Council is offering support to those organisations to help them meet this demand.

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council has funded the voluntary sector over many years to provide services that respond to food and fuel poverty, including  homelessness prevention and debt advice, via Citizen's Advice.

In recognition of the critical role they play in our communities, the Council's financial support for organisations that are struggling financially is being extended to include more voluntary and community groups.

The Staffordshire Moorlands Community Fund is offering financial support to provide match-funding for third-sector organisations providing vital support to people most affected by the rise in the cost of living.

Councillor Charlotte Atkins, Cabinet Member for Services, said: "We're all having to deal with increased living costs but there is support out there to help people face these challenges.

"Voluntary organisations are at the forefront of delivering that support. That puts them under additional pressure as the demand for their services goes up and they too have to meet rising costs for providing those services.

"These organisations are vital to our communities. We don't want to see valuable, viable groups go under as a result of rising costs. That's why we're earmarking emergency reserves to allow the District Council to provide essential financial support to ensure those organisations, providing vital cost of living support, are not allowed to fail."

Eligible organisations and community groups can apply for up to £3,000 of match-funding from the Council's fund. There's more information, and an application form, on our website.

The Council has already taken steps to actively support residents and businesses with rising living costs. The Cost of Living hub on the website brings together information about the range of financial help and other advice and support that is available.

This includes details of local schemes to help homeowners make their homes more energy efficient, money saving tips and how to get help managing debt, links to organisations providing mental health support and information on how to get help with your rent or council tax if you need it.

Councillor Atkins urged people not to miss out on help if they need it: "Please do take a look at the hub and make sure you're accessing all the support you can to help you through these challenging times.

"If you're not able to access this online information, staff at our receptions in Biddulph, Cheadle and Leek will be happy to help."

Reception opening hours are:

• Biddulph Town Hall - 9am to 1pm Monday and Friday and 2pm to 4pm on Monday and Tuesday.
• Cheadle 15a-17 High Street - Monday only 9.30am to 12.30pm and 1pm to 4pm
• Leek Moorlands House - Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4.30pm