A community fund to help the health and wellbeing of residents including support through the cost-of-living crisis, has opened in West Suffolk today.

More than £460,000 is being made available as part of West Suffolk Council’s Community Chest fund.

Charities, community groups, voluntary organisations, faith groups and social enterprises can now apply for funding for projects for 2024/25.

Since it began back in 2017, Community Chest, has funded initiatives to help people who are lonely or feel isolated, brought people together to create support networks, and feel more involved with their community. It has helped families dealing with trauma, backed work to break patterns of abuse, funded advice and advocacy, and helped lift people’s physical and mental health through targeted community activities.

The latest round of Community Chest will look to continue much of that work while looking to support work helping residents with the various issues caused by the cost-of-living crisis.

“There are huge pressures on many of our residents right now and that has a far-reaching impact on people’s health and wellbeing,” said Cllr Donna Higgins, Cabinet Member for Families and Communities at West Suffolk Council.

“The continuing cost-of-living crisis isn’t just about he struggles of keeping a roof over people’s head, food on the table and heating on in the winter. It can be very isolating. It can mean people are having to work multiple jobs or find polite ways to say no to the social activities that would normally keep them connected with family and friends. It’s impacting on people’s relationships and with it their health and wellbeing.

“Of course, these aren’t just issues for West Suffolk and its residents and we want to see more from the Government to address this crisis.

“But in the meantime, West Suffolk will be looking to invest Community Chest funds to help our residents through this crisis, whether through debt and financial advice, activities to help people connect in their local communities, foodbanks, mental health support and much more, and I would encourage groups and organisations to apply.”

To apply for Community Chest funding, view the guidance and then complete the online application at https://www.westsuffolk.gov.uk/community/community-grants.cfm

The deadline for applications is 6pm on Friday 29 September 2023. Successful grants will be awarded in February 2024 and paid in April 2024.