Council announces community partners who will help residents tackle rising cost of living

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Council announces community partners who will help residents tackle rising cost of living

News Release PR8797 - published on 8 December 2022

We can confirm the community organisations we'll be supporting to provide much-needed warm spaces and food help this winter.

We're providing funding for 23 venues across the Bay to host warm spaces – free, welcoming safe spaces where visitors can get a hot drink.

There are also five organisations which will receive funding to run affordable food clubs, also known as social supermarkets, which are a more sustainable alternative to traditional food banks.

The voluntary and community sector and social enterprises, including faith groups, were invited to bid for funding to run warm spaces and food clubs.

We're using £75,000 from our £1.2m allocation of the current round of the Household Support Fund to support warm spaces.

We're allocating nearly £80,000 of council funding towards the food clubs. While the warm spaces are up and running now, the food clubs will be developed over the coming months as part of a longer-term plan.

Councillor Jackie Stockman, Cabinet Member for Adults and Public Health, said: “We know from our voluntary sector how difficult households are finding it right now. It’s great to see such a broad range of grassroots organisations providing these services for our communities.

“At a time when food and fuel costs are so high, it’s vital that people have somewhere to go if they need it. We recognise that community partners are also affected by rising food and fuel costs and might need a bit of extra help to offer these schemes so I’m pleased this money will help them do that.”

The food clubs complement existing support we're offering for people who need help with food costs.

We've also allocated £100,000 to food banks from the Household Support Fund to help them to meet the increased demand and rising costs of food.

This will be distributed via Torbay Food Alliance, a voluntary consortium of 12 food aid providers working across Torbay, which works in partnership with us and the community helpline.

Last week, we announced our popular Healthy Holidays Christmas activity scheme will be returning over the school festive break for children receiving benefits-related free school meals.

Children eligible for free school meals will also each be entitled to a £30 holiday meal voucher during the Christmas break. These will be given out directly by schools.

Councillor Cordelia Law, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “The money we’re providing to warm spaces and food clubs complements the work we’re doing to support families over the Christmas break through our Healthy Holidays programme and holiday meal vouchers.

“Not only does Healthy Holidays ensure children are well fed – thereby taking some of the pressure off parents – it’s an opportunity for them to meet friends and make new ones, take part in fun activities and learn new skills.”

The council-funded warm spaces are: