Wirral community groups granted half a million pounds amidst cost of living crisis

Half a million pounds has been awarded to community groups across Wirral to help support residents with the cost of living.

The funding is part of a £3.05 million package given to Wirral Council from the Government’s Household Support Fund for the summer.

Charities and groups such as Age UK Wirral, Tomorrow’s Women Wirral, and the Salvation Army have received grants.

£556,000 was awarded to 32 organisations who applied for grants up to £20,000 and up to £2,000 to help with overhead costs.

Council leader Janette Williamson said: “After talking to service users and the staff and volunteers of organisations on the front-line in our communities, it is clear that the cost-of-living crisis is worsening by the day, with more and more people finding it difficult to make ends meet.

“Just as they did through the pandemic, Wirral’s community groups are using their incredible local knowledge to make sure help is given to those who are most in need and in the most accessible and appropriate way.”

Cllr Williamson also visited two of the organisations – Equilibrium North West and Heart of Egremont – on 24 August.

Seven organisations received the maximum funding of £22,000 including Wirral Change which will provide an emergency delivery service for Black and Minority Ethnic households in the borough.

The money will go towards creating food pantries, food hampers and parcels, school uniform vouchers, and hot meals. Involve NorthWest received money for items such as slow cookers and air fryers that use less energy than traditional ovens.

Founding director of Equilibrium North West, Sharon Munroe, said: “We all get an unexpected bill now and again, but for more and more people – including many who are in work – it can be enough to push us into a crisis situation. The grant funding we received allows us to give them a ‘Reprieve Pack’ containing all of the essentials needed to get them through for a few days.”

The money is part of a bigger package with one third spent on supporting families with children while another third spent on supporting pensioners over 65. The Department of Work and Pensions, behind the latest money, has provided over £6 million to Wirral Council since 2020 under Covid Local Support Grants and the Covid Winter Grant scheme.

Information about support available to people in need is available on the Wirral Council website or by calling the helpline on 0151 666 5050. The helpline can also advise on assistance that may be available from Age UK Wirral for anyone digitally excluded.

Information about other support for residents is also available on the Wirral Infobank website.