Cash grants for groups helping with money and debt

Cash grants available for groups supporting money and debt issues

The fund is designed to support projects that help people avoid and handle financial crises

Organisations that help people with debt, money, food and health-related problems can apply for grants of up to £15,000 through a new £500,000 scheme in Medway.

The fund, introduced by Medway Council, is intended for projects that help residents strengthen their financial wellbeing and avoid, manage and recover from financial crises.

Council leader Vince Maple said the funding was "critically important" during the cost-of-living crisis.

He said: "Some of the key things that we're looking at through these grants are support for carers, food support, tackling health inequalities, support for residents over pension age, and financial resilience and debt resolution."

Jack Packman, chief executive of Medway Voluntary Action, which is handling applications for the scheme, said Medway had a strong volunteer sector and it was hoped the grants would create "lasting positive change".

The grant scheme forms part of the council's Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF), which is funded by the government.

The Chatham Community Supermarket, which opened this month, was funded by the CRF.

In its first week, more than 1,200 people used the low-cost supermarket, and almost 2.8 tonnes of food was saved from being thrown away, the council said.

Grants of up to £15,000 are available under the scheme

Projects supported by the grants scheme should aim to help people become more financially independent, rather than offering emergency support.

Packman said: "Building financial resilience is about more than responding to immediate hardship; it's about helping people develop the confidence, skills and support networks they need to navigate future challenges."

Voluntary, community, social enterprise and faith organisations must sign up to MVA's Social Impact Gateway, external, to apply.

Applications close on 22 November.