Council invests more than £725,000 to support communities with the cost of living

Through Buckinghamshire Council's Financial Wellbeing Community Fund, 19 organisations from across the county have received funding to provide practical help, advice and guidance to residents and families when they need it most. The funding, which comes from central government’s Crisis and Resilience Fund, is distributed to local councils to support local communities facing cost of living challenges.

Working in partnership with local charity Heart of Bucks, the council is investing in trusted community organisations that understand the needs of local people and are well placed to deliver support where it can make the greatest difference. The funding will help residents access a wide range of services, manage financial pressures and build confidence in managing their finances for the future.

This investment is helping to create stronger, more resilient communities across Buckinghamshire by ensuring residents can access the right support at the right time, from practical and financial advice to connected services that provide longer-term help and stability.

The organisations receiving funding are:

• Acorn Community Bank
• Age UK Buckinghamshire
• Aylesbury Vineyard Storehouse
• Aylesbury Women’s Centre run under Riverway Community Charity
• Citizens Advice Bucks
• Community Youth Ventures CIC
• Connection Support
• Jedidiah UK (Buckingham)
• King’s Church High Wycombe
• Life
• People and Planet Matter
• Redeemed Christian Church of God – RCCG House of Mercy, Aylesbury
• Restore Hope
• RSASS Buckinghamshire (formerly Rape Crisis)
• Southcourt Baptist Church, Aylesbury
• The Money Heave Community Project
• Waddesdon Hall
• Wycombe Homeless Connection
• Wycombe Mind

Steve Bowles, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities said: "Local charities and community groups play a vital role in supporting residents and are often the first place people turn to for help and advice. That's why I'm delighted we're investing this funding in organisations that know their communities best.

"This investment will help provide practical help for residents facing financial pressures today, while also giving people the tools, advice and confidence they need to improve their financial wellbeing in the longer term.

"By working with our voluntary and community sector partners in this way, we're helping to get to those who need support the most, strengthening communities and making a positive difference to residents across Buckinghamshire."

Henry Allmand, Chief Executive of Heart of Bucks added: “Many people in Buckinghamshire are finding it hard to make ends meet, and local charities are often the first place they turn for help. These grants will support 19 organisations to offer practical help now, as well as advice and support that can make a difference over the longer term. We’re pleased to have worked very closely with Buckinghamshire Council to get this funding quickly and directly to groups that know their communities and the challenges people are facing.”