Cost-of-living crisis in Burgess Hill: funds available to community groups for food or ‘warm hubs’

At a town council meeting on Monday, September 26, councillor Simon Hicks (Leylands Ward) said the Government had introduced measures to help people but said some are still struggling with energy and food costs.

He said the town council could help Burgess Hill residents by supporting organisations that were providing residents with ‘warm hubs’.

The town council discussed this further at a meeting of the Community Engagement Key Area Group on Thursday, October 6, and agreed that the pot would be split to allow applications for up to £10,000 for food provision and up to £15,000 for warm hubs.

Burgess Hill town council leader Robert Eggleston said: “The town council responded during the Covid pandemic to provide financial support and help to organisations coping with that emergency and we will always do what we can, within our resources, to support vulnerable residents in the town. The Cost-of-Living Emergency Fund will channel grants to organisations so that we can soften the impact that this emergency is having on the lives of people on limited incomes. We hope that other local authorities will follow our lead and support this initiative with additional financial support.”

A ‘warm hub’ can be any community building that provides a warm and friendly environment for people to socialise over refreshments and take part in activities. These hubs could also provide information and support to help people stay warm at home, learn how to heat a home more efficiently and reduce energy bills.

Applications for ‘warm hub’ funding should show that the venue will open regularly during the winter months.

The council said applicants for both funding streams must complete a grant application process and these will be assessed on their own merit, with no guarantee of funding. Applications will also undergo financial scrutiny in line with the town council’s grants application process. The decision to award funds will then be made by the Grants Awards Panel.

An application form is available at forms.gle/U286g22nm1Agady66

Email [email protected] to find out more.