In Hackney, the cost of living continues to be an issue. The borough is in the 2% most deprived areas in England for income. People here are finding it hard to buy food and heat their homes, which has a direct impact on their health. A service user at African Community School said:
“I live in an exceptionally cold house, single pane windows, no radiator in some rooms. The cost of energy is high, I sleep in the cold, arthritis is worsening and my breathing.”
This winter, your donations of almost £42,000 were distributed alongside funding from London Borough of Hackney to projects that help people with food and bills, increasing the size of the programme by 34%.
The impact is clear. The same person went on to say that as a result of help with their bills:
“Reduced was the anxiousness to be warm and healthy.”
A young person who attended cooking and budgeting sessions said:
“Before this programme I never really cooked, but now I help prepare meals for our family. It feels good to know I can make healthy food and bring something home for everyone.”
Our visits to grant-holders further demonstrate the value of grassroots community work. We met AMURT’s volunteers as they prepared a nutritious community lunch at the Salvation Army church on Lower Clapton Road. Food was also delivered to locations off-site to support people who can’t attend.
We also saw at BetaMinds how funding provided a warm space for people to get together, have a meal and a good afternoon in one another’s company. At our visit, the buzz in the room was clear. The organisation also works intergenerationally, bringing younger and older people together to reduce isolation and break down barriers between people.
Swimmers at London Fields Lido have donated more than £2000 towards Hackney Giving’s Cost of Living appeal, meaning more support for community groups locally.
Swimmers at London Fields Lido have donated more than £2000 towards Hackney Giving’s Cost of Living appeal, meaning more support for community groups locally.
Sector event to support communities with the cost of living
