Sudbury charities received cash grants to help with increased pressures from cost-of-living crisis

Vital cash grants totaling £91,000 have been awarded to three community organisations in the Sudbury area, to ensure they can continue delivering their services amid increased demand and costs.

The Government confirmed the latest round of successful applicants for money from the Community Organisations Cost of Living Fund (CCLF), set up in response to the cost-of-living crisis.

The beneficiaries included The Bridge Project, a Sudbury-based social enterprise, which secured £66,000 to help cover rising costs in utility payments, food supplies and fuel for its delivery vehicles.

Chief executive Dave Jackson said: “It has meant we have not had to pass any of the cost increases on to service users, and we have been able to carry on delivering an essential service to a vulnerable part of the community.

“Without the funding, we would have struggled to carry on delivering our service, which is such a lifeline for our community.”

There was also a £13,305 boost for the New Life Church in Great Cornard, which stated it was “thrilled and very thankful” for the grant, as it provided “significant stability” for the Abi’s Footprints Baby Bank.

Gill Soper, project co-ordinator at Abi’s Footprints, said: “It means our volunteer team can continue to develop and strengthen the various aspects of our work.

“This includes the free provision of practical essentials, such as clothing, equipment, toys and consumables, to help ease the anxiety and financial hardship of many parents struggling to meet the practical needs of their babies and young children in these challenging times.”

The Sudbury branch of Citizens Advice voiced its delight, having received £12,372, which will fund its community support co-ordinator in Babergh for another five months.

Colleen Sweeney, chief officer at Citizens Advice in Sudbury, said: “This project has been of tremendous support to both our clients and our team.

“Another five months will take us through what we believe will be a difficult winter for many.”

More funding for charities is available through the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Energy Efficiency Fund Scheme, which is open for applications until August.

This fund is intended to help community organisations with projects to make their facilities more energy-efficient and cost-effective.

James Cartlidge, the MP for South Suffolk, added: “Price pressures have brought significant challenges for the voluntary and charitable sector, who do a fantastic job at supporting our local communities.

“This exactly why this £91,000 of Government funding for Sudbury and Great Cornard charities is very much welcomed.

“I would encourage any local organisations who need further support with making their buildings long-term energy efficient to apply for the VCSE Energy Efficiency Fund Scheme before it closes in August.”