The cost of living crisis is affecting everyone. Birmingham’s small community and voluntary groups and charities are feeling it – as well as the people we collectively support.
Charity Excellence Framework has launched a #SurviveAndThrive programme of resources for UK charities, community groups and individuals. We think this is a great place to start.
And here are links to further cost of living resources that may help with:
Managing budgets and costs
BCM can help with reviewing your budget and costs associated with running your small Birmingham-based community organisation. See whether there’s a BCM event coming up that suits you. Or maybe book a one-to-one online session with a BCM helper?
Reducing or managing energy costs
Charity Excellence Framework has created this Energy Saver Toolkit. It offers more than 30 energy-saving ideas, efficiency schemes and grants for charities and individuals.
Alongside Utility Aid, NCVO and SCVO are holding this webinar for our sector on Wednesday 30 November: ‘How to manage rising energy costs’.
Accessing cost of living crisis funding
The free searchable Funding Finder grants database from Charity Excellence Framework now has a category for crisis grants.
If the work of your charity or group is impacted by supporting people affected by the cost of living crisis, you may be able to apply for Crowdfunder’s Extra+ funding.
Collaborating with others through the cost of living crisis
BVSC and Barrow Cadbury Trust are holding an event at the Priory Rooms on Tuesday 1 November. It’s for people in Birmingham’s voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector: Cost of Living Event.
Supporting people who come to our groups
A community response to the cost of living crisis, the Warm Welcome Campaign supports organisations to open their doors to people struggling to heat their homes.
CILIP is the library and information association. It has published the guide ‘A warm welcome: Setting up a warm space in your community’ with an introduction by Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis.
Warmer Homes West Midlands offers personalised energy advice to households in the region (including Birmingham) who are struggling to heat their homes. It promises to be an impartial service and free to use.
If your group is based in Handsworth and you know someone experiencing hardship there, you may be able to refer them to the Handsworth Charity for a small one-off grant.
Birmingham City Council outlines cost of living support for individuals and families across the city, including details of food banks, help with energy bills, and ways to manage debt. If you are having immediate problems, the council asks that you call 0121 303 1116.
