Cadent Foundation Grants £1.5 million to the Trussell Trust to Help People Break Free from Poverty

The Trussell Trust, which supports a network of food banks across the UK, has been awarded a £1.5 million grant from the Cadent Foundation.

The grant, which has been announced as part of a new three-year partnership with the Cadent Foundation, will be used to support the charities’ work to tackle destitution by increasing people’s incomes. 

The Trussell Trust’s income maximisation programme supports food banks to offer advice for people in person and over the phone, to help them access benefits and grants they are entitled to but not already claiming. This new funding will support the creation of sustainable services needed locally and help make sure people have enough money for the essentials.

This winter, food banks in the Trussell Trust network are expecting to give out a food parcel every 9 seconds – and 670,000 more people in the UK are at risk of facing destitution, unable to afford the basics like food, shelter, heating.

Emma Revie, Chief Executive of the Trussell Trust, said:
 
“As we head into a winter forecast to be the busiest ever at food banks, we are so grateful to the Cadent Foundation for their support. Hunger in the UK isn’t about food, it’s about people not having enough money. That’s why this partnership will make such a difference - by helping food banks provide tailored advice and support that puts money back in the pockets of people who need it the most, it’ll help prevent people needing a food bank again. It’s not right that anyone needs to use a food bank, at any time of year. But this can change. This year has shown we can make huge changes to the way we live, work and support each other – we can build a hunger free future, a future where all of us can afford the basics.” 
 
Julia Dwyer, Director of the Cadent Foundation, said:

“The aim of the foundation is to make a positive and lasting difference to the communities Cadent serves and this project fits the bill perfectly.  This is a wonderful initiative focused on ending the need for food banks by providing practical support to people in crisis so that they can tackle the issues they’re facing.

“We’re delighted to support the Trussell Trust and look forward to working with them over the next three years to help people break free from poverty.”

For more information on the Trussell Trust, visit www.trusselltrust.org

Project secured funding that helps customers unable to afford repairs or replacements for their appliances 

Cadent Foundation has awarded a grant to National Energy Action, a fuel poverty and energy efficiency charity, to support the most vulnerable with repairs or replacements to their gas appliances.
Within the gas emergency industry, Cadent’s First Call Operatives (FCOs) respond to emergencies such as, gas escapes or carbon monoxide alarms and may have to disconnect a customer’s gas supply to make the property safe.
Customer’s on a low income or in a vulnerable situation are at times unable to afford to pay for the necessary repairs or replacement works. This can put people in situations without heating, hot water and cooking facilities for an indefinite amount of time.
Having identified this, the Reactive Response scheme allows the FCOs to refer people in vulnerable households to the programme which will arrange for repairs or replacements of gas appliances free of charge.
Feedback from the scheme has been positive and have customers frequently commented on how satisfied they were with the service they had received through Reactive Response:
 
“Without your help I would be in dire straits. I wouldn’t know what to do. I appreciate the support offered to me at a very vulnerable time. Thank you.”
“I'm so grateful for your help and the expertise of the workmen who fitted the new piece of gas pipe. I would not have known who to turn to or trust without your help.”
 
For more information about National Energy Action, the charity the foundation has chosen to support and its ambition to tackle fuel poverty go to their website https://www.nea.org.uk/

We’ve granted £100,000 to Royal Voluntary Service to support communities during the pandemic

For over 80 years, Royal Voluntary Service has inspired over 2 million people across the UK to volunteer their time to support their local communities. Originally founded in 1938 as the Women’s Voluntary Services for Air Raid Precautions, it is now the largest volunteering organisation in British history.

We recognised the support Royal Voluntary Service has been providing to those who need it during the coronavirus pandemic, especially by helping the NHS launch the NHS responders scheme. 

Sam Ward, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Services, Royal Voluntary Service explains what this means, ‘Our services provide a lifeline to vulnerable older people in the community and in hospitals, but now, due to the outbreak of coronavirus in Britain, the need for our help has become even more vital. 

‘This very generous donation from the Cadent Foundation will enable us to support more vulnerable people during this crisis now and in the months to come through companionship calls, helping people access food and essential medication, delivering welfare checks and providing virtual social activities to keep people connected. We are determined that isolation shouldn’t mean coping alone.’

 
To find out more about the Royal Voluntary Service and what they are doing during this unprecedented time, visit https://www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/

A new scheme that offers fully funded gas central heating systems to over 1000 homes

The ‘Connected for Warmth’ scheme will offer new gas central heating systems to households that need help with their energy bills. It will also offer a free connection to the gas main for homes that are currently without gas but that can benefit from affordable heat in their homes and hot water.
The grant from the Cadent Foundation will be used to install the latest energy efficient boilers to around 1000 homes. Its aims are to reduce bills, increase comfort in non-gas households, and improve health outcomes for residents.
The scheme will run across the entire area served by Cadent, the Gas Distribution Network Operator, which reaches most of the Midlands, the East of England, North London and the North West. This will support the most vulnerable of people in these areas who are living in fuel poverty and enable them to have a warm home.
The Connected for Warmth scheme is being managed by AgilityEco and has also received the endorsement of a number of local councils.

Households can find out more by visiting www.connectedforwarmth.org.uk or by calling 0800 029 4547.


 

The Zinthiya Trust, which provides information, advice and practical support to alleviate poverty and abuse in Leicestershire, has been awarded a £39,060 grant from the Cadent Foundation.

The grant will be used to support the charity’s £15+ project which aims to build the financial resilience and improve the wellbeing of people living in the city.  The project has a simple core objective, to improve the finances of beneficiaries by a minimum of £15 a week.  It will provide wide ranging support to empower people to transform their lives, with a strong focus on with hard-to-reach groups who have historically struggled to access mainstream support services.

Participants in the project will be offered a personalised package of support including income maximisation checks, help to claim eligible benefits, debt management and budgeting.  They will also be given guidance on switching utilities, and how to access energy efficiency measures and grants for home insulation and energy discount schemes.   Coaching will be provided to help people change their attitudes towards money and improve financial literacy.  The project will also offer employability support with opportunities to develop skills through work placements and volunteering to get people into paid work.
 
Sharon McAsey, Project Manager at the Zinthiya Trust said: “There are significant areas of deprivation in Leicester, social mobility rates in the city are the sixth worst in the UK and 39% of children are living in poverty. There is also a large population of people for whom English is not their first language; they struggle to access mainstream services and are being left behind creating massive inequality in our community. 
 
“Our experience has shown that everyone experiences poverty differently; whether it’s due to family pressures, physical and mental health problems, domestic abuse, a reliance on benefits or working on low income. One dimensional solutions are not effective and an intensive, holistic approach is required to ensure the poorest in our community do not fall even further behind financially.
 
“The £15+ project has a measurable, easy to understand goal which has proved extremely successful in pilot trials. It will help improve people’s financial literacy by equipping them with financial management skills that will last a lifetime.  This increased knowledge will increase their ability to live independently and lead fulfilling lives, improve emotional wellbeing and reduce stress related problems.  It will also help reduce isolation and ensure people are not excluded from society simply due to insufficient disposable income to attend an event or meet a friend for coffee.”
  
Over the next 12 months, the grant funding from Cadent Foundation will enable the Zinthiya Trust to provide both online and in person support through referrals and a programme of drop-in sessions and group events at locations across the city.
 
Sharon added: “We are extremely grateful to the Cadent Foundation for this generous grant.  It will allow us to help people in some of Leicester’s most deprived communities transform their lives.” 
 
Julia Dwyer, Director of the Cadent Foundation, said: This is a wonderful initiative focused on tackling challenges with practical solutions.  We’re delighted to be able to support the Zinthiya Trust to help people in vulnerable situations become financially stronger and more resilient in the longer term – giving them the opportunity to take back control of their lives.
 
“The aim of the Cadent Foundation is to create meaningful change and this project fits the bill perfectly.  Not only will it directly benefit those taking part, the results will also have a positive impact on local support services and the wider community in Leicester.”

Cadent Foundation and Groundwork Join Forces with Free Winter Warmer Packs

The elderly and people living in vulnerable situations are being given extra support to stay warm and well during the winter months thanks to the Cadent Foundation and community action charity, Groundwork.
 
The Cadent Foundation has granted £40,000 to Groundwork, to create 2700 winter warmer packs for those most in need. The packs will be distributed via local food banks and community hubs in towns and cities across the UK. Each pack contains a range of items to help people keep warm this winter such as socks, gloves, hat, scarf, hot water bottle, blanket, thermal flask mug and energy saving lightbulbs.
 
Latest ONS figures revealed there were an estimated 28,300 excess winter deaths in England and Wales in 2019/20, 19.6% higher than the previous year. Respiratory diseases accounted for almost 40% of all excess winter deaths and according to fuel poverty charity National Energy Action, 8,500 were due to cold homes. 
 
Groundwork’s Green Doctors programme provides energy saving advice that helps people to keep warm, well, and save money by reducing energy bills. Graham Duxbury, National Chief Executive of Groundwork, said: “Around 4 million people in the UK are in fuel poverty, unable to afford to live in a warm, dry home. During the cold winter months, people are expected to use 30% more energy on average than they normally would. With more people at home, increased utility costs and unemployment rising due to the financial impact of the pandemic, more families will be experiencing extreme financial hardship as well as the emotional strain of keeping themselves and their loved ones well.  
 
“Fuel poverty is also a major factor in our ability to cope with disease.  Living in a dangerously cold home increases the risk of heart attacks, respiratory illness, pneumonia and affects mental health, which means finding cost effective ways of keeping people warm is essential.   Small changes can have a big impact and these winter warmer packs – backed up by practical advice from our Green Doctors - will help some of the most vulnerable in our society keep warm and well during the cold weather.” 
 
Julia Dwyer, Director of the Cadent Foundation, said: ““We’re delighted to be able to offer this grant to Groundwork to provide practical support to those who need it most. Many vulnerable households are facing even bleaker challenges as we head into winter and it’s reassuring to know these packs will help make a real difference at such a difficult time of year.
 
“This grant is just the first stage in a wider partnership between the Cadent Foundation and Groundwork, which will see the charity’s Green Doctor programme rolled out in numerous locations across the UK in 2021.”
 
For more information on Groundwork’s Green Doctors programme, together with tips and advice on keeping your home warm this winter, visit www.groundwork.org.uk

After an incredibly challenging year for charities, the Cadent Foundation has awarded more than £4.8million to charitable organisations in its first year.

The Foundation has awarded 100 new grants to charities and organisations working across the North West, West Midlands, East of England and North London. Since January 2020, grants of between £1000 and £1.5million have been given to projects which support its core objectives - to help people living in vulnerable situations and energy poor communities; protect and preserve the natural environment and create a sustainable energy future for all.
 
These grants have supported a wide array of initiatives such as helping people increase their income and reduce energy bills, improving access to STEM careers and mentoring opportunities for young people, reducing social isolation through practical conservation projects, as well as research studies around green energy.  The Foundation also launched a COVID-19 Response Fund with a £240,000 emergency grant to the Trussell Trust to support food banks and £100,000 to the Royal Voluntary Service to aid its NHS Responder project.  In addition, up to £125,000 of small grants were given to charities and groups delivering to those most vulnerable in their local communities – supporting everything from food parcels, to pre-school starter packs and helping the homeless into temporary accommodation.
 
Julia Dwyer, Director of the Cadent Foundation, said: “The aim of the Cadent Foundation is to make a positive and lasting difference to the communities that Cadent serves, and we are proud of how far we’ve come in such a short time.   2020 has been challenging for everyone but more than ever, the events of the past 12 months have demonstrated how grants like ours offer a lifeline for charities working at the heart of our communities. 
 
“Throughout this difficult time the Foundation has remained steadfast in its commitment to deliver against our core objectives, but we’ve also we’ve adapted our strategy to help address areas of greatest need with the launch of our COVID-19 Response Fund.  As well as offering grants to small and medium grassroots charities, we’ve also secured national partnerships with organisations such as the Trussell Trust and Groundwork UK that will help drive long term change.”  
 
Trussell Trust, which supports a network of food banks across the UK, was awarded a £1.5 million grant from the Cadent Foundation for its income maximisation programme.  Emma Revie, Chief Executive of Trussell Trust, said: “As we head into a winter forecast to be the busiest ever at food banks, we are so grateful to the Cadent Foundation for their support. Hunger in the UK isn’t about food, it’s about people not having enough money. That’s why this partnership will make such a difference - by helping food banks provide tailored advice and support that puts money back in the pockets of people who need it the most, it’ll help prevent people needing a food bank again.”
 
With around 4 million UK households unable to afford to live in a warm, dry home, National Energy Action (NEA) is a national charity working to end fuel poverty. The Cadent Foundation awarded a £400,000 grant to roll out its Reactive Response project across Cadents networks as part of a one-year national trial. Adam Scorer, NEA Chief Executive commented: “NEA is delighted to be involved with the Reactive Response programme in partnership with Cadent Foundation. The programme identifies and assists some of the most vulnerable households in society. A Reactive Response intervention can greatly improve a household’s chance of achieving affordable warmth and has an enormous impact on the health, wellbeing, and quality of life of vulnerable householders.”
 
The Wildlife Trusts – a movement of 46 charities across the UK – was awarded £253,618 to enable the extension of wellbeing projects that are focused on connecting people with nature in deprived, urban areas. Patience Thody, Deputy CEO said: “We live in one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, which is why The Wildlife Trusts is working to help wildlife recover and ensure nature is part of our everyday lives, with studies showing how this connection provides many benefits for us all.  We are thrilled that the funding from the Cadent Foundation will enable us to expand our vital work alongside communities to reverse the decline of nature, whilst helping people develop new skills, build relationships and play an important role in shaping their local wild places.”
 
Next year, the Cadent Foundation is looking to increase the amount of funding awarded, pledging up to £7million to support charities and organisations across its networks.  Julia Dwyer added: “As we enter 2021, we remain in uncertain times and the role of the Foundation has never been more important. There is clearly a huge amount of unmet need, and moving forward, we will continue to build on what we have achieved and work with charities and partners to explore how we can use our resources and expertise to maximise the positive impact we can have together.”
 

 

In2ScienceUK, a social mobility charity which helps young people from low-income and disadvantaged backgrounds gain practical insight into careers in science, technology, engineer and maths (STEM); has been awarded a £96,745 grant from the Cadent Foundation to expand its programme across North London, East of England and the North West.   

Young people from disadvantaged backgrounds face significant barriers to their progression in STEM degrees and careers.  In fact, only 10% of life science professionals, 15% of academics and 6% of doctors come from low socio-economic groups.  In2scienceUK leverages the passion of STEM experts and engineering professionals to support young people to achieve their potential through life-changing work-placements, skills days and workshops. The In2scienceUK Programme has a significantly positive impact with independent evaluation proving that 58% of young people taking part progress to top tier universities. Nationally, just 11% of disadvantaged students progress to top universities. In 2020, In2scienceUK transformed its programme to be delivered online through a high-quality virtual STEM learning portal, this year the charity is determined to support more young people to reach their potential.
 
The new funding will support 160 young people who will become the first Cadent Foundation Scholars to participate in an innovative three step programme that includes:

• Mentorship and placements with top STEM professionals at world leading universities.
• ​An online research module with interactive activities and lectures to give an insight into engineering research.
• Workshops on careers and employability skills such as CV writing and interview techniques.

Rebecca McKelvey, Founder and CEO of In2scienceUK said: “Poverty and social background are huge barriers to progressing to careers within STEM. If students don’t receive the right guidance and support through their schools and personal networks, they may never consider pursuing a career within this sector. By giving students from disadvantaged backgrounds high-quality opportunities and support at the start of their career journey, In2scienceUK empowers them to achieve their potential and become the next generation of researchers, innovators and pioneers.
 
“Our mission, to increase diversity and equal opportunity in STEM, has never been so relevant as it is today. COVID-19 has only highlighted and added to the disparity of opportunity between young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and those who are more affluent. Now, more than ever, we must encourage all young people to achieve their potential in STEM, regardless of their background.
 
“In 2020 we received 3000 applications from young people across the UK with great potential but in desperate need of support to help secure a brighter future. The need is huge.  We are extremely grateful to the Cadent Foundation for this generous grant which demonstrates its commitment to our mission and work.  It will allow us to expand our programme even further and help so many more young people to achieve their full potential.” 
 
In2scienceUK student Ariba, took part in the programme in 2020.  She explains how it’s had a big impact on her career decisions. “The In2scienceUK programme helped me explore the different aspects of the sciences and made me recognise how valuable a degree in STEM is. It also made me realise the significance of STEM-related careers in our everyday life.  The highlight of the programme for me was meeting my mentor. I was able to share my passion and interest in chemistry with someone who was an expert in this field. I was also able to ask for advice whether it be about university in general or career related.
 
“Taking part in the In2scienceUK programme confirmed my desire to work in a lab, hence pursue a career in research in the future as it will allow me to continue my passion for the sciences as well as develop transferable skills. It made me realise how broad chemistry is and the impact it has on other fields such as medicine which is simply fascinating!”
 
Julia Dwyer, Director of the Cadent Foundation, said: “We are delighted to be able to support In2ScienceUK to expand its fantastic programmes across our networks.  Through the Cadent Foundation Scholars Programme young people will have the opportunity to build lasting connections and gain valuable insight that will help them to become the next generation of STEM professionals – with access to cutting edge research, inspiring mentors, as well as careers and university access support and advice.
 
“These programmes are not only life changing for the young people directly involved, they also benefit multiple organisations within each community.  Schools gain free careers workshops and advice, and for industries, they boost diversity and inclusion in the STEM sector as well as providing a pipeline of skilled workers for the future, supporting the growth of the UK economy.”
 
For more information about In2ScienceUK, including how you can apply for a place on this year’s programme or if you want to know more about how your school can get involved, visit www.in2scienceuk.org.
 
If you would like to partner with In2scienceUK and support more young people through the highly impactful In2scienceUK Programme please email In2scienceUK’s Development Officer: luke@in2scienceuk.org

Community action charity, Groundwork, has been awarded a £3 million grant from the Cadent Foundation to support the expansion of its Green Doctors programme as part of a new three-year strategic partnership.

Green Doctors are energy efficiency experts helping vulnerable households across the UK to stay warm and well, save money on their household bills and improve energy efficiency at home.  With 1 in 10 households in the UK experiencing fuel poverty, it's a crucial lifeline for many.
 
The £3 million grant will enable Groundwork to expand and enhance its established Green Doctor programme, deploying trained advisors in at least ten priority locations, providing high quality energy cost saving advice to thousands of vulnerable households. 
 
Green Doctors will visit people in their homes (once COVID restrictions allow), provide remote support (by telephone and online) and attend community events, delivering energy efficiency advice, promoting behaviour change and installing energy saving and warm home measures.  They will also work with other services to provide rounded support to vulnerable households, including onward referrals to maximise benefit claims, address home safety issues and tackle food poverty. 
 
Some of the services offered by the Green Doctors include identifying causes of heat loss in the home, helping to identify and tackle damp or mould problems, offering useful tips for saving energy, installing small energy efficiency measures, such as draft excluders and supporting people to switch energy providers to save money.
 
Graham Duxbury, National Chief Executive of Groundwork said: “Groundwork is delighted to have the support of the Cadent Foundation to deliver such a worthwhile project.  This is the largest grant we have ever received for our Green Doctors programme and it will undoubtedly have a huge impact on some of the most vulnerable people across Cadent’s network.
 
“Around 4 million people in the UK are in fuel poverty, unable to afford to live in a warm, dry home. With more people at home, increased utility costs and unemployment rising due to the financial impact of the pandemic, more families will be experiencing extreme financial hardship as well as the emotional strain of keeping themselves and their loved ones well.  
 
“Working with priority groups such as young people and families, low-income households, residents of poor housing and those suffering ill health, this new partnership will help vulnerable households boost their income by saving energy, so that they can live more comfortably and reduce their environmental impact.”
In the first year, the project aims to support at least 3,000 vulnerable households through Green Doctor consultations, deliver at least 300 training events in local communities and install 9000 small energy saving measures to achieve annual cost savings amongst vulnerable households of up to £465,000.
 
Camil accessed the Green Doctors’ services in February 2021. He said: “My partner died just before Christmas and I have been really struggling for money as I’ve been on furlough and so only receiving 80% of my usual wage. At the same time, I found out my benefits had been overpaid and I needed to find the money to repay them. I was really scared and just didn’t know where to turn to.
 
“My neighbour contacted a local councillor who referred me on to the Green Doctors. The Green Doctor contacted me and not only helped me get the benefits payments written off but gave me an energy consultation to reduce my bills. I’m grateful because the support really took the pressure off and I feel more felt able to cope financially. I feel like a huge weight has been lifted and I can finally get some sleep.”
 
Julia Dwyer, Director of the Cadent Foundation, said: “Supporting people out of fuel poverty is one of the fundamental objectives of the Cadent Foundation and this new partnership with Groundwork will offer free, practical help and advice to thousands of people.  With one in ten people across the UK struggling to heat their home, it’s vital to ensure that money and resources are available to support individuals and families in some of the worst hit areas.
 
“We’re delighted to support Groundwork’s Green Doctors programme and look forward to working with them closely over the next three years to help lift people out of fuel poverty.”
 
For more information on Groundwork’s Green Doctors programme, together with tips and advice on keeping your home warm this winter, visit www.groundwork.org.uk