North Northamptonshire organisations to receive funds from National Grid to help tackle fuel poverty in winter

National Grid is set to offer Wellingborough and Rushden organisations a grant to help tackle fuel poverty amid rising costs this winter.

As part of the company’s Community Fund, organisations in the midlands and Wales are being offered sums of money to help their local area.

The most recent round of funding was launched as a response to the ongoing cost of living crisis, and £5000 has been awarded to St Mary’s Church to deliver a warm space and meals to people in need in Rushden.

Paul Adams from St Mary’s Church in Rushden said: “The receipt of this grant from the Community Matters Fund will enable us to provide a warm space and a simple lunch on at least two days a week during the winter months.

"We are becoming more aware of increasing numbers of people who are afraid to put their heating on as utility prices escalate out of control.

"If this can help alleviate these worries even for a short time each week, this project will be well worth the effort.”

St Mary’s Church has strong links with local community services, youth organisations, retirement homes as well as other groups in Rushden, and has been a stalwart place not just of worship but of community since its construction in the early 15th century.

In Wellingborough, day-care centre Glamis Hall has been awarded £10,000, and Milap Dostiyo will receive £5,672.70 to deliver weekly energy advice sessions and warm packs to diverse communities in the town.

The Victoria Centre, which frequently hosts events to help improve community cohesion, sustainability, and promote diversity had been granted £9,711 to deliver a weekly warm bank.

Heather Saunders, chair of trustees at Glamis Hall, said: "Many people in our community are struggling to afford to heat their homes and the Community Warmth and Energy Action project will enable us to provide a warm space for people to come together, have a hot drink and some food, and avoid the need to heat their homes for at least part of the day.”

Jaya Taylor from Milap Dostiyo said: “The funding will enable the group to support vulnerable members of our local community, encouraging physical and mental wellbeing.”

Kevin Johnstone, manager of the Victoria Centre added: “Victoria Centre is grateful to Localgiving and National Grid electricity distribution for this kind grant, which will enable us to warm and feed the community in our part of Wellingborough in the coldest part of the winter."

National Grid operates the electricity transmission network in England and Wales, and the latest round of its Community Matters funding will be at its highest to date, with £2.5 million shared to local organisations.

Alison Sleightholm, regulation and corporate director at National Grid, said: “Tackling fuel poverty is an immediate and pressing priority for us.

"This year, we’re giving away a record amount to support our most vulnerable. We’re pleased to see the first community organisations, charities and local authorities being awarded their grants.”

The Community Matters Fund is part of National Grid’s distribution Business Plan pledge to support vulnerable customers, and grants to local organisations go a long way to help those in need.