Rochdale charities providing food, shelter and warmth given support to help more people 

Nicky Iginla (second right), CEO and founder of Caring and Sharing Rochdale receiving a cheque from the National Lottery Community Fund in 2023

Two Rochdale charities providing food, shelter and warmth have been named amongst over 800 national charities and community organisations to be awarded government funding to help vulnerable people.

Caring and Sharing Rochdale, and Kashmir Youth Project will receive a much-needed boost to allow them to meet increased demand for their services. 

They will respectively receive £72,931 and £61,376.39.

Zulf Ahmed, chief executive of KYP, said: "KYP is delighted to announce that we have been awarded funding.

"This will help us to continue to provide our food pantry, increase advice and welfare sessions, provide warm spaces and enable us to deliver health and wellbeing activities.

"Thanks to the government for making this possible."

Caring and Sharing Rochdale has also been contacted for comment.

The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest community funder in the UK, will continue to make awards from the Community Organisations Cost of Living Fund throughout December and January.

Minister for Civil Society Stuart Andrew said: “Charities and community organisations are on the frontline helping the most vulnerable in society, and we are allocating £100 million in recognition that they are struggling too, as demand and costs both increase.  

“Over 800 charities have already been awarded these significant grants, meaning they can continue to help those in need and we will continue to roll out funding at pace.”

This funding comes at a critical time as charities and organisations support more people struggling to heat their homes and access hot meals. Grants worth between £10,000 and £75,000 are being allocated to cover project and core costs, including for premise rent, utilities, staff and volunteers.

David Knott, Chief Executive at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “We’re proud to be distributing government funding to enable frontline projects in England to support communities facing the impact of the rising cost of living.

“From the provision of food, shelter and safe spaces, to financial or housing advice, over 800 awards have already been made to critical services that will strengthen communities and improve lives at a challenging time.”