Dozens of voluntary organisations and community groups are set to receive a share of £150,000 to help residents in most need.

They will benefit from the first round of a 17-month Nottinghamshire County Council Local Community Fund (LCF) scheme, which is worth a total of £450,000 to specifically help those most affected by the rise in living costs.

Groups were able to apply for two types of grants. The first, aimed at helping those who are struggling to buy nutritious food, wants to help improve health and wellbeing in the community.

The second is a contribution towards increases in fuel and energy bills incurred by community groups.

The next round of funding is due to open later this spring. Among 87 recipients of funding so far are:

The Acacia Centre, Annesley Woodhouse, £3,035, towards providing hot meals at reduced costs, signposting advice, and a food bank. It is open seven days a week.

Ladybrook Enterprises Ltd, Mansfield, £2,700 towards food and energy costs for the community hub.

The Social Action Hub, Rainworth, £3,570, towards distributing food parcels and providing a social supermarket and a youth community fridge.

Coun John Cottee, cabinet member for Communities, which oversees the LCF scheme,  said: “The response has been incredible. More than 100 groups applied for this funding from all over the county.

“We have allocated the money to as many eligible groups as possible. We want the funds to bring health and well-being benefits to those Nottinghamshire communities most in need.

“This includes funding for projects which have demonstrated an inbuilt sustainability beyond the lifetime of the grant and can also help reduce demand on health and social care services.

“We are proud that LCF is once again supporting groups, charities, and organisations so they are able to continue their essential work in community and are able to access the help they need to be able pay their own energy bills.”

Coun Matt Barney, cabinet member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, describes how this funding is part of the council’s wider support to help those most affected by rising living costs.

He said: “Vulnerable residents and those on a low income are at the heart of our overall plans which include this targeted community funding.  We want to do what we can to improve the health and wellbeing of our residents as they continue to face cost-of-living pressures.”

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