Investing in rural communities is about more than bricks and mortar for believe housing, it is also about the services and support it provides to make a real difference to people’s lives.
During the National Housing Federation’s Rural Housing Week, the County Durham-based housing association is shining a light on how its community grants are helping to build a brighter future for people in rural communities.
In total, £32,216 in community grants was awarded to more than 50 rural projects during 2022/23.
Joanne Norman, Community Investment Coordinator for believe housing, said: “believe housing’s investment in rural communities goes beyond the bricks and mortar of our homes in these areas.
“It also includes supporting and funding community schemes and projects that make a real difference to people’s lives.
“We’re proud to have provided £32,216 of grant funding to our rural communities across the last 12 months.
“This money has supported 57 projects which has helped support our customers not just in their homes, but across their communities.”
One such project helped to feed more than 150 people across Weardale during the winter.
Organised by Durham County Councillor Anita Savory, the Winter Warmers scheme was based at Wolsingham School from October 2022 until March 2023.
Volunteers prepared and dished out two-course meals for free every two weeks and they also spread some holiday cheer with a special Christmas dinner.
As well providing a hot and nutritious meal, Winter Warmers offered a warm space during the cost-of-living crisis, so people could get together and combat social isolation during the winter months.
The scheme was part-funded with a £500 Keep Warm, Keep Well community grant from believe housing, with additional funding from Weardale Area Action Partnership.
Cllr Savroy said: “The Winter Warmers project provided many things to many of our older members of the community especially those who live alone. It gave them a reason to leave their home for a couple of hours and enjoy a hot nutritious meal that they probably wouldn’t have made at home.
“It was a social activity for them and it promoted cohesion between the students at Wolsingham School who did a sterling job serving the food and engaging in conversation. It brought laughter warmth and light to the long winter days.
“With the assistance of believe housing, the WAP team, and my Neighbourhood budget this proved to be a much appreciated and worthwhile project much appreciated by all who benefitted.”
Following its success, Cllr Savory plans more projects similar to Winter Warmers in the future.
To find out more about believe housing’s community grants visit www.believehousing.co.uk/your-community/community-funding/
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