Nearly a dozen community groups in Greenwich are to be awarded thousands of pounds for their initiatives aimed at supporting residents.

Greenwich Council’s Welcoming Spaces grant shares out £100,000 among 10 local groups with projects that “support people who need it most” in Greenwich.

With the cost-of-living crisis sending food and fuel bills soaring, the grant seeks to provide warm and welcoming public spaces for Greenwich residents. One of the grantees, Charlton Athletic Community Trust Hawksmoor Youth Hub, provides a space for young people to engage in extracurricular activities such as cooking, music, art, and sports.

Grantees qualified for their ability to offer places where people can relax and enjoy warm drinks and food. Groups offering community activities or retailing discounted meals also won funding.

Mariam Lolavar, who serves as lead for Inclusive Economy, Business & Skills in the Greenwich Council cabinet, said the grant prevents people from falling through the cracks. “Sadly, not everyone is blessed with a support system and may need to lean on our community spirit,” Lolavar said. “We hope our Welcoming Spaces become a home away from home for residents who need a cup of tea and a chat when times are tough,” she added.

Council leader Anthony Okereke said that Welcoming Spaces will provide the people of Greenwich with places where they have a sense of belonging and can access support and advice. He added that the grant is a step in the right direction in tackling the cost-of-living crisis. 

The borough has said that it’s mission is to strengthen the voluntary sector, which is more important than ever because of the cost-of-living crisis.