How our Regional Boards are distributing GBP1m to local projects helping people with the cost of living.
The team from the Love Amelia alongside NatWest's Washington branch manager Gemma Hughes
Supporting the people and communities we serve to deal with the continued rise in the cost of living is a priority for all of us at NatWest Group.
Although many households and businesses are in a resilient position to deal with these challenging times - we know there are people feeling the strain and that providing targeted support can make a real difference.
Our Regional Boards, which operate in seven regions and nations across the UK, have been supporting local communities this year with the Power of Helping Hands Fund. The GBP1m Fund aimed to provide quick, on-the-ground support to help people with the rising cost of living.
Over 120 charities were supported this year to continue delivering their services, with colleagues nominating local projects to recieve a donation from the Fund. Many colleagues also volunteered with some of the charities supported this year by using up to three volunteering days we offer.
Representatives from charities in Northern Ireland that received funding alongside Ulster Bank colleagues
The Fund formed part of a wider GBP5.7m in support we announced earlier this year to help communities throughout the UK, delivered via partner organisations including the Federation of Small Business, the Trussell Trust and Responsible Finance.
Over the last year, we've also provided GBP59 million worth of financial support to help customers and community partners with the cost of living.
The Power of a Helping Hand Fund
Here's an overview of some of the ways our Regional Boards have been supporting local communities this year.
Love Amelia - Sunderland
Sunderland's Love Amelia is one of six North East charities to receive a share of GBP22,000 from our North Regional Board to help support their essential work through the cost-of-living crisis.
Love Amelia, which provides essential items like nappies, clothes, toys and prams for babies and children in need across Tyne & Wear and County Durham, received a donation after Washington branch manager Gemma Hughes nominated the charity for the work it does across the region.
Nourishing Norfolk - Norwich
Nourishing Norfolk received GBP13,500 from our Midlands & East Regional Board to help provide healthy, affordable food for people struggling with the cost of living across Norfolk.
The charity, which was founded in 2020, works with a network of food hubs across the county. The hubs offer people a local place to shop on a budget and the chance to access the support they need to thrive. Each hub has a unique offer, but all work together to make sure no one in Norfolk goes hungry.
Catford Fridge - Lewisham
The Catford Fridge received GBP10,000 from our London and South East Regional Board to help provide food for local people.
The community project distributes surplus food collected from FoodCycle Lewisham, Fareshare and other local stores to people in the area.
Colleagues from our Lewisham branch holding a cheque with their donation of GBP10,000 for the Catford Fridge.
Southampton Sunday Lunch Project - Southampton
Southampton Sunday Lunch Project received GBP5,000 from our South West Regional Board to help provide warm winter meals for local people.
The charity was created to provide lunch or a hot meal to local people who might be in need, whatever their circumstances, while offering a warm, welcoming, friendly and relaxed atmosphere to all.
The Community Foundation - Wales
The Community Foundation Wales received GBP100k from our Welsh Regional Board to distribute to small charities across Wales, which included teaching 600+ children to grow and cook their own food.
Plus, our donation was doubled by the Welsh Government as part of its donation matching scheme.
The Salvation Army - Northern Ireland
The Salvation Army in Northern Ireland was given GBP10,000 by our Northern Ireland Regional Board to support its work running groups across the country aimed at forming communities including; parent and toddler groups and befriending meet ups.
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