The £50k Survive & Thrive Fund (allocated by MK Council) which is being awarded in grants of up to £5k by the Foundation, has been set up to ensure the sector survives the recession and can cope with the strains it is bringing.
Due to the recession and changes in benefit law, MK Welfare Rights have seen a huge increase on the demand for their service. Caseworkers are facing more complex and time-consuming cases, which are stretching their resources and reducing their capacity, just at a time when demand for their service is at it’s height.
MK Welfare Rights have just received a small grant from the Survive & Thrive Fund;
'the grant provided by MK Community Foundation will help us to pay for training for new volunteers who will eventually be able to relieve some of the increase in demand for our service since the onset of the economic crisis...'
Assunta Armieri, MK Welfare Rights Group.
Many Milton Keynes voluntary sector organisations are facing pressures as a result of increased demand for their services.
“It is essential for local voluntary sector organisations to be supported throughout the recession; as it is often the people they serve that will be the most vulnerable and the hardest to be hit at times like these. We strongly urge people to seek help and advice from the sector at this time and for organisations who are struggling to approach us for support.”
Julia Upton, Chief Executive, Milton Keynes Community Foundation.
As a result of the recession, financial co-operative MK Credit Union are seeing a rise in loan repayment arrears, a fall in demand for loans as a result of caution about borrowing and a slow-down in their membership levels. They remind people facing financial hardship and with a poor credit history, to consider the Credit Union loan service. It is a much more cost-effective option than those offered by door-step lenders who can charge up to 400% interest on loans. For further information on affordable credit & savings options contact the MK Credit Union on 01908 525086.
If your local group or charity is being affected by the recession and you require additional funds at this time, please contact the Milton Keynes Community Foundation on 01908 690276.