The Cambridge Building Society has awarded a total of £32,820 to five charities working to support housing access, tackle homelessness and provide care for vulnerable individuals and families across the region.
Cambridge Women’s Aid, Cambridge and District Citizens Advice (CDCA), The Sick Children’s Trust, Making Space and Wintercomfort have each received grants through The Cambridge’s Community Fund, which is managed by the Cambridgeshire Community Foundation.
Louise Harper, people manager at The Cambridge and Community Fund panellist, said: “These five charities are doing extraordinary work that touches the lives of so many in our community. From helping survivors of domestic abuse build new homes, to preventing homelessness through practical advice and emotional support, this funding is about giving people a real chance at stability, dignity, and a fresh start. We’re proud to play a part in that journey.”
The awards are part of a wider £175,000 annual donation pledged by the building society to mark its 175th anniversary.
Cambridge Women’s Aid has received £7,000 to provide financial support to 12 survivors of domestic abuse moving from refuge accommodation into independent housing. Angie Stewart, CEO, said: “When survivors of domestic abuse move out of Cambridge Women’s Aid’s refuge into their own accommodation, they often don’t have many possessions nor the money to purchase essential furniture and white goods. This grant means we can help women to buy furniture to make their new house a home.”
Cambridge and District Citizens Advice has been awarded £10,000 to fund a housing caseworker supporting people at risk of homelessness. Jo Jordan, contracts and compliance manager, said: “The fund will significantly improve lives by offering direct support to prevent homelessness, secure stable housing, and provide specialist financial advice.”
The Sick Children’s Trust received £2,820 to support Acorn House, which offers free accommodation for families with children undergoing critical care in Cambridge hospitals. Hayley Peck, house manager at Acorn and Chestnut Houses, said: “We are incredibly grateful for this generous grant from Cambridge Building Society’s Community Fund. It will make a huge difference to families staying in our Cambridge ‘Homes from Home’, where we provide a warm, comfortable place for them to stay while their children receive critical care, completely free of charge.”
Making Space has been granted £3,000 to support emergency accommodation and transport for unpaid carers experiencing domestic abuse. David McGregor, service manager, said: “Domestic abuse among unpaid carers is often hidden and complex. Thanks to support from The Cambridge Building Society, we can offer crisis support, raise awareness, and ensure carers know they’re not alone.”
Wintercomfort received £10,000 to support its tenancy sustainment and homelessness prevention services. Sarah Taylor, senior tenancy support officer, said: “My role focuses on tenancy sustainment and homeless prevention, and my aim is to reduce some of the pressure that a person may feel – in a person-centred way.”
The Cambridge Building Society Community Fund accepts applications twice a year, with the current round closing on 2nd May.
