Cambridge Women’s Aid, Cambridge and District Citizens Advice (CDCA), The Sick Children’s Trust, Making Space and Wintercomfort have all been awarded 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.”
To celebrate 175 years of serving our members, The Cambridge has pledged to donate £175,000 annually from our profits to good causes – with an expanded criteria for the Community Fund to deliver more meaningful and long-lasting impact in our community. Here is how the grants have been awarded.
Cambridge Women’s Aid
Cambridge Women’s Aid has received £7,000 to provide practical financial support to 12 domestic abuse survivors transitioning from emergency refuge into independent living.
Angie Stewart, CEO at Cambridge Women’s Aid, 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 (CDCA)
A £10,000 grant has been awarded to Cambridge and District Citizens Advice (CDCA) to fund a specialist housing caseworker. This role will focus on supporting individuals at risk of homelessness, enabling access to stable accommodation, and offering essential financial and legal guidance.
Jo Jordan, Contracts and Compliance Manager at CDCA, commented:
“The fund will significantly improve lives by offering direct support to prevent homelessness, secure stable housing, and provide specialist financial advice. We’ll assist with housing applications, advise on how to negotiate with landlords to prevent evictions, offer debt management guidance, maximize income through benefits & Grants, and ensure clients can maintain stable, affordable homes.”
The Sick Children’s Trust
A grant of £2,820 has been awarded to The Sick Children’s Trust to support the running costs of Acorn House, which provides a home from home to families with children undergoing critical care in Cambridge hospitals.
Hayley Peck, House Manager at Acorn and Chestnut Houses, expressed her thanks:
"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. Thank you.”
Making Space
Making Space has been granted £3,000 to support emergency accommodation and transport costs for unpaid carers in Cambridgeshire who are experiencing domestic abuse, benefitting up to 50 individuals.
David McGregor, Service Manager at Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Carers Service, said:
“Domestic abuse among unpaid carers is often hidden and complex. Carers may feel guilt or fear speaking up, especially if the behaviour is linked to illness or medication. Thanks to support from The Cambridge Building Society, we can offer crisis support, raise awareness, and ensure carers know they’re not alone.”
Wintercomfort
A further £10,000 has been awarded to Wintercomfort to support its Housing Support & Prevention Service. The funding will contribute directly towards a dedicated Tenancy Support Advisor, helping individuals avoid eviction and maintain stable housing.
Sarah Taylor, Senior Tenancy Support Officer, shared:
“Our Tenancy Support Service offers a safe space for someone to gain emotional and practical support, alongside signposting to specialist services to help prepare them on the journey to secure and maintain accommodation. 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 yearly, from local charities and community organisations - with applications for the current round of funding closing on May 2.
Visit www.cambridgebs.co.uk to find out more.
Image: Louise Harper, People Manager at The Cambridge and Community Fund Panellist.
