community support
Positive stories, useful developments and people making a difference in community support.
New Bolton community shop will combine affordable food, a café and practical support
Community Shop Sunnyside is due to open in Great Lever on 16 September, bringing discounted groceries, a community hub and a café together under one roof.
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Carers in Bedfordshire expands independent support after major service change
The Bedfordshire charity says it is continuing and developing its support for unpaid carers despite the end of a long-running local authority contract.
Cornwall expands face-to-face Community Gateway support to reach thousands more people
Cornwall’s Community Gateway is increasing in-person outreach alongside its telephone service, with at least 50 additional people a week expected to receive face-to-face help.
East Midlands councils and charities get new funding to prevent homelessness and rough sleeping
Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire councils will receive £3.6m, with more than £10m set aside for regional work in 2027/28 and 2028/29.
Berkshire project creates safer spaces and stronger voices for people living with HIV and LGBTQ+ communities
Thames Valley Positive Support has launched a National Lottery-funded Berkshire project focused on tackling isolation, stigma and barriers to support.
Volunteers are feeding and supporting firefighters during major wildfire responses
A Cambridgeshire-based charity has been sending volunteer teams to provide hot food, drinks and welfare support to firefighters tackling major wildfires around the country.
Social prescribing may help people connect with care without driving up costs
A University of Manchester study of more than 1.4 million records suggests social prescribing is linked to more healthcare use at first, followed by a small reduction in GP appointments within a year.