Duchy Health Charity and Cornwall Community Foundation join forces to give more support in the cost of living crisis

We have received £50,000 from the Duchy Health Charity to help people struggling with the rising cost-of-living crisis. The funds provide grants to charities and community organisations who are facing increased demand due to the rising household costs. It provides a vital lifeline to communities and individuals across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

CCF’s Poverty Hurts – Cornwall’s Cost of Living Crisis Appeal supported 60 community groups with more than £300,000 in 2022. The supported projectsA piece of work that delivers an output. included Foodbanks, money advice centres, residents associations, youth projects, the Samaritans and Citizens Advice Cornwall.

The Duchy Health Charity provides strategic and financial support for focused organisations to create effective health and well-being solutions for the people of Cornwall. Rising food and energy costs make many households and individuals very vulnerable to the cost-of-living crisis. Financial insecurity has a detrimental effect on people’s physical and mental well-being.

Samaritans of Cornwall received £5,000 from the Cost of Living Crisis FundA sum of money made available for grant making, often with specific criteria/conditions. to ensure that they can continue answering calls for help from those in despair and distress. Over the past 12 months, we have responded to nearly 24,000 phone calls, emails, webchats and walk-ins. The grant will literally help to save and change lives, supporting those in mental health crisis, leading to improved mental health and well-being. Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly have higher levels of self-harm and suicide than the national average and the third-highest rate of suicide in the UK, one suicide every 5.5 days. This is likely due to the high levels of deprivation and isolation. 17 of Cornwall’s neighbourhoods are in the top 10% most deprived areas in England.

Dr Barbara Vann, DL., Hon. DSc, Chair of the Duchy Health Charity, said, “I am delighted that Duchy Health Charity is joining forces with CCF to help the people of Cornwall. This donation will be used to give wide-ranging support to those who are in need, especially those who may not be able to access statutory services. The help may take many forms and I would encourage people and organisations to apply.”

Mrs Sally-Jane Coode, MBE, DL, Chair of the Grant Committee of the Duchy Health Charity, said, “We are very pleased as a charity whose aim is to improve the health and wellbeing of people in this county, to make a contribution to help those in need knowing what a difficult time many people are having at present.”

Tamas Haydu, Chief Executive of CCF, said, “We are delighted to be working with the Duchy Health Charity on helping the most vulnerable members of our communities. We couldn’t help so many people without our generous supporters. We welcome applications for funding from organisations providing much-needed support for people’s wellbeing during the cost of living crisis.”

To find out more and to apply for grant funding, click here.