Support and succeed

Lots of our work focuses on tackling inequalities and creating opportunities so that our customers and communities can thrive. In our Corporate Plan, we committed to support customers with the cost-of-living crisis, through initiatives like the Thrive Fund and new Work and Skills Strategy. Here’s how we got on:

Help through the Thrive Fund

Our £300,000 Thrive Fund was doubled to £600,000 last year, in recognition of the cost of living crisis, so we could support more customers.

In 2023/24 the fund supported 1,611 families with referrals made by colleagues across the organisation, thanks to our new ways of working including the new neighbourhood model.

What sort of help is included?

You can apply for support for white goods and cookers, small kitchen items, beds, bedding, furniture, and window coverings. You can apply for items in a maximum of two of these categories.

Customers can also request referrals for assistance with school uniform and support towards decorating their home. We also make referrals to our Support and Wellbeing, Employment and Skills, and Financial Inclusion teams.

One of our customers applied for the Thrive Fund to get support to decorate their home. Their 17-year-old daughter had recently recovered from a serious illness and was due to return home from hospital. We provided the family with decorating vouchers to enable them to refresh their home and her room to provide her with a welcoming and comfortable space to recover in.   

Another customer applied for the Thrive Fund after their cooker had broken, leaving him with only his grill to use. The customer had dietary restrictions, but was also struggling with a knee injury. This meant he couldn’t rely on using the grill alone and was struggling to prepare food. We provided him with support through the Thrive Fund, ordered him a new electric oven and arranged collection of the old one, and we also gave him a voucher to purchase a microwave.

Cost of Living support

Though inflation started to slow last year, the increased cost of living is still putting additional pressure on customers’ finances, and we provided a helping hand when it was needed.

Whether for advice or help to pay for food, fuel or furniture, our Financial Inclusion team is here to help.

The team has helped me to increase my income and reduce my outgoings and helped me build my confidence to deal with my money. You have helped me massively. I would recommend anyone who needs help to get in touch with the Financial Inclusion team.

Joyce, Hulme (name changed)

One Manchester Community Fund

In January 2024, we launched the One Manchester Community Fund, where local community groups were invited to apply for grants to fund programmes that will make a real impact for our customers. 

15 organisations received a total of £100k funding to deliver projects to support our customers.

The projects included a 6-month eat well at home programme to help people in need with their health and wellbeing, social support sessions for young people impacted by family members in prison and a Men in Sheds programme to help reduce social isolation.

The Chatty Craft Group is a project delivered by the Royal Exchange. Bringing together primarily unemployed or part-time working women from diverse backgrounds, the group offers weekly creative workshops where members can develop new craft skills and socialise.

Chatty Craft Group has empowered women by reducing isolation, boosting confidence and giving them a supportive space to share experiences. We asked group member, Donna, about her experience:

Chatty Craft Group are hoping to put on larger scale projects and run extra sessions, inviting children to take part in creative activities.

Work and Skills

We’ve been successful in being awarded three new contracts to deliver additional support and paid work placements for our customers and local residents. We also successfully obtained a 12 month extension to our ongoing Be Well contract, which supports local people to get on top of their work, family and money worries.

Looking ahead, there are already lots more Employment and Skills sessions underway or coming soon - including National Citizen Service roles, our Apprenticeships, Future Focus events, and our Let’s Talk About What’s Next programme.

Work and Skills Strategy

The Work and Skills Strategy will now be part of a new Community Investment Strategy which will be delivered this year, ensuring community services are better connected.