Since the Covid19 pandemic and as our communities respond to the cost of living crisis, W3RT is proud to work in partnership with Watford Borough Council, Three Rivers District Council and other key donors to distribute vital funding to enable our local community to thrive during challenging times.

Recently, W3RT CVS managed £40,000 on behalf of Watford Borough Council with funding they received as part of the Household Support Fund. The Household Support Fund allows local councils to provide funding to anyone who is vulnerable or cannot pay for essentials. In Watford, this funding allows local organisations who are support the community to purchase either food or food vouchers which they can then distribute within the community. 

In the most recent tranche of the Household Support Fund, we received 14 applications with a total amount required being £66,425. As a result of the demand locally, we were unable to fully fund all the applications that met the criteria, however, 12 organisations received funding with organisations on average receiving just over £3,300. 

In response to receiving funding from the Household Support Fund, Emma Burgham, Chief Officer at Citizens Advice Watford, said that 'this funding will allow them to purchase food vouchers to allow them to continue to support some of the most vulnerable households in Watford'. 

Additionally, Joe Meehan, Fundraising & Communications Officer for New Hope said 'The support is really appreciated during this challenging time for us and all charities. Demand for the Haven’s services is high at the moment so the team will be really pleased to know we have been chosen to receive funding'. 

As organisations report back on how they have used this fund, we will be able to better show the impact of this funding in Watford. W3RT manages a range of funding streams in consultation with our partners that local charitable groups can apply for, under the umbrella of the W3RT Community Funds. You can find further details by clicking here. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected] or call or text 07908 209 908.