Colchester City Council is pleased to announce the successful applicants for the Voluntary Welfare Grant Programme Fund, which provides financial support to community infrastructure and support organisations operating across the city over the coming year.
Why the Voluntary Welfare Grant Programme Fund matters
The Voluntary Welfare Grant Programme Fund plays a vital role in supporting local organisations that are often best placed to understand and respond to the needs of the community.
By providing targeted financial support, the fund directly contributes to addressing priorities relating to health, wellbeing and community safety, enables voluntary, community and charitable groups to deliver services and activities that improve quality of life, reduce inequalities and strengthen community resilience.
Unlike past years, the allocations for 2026–27 are made on a one‑year basis. This reflects the rapidly changing landscape facing the voluntary and community sector, alongside wider system changes across local government and health partners.
List of funded organisations:
- Citizens Advice Colchester - delivers advice and support services across a wide range of thematic areas, supporting residents who are most in need.
- Open Road Colchester (SOS Bus) - plays a key role in enhancing community wellbeing and public safety within the night‑time economy and at community events.
- Colchester Foodbank - provides emergency food and support to local people in crisis.
Bev Perkins, Chief Officer of Citizens Advice Colchester, said: “Thanks to this funding, we have been able to continue providing vital advice and support to local people facing increasing financial hardship. It has helped our advisers assist residents with housing, benefits, relationship and debt issues, delivering life-changing financial gains and preventing problems from escalating into crisis.”
Stacey Banner, Welfare and Volunteer Manager of Open Road said: “This funding has made a huge difference by enabling us to expand our vital SOS Bus operation, assist with staffing, and sustain our peer support programmes, which directly help people rebuild their lives and reconnect with their families.”
Helps Colchester Foodbank secure permanent premises
One of the largest allocations was awarded to Colchester Foodbank to support the acquisition of its permanent site, the former premises of wholesale confectioners Osgood Smith, on Greenstead Road.
Nikki Ranson, Co-Director of Colchester Foodbank, said: “We are incredibly grateful for the Council’s commitment to helping organisations like ours support local people. This is a significant milestone for the charity and the tens of thousands who rely on our services each year. Having a permanent base will enable us to expand our support, providing not only emergency food but also a welcoming hub for advice, practical help and essential services.
Cllr David King, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Communities and Public Protection, said: “The Voluntary Welfare Grant Programme Fund demonstrates our commitment to supporting the organisations that are at the heart of our communities. These organisations make a significant difference to people’s lives every day, and the fund helps them deliver vital services that improve quality of life, promote health and wellbeing, tackle inequalities, and strengthen community resilience. By supporting the voluntary and community sector, we are helping to ensure residents can continue to access the support they need, when and where they need it most.”