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Supporting the people and communities we serve to deal with the continued rise in the cost of living is a priority for all of us at NatWest Group.

Although many households and businesses are in a resilient position to deal with these challenging times – we know there are people feeling the strain and that providing targeted support can make a real difference.

Our Regional Boards, which operate in seven regions and nations across the UK, have been supporting local communities this year with the Power of Helping Hands Fund. The £1m Fund aimed to provide quick, on-the-ground support to help people with the rising cost of living. 

Over 120 charities were supported this year to continue delivering their services, with colleagues nominating local projects to recieve a donation from the Fund. Many colleagues also volunteered with some of the charities supported this year by using up to three volunteering days we offer. 

Our support for communities – watch to learn more

The Fund formed part of a wider £5.7m in support we announced earlier this year to help communities throughout the UK, delivered via partner organisations including the Federation of Small Business, the Trussell Trust and Responsible Finance.

Over the last year, we’ve also provided £59 million worth of financial support to help customers and community partners with the cost of living. 

The Power of a Helping Hand Fund

Here’s an overview of some of the ways our Regional Boards have been supporting local communities this year.

 

 

Love Amelia – Sunderland

Sunderland’s Love Amelia is one of six North East charities to receive a share of £22,000 from our North Regional Board to help support their essential work through the cost-of-living crisis.

Love Amelia, which provides essential items like nappies, clothes, toys and prams for babies and children in need across Tyne & Wear and County Durham, received a donation after Washington branch manager Gemma Hughes nominated the charity for the work it does across the region. 

 

Nourishing Norfolk - Norwich

Nourishing Norfolk received £13,500 from our Midlands & East Regional Board to help provide healthy, affordable food for people struggling with the cost of living across Norfolk.

The charity, which was founded in 2020, works with a network of food hubs across the county. The hubs offer people a local place to shop on a budget and the chance to access the support they need to thrive. Each hub has a unique offer, but all work together to make sure no one in Norfolk goes hungry.

 

Catford Fridge – Lewisham

The Catford Fridge received £10,000 from our London and South East Regional Board to help provide food for local people.

The community project distributes surplus food collected from FoodCycle Lewisham, Fareshare and other local stores to people in the area. 

Southampton Sunday Lunch Project – Southampton

Southampton Sunday Lunch Project received £5,000 from our South West Regional Board to help provide warm winter meals for local people.

The charity was created to provide lunch or a hot meal to local people who might be in need, whatever their circumstances, while offering a warm, welcoming, friendly and relaxed atmosphere to all.

 

The Community Foundation - Wales

The Community Foundation Wales received £100k from our Welsh Regional Board to distribute to small charities across Wales, which included teaching 600+ children to grow and cook their own food.

Plus, our donation was more than doubled by the Welsh Government as part of its donation matching scheme, who gave £1 million.

 

The Salvation Army – Northern Ireland

The Salvation Army in Northern Ireland was given £10,000 by our Northern Ireland Regional Board to support its work running groups across the country aimed at forming communities including; parent and toddler groups and befriending meet ups. 

About the NatWest Group Regional Boards

Our seven regional boards work to support customers, communities and colleagues at a local level. Board members give their time to build and create local networks, with the aim of better understanding the different needs and experiences of our customers and communities across the UK and supporting them to thrive.

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Cost of living support

Learn more about how we’re supporting customers and communities with the rising cost of living.

Cost of living support

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