Incommunities has pledged £2,000 to the No Child Cold initiative. And it is urging other businesses, plus community groups and individuals, to get on board. With lockdown leading to home schooling and families spending more time indoors, many households have seen energy bills soar. It’s estimated that at least 21,000 youngsters in the district are living in households that are struggling to afford the cost of extra heating this winter. The No Child Cold campaign is being spearheaded by a partnership including Bradford Council, Citizens Advice – which has a base at Central Hall in Alice Street, Keighley – and voluntary-sector groups. Give Bradford, which supports community organisations, is helping to process contributions to the campaign. So far, online donations have reached nearly £10,000.
The cash, coined-in through a raffle, will support mental health services provided by the Cellar Trust. Staff from Incommunities’ asset management service organise a prize draw annually in support of different causes – and the latest event was the most successful yet. More than 200 gifts were donated by suppliers and contractors of the housing group. Geraldine Howley, Incommunities’ group chief executive, said: “Thanks to the wonderful support of our staff and partners, we were delighted to hand over the donation to the Cellar Trust. “The pandemic has affected the vital services of so many charities and our staff see first-hand the significant challenges many people are facing right now.”