Members of the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector recently heard about the new Crisis and Resilience Fund at the latest Halton VCFSE Forum, where representatives were given an overview of the funding opportunity and the priorities being considered for local investment.
The fund aims to support organisations delivering activities that help residents move from immediate crisis situations towards greater long-term resilience. This includes providing timely support when people face sudden financial hardship, while also addressing the underlying issues that can lead to repeated crises.
During the presentation, attendees heard how the fund can support initiatives that increase household income, improve financial confidence and capability, reduce debt and housing insecurity, tackle digital exclusion and strengthen connections to trusted community support.
Potential priority areas for Halton include food poverty, digital inclusion, domestic abuse, gambling-related harm, mental health, in-work poverty and income maximisation. Organisations are encouraged to develop proposals that are person-centred, accessible and focused on building lasting resilience within local communities.
Community organisations interested in applying should submit a proposal outlining their planned activities, intended beneficiaries and expected outcomes. Applications should also detail any partnership working and monitoring arrangements.
Completed applications should be sent to Carl Griffiths at carl.griffiths@halton.gov.uk. The deadline for submissions is Monday 23 November 2026.
Organisations that attended the Forum presentation, or those who were unable to attend but would like to learn more, are encouraged to review the guidance and consider how their services could help local residents build resilience and reduce the need for future crisis support.
Please see the presentation and form on the links below