There are strong partnerships between Local Authorities and the local Centre for Voluntary Services
This page summarises the VCSE activity to address the cost of living crisis in Greater Manchester's localities. To find support, head to the Cost of Living Support page.
Number of voluntary organisations, community groups and social enterprises in Greater Manchester
71% of VCSE organisations are micro organisations
(under £10,000 turnover)
71% work in specific neighbourhoods or communities
Wellbeing, health and social care, community development /sport and economic wellbeing
Number of hours people volunteer in Greater Manchester each week
75% have at least one source of non-public sector funds)
(under £10,000 turnover)
Number of people who volunteer in Greater Manchester
Number of jobs the VCSE sector provides in Greater Manchester
There are strong partnerships between Local Authorities and the local Centre for Voluntary Services
30+ grants per Local Authority area have been distributed to groups and organisations to enable cash to be available to people at crisis points
Particularly effective at ensuring equity of access for people that often face marginalisation
There's been significant success in outcomes and delivery
Most areas are on their second round of support and have established mechanisms where there is more government support
Food banks and food pantries, increase culturally appropriate food offers. For example, Food Solutions Networks and coordinated activities across food provision.
Winter warmth packs.
Community warehouses, logistical support, bulk purchasing, and home delivery services
Prepare warm spaces and public living rooms.
Increasing access to welfare advice and funds and partnering up to extend our reach. Providing multi-lingual welfare advice.
Digital tech and data libraries/banks.
Energy efficiency schemes and support – Groundwork.
Winter volunteering campaigns are active now recruiting additional support.
Most CVS’ have Cost of Living signposting resources on their website about local help
Organisations are working with Greater Manchester Poverty Action in many areas to develop, spread and update the signposting referral tool
There are Poverty Truth Commissions, and Lived experience commissioners' voices in system change in Oldham, Tameside, Manchester, Trafford, Salford
Established and growing social action networks in every area of poverty, which tackle the root causes, and symptoms
Macc's Spirit of Manchester Story week on cost of living a collection of 11 case studies. You can view them here:
A significant amount of VCSE provision is delivered on short-term funding
The scale of demand is too great for current VCSE provision, workforce capacity is stretched and access to money to meet the demand for food etc. We need both small grants and sustainable funding for critical organisations
Inflation costs are affecting what groups can buy and provide for the money they have
Pay reviews for the workforce are squeezing budgets and are not reflected in contract uplifts. NHS pay awards are not passed on to non-NHS providers
Implementing campaigns to increase Real Living Wage across VCFSE
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