Cardiff charity benefits from our Community Matters Fund

Women Connect First, a charity dedicated to supporting Black, Asian, and other ethnic minority women, has expanded their services this winter, thanks to funding from our Community Matters Fund.

The fund, which was established in 2021, has awarded more than £11 million to charities and community groups across South Wales, the South West and Midlands since its launch.

Last October, the Community Matters Fund made £500,000 available to charities and community groups which are tackling fuel poverty. Working with Localgiving, funding was awarded to a total of 117 organisations across National Grid Electricity Distribution’s regions, with projects being delivered until March 2025 to help customers through the colder months.

Ellie Patey, Community Engagement Manager at National Grid Electricity Distribution, said: “The Community Matters Fund has been used to support vital initiatives that make a real difference in people’s lives, especially during challenging times like the winter months.

“It’s a privilege to work with charities like Women Connect First to ensure that their projects can thrive, and ultimately, help as many people as possible.”

Menaka Kodur, Interim CEO of Women Connect First, said: “The funding is incredibly important for us. It enables us to provide essential support to diverse communities in Cardiff, including warm hubs, free meals, and help with energy costs. Many of the women we support face challenges such as language barriers and isolation, and they trust us to provide a safe space where they can receive the help they need.

“We have successfully delivered similar services in the past, supporting approximately 240 women with our warm hubs and fuel poverty advice. Our experienced team is dedicated to catering to the needs of women and families from diverse backgrounds.”

Women Connect First is using funding from the Community Matters Fund to launch their winter of wellbeing hubs project. This initiative will create a ‘warm bank’ at their centre in Riverside, Cardiff, providing a safe space for women and their families to stay warm during the winter months.

The funding will allow them to offer weekly sessions where families can access support from a specialist fuel poverty advisor, helping them manage energy costs and consumption effectively.

Learn more about Women Connect First and their community work here.