4/3/21
A new emergency fund has been put in place to support Cardiff residents in crisis.

The Together for Cardiff Discretionary Emergency Fund has immediately received a £10,000 boost, thanks to the generosity of Cardiff-born international business leader, Alan Peterson, as the Council seeks to provide help to some of the most vulnerable people in need across the city, who are experiencing hardship.

The initiative is the Council's latest response to the impact the pandemic is continuing to have on communities across the city.

At the start of the crisis, the authority established a volunteering initiative, Together for Cardiff, to harness the community spirit and strong desire of residents to help each other in time of need. This was quickly followed by the creation of the Cardiff Food Appeal which saw local businesses and individuals, including Mr Peterson, donating funds totalling more than £100,000 that was used to buy the emergency food and essential goods parcels the Council has provided for people struggling to get provisions throughout the past year.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Huw Thomas, said: "The tremendous generosity shown by businesses and individuals in the city at the start of the emergency last year, both in terms of financial contributions to the food appeal and people selflessly giving their time to volunteer to support others in their time of need, was outstanding. People really pulled Together for Cardiff.

"This money, as well as goods that were donated by businesses and Cardiff Foodbank, was used to buy emergency food and essential goods parcels for almost 8,500 people struggling to get provisions throughout the past year.

"Sadly, the crisis and the difficulties it has brought are still with us and many low income households in the city continue to struggle so, this emergency fund has been established to support those in crisis.

"We are extremely grateful to The Peterson Family for their generous contribution once again, which has helped get the fund off the ground. We hope that others who want to help residents in difficulty will also come forward to, from some of the city's businesses to individuals in the community who want to support their neighbours.

"My thanks go to everyone who is able to help. Your support will provide a real lifeline to Cardiff people in need. Diolch yn fawr iawn."

Alan Peterson said: "Every week brings greater difficulties for us all, but for the most needy and vulnerable, every day will feel extremely bleak and so timely, accessible assistance is now essential. I hope others will join me to quickly build this Cardiff  Emergency Fund.''

To make a donation to the Together for Cardiff Discretionary Emergency Fund, visithttps://www.volunteercardiff.co.uk/emergency-fund/

The fund will be available to individuals and families experiencing severe hardship, when all other options of support have been exhausted. It has been created to help with expenses such as paying for essentials like gas and electric when a household don't have the means, for an essential repair to a cooker or washing machine, for essential furniture or equipment to address digital deprivation.

Applicants to the fund will be supported by the Council's Money Advice team, who will discuss the household's circumstances and explore ways to maximise their income by accessing grants, discounts and benefits, help to deal with any debts they have, and provide guidance to apply for the fund, if all other options have been exhausted.

Applications will be assessed by an independent panel of Council officers and if successful, any necessary purchases or payments will be made on the applicant's behalf.

Applicants must be over 16 and live in Cardiff. Other eligibility criteria applies including the requirement to be in receipt of certain benefits, proof of low income from earnings or access to savings below a certain threshold.

Cllr Thomas added: "I urge residents in need to reach out to our Money Advice team to see how they can help. The team have been working tirelessly recently to support people with their money worries at this very difficult time. Our expert money advisors really can make a difference to people's situations, getting to the root of their money problems and looking at all solutions to help.

"Get in touch, help is on hand."

Contact the Money Advice Team on 029 2087 1071, emailadvicehub@cardiff.gov.ukor visitwww.cardiffmoneyadvice.co.ukfor a range of information and advice on money matters.