Four charities are sharing £32,594 from the latest wave of grants handed out by The Cambridge Building Society to support its local communities.

The grants are being handed out as the building society marks its 175th year to support good causes in Cambridgeshire tackling issues such as homelessness, housing concerns and environmental sustainability.

Among those supported is Citizens Advice Rural Cambs, which has been handed £10,000 to continue funding a specialist housing adviser for one day each week.

Over the next three years, this role will deliver housing-related advice to around 300 vulnerable people in need across the Huntingdonshire area.

“This grant allows us to continue offering dedicated housing advice to some of the most vulnerable people in rural communities,” said the charity’s deputy chief officer Helen Spriggs.

“With so many facing complex housing challenges, this support ensures we can be there when people need us most, helping them secure safe and sustainable homes."

Another is Cambridge Cyrenians, which has been handed the same amount towards the delivery of its Older Homeless Services, which helps those who are aged over 45 who have experienced or are at risk of homelessness.

The funding means “we can continue to empower people to build stability, independence and brighter futures”, said Cambridge Cyrenians director James Martin.

Also receiving funding is young women’s support social enterprise Turtle Dove Cambridge. It will use its £7,540 grant to improve access to skills and training support. It will benefit 15 young women in the area.

Meanwhile, environmental charity Cambridge Carbon Footprint has been handed £5,054 towards the running of its home energy projects.

The building society’s chief executive Peter Burrows said: “We are delighted to support such a diverse group of charities that are tackling some of the most pressing homelessness and housing issues in our local community.”

“These grants demonstrate our ongoing commitment to making the difference, not just in our 175th anniversary year but in every year going forward.

“By helping local organisations grow their impact, we can ensure that even more people benefit from the care, support, and opportunities they provide.”

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