Over the past two years, the Cheapside Business Alliance (CBA) has been supporting a number of impactful projects through its Community Fund initiative. Launched to help provide vital funding to a range of community schemes, the Community Fund has been instrumental in helping support members of the local community. Here we take a look back on the successes of the fund so far.
In the last two years, the CBA Community Fund covered a range of community needs, such as: assisting people in finding employment, adult education, upskilling, providing the right attire for job interviews, and CV development for young people. Beyond employment, the Community Fund extended its support to a mix of groups that are helping to address the challenges faced by individuals with terminal conditions, recognising the associated mental health and memory issues. The fund also supported a local initiative aimed at enhancing the well-being of young people through youth interventions and community services.
To date, the CBA fund has supported approximately 700 people across local communities, providing resources and opportunities that might otherwise have been unavailable. In 2022, CBA supported St Luke’s Community Centre with its ‘Community Cook & Share’ project, providing a haven for a wide range of activities and services. Located in central London, the community centre is a safe space for local people to meet, enjoy time with others, and get vital resources from other organisations across London. The Community Cook & Share project helped to deliver more than 30 cooking classes for local individuals, giving them vital tools, skills, and resources.
The fund also supported YMCA’s ‘Music Matters’ initiative, giving young people access to opportunities through music. The project ensures that young people, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to create futures of their own choosing. This is done by providing accommodation and a range of youth interventions for young people experiencing homelessness. With CBA’s support, Music Matters delivered 8 training sessions for young people, giving them access to the music and creative industries.
Last year, CBA provided vital funding for The Suited & Booted Centre, helping them to deliver their ‘Best Foot Forward’ programme. This programme helps to provide homeless and vulnerable unemployed men with a suit or other appropriate clothing and accessories for their job interview (and if they are successful, for their employment). They also offer interview coaching and CV development. With CBA’s support, The Suited & Booted Centre was able to purchase additional clothing and resources for 50 individuals.
The Community Fund also supported the XLP Ready to Work Programme. An initiative that runs Employability & Progression (E&P) work, XLP Youth Charity help people achieve their potential via learning, training, volunteering, and employment. With CBA’s support, the Ready to Work Programme secured 7 full-time roles, 5 work experience placements, and 10 interviews for young adults. They also helped to get 7 individuals back into full-time education.