BRADFORD charities will benefit to the tune of £250,000 from a £76 million funding package aimed at helping vulnerable people.

More than 800 charities and community organisations struggling with increased demand have been awarded funding as part of the package.

Projects tackling food poverty as well as homelessness charities, and services offering financial advice, are among those that will benefit. 

The Muslim Women's Council in Bradford is one example. 

The organisation has a Curry Circle project which provides hot meals in a warm environment to anyone facing food poverty.

Funding of £50,070 is supporting it to revive several services including an increased number of hot takeaways, doorstep delivery of food parcels, and survival packs with sanitary products.

The charity also aims to provide weekly access to debt advice at the venue where the meals are served.

Other charities in the Bradford district to benefit include the Keighley Association for Women and Children’s Centre (£61,473), Bradford Foundation Trust (£60,300), Bradford North Foodbank (33,015) and Lidget Green Healthy Living Centre (£25,940).

Batley Food Bank in Kirklees will receive £16,040 and SELFA, a charity in Skipton, will receive £19,590.

The National Lottery Community Fund will continue to make awards from the Community Organisations Cost of Living Fund throughout December and January.

Minister for Civil Society Stuart Andrew, MP for Pudsey, said: “Charities and community organisations are on the frontline helping the most vulnerable in society, and we are allocating £100 million in recognition that they are struggling too, as demand and costs both increase.

“Over 800 charities have already been awarded these significant grants, meaning they can continue to help those in need and we will continue to roll out funding at pace.”

This funding comes at a critical time as charities and organisations support more people struggling to heat their homes and access hot meals.

Grants between £10,000 and £75,000 are being allocated to cover project and core costs, including premises rent, utilities, staff, and volunteers.

David Knott, chief executive at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “We’re proud to be distributing Government funding to enable frontline projects in England to support communities facing the impact of the rising cost of living.

“From the provision of food, shelter and safe spaces, to financial or housing advice, over 800 awards have already been made to critical services that will strengthen communities and improve lives at a challenging time.”