City and Hackney Community Chest Case Study

The community chest model brings together key representatives from across a local community to work in partnership and use local intelligence to agree funding priorities. Community chests can combine money from the NHS and the local authority as well as other sources such as philanthropy and businesses, to support activities in the voluntary and community sector via an accessible funding pot.

The approach was piloted in the seven boroughs of North East London, each of which used a slightly different approach to implementation to ensure that funding priorities aligned to their local population’s needs. City and Hackney (C&H) was one of these pilot sites.

Approach

In C&H, Hackney Giving, London Borough of Hackney (LBH), NEL Personalised Care programme (NHS) and the City and Hackney Neighbourhoods programme worked together to pilot a small grants programme for not-for-profit sector organisations.

Initial discussions were held between Hackney CVS and NHS colleagues. It was agreed that Hackney Giving would be the ideal mechanism for distributing funds. Hackney Giving is a local giving programme run by Hackney CVS, designed to offer a simple, effective and co-ordinated way for individuals and businesses to support grassroots community projects through funding, time or skills.

Hackney Giving worked with colleagues from NHS North East London to establish programme priorities, funding levels, eligibility criteria and timelines for programme delivery. They produced application guidance giving details of the funding and an application form, aiming to keep these as simple as possible.

Three ‘How to Apply’ workshops were held online to provide potential applicants with additional guidance. These were deliberately held on different days of the week and at different times of day, to give a greater breadth of access. Applications were assessed by Hackney Giving before being presented to a grant panel for approval – the panel consisted of representatives from NEL ICB, Hackney CVS and VCFSE organisations.

Projects funded

The projects funded covered a wide range of activities that supported residents to access health and financial services. Examples include a community-based signposting and referral outreach programme, as well as programmes designed to support older residents to get online via peer support and to make refugees and asylum seekers aware of the health system and how to access services.

A few examples of the impact of this support includes improved confidence, empowerment to self-advocate, and supporting with loneliness.

Feedback from grantees included:

“Participants were able to avail themselves of technology in the modern world given the increasing need to use technology post Covid19 pandemic in accessing GP services and engaging with the outside world… Many who have had negative experiences with learning new skills and technology were able to overcome their fears and anxiety in accessing online services.”

“By addressing language, cultural, and digital barriers, our ongoing project is empowering individuals with IBD to access crucial health services and financial support, and is enhancing their well-being and quality of life.”

“The convention empowered young people to take charge of their mental health. They felt more confident in seeking help, engaging in self-care, and accessing community resources. This empowerment has led to greater independence and self-advocacy.”