The Filipino Community Association received £5,100 through the Food, Fuel and More grant scheme at the beginning of the year to support members of the Filipino community in Exeter.
A representative from the Community Association said the number of people experiencing financial hardship in the local Filipino community has increased and people do not always know how to access support, leading to feelings of vulnerability and despondency. She explained that families and individuals will approach her about their own concerns or to make her aware of others in the community who are being adversely affected by the current economic situation. Common issues include loss of earnings, mental and physical ill health and general worries about meeting rising household costs.
The Filipino Community Association was able to use the funding it received through the DCC Food Fuel and More grant scheme to reach those it knew were most in need of help. For example, one woman had seen a sudden change in her circumstances after her husband passed away. She was struggling with a very tight budget and the funding helped her to pay bills and buy essential items for her daughter. The grant also helped to support a woman who had fled domestic abuse with her child and needed help buying food and paying for transport costs.
“The financial support relieved the immediate distress and gave the recipients an opportunity to try to find more long–term solutions to ease the current hardship situation,” said the Filipino Community Association representative. She added that she also took the opportunity to signpost people on to other services and organisations, such as Citizen’s Advice. “It brings pride and joy for me to be able to help people in need and become part of their support system.”
“It brings pride and joy for me to be able to help people in need and become part of their support system.”
The Filipino Community Association exists to unite and support Filipinos in Devon and to promote Filipino culture and practices. The association hosts events and activities throughout the year – visit its Facebook page for more information.
We will be relaunching our Food, Fuel and More grant scheme in November 2023, click below for more information.
Funding for this scheme is made possible via the Household Support Fund, managed by Devon County Council on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.
