The community café and The Base one stop shop calls out for votes to get a share of Tesco’s Community Grants fund.

The community café and The Base One Stop Shop, part of Key Unlocking Futures Ltd are bidding for a cash boost from the Tesco Community Grants initiative. Tesco works with community charity Groundwork to run its community funding scheme, which sees grants of up to £1,500, £1,000 and £500 awarded to local community projects.

Three groups in every community have been shortlisted to receive the cash award and shoppers are being invited to head along to Tesco stores to vote for who they think should take away the top grant.

The community café and The Base one stop shop are one of the groups on the shortlist.

The Community Café is a friendly space for people to come together and chat, access support and have some hot food without having to worry about stretching their already tight budget to pay for it. They also provide a listening ear as well as offering practical advice and support. A place where everyone is made welcome.

For many people on the estate attending the Café and Shop might be the only time they get out of the house. Some have already said it gives them a sense of belonging and an identity. It allows them to feel that someone is listening and genuinely cares.

This funding will give The Base team an opportunity to engage with even more residents on the estate. Those who haven't yet ventured out of their homes since the pandemic. It will enable them to continue and bring more options for the café without having to charge for the food or drink.

The aim is for this café and shop is to engage even more isolated members of the community. During shop days for example it may encourage more members in, by providing free coffee and cake.

By engaging as many people as possible, it is hoped they can begin shaping a wider community development plan drawing on the strengths and assets of this community. Capacity building will fulfil The Base vision - for the whole community to thrive and prosper in the future.

Andrea Andrews, Youth and Community Worker at The Base said, ‘The community café and shop can provide a real tonic for some of local residents in the area.  We are so grateful to Tesco for giving us the opportunity to get a share of their community grant fund.  Funds raised will be gratefully received and make such a difference to this community’

Voting is open in all Tesco stores in October, November and December and customers will cast their vote using a token given to them at the check-out each time they shop.

Tesco’s Community Grants scheme has already provided over £90 million to more than 40,000 projects across Britain. Tesco customers get the chance to vote for three different groups every time they shop. Every three months, when votes are collected, three groups in each of Tesco’s regions will be awarded funding.

Claire De Silva, Head of Community at Tesco, said: “Tesco Community Grants help support local good causes but especially those projects supporting young people, those providing food, and local causes close to our colleagues’ hearts.”

Groundwork’s National Chief Executive, Graham Duxbury, said: “Tesco Community Grants continues to give local projects the boost they need to help their communities thrive. By funding services which support young people and reduce food poverty, we hope to facilitate positive change from the ground up across the UK. We are pleased to have been able to help so many local good causes over the years and look forward to seeing what community organisations can achieve in the future with the right resources.”

Funding is available to community groups and charities looking to fund local projects that bring benefits to communities, particularly those helping to provide food and giving children the support they need for a good start in life. Anyone can nominate a project and organisations can apply online.