£100k funding for Peterborough charity to continue supporting rough sleepers

Light Project Peterborough has been given two grants to fund staffing costs which will enable it to continue working with some of the city’s most vulnerable people.

The charity currently operates the Garden House in the Cathedral Precincts where it offers a range of support including healthcare and employment.

It also provides staff for a floating support team who make sure rough sleepers receive long-term support to stop them from returning to the streets.

The new funding includes £50,000 from Nationwide Building Society in Peterborough, as well as nearly £50,000 from the National Lottery, according to Light Project Peterborough CEO Steven Pettican.

He told the Peterborough Telegraph: “This means we are stable and secure and can build and grow, rather than focus on short-term funding.

“It’s amazing news - I’m so chuffed.”

Rachel Smith, senior social investment manager at Nationwide Building Society, said: “Since 2018 our community grants programme has supported charitable organisations seeking to make a difference to vulnerable people facing housing challenges across the UK.

“Light Project Peterborough is a charity close to the hearts of many of our members and it’s great that our community board in the region, made up of local members and colleagues, decided to award this grant of £50,000 to an organisation which provides such a broad range of support to its community.

“We’re very proud to be continuing to support charities through this challenging time and are looking forward to opening applications for community grants again on May 17. Nationwide members can also apply now to join the community boards by visiting nationwidecommunitygrants.co.uk. The application window closes on April 30.”