Northern Rock Foundation

Northern Rock Foundation has confirmed that its main grant programmes will continue unchanged in 2012. £8.7 million will be available this year to help people who are vulnerable, disadvantaged, homeless, living in poverty or are victims of crime or discrimination.

Penny Wilkinson, Chief Executive, said: “In recent months we have seen rising levels of poverty, homelessness and debt in the North East and Cumbria. When people are under pressure their mental health can suffer, alcohol abuse rises and incidents of domestic abuse can increase. The Foundation is committed to supporting people in need in our region during these difficult times.

“Voluntary organisations which the Foundation supports provide vital services to vulnerable people. Organisations like Age Concern Northumberland, Carlisle Youth Zone, Tyneside Mind, Self Injury Support in North Cumbria and Newcastle Women’s Aid, have all recently received grants from the Foundation.”

Alastair Balls, Chairman of the Foundation, said: “Trustees decided that it was important to keep funding flowing for charities at a time when the need for their services is growing. Fortunately, although we did not receive any income from Northern Rock under our funding agreement last year, we still have reserves that we can draw on, for now, to fund the grant programmes. We look forward to discussing with Virgin Money, in the coming months, the ways in which the Foundation’s work can be supported and funded in future.”