Since June 2022, we have focused on sharing a Solidarity Fund by providing small grants of up to £50 to those living in Lambeth. Since inception we have distributed almost £50,000. We have no staff, currently we are 10 active volunteers, collaborating as a community.
You can find out how to request a grant here, and how to donate here.
A solidarity fund is a way of sharing money neighbour to neighbour. According to Trust for London, in Lambeth 30% of people live in poverty, alongside those who are wealthy. Our fund is an easy way for those who have more to share with those who have less. The ongoing cost of living crisis makes this need for redistribution more important than ever.
We are not a charity and instead of trustees we work from trust, but also with transparency. Our solidarity fund is held by Accountable via the Social Change Nest Community Interest Company (CIC) on a platform called Open Collective, which allows anyone to see what donations are coming in and what grants are going out on our website.
At present we grant about £600 a month in total (depending on donations) to: refugees in temporary accommodation in Streatham, the Rastafari Movement (to support 10 families with food) and 8-10 x £50 grants to individuals in need. We are keen to support those with No Recourse to Public Funds, but avoid asking intrusive questions. Many people are referred to us by other organisations working in Lambeth. We ask people for proof of address and can pay via bank transfer or meet in person. No one can receive more than one £50 grant in 60 days and we track account numbers to avoid repeat requests. Of course requests for support far outweigh the funds we can provide.
Lambeth Mutual Aid
Solidarity, not charity!