January 2025: A Northampton charity has been awarded a New Year boost – with a pot of funding that means it will be able to support more local families and households in need throughout 2025.
Community Spaces Northampton
Community Spaces Northampton, a charity which manages community centres and runs a host of support services for the community, has received a grant of more than £9,000 from Northampton Forward, part of the Town’s Fund and supported by West Northamptonshire Council. The service has been funded from the Northampton Social Enterprise Development Fund and supported by West Northamptonshire Council and WNSET (West Northamptonshire Social Enterprise Towns).
Wifi and new telephony system
Thanks to this grant the charity has commissioned Rushden based CSR Digital, a managed print, IT, telecoms and workflow solutions company, to boost WIFI in its centres and introduce a new telephony system that will enable staff to take calls on the move and introduce a new system to automate centre bookings.
Mo Sonnie, Operations Director of Community Spaces Northampton, said:
“This grant is a huge game changer. We get several calls a week from people needing help and not knowing where to go and by investing in new IT we will be able to take more calls, help more people and increase our support services.
“As we are dealing with people with more and more complex needs our systems for recording need more security. The new automation, which means people will be able to book our spaces online, will free up our time to talk to and support more people, plus we are using this grant to improve the WIFI we have in many of our centres – something that local families tell us they desperately need.”
Helping to support 5,500 local people
In 2023-4 the charity’s Community Hubs were visited by 4,152 people. In 2025, with this investment and the increased time and efficiency it will produce, the charity aims to support at least 5,500 people.
Topics typically discussed include eviction notices, homelessness and emergency accommodation, cost of living, substance abuse, health and wellbeing including mental health crises and benefits assistance.
CSR Digital’s support for Community Spaces
With help from CSR Digital, the charity will now be able to:
Creating economic and social benefits
Vincent Willoughby, IT Director of CSR Digital, said:
“We are thrilled to support this incredible charity, which already has a profound impact on countless families in Northampton. By enhancing their IT systems, security, and telephone infrastructure, Community Spaces Northampton will be better equipped to assist even more individuals in need. As a family-run company, it is a genuine privilege to contribute to the work of such an inspiring organisation.”
The Northampton Social Enterprise Development Fund (formerly referred to as the Skills and Social Enterprise Fund) was created to drive the continued growth of social enterprises in the town which as a result will create both economic and social benefits within Northampton communities.
Supporting local families in Northampton
Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure at West Northamptonshire Council, said:
“This is a fantastic example of how targeted funding can make a tangible difference in our communities. By improving technology and connectivity, Community Spaces Northampton will be able to offer even greater support to local families in Northampton and individuals who rely on their vital services.
“Partnerships like this show how we are investing in social enterprises to benefit the community, and I’m delighted to see this funding empowering a local charity to grow its impact and provide even more opportunities for our residents to thrive.”
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