Tower Hamlets-based Soulflow has received a £1,000 funding boost from The Co-operative Bank, enabling it to ‘overcome hurdles’ and raise its profile in the community.
Established in September 2023 in response to a concerning report on the health profile of Old Ford residents, Soulflow aims to improve the wellbeing of individuals in the community by helping them to lead more active and healthy lifestyles.
As part of this mission, Soulflow offers a range of free community activities for older people from nature walks to talking therapies that are designed to combat social isolation and loneliness, as well as boost physical health. The organisation also runs a number of food projects, including a soup kitchen on a Sunday night, which provides people of all ages with a nourishing meal.
As a newly formed community interest company, the grant from The Co-operative Bank Customer Donation Fund has been key in enabling Soulflow to establish and promote itself, as well as the delivery of hot food parcels to local people over the winter period.
Mohammed Yaser, Founder and Director at Soulflow CIC, said:
“The funding was game-changing for Soulflow CIC, giving us the support we needed to establish ourselves and make a real impact with our food projects. This donation was more than financial assistance; it was a key factor in our journey and helped us to overcome significant hurdles.
“The Co-operative Bank’s commitment to community support made a lasting difference and played a vital role in our mission to bring positive change to those in need in our local area.”
Soulflow is among 10 projects across London that have collectively received £10,000 from The Co-operative Bank in the latest round of grants. Other projects included an educational support social enterprise, a carer’s centre and a community support organisation.*
Amelia Burnett, SME Product Manager at The Co-operative Bank, said:
“Supporting our customers, particularly smaller charities and community projects, has never been more important. We are proud to have been able to provide these grants to projects across the UK that are positively impacting communities, at a time when many people are facing cost of living challenges.”
Since the fund was set up back in 2003, award-winning charity banking provider** The Co-operative Bank has donated over £1.1 million to more than 1,000 community projects, with £100,000 donated in 2023 alone to support communities through the cost of living crisis.
The Co-operative Bank is welcoming applications for the next round of funding from Community Directplus customers across London. Charities looking to apply can fill in the form here.
