Skip to main content

 

Nature

Giving local groups a Helping Hand...

As well as ensuring that our homes are safe and secure, as the largest landlord in the borough we recognise that we have an active part to play in the wider community by helping to create new opportunities for individuals and groups, and contributing to the quality of local life. 

Through our Helping Hands initiative we are able to provide community funding, materials and skills to projects which benefit the local community.

How it works

We have funds, materials and skills available to help fund community based projects and these can be applied for through our application process. Each project will be assessed on an individual basis. So tell us how you’d like us to help and we’ll be in touch.

Application dates

The list below shows our funding scheme deadlines and other key dates.

Winter 2025 Round

Applications open: Monday 1st December 2025

Applications close: Tuesday 20th January 2026

Application Outcome: Wednesday 4th February 2026

The application process

Before your application can be granted, there are a few things we must do before we can approve any applications.

Helping Hands Step 1

If you feel you or your organisation has a project that could benefit from Helping Hands, firstly check that you/your project meet the criteria set out below and also detailed within the application form.

Show More

Helping Hands Step 2

Once you’re happy that you/your project meets the Helping Hands criteria, simply fill in the Application Form and once completed, send the form to one of the team via helping.hands@haltonhousing.co.uk. Applications will be reviewed once each application window has closed month and you will be advised of the outcome of your application within 2 weeks of it being reviewed. Any applications received during the closed period will not be reviewed until applications reopen.

Show More

Application criteria

Please note: If you have received a successful 20 for 20 funding you will not be eligible to apply for Helping Hands for a period of 12 months from the date of your grant award. This ensures we can support as many individuals and families as possible.

Applicants and their projects must be able to meet at least ONE of our key themes listed below:

 

Health

Creating a healthier community and working to promote wellbeing.

Employment opportunities

Improving the opportunities for learning development and employment prospects.

Homelessness

Projects or initiatives that help tackle homelessness, or those affected by it, in our communities.

Income

Supporting developing and learning.

Fuel and food poverty

Providing support to those affected by Fuel or Food poverty, or projects or initiatives that help reduce the impact of the cost of living crisis across the Borough.

Digital inclusion

Promoting digital inclusion, and reducing digital exclusion across our communities.

What we can't fund

Before you start your application, you might need to know that we aren't able to support:

  • Individuals for personal gain
  • Paying for a direct employee costs
  • Commercial organisations
  • Activities that promote a political agenda but would welcome projects that support Equality & Diversity within the Community Cohesion theme.
  • Retrospective funding, i.e. projects that have already been completed, whether or not already paid for
  • Applications from groups which have been supported in the previous 12 calendar months.
  • We can't fund any applications in excess of £2000'

We also limit sports sponsorship to £500 annually combined for Widnes and Runcorn. 

Please note: If you have received a successful 20 for 20 funding you will not be eligible to apply for Helping Hands for a period of 12 months from the date of your grant award. This ensures we can support as many individuals and families as possible.

Apply

Complete our application form to apply to our Helping Hands fund. 

Apply

Helping Hands News and Updates

Check out some of the brilliant projects we’ve been able to fund through Helping Hands—supporting local people, places, and initiatives that make a real difference.

 

school sand pit and outdoor play area
  • News
  • Thu, 24/07/2025

Outdoor Play Area Enhanced at Widnes School Thanks to Our Helping Hands Fund 

We have awarded £1,000 from our Helping Hands fund to Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Primary School in Widnes to support the creation of a new outdoor play zone.

Read more
Photograph of an elderly lady knitting, with some examples of what she has created.
  • News
  • Thu, 15/05/2025

Comfort Dolls and Twiddles Group Receives Helping Hands Funding

Funding for vital local group supporting people with Dementia has been awarded £250 through our Helping Hands fund.
 

Read more
Photograph of a school student styling a model's hair
  • News
  • Thu, 15/05/2025

Mirror Image Community Training Ltd awarded £1000 through our Helping Hands fund.

Vital funding of £1000 to support the continuation of free weekly wellbeing and hair & beauty sessions for young people in the Grangeway area of Runcorn.

Read more
Halebank Primary
  • News
  • Mon, 12/05/2025

Halebank School Receives Helping Hands Boost

Halebank Primary School received £1400 from the Helping Hands fund to enhance their support for families by replenishing essential resources and providing clean uniforms.

Read more
two people standing next to a defibrillator
  • News
  • Wed, 19/02/2025

Halton Housing Funds £1,000 for Community Defibrillator Maintenance

The funding will help the life-saving devices remain fully operational and accessible 24 hours a day. 

Read more
children playing
  • News
  • Wed, 05/11/2025

Transform Kids Project Brings Fun and Friendship to Kingsway/Stewards Families

We recently awarded £1,000 to Transform Widnes to support inclusive play and family activities in Kingsway/Stewards area, helping children feel connected and supported in their community.

Read more
fortuna female society
  • News
  • Thu, 20/11/2025

Helping Hands Supports Art Sessions for Women in Halton

Our Helping Hands fund has awarded £1,900 to Fortuna Female Society to run 10 monthly art workshops in Widnes, promoting women’s health, wellbeing, and body confidence.

Read more