First round of funding from The Randal Foundation Fund supports 10 groups in Hull 

Communities across Hull are stronger today thanks to a partnership and shared commitment to supporting the grassroots groups who make hope happen every day. 

Already, this first round of funding is helping to keep the Solidarity Hull food bank open as demand rises, creating a warm and inclusive new café space at aScEND, and giving children from Eastern European families a place to learn and grow at Teremok. These are just some of the 10 groups now receiving support through our partnership with The Randal Foundation. 

With £30,000 distributed so far, the Fund contributes to The Randal Foundation’s ambitious global mission to save and significantly improve the lives of one million people in the UK and beyond. Their commitment to backing practical, lifechanging work sits perfectly alongside our belief in the power of small, local groups. 

Dr Nik Kotecha OBE DL, Chairman of The Randal Foundation stated..

“We are proud to support Two Ridings Community Foundation and their meaningful work they undertake with grassroots charities across Hull. Their deep local knowledge and strong community relationships enable them to identify community-led organisations with the real ability to improve lives.

“Together we are creating long-term change across Hull, helping individuals and families thrive and building stronger communities for the future.”

These small, flexible grants are designed for the groups closest to the ground. Those who know their neighbours, understand their community’s strengths and act quickly to help hope take root and significantly improve lives. 

Celia McKeon, Chief Executive of Two Ridings, shared… 

“We are delighted to be partnering with The Randal Foundation, and ensuring vital funds are directed to where they will make a tangible difference to people and communities in Hull. We know from experience that grassroots groups are a lifeline for many, changing people’s lives on a daily basis through their support, creativity and care.” 

Each organisation received £3,000 to support their work.  Here’s a snapshot of what the funding is helping to make happen: 

East Yorkshire Community Hub – The Hub’s Move & Connect programme offers gentle physical activity and social support for people who may be feeling anxious, isolated, or unsure where to start when it comes to getting active again. The funding will help run two sessions a week for 12 weeks, led by facilitators who understand mental health and know how to create a supportive atmosphere.  

The Friends of Alderman Kneeshaw Park – Helping the group strengthen its organisation and volunteer base. They’ll be improving how they manage volunteers, planning for the future, and making sure the park continues to be a well‑used, welcoming space. The aim is for more local people to feel connected to the park and to have more opportunities to get involved. 

Solidarity Hull – This grant is all about keeping the Solidarity Food Bank running at a time when demand is rising, and previous funding has come to an end. It will support the cost of food boxes from Fareshare, help cover volunteer expenses, and ensure the social space remains warm and welcoming. The funding is vital in helping them continue offering food support to families who are struggling. 

aScEND Hull – aScEND have just moved into their new home, and this funding will help them set up Brewable Café, a warm, inclusive space offering affordable meals and a chance for people with disabilities to volunteer, gain skills, and build confidence. The café will use food from Fareshare and, in time, create and use produce from their own garden.  

Teremok CIO – Teremok provides creative learning sessions for children aged 5–15 from multilingual Eastern European families. The funding will support weekly sessions involving arts, crafts, numeracy, and language development. These activities help children grow in confidence, strengthen their language skills, and feel more connected to both their heritage and their community. 

Safe and Healthy Youth (SHY) CIC – This new grassroots organisation supports young people who are facing disadvantage, emotional distress, or exclusion. This grant will fund a year of creative wellbeing sessions, including art, journaling, and supportive group activities.  

Cosmo Community CIC – Cosmo Community are using funding to pilot a volunteer befriending network on the Thornton Estate in the city. Volunteers, many of whom are older Eastern European residents themselves, will offer light-touch support such as wellbeing calls, help accessing activities, and signposting to services.  

LEVELS – Their weekly Ladies That Lunch sessions bring women together to share skills, try creative activities, and enjoy time with others. The funding will reduce isolation, build confidence, and create a supportive space where women can connect and feel part of something. 

Doreen’s Hull – Covering six months of rent and essential equipment for Doreen’s first charity shop, including storage boxes, clothing rails, and trolleys. The shop is supporting their wider ‘Care in the Community’ work, helping families in crisis and people facing financial hardship, as well as supporting the Hull children’s hospice. 

The Lampstand Group – Delivering trauma-informed creative sessions for women and children with lived experience of domestic abuse. Through guided craft activities, free creative expression and accessible one-to-one support, the project will build emotional resilience, confidence and positive peer connection. 

Jennifer Hebert from The Lampstand Group, shared the difference the grant will make: 

“The grant from the Randal Foundation will enable Grace and Glitter to welcome and train new volunteers, including people with lived experience of domestic abuse. This will help us grow sustainably, plan for the future, and continue creating safe, supportive spaces where women can rebuild confidence, find connection, and feel valued. We want our community to feel part of this work and to have more opportunities to get involved in bringing hope and dignity to people with lived experience of domestic abuse.”

This is only the beginning of our work with The Randal Foundation. We’re looking forward to seeing how these projects grow over the coming months and sharing more stories from the people and communities benefiting from this partnership.