Local businesses play vital role in community healing after terrorist attacks

Everyday consumption habits play a vital role in community healing following terrorist attacks, finds new research from NEOMA Business School.

Researchers Amy Greiner Fehl and Mariann Györke conducted a seven-year-long ethnographic study in the neighbourhoods affected by the 13 November 2015 Paris terrorist attacks, highlighting the role of cafes and restaurants in particular.

They find that local businesses provide a literal and figurative space for community members to come together and rediscover a sense of belonging through their shared consumption habits based on the cultural significance of these activities.

The researchers also analysed the Paris city archives of the objects left at the memorials for the attacks to deepen their understanding of the symbolic significance of public spaces. This extended follow-up enabled the researchers to capture the subtle evolution of the dynamics between restoring social bonds, commemorative practices, and communal spaces.

Fehl and Györke identify two stages in the return to public places. The first is characterised by a spontaneous desire to be together and recreate connections; the second is a more integrative phase where consumption acquires new meaning.

Going to “your” café becomes an affirmation of belonging to a community and ordering a drink becomes a way of contributing to the shared memory of the neighbourhood. This type of consumption solidarity supports healing and overcoming shared trauma.

The study highlights moreover that solidarity is not the sole province of the state or institutions; it also emerges in everyday gestures.

The findings could prompt local and national governments to rethink community support efforts in the wake of terrorist attacks, suggesting that the restoration of community spaces where people can gather and rebuild connections should be central policy concerns.

This study was published in the Journal of Consumer Research.

https://neoma-bs.com

£260,000 Government funding to build social connections in Cumbria

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has extended the Know Your Neighbourhood Fund to March 2026. 

Through this funding, Cumbria Community Foundation has received a further £260,000 towards the Furness For You partnership project, encouraging volunteering and building social connections in Barrow-in-Furness.

Barrow-in-Furness was recognised by Government as having significant levels of deprivation and higher levels of need in terms of civil society and community infrastructure.

Since the KYN Fund was launched in January 2023, UK Community Foundations (UKCF) – a national network of place-based community foundations – has delivered up to £14 million of £19 million government funding made available, of which Cumbria Community Foundation has distributed more than £1m to a number of projects. Additionally, Cumbria Community Foundation was able to contribute further funds through local match funding.

In April 2025, the Fund was extended until March 2026, with an additional £4.5 million of government funding. Of this £4.5 million, £2.6 million has been awarded to UKCF by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

With its extended allocation of £260,000, Cumbria Community Foundation, a member of UKCF, will continue supporting existing projects and work with local voluntary networks to implement long-lasting, scalable initiatives that last beyond March 2026.

The Furness For You project is a partnership of local charities and voluntary organisations, led by charity Groundwork North East and Cumbria. 

The partnership offers a variety of meaningful activities to address isolation and loneliness, help people build confidence, meet new people, acquire new skills and encourage volunteering.

Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice and Programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation, told That's Business: “A recent evaluation confirmed that Furness For You has had a significant impact on participants, many of whom reported increased social connection, improved mental health, and personal growth. Beneficiaries described overcoming deep-rooted fears and anxieties to engage with activities, often after months or years of isolation.

“This valuable funding, together with match funding of nearly £11,000 from the Pappagallino Fund, will help extend and develop delivery, and support even more people.”

The Furness For You partnership has launched an online support hub designed to connect people across the Furness area with the help, services and activities they need.

The free website – furnessforyou.org.uk – brings together information from a wide range of organisations and builds on the partnership’s missions to tackle social isolation, promote volunteering, and strengthen community ties.

National Food Bank Day – How Food and Drink Businesses Can Make a Difference

The first Friday of September is National Food Bank Day, a time to highlight the crucial work food banks do in tackling hunger and supporting vulnerable people in our communities. 

For the food and drink industry, this day is not just about awareness—it’s an opportunity to step up and make a lasting impact.

Why Food Banks Matter

Food banks provide emergency food parcels and essentials to families and individuals struggling to get by. With the rising cost of living, more and more people are turning to them as a vital safety net. 

In the UK, the Trussell Trust and independent food banks have seen demand increase sharply, making donations and community support more important than ever.

How Food and Drink Businesses Can Help

Food and drink businesses are uniquely placed to support food banks, both through direct action and by encouraging their customers to get involved. Here are a few practical ways:

Donate surplus stock: Restaurants, cafés, bakeries, and shops can partner with local food banks to redirect unsold but safe-to-eat food. This not only helps reduce waste but also ensures food goes to people who need it most.

Organise collection points: Pubs, cafés, and restaurants can set up drop-off points for customers to donate long-life items like pasta, rice, tins, and tea.

Launch fundraising campaigns: From donating a percentage of sales on National Food Bank Day to creating special charity dishes, businesses can raise money to support local food banks.

Collaborate with suppliers: Wholesalers, breweries, and producers can also get involved by donating stock or contributing funds to joint initiatives.

Host community events: Food-focused businesses can use their space for awareness events, community meals, or fundraisers in aid of food banks.

A Shared Responsibility

For the hospitality sector, supporting food banks is about more than charity—it’s about strengthening communities and ensuring that nobody in society is left behind. At its core, food is about connection, dignity, and care. Businesses that engage with local food banks not only help fight hunger but also show their customers and communities that they truly care.

Final Thoughts

This National Food Bank Day, food and drink businesses have a unique chance to make a tangible difference. Whether it’s donating surplus stock, running a fundraiser, or raising awareness among customers, every effort counts.

After all, in a sector built on sharing food and drink, what better way to give back than by ensuring no one in the community goes hungry?

What Your Business can do to Support Vulnerable Pensioners in the Harsh Winter Weather

As temperatures plummet and snow blankets the streets, many elderly and disabled individuals are facing a winter of uncertainty. 

With the Winter Fuel Allowance now scrapped for many, the ability to stay warm and safe has become a significant challenge for some of the most vulnerable members of our community.

As members of the business community we believe it’s our responsibility to step in and support those in need during this critical time.

Here’s how businesses  can help pensioners and disabled individuals stay warm, safe, and cared for this winter:

1. Providing Emergency Warmth Packs

Distributing free emergency warmth packs, which include:

Thermal blankets and socks.

Hot water bottles.

Hand warmers.

Insulated mugs for hot drinks.

These packs are designed to offer immediate relief from the cold, especially for those who cannot afford to heat their homes consistently.

2. Community Warm Hubs

Partner with local organisations to set up warm hubs across the community. These are safe spaces where pensioners can enjoy warmth, hot meals, and social interaction. Warm hubs should be open daily and provide a welcoming environment to combat both the physical and emotional toll of isolation during the colder months.

3. Discounted or Free Services

To help make homes more energy-efficient, look at offering discounted or free:

Home insulation checks.

Draught-proofing services.

Installation of energy-efficient heaters or thermal curtains.

These measures not only improve warmth but also reduce energy consumption for households struggling to afford their bills.

4. Volunteer Support Network

Volunteers are available to:

Deliver warm meals or groceries.

Help with small household tasks to keep living spaces safe and accessible.

Check in regularly, ensuring pensioners feel cared for and supported.

5. Raising Awareness and Advocating for Change

Work to amplify the voices of vulnerable pensioners by advocating for sustainable support solutions. By collaborating with local councils and policymakers, aim to push for reinstating fuel allowances and implementing long-term solutions to energy poverty.

How You Can Help

Donate: Contributions to a Winter Relief Fund allow us to expand the reach and support more individuals.

Volunteer: Join local teams to deliver essential supplies or assist at local warm hubs.

Spread the Word: Share this initiative to help reach those who may need such services.

Winter should not be a time of fear and hardship for anyone. Together, we can make a difference by ensuring that no one is left to suffer alone in the cold. 

If you know someone who may need support or if you’d like to get involved, please contact your local Age UK office, your county, town, borough or district council and local religious groups including Christian denominations, Sikhs, Hindus and Muslims.

Let’s work together to keep our community warm and cared for this winter.

The Heart of Business: How to Involve Your Company with Charitable Concerns

In today's interconnected world, the role of businesses extends beyond mere profit-making endeavours. 

Many companies are now recognising the importance of giving back to society and engaging with charitable concerns. 

Not only does this benefit the community and those in need, but it also fosters a positive corporate culture, strengthens brand reputation, and ultimately contributes to long-term business success. 

If you're wondering how to involve your business with charitable concerns, here are some meaningful ways to do so:

1. Define Your Values and Causes

Before diving into charitable initiatives, take the time to define your company's values and identify causes that align with them. Consider issues that resonate with your employees, customers, and stakeholders. Whether it's environmental sustainability, education, healthcare, or social justice, choosing causes that reflect your company's ethos will ensure genuine engagement and commitment.

2. Establish Partnerships

Collaborating with established charitable organisations can amplify the impact of your efforts. Research nonprofits or NGOs whose missions align with your chosen causes and explore partnership opportunities. This could involve providing financial support, volunteering time and resources, or even offering pro-bono services. Cultivating long-term relationships with charitable partners allows for sustained support and deeper engagement.

3. Implement Corporate Giving Programs

Integrate charitable giving into your company's operations through structured corporate giving programmes. This could involve donating a percentage of profits to charity, matching employee donations, or organising fundraising events. 

Encourage employee involvement by allowing them to nominate and vote on charitable organisations to support. Transparency and accountability are key in ensuring that contributions are effectively utilised and aligned with your company's values.

4. Volunteerism and Employee Engagement

Encourage employees to volunteer their time and skills to charitable causes. Organise group volunteer activities such as community clean-ups, mentoring programs, or skill-based workshops. Providing paid time off for volunteering sends a strong message of support for employee engagement in charitable endeavors.

 Additionally, consider offering skills-based volunteering opportunities where employees can leverage their expertise to support nonprofits in areas such as marketing, finance, or technology.

5. Cause Marketing Campaigns

Integrate charitable giving into your marketing strategy through cause marketing campaigns. Partner with charitable organisations to create co-branded campaigns that raise awareness and funds for important causes. Tie campaign initiatives to specific business milestones or events to maximise impact and visibility. Authenticity is paramount in cause marketing, so ensure that your campaigns genuinely reflect your company's values and commitment to social responsibility.

6. Measure and Communicate Impact

Regularly assess the impact of your charitable initiatives and communicate results to stakeholders. Track metrics such as funds raised, volunteer hours contributed, and the tangible outcomes achieved by charitable partners. Share success stories and testimonials to showcase the meaningful difference your company is making in the community. Transparency builds trust and credibility, reinforcing your company's commitment to social responsibility.

In conclusion, integrating charitable concerns into your business not only benefits society but also enriches your company's culture, brand, and bottom line. 

By aligning with your values, establishing meaningful partnerships, implementing corporate giving programmes, fostering employee engagement, leveraging cause marketing, and measuring impact, you can make a positive difference while driving sustainable business success. 

Embrace the opportunity to be a force for good in the world, and let compassion and empathy guide your business decisions. Together, we can create a brighter future for all.

(Image courtersy of John Hain from Pixabay)

Corporate responsibility. Is it part of your firm's DNA? Provident Personal Credit 'Good Neighbour' programme reaches milestone

Provident Personal Credit's 'Good Neighbour' programme reached a milestone at the end of last year, with the firm having provided support to over 500 organisations over the past three years, highlighting their commitment to corporate responsibility.

In addition, 'Good Neighbour' has provided backing and support to in excess of 30 three year projects, with over 20,000 people benefitting from project and volunteering support.

Peter Crook, CEO at Provident Financial, said: "When asked, as I often am, about how we manage our Corporate Responsibility programme, I say it's part of our DNA. It's a fundamental part of our business strategy and plays a key role in our long-term success."

Established in 2009, Good Neighbour is Provident Financial’s flagship community programme. It helps fulfil Provident's ambition to be the UK's leading community-based lender by creating opportunities for people to work side by side with its community partners. 'Good Neighbour' has three component strands:

- Supporting local projects: working in partnership with local community organisations, the 'Good Neighbour' programme delivers projects which are tailored to meet the needs of local residents. Most projects run over a three-year period, with opportunities available to deliver smaller, one-off projects too.

- Employee volunteering: 'Good Neighbour' supports employees participating in company-led volunteering projects, including one-to-one mentoring projects, the Provident Reading Scheme and team challenges.

- Employee matched giving: Provident wants to help its employees to support the causes they care about the most. Employees taking part in fundraising activities or volunteering in their local communities can apply for matched giving and volunteering grants to make their contribution go even further. Over 1,750 employees have been involved so far and community partners have reported more people are now accessing their services.

Each community partner is selected carefully to ensure that every project is delivered to a high standard and provides real benefits for the community. Provident wants to work with a wide range of organisations, including youth clubs, community groups and schools, so that it can reach people of all ages, from toddlers to pensioners, and address their specific needs.

FACTFILE:
Provident Personal Credit is a  financial services company operating in the non-standard loans market. It specialises in offering cash loans of small amounts, typically from £50 - £500 over terms from 14 weeks up to 106 weeks. Its short term loans are unsecured and all of the costs are included up front which means that customers will never be charged for a missed or late payment. When assessing loan applications, Provident Personal Credit look at the applicants ability to repay now rather than their payment history.

This means that people could still be accepted for a loan even if they think they may have bad credit.

Repayments are collected by agents who visit their customers' homes on a weekly basis. The company has a good reputation with 95% of their customers saying that they are satisfied with their service.

What's more, it is a great alternative to payday loans with small and manageable weekly repayments.

Provident Personal Credit Ltd is a part of the Provident Financial Group. It is licensed by the Office of Fair Trading.

(EDITOR: Whilst most businesses are not in a position to offer the levels of support that Provident Personal Credit can offer, any firm will be able to provide some sort of help, even if it means just buying a copy of The big Issue every time it is published, or having a stall at local village fêtes, or the like.)

Northern Rock honoured for its community service

Northern Rock has announced that it was commended in the Mortgage Finance Gazette Awards for its dedication to community service. The honours were given just six months after Northern Rock was heralded among the most responsible businesses in the UK.

After receiving Business in the Community's (BITC) national Big Tick for its work to tackle financial exclusion, the readers of Mortgage Finance Gazette have now commended the bank in its annual awards.

The magazine's readers nominated the lender in recognition of its work in the voluntary sector, and the judges, including journalists from the national press, industry experts, and the editors of 'What Mortgage' and 'Mortgage Finance Gazette,' were particularly impressed by the bank's staff involvement in the community as well as other fundraising and voluntary activities.

Representatives from Northern Rock collected the commendation in the 'Community Services Award' for large lenders at an event in the capital last night. The December edition of Mortgage Finance Gazette, a publication about mortgages and the mortgage industry, features coverage of the event.

Northern Rock's Customer and Commercial Director Andy Tate said: "We are absolutely delighted to receive a further commendation for our work in the community, and it is wonderful that our dedication to embedding this as part of our organisational culture is being recognised.

"Awards like this are further endorsement of the valuable role Northern Rock and its colleagues play in supporting its local communities, particularly those facing financial difficulty."

Judge Joanne Atkin, Editor of Mortgage Finance Gazette said that she and her colleagues had had had a difficult job and that those who had been highly commended were truly deserving. She added: "Community is at the core of Northern Rock's business strategy which is framed and communicated through four Cs - colleague, customer, company and community.

"Community within Northern Rock is about giving of both time and money. The Samaritans is Northern Rock's corporate charity of the year but it also works with a number of good causes: Women's Aid, a fight against domestic violence; The Cyrenians, which operates refuges for the homeless around the UK; Shelter, Crisis, The People's Kitchen and a partnership which enables a small community-based bank to relieve the financial hardship of individuals and families resulting from poor money management, unmanageable levels of high interest debt and no savings."