Over £81k awarded to Ongo tenants facing financial hardship for essential improvements and household items

Ongo has awarded a total of £66,976 to 165 households since March 2025, to supply essential household items and improve living conditions for families facing financial hardship, to make sure they have the basics they need to live comfortably.   Through Glasspool funding, 102 households have received their share of £47,049 for items such as cookers, washers, flooring, beds, and fridge freezers, with a further £15k to be awarded before March this year.   Glasspool is a UK-wide charity whose mission is to alleviate financial hardship and improve quality of life by offering practical support where it’s needed most.   Alongside this, their Improving Lives programme has continued to make a significant impact. Since April 2025, they’ve invested £19,927 to deliver improvements including new flooring for 44 properties and decor enhancements for 19 homes identified as most in need   Leanne, 30, moved into her home in January but, being a single mother of two children with limited income, she needed some additional support, so funding from the Glasspool was provided. She is also receiving wellbeing support from Ongo Talk, a counselling service, and help to set up household bills.   She explained: “I can’t begin to express how grateful I am for everything that I’ve received. After many years of dealing with trauma and other issues, I’m now ready to be happy and enjoy life with my family.   “It’s completely changed our lives for the better. My mental health is in a much stronger place, and we’re set up for a brilliant future ahead in what I now call ‘our palace’.   “I’ve been at rock bottom, but this has made me believe that I can be strong and provide a good life for my children.  It’s made me understand that I’m not alone, and that it’s okay to ask for help.   “If you’re struggling and unsure if you too could be helped, just ask. This amazing experience has really opened my eyes to the range of support and opportunities available.”   Hayley Cullen, Operations Manager at Ongo, said: "Everyone deserves to live in a safe and comfortable home with essentials like a cooker or a bed, and we’re so pleased to be able to provide these through Glasspool funding. It’s about dignity, security, and giving families the foundation they need to thrive."   “It is making such a huge difference to people’s lives who really need it. We know many tenants are facing financial pressures and struggling to afford even the most basic household items so we’re proud of what we’ve delivered so far.”   For more information about Ongo, or if you’re a tenant and would like financial, employment, wellbeing or mental health support, head to: www.ongo.co.uk.   To find out more about Glasspool visit: www.glasspool.org.uk.