The Kosher Lifeline

Aim

Empower 200 Orthodox Jewish households with skills, advocacy, and support to improve financial resilience.

Project Overview
Within Salford’s Orthodox Jewish community, many families face acute poverty, compounded by the rising cost of living. High prices for imported Kosher food—up 30%—force difficult choices between rent, energy, and culturally appropriate sustenance. Many community members speak Yiddish as their first language, limiting access to mainstream services. Cultural norms also make families hesitant to use foodbanks, increasing stress, anxiety, isolation, and feelings of depression and overwhelm.

This 12-month project aims to empower individuals, relieve poverty for up to 200 households, and improve financial wellbeing through educational workshops, advocacy, and English and digital skills support. The project provides short-term guidance and long-term strategies to build resilience, enhance confidence, and improve social inclusion.

Project Activities

1. Educational Workshops
 Two weekly 90-minute workshops in the families’ native language will focus on:

• Navigating the UK food system and understanding entitlements
• Budgeting, saving, and financial planning
• Shopping for healthy, affordable groceries
• Cooking and meal preparation using culturally appropriate, low-cost ingredients

Impact:
Workshops will equip participants with practical skills, strengthen confidence in managing household budgets, reduce financial stress, and build long-term resilience.

2. English Language & Digital Skills Sessions
Two weekly 90-minute sessions for adults and parents will teach basic English and safe computer use.

Impact:
 Improved communication, digital literacy, and confidence will enable participants to access essential services, engage in education and employment opportunities, and connect socially, reducing isolation and supporting independence.

3. Signposting & Advocacy
We will provide confidential referrals to specialist services, including Paperweight Trust, assisting families with complex issues such as debt, benefits, housing, and financial paperwork. The project will also link families to Salford Assist and the Household Support Fund, which provide support for food, fuel, and other essentials. Eligible families may access Kosher food vouchers.

Impact:
Families will receive professional guidance and support for complex challenges they might otherwise avoid, ensuring long-term solutions while complementing existing council services.

Project Reach & Benefits
This project will support up to 200 households, providing a culturally sensitive, holistic approach to poverty alleviation. Participants will:

• Gain practical skills in budgeting, cooking, English, and digital literacy
• Access advocacy and specialist support to resolve complex financial and welfare issues
• Experience reduced stress, isolation, and anxiety, increasing wellbeing and confidence
• Strengthen social networks and community connections through engagement in workshops and sessions

By focusing on education, skills development, and advocacy rather than direct food provision, the project complements existing council support while empowering families to achieve long-term resilience, independence, and improved quality of life.

Project Budget:
The project will run 208 sessions: 104 Educational Workshops (2/week) and 104 English & Digital Skills sessions (2/week).

Costs:
Educational Workshops:
Facilitator £40 per session × 104 sessions = £4,160
Venue hire £35/hour × 1.5 hours × 104 sessions = £5,460

English & Digital Skills:
Facilitator £45 per session × 104 sessions = £4,680
Venue hire £35/hour × 1.5 hours × 104 sessions = £5,460

Digital Resources:
Laptops, software, printing (one-off) = £1,500

Project Coordinator & Signposting/Advocacy Support:
10 hours/week × 52 weeks = 520 hours × £17.50/hour = £9,100

PR and refreshments: £1,640

Total Project Cost: £32,000.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made