County increases fund for voluntary groups to £1.5m

LEICESTERSHIRE County Council has announced it is increasing the amount available in its major new fund from £1m to £1.5m to further support communities during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Communities Fund was launched to ensure that voluntary organisations can continue to carry out vital work, despite the impact coronavirus is having on their finances.

A homeless prevention service and a centre to support youngsters with autism are among the first community groups to be awarded a slice of the pot.

The first round of the fund will see £560,000 awarded to 46 projects. The second round is set to be announced by the authority next week.

Nick Rushton, Leader of the county council, said: “The Communities Fund will ensure the work of volunteers and groups can keep communities thriving in these challenging times.

“There has been a huge response so far which is fantastic – and that’s why we’ve decided to increase the funding pot by another half-a-million pounds.

“It’s never been more important for communities to band together and support each other. These awards will help groups to continue their crucial work and step up activities to support vulnerable people and those isolating.

“This fund enables people to stay safe by staying at home and ultimately, saves lives. I’d like to thank our volunteers and community groups for their fantastic work and I would encourage those who haven’t yet to visit the website to find out more.”

An independent foodbank based in Coalville will be awarded £8,300 to go towards the delivery of food parcels to people in need on a daily basis.

Felicity Middleton, committee chair at Feed the Need Coalville, said: “We will use the grant money to buy food and other essentials for people struggling to manage during this crisis.

“The money will make a huge difference. People will be reassured that help is at hand when they need it most. We can be responsive when people need baby milk and nappies, food for special diets or supply toiletries and cleaning materials to help people stay safe in their own homes while they are self-isolating.

“We are often able to respond within an hour or two of receiving a request and it is important to us that people trust us and have confidence that we understand their situation. This grant has been an absolutely vital lifeline for us.”

The Bridge (East Midlands), a charity that provides early intervention and homeless prevention services to vulnerable people in Leicestershire is set to receive £9,100 to help them continue helping those in need.

Paul Snape, deputy chief officer at The Bridge (East Midlands), said: “The funding received from the Communities Fund will enable us to adapt to safe and innovative ways of working during the COVID-19 pandemic, which includes ensuring every staff member has the necessary equipment to continue their vital work from the safety of their own home.

“We will also be able to provide additional resource, both in terms of emergency food provision and triage helpline support. In doing so, we will add significant value to the crisis response for vulnerable individuals and families across Leicestershire.”

More than 180 voluntary organisations have applied for funding so far and there is still time for others to apply for the Leicestershire Communities Fund.

THE deadline for submissions is Friday, 17 April. To find out more and apply, visit: www.leicestershirecommunities.org. uk/leicestershire-communities-fund