Loughborough Echo

£445,000 to aid charities that deal with abuse and violence

Emergency funding boost

- DAVID GODSALL david.godsall@reachplc.com

CHARITIES supporting victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence across Leicesters­hire have been allocated £445,000 in emergency funding to expand their work throughout the coronaviru­s.

The PCC received funding from the Government in recognitio­n of the soaring demand for support services during the pandemic from victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence and modern slavery.

It is part of a £750m fund from the Government to help providers meet the challenges of an increased workload and changes to the way they operate.

Following a competitiv­e applicatio­n process, the PCC has now allocated 21 grants to charities and non-profit organisati­ons across Leicester, Leicesters­hire and Rutland to help them meet the additional costs of expanding their services during Covid-19 and adapt to new social distancing rules.

They include £26,901 funding allocation to Living Without Abuse for increased clinical supervisio­n, room hire, online systems/IT provision and staffing.

Mr Bach said: “This funding will help us meet the needs of some of the most vulnerable people within our communitie­s. The health crisis has placed many victims in a desperate position and it has been critical that the support services that exist for their safety continue.

“Across Leicesters­hire, charities and non-profit organisati­ons have been working around the clock to protect victims of sexual violence and domestic abuse and ensure a listening ear and practical help is available whenever and wherever it is needed.

“Demand is expected to rocket which has placed an extra financial burden on organisati­ons that rely on public funding to keep going.

“This funding is desperatel­y needed to manage that demand and offer safe accommodat­ion to all who need it.

“However, I’m well aware this is an issue that will not go away after October 31, when the funding period ends, and that further support will be necessary in the future.”

The funding must be used by October 31 and directly relate to services provided during the pandemic.

It can be used to address short-term income disruption, meet essential costs to sustain current activities, fund additional staff to cover employees self-isolating or unable to work during the pandemic and to expand services to cope with increased demand.

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