Community groups land financial lifeline

A new fund is being launched to help voluntary and community enterprises who have supported vulnerable people during the pandemic.

Grant support of either £1,000 or £10,000 is being offered to Sunderland’s voluntary, community and social enterprise sector (VCSE) to help them survive the COVID-19 pandemic.

The city’s Labour Group has proposed that VCSE organisations have access to support, to ensure that they can continue to deliver their important work and activity in Sunderland, as the country emerges from the global crisis.

Labour councillor John Kelly, who is also Sunderland’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture, said: “Voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations play a crucial role at the heart of their communities at the best of times, but the way in which many have stepped up to support the city as it battles the COVID-19 pandemic has been nothing short of inspirational.

“The sad fact is though, that a great many of the organisations that have been so instrumental in pulling the city through this crisis will be left most vulnerable to collapse as a result of it, with the Government having failed to provide assistance.”

Coun Kelly added: “We feel very strongly that we must step in where we can and help them survive this crisis, and we have pushed for help to be made available by the council to provide support.”

Organisations can apply online at www.sunderland. gov.uk/vcse-grants

The application process closes at midnight on Sunday, June 21.