Extra Covid-19 support funding still available for Nottinghamshire community groups

More than £605,000 worth of funding has already been allocated to 216 groups around the county, including Mansfield District Samaritans and The Kirkby Storehouse in Kirkby-in-Ashfield.

The £1 million Nottinghamshire Covid-19 Community Fund forms part of the Council’s response to support communities during the coronavirus outbreak.

It was set up in March to support established local charities and voluntary groups, including faith-based organisations, as well as parish or town councils taking an active role in responding to urgent needs for vulnerable people in the county.These fast-tracked grants are helping with the additional costs of delivering essential local support to those most affected by this public health emergency, such as collecting and delivering food and medicines for people who are self-isolating and people who can’t leave their homes.

Mansfield District Samaritans was awarded £2,000 in funding.

One of the volunteers at the group said: “This money will allow us to keep our branch running and our phone lines working so we can continue to take calls from people struggling to cope and to provide a safe, dependable place to turn in the months following the fallout of this crisis."

The Kirkby Storehouse, run by Kirkby-in-Ashfield churches, was awarded £5,000 to help continue its essential food bank service and purchase disposable gloves, packaging, stationery and other running costs.

Coun Kay Cutts, county council leader, said: “Whilst lockdown measures may be easing, I want to assure residents that the fund remains fully open as groups up and down the county continue to work hard to support vulnerable members of our communities.”

Eligible groups that are helping vulnerable Nottinghamshire residents can apply for up to £10,000.

To check the eligibility criteria and apply, click here.