New fund to help Nottinghamshire's coalfield communities in crisis

The Coalfields Regeneration Trust has opened the new Coalfields Covid-19 Recovery and Resilience Fund (CCRRF) in Nottinghamshire.
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Acting as an interim replacement for the Coalfields Community Investment Programme (CCIP), which provides £550,000 to eligible organisations annually, the CCRRF will provide better support for the delivery and sustainability of key services during the current crisis.

Andy Lock, head of operations (England) for the trust, said: “We recognise the incredible response our coalfield communities have had to the Covid-19 crisis and have altered our funding support so that we can address local needs during this difficult time.

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“As part of the fund, we will continue to offer grants of up to £10,000 to eligible community-based organisations and our focus will remain on employment, skills and health and wellbeing.

Andy Lock, head of operations for England for The Coalfields Regeneration Trust. Photo: Tony JohnsonAndy Lock, head of operations for England for The Coalfields Regeneration Trust. Photo: Tony Johnson
Andy Lock, head of operations for England for The Coalfields Regeneration Trust. Photo: Tony Johnson

“However, priority will be given to applicants that are delivering support, or who are having to significantly adapt their services, to respond to the pandemic and still assist vulnerable groups.

“Applications will also be reviewed more frequently so that these funds can be used when and where they are needed the most. We’re also proud to continue to offer our free practical support service remotely for organisations in coalfield areas.”

In recognition of the disproportionate impact Covid-19 is having within coalfields, the £550,000 annual programme has increased by £50,000 for 2020.

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Mr Lock continued: “Our community-based organisations are in crisis.

“Despite the fact that demand for their services and support is at an all-time high, many have had to close temporarily, furlough team members or significantly reduce their services to protect reserves and cash flow so that they can survive longer-term.

“In other instances, diversifying to deliver services in different ways is the only option but this requires much-needed skills and support which is why our new fund and practical support is more important than ever before.”

“We are also calling for a ring-fenced fund, which will be used to tackle the many and varied challenges that still exist.”

For details, click here.

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