Mansfield mayor's 500 Fund supporting voluntary groups during coronavirus crisis

As the country enters its first recession since 2009, charities and voluntary groups are seeing a bigger demand for their services as people struggle from the financial and health effects of the pandemic.
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Part of executive mayor Andy Abrahams’ election pledge in 2019 was to donate 30 per cent of his salary to charitable causes.

The Mayor’s 500 Fund was created to provide a £500 donation to voluntary groups in need, to enable them to begin or continue community projects in the town.

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Several volunteer groups in the Mansfield district have been chosen so far to receive their cheques, which were presented by Mr Abrahams this week, continuing the donations made to 15 groups prior to lockdown.

A £500 cheque is presented to Kimberley Tucker of the Extra Care Baby BankA £500 cheque is presented to Kimberley Tucker of the Extra Care Baby Bank
A £500 cheque is presented to Kimberley Tucker of the Extra Care Baby Bank

The mayor, who is also leader of the Labour Group for Mansfield, said: “The 500 Fund is something I set up as soon as I was elected, in line with the election pledge I made to donate a proportion of my salary.

“I wanted to support small voluntary groups with the money, to enable them to continue or expand the fantastic work they do for the people of Mansfield.

"It’s fantastic to see the results of these community projects – a small amount of money can go a long way.”

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Kimberley Tucker runs the Extra Care Baby Bank, supporting social services with families in need.

Just some of the beds, mattresses and clothing awaiting collection to be delivered to families in need.Just some of the beds, mattresses and clothing awaiting collection to be delivered to families in need.
Just some of the beds, mattresses and clothing awaiting collection to be delivered to families in need.

She has worked alongside various government support agencies to source clothing, toiletries and even beds for families in need in the area.

As the mayor was presenting his cheque to Kimberley she was receiving a large delivery of children’s mattresses which had been paid for by a kind donor, after Kimberley discovered that more than 4,000 children in Nottinghamshire did not have their own bed to sleep in.

Kimberley explained her reasons for setting up the scheme.

"I watched a Dispatches programme about the increase in demand for baby banks – I became a single parent myself, but I had a strong support network so I was able to cope financially.

Andy Abrahams presenting the cheque to Impact cancer support group.Andy Abrahams presenting the cheque to Impact cancer support group.
Andy Abrahams presenting the cheque to Impact cancer support group.
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"It got me thinking that things could have been very different, had I not had my family around me.

"I started looking into it and discovered how many families were in need, so set up the Facebook page to ask for donations.”

The page now has over 1,600 followers and is growing daily, as is demand for items.

Kimberley lives with her two children and has rooms and cupboards full of donated items ready to be sent out – with items being distributed within days of them being requested.

Ladybrook Community Centre which is the hub for many community support groups.Ladybrook Community Centre which is the hub for many community support groups.
Ladybrook Community Centre which is the hub for many community support groups.
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After discovering the plight of young children without a bed to sleep in, she set to work on an appeal and was inundated with offers.

She continued: "It’s awful to think there are young children out there sleeping on floors and sofas, and this money will really help us continue this work.”

For more information on the work Kimberley does, see Facebook page Extra Care Baby Bank.

The second cheque presented by the mayor was to Impact at Ladybrook Community Centre – a cancer support group.

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It was set up by Sharron Reynolds and Jane Stanley and provides advice, education and support to those battling cancer, and their families.

It is one of a number of help groups located within the community centre, and is for residents across the district, not just the Ladybrook community.

Mansfield Food Bank volunteers are presented with a cheque for £500Mansfield Food Bank volunteers are presented with a cheque for £500
Mansfield Food Bank volunteers are presented with a cheque for £500

Jane explains: "As a cancer survivor myself, this service is invaluable.

"We can offer advice and support for both the person battling cancer, and their families too – they’re often the ones who need our support the most.

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"We can signpost them to support services, but really we’re here to listen and support them through what can be a very isolating and uncertain time.

"This money will allow us to continue what we are doing, so we are very grateful.”

For more information on Impact and the work they do, please see their Facebook page: Impact – Mansfield

The third cause in receipt of a £500 cheque from the mayor’s fund is Mansfield Food Bank, run by a team of volunteers from the Stanhope Centre.

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They run a food kitchen providing meals to the homeless every Thursday, alongside food parcels and clothing.

Volunteers Lynette Lee and Lucia Cross have seen an increase in demand during coronavirus, and will be using the mayor’s donation to continue their work.

Lucia explained: “Our rent and insurance costs are £1,700 per year so this money will really help us to continue the work we do.

"We provide our users with a hot meal and food parcels if they need them.

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"It’s so important as they don’t just come for the food, they enjoy the social interaction and look forward to seeing us each week.

"Our aim is to go one further, and actually educate too, so those who end up getting housed are able to adapt to their new way of life – as it can often be overwhelming for them.

The food bank runs every Thursday from 12.30pm until 2pm from the Stanhope Centre, Rock Valley.

The Mayor has pledged to support at least 24 organisations during his term.

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For more information on the fund and to apply on behalf of your organisation, see Mansfield District Council’s website: mansfield.gov.uk/council-councillor-democracy/mayors-500-fund.

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