Mansfield St John Ambulance and Kirkby Storehouse get share of £260k emergency fund

The county council has awarded the money to 85 charity, voluntary and faith groups who are helping vulnerable residents through the Covid-19 crisis and there is more to come.

Mansfield St John Ambulance has received £7,000 towards buying first aid equipment such as bandages, oxygen, defibrillator and first aid kits. This will allow their volunteers access to all the equipment they need to provide support the NHS and emergency services at this unprecedented time.

The Kirkby Storehouse, run by Kirkby in Ashfield churches, has been awarded £5,000 to help continue its food bank service and buy disposable gloves, packaging, stationery and cover other running costs.

Community Volunteer Services (CVS), which operates across Mansfield and five other areas, has received a total of £24,545 to deliver a volunteer-led shopping and prescription collection scheme, a telephone-based service offering friendship and support to maintain social contact during isolation, and to recruit new local volunteers.

So far, 18 projects in Mansfield and Ashfield areas have received funding.

Eligible groups can apply for up to £10,000.

Nottinghamshire County Council Leader, Cllr Kay Cutts, MBE said: “I’m very pleased to announce the first batch of funding which will help groups continue this vital work to maintain the morale and well-being of our communities.“I continue to be amazed by the response shown by volunteer groups. I’m so proud Nottinghamshire is working together to support those most affected.“Up and down the county, volunteers are cooking and delivering meals, helping with food shopping and other essentials, collecting and delivering prescriptions, or helping keep someone’s spirits up via a phone chat.”“If you have applied and haven’t heard from us yet, don’t worry, we will be in contact. We are fast-tracking applications and allocating grants on a daily basis.”

To apply for funding, go to www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/communityfund.