Bassetlaw volunteer groups among first to get support from £1m county council COVID-19 fund

The council’s £1million community fund is intended to ensure that advice and support continues to reach those who need it.

Grants worth more than £260,000 have already been handed out to 85 groups across the county.

Clay Responders 2020 has received £10,000 to help meet running costs as part of its 125 person-strong volunteer operation covering the Sturton ward area.

Bassetlaw Community & Voluntary Service will share £24,545 with four other district counterparts to recruit for and deliver a volunteer-led shopping and prescription collection scheme and a telephone befriending service.

County council leader Kay Cutts said: "I continue to be amazed by the response shown by local 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.”

Charities, voluntary and faith groups are working hard to support vulnerable residents impacted by COVID-19 with local parish and town councils acting as umbrella organisations coordinating many smaller groups.

Eligible groups can apply for up to £10,000 from the community fund to help with the costs of delivering essential local support to those most affected.

Coun Cutts said: “This funding will help groups continue this vital work to maintain the morale and well-being of our communities.

“If you have applied and haven’t heard from us yet, don’t worry, we will be in contact as soon as we can. We are fast-tracking applications and allocating grants daily.”

She added: “Our priority is to continue to approve grant applications from voluntary projects that are already set up so we help them continue this essential work in the challenging months ahead. "

To apply for funding, go to www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/communityfund, or for more information contact [email protected] or 0115 9772041.