Nottinghamshire Covid-19 community fund is re-opened by the county council

The fund, which awarded almost £700,000 to more than 250 projects between March and September 2020, has reopened to support vulnerable resident impacted by the pandemic by offering essential financial help to local groups.

Established local charities and voluntary groups, including faith-based organisations, as well as district, borough or parish or town councils taking an active role in responding to the urgent needs of Nottinghamshire residents can apply for up to £10,000The fund will operate with the same criteria as before and will take new applications immediately.Local groups who have already been awarded grants include:

Mansfield and District Samaritans, which was awarded £2,000 to keep its branch running and phone lines working to support vulnerable and isolated people struggling to cope.

Age Concern in Mansfield, which was awarded £2,500 to assist in the coordination of its service which offers emotional support and guidanceHucknall Engage, which was allocated £5,000 to help to expand its foodbank service to more than 100 vulnerable familiesStorehouse food bank in Kirkby-in-Ashfield, which was awarded £5,000.

Eastwood-based, British Lung Foundation Support Group Notts West (Breathe Easy), which received £720 to deliver food parcels and run a free, weekly seated exercise groupClay Responders 2020 which received £10,000 to help meet running costs as part of its 125 person-strong volunteer operation covering the Sturton ward area of Bassetlaw.The Well Community Project in Retford received £3,000 to help with extra demand for the debt advice service it delivers, as well as supplementing food bank provision and a project to help combat loneliness and social isolation.

in addtion, community volunteer services across Newark & Sherwood, Rushcliffe, Gedling, Mansfield and Bassetlaw areas have received a total of £24,545 to help deliver a volunteer-led shopping and prescription collection scheme, a telephone-based service offering ‘friendship and support’ to maintain social contact during isolation, and help recruit new local volunteers.

Coun Kay Cutts, county council leader, said: “I’m proud that we are reopening the community fund once again in order to support those in our communities who need it the most.

"We will again be supporting the local charities and community organisations that are already delivering essential services to vulnerable Nottinghamshire residents who have been impacted by COVID-19.”To check the eligibility criteria and apply, or to see the full list of groups that have allocated funds, click here.Those successful in getting funding will have their group’s details published here.