A new fund aimed at supporting residents who are struggling to afford food and other essentials due to the economic impact caused by Covid-19 is open to groups and organisations helping communities through the crisis.

Nottinghamshire County Council has been allocated a £858,000 share of the Government’s £63m emergency funding aimed at helping those families who are struggling financially since the outbreak.

Local charities and community organisations already delivering essential Covid-19 related services can apply for grants towards the cost of getting food and other essentials to those who need it the most.

This new Emergency Assistance Fund will build on the council’s continued support for communities during the coronavirus outbreak. Since March, The COVID-19 Community Fund has allocated more than £605,000 to 216 local groups to help with vital running costs incurred as part of work to support communities.

County Council leader, Coun Kay Cutts, said: “This awful pandemic continues to leave many families struggling to afford food and other essentials. Many people have lost their jobs or been unable to work due to self- isolating, shielding, caring for others or suffering from the virus itself, so have relied on the tremendous work of local community groups and volunteers to help them through this very tough time.

“Whilst our Community Fund focused on the more immediate issue of helping vulnerable residents who were unable to get out and about, this new emergency fund aims to help address the economic toll this pandemic has taken.

“Our share of this Government funding is vital to ensure our residents continue to get access to food and essentials, particularly in areas of deprivation which includes many of our rural communities.

“Our priority will be allocating grants to existing schemes, where the need is greatest, as well as to those schemes which are helping people find out more about longer term support such as benefits and grant eligibility.

“Building on the fantastic work of the Community Hub, which has helped resolve more than 1,000 requests for support so far, we will continue to work with other local authorities to provide support for our residents.”

Eligible projects that fall into categories such as food banks, soup kitchens, food and shopping delivery will be prioritised.

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 urgent needs of Nottinghamshire residents who have suffered from the economic impact of COVID-19 can apply for these new funds.

Groups and organisation will be able to apply to both to the new emergency fund and the Community Fund as long as their applications are not for the same projects.

To check the eligibility criteria and apply, go to www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/assistancefund

Those successful in getting funding will have their groups details published on the www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/coronaviruscommunityhub

For further information about the funding, email LIS@nottscc.gov.uk or call 0115 977 2041.

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