An extra £500,000 has been added to the Leicestershire emergency fund to help people during the the coronavirus outbreak

An emergency scheme launched to support people in Leicestershire during the coronavirus outbreak has been fired up by an extra £500,000 to £1.5million.

The Communities Fund has been set up by Leicestershire County Council.

The project aims to ensure voluntary organisations can continue to carry out vital work as they are battered by the Covid-19 crisis.

A homeless prevention service and a centre to support youngsters with autism are among the first community groups to be awarded a slice of the pot.

Market Harborough-based Hab Antibullying and The Well at Kibworth, a Christian outreach charity, are among Harborough groups handed cash.

The first round of the fund will see £560,000 awarded to 46 projects.

The second round is set to be announced by the authority in the next few days.

Cllr Nick Rushton, leader of the county council, said: “The Communities Fund will ensure the work of volunteers and groups can keep communities thriving in these challenging times.

“There has been a huge response so far which is fantastic.

“And that’s why we’ve decided to increase the funding pot by another half-a-million pounds.

“It’s never been more important for communities to band together and support each other.”

He added: “These awards will help groups to continue their crucial work and step up activities to support vulnerable people and those isolating.

“This fund enables people to stay safe by staying at home and ultimately, saves lives.

“I’d like to thank our volunteers and community groups for their fantastic work.

“I would encourage those who haven’t yet to visit the website to find out more.”

The Bridge (East Midlands), a charity that provides homeless prevention services to vulnerable people in Leicestershire, will pocket £9,100 to help them continue.

Paul Snape, deputy chief officer at The Bridge (East Midlands), said: “The funding received from the Communities Fund will enable us to adapt to safe and innovative ways of working during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“That includes ensuring every staff member has the necessary equipment to continue their vital work from the safety of their own home.”

He added: “We will also be able to provide additional resource, both in terms of emergency food provision and triage helpline support

“In doing so, we will add significant value to the crisis response for vulnerable individuals and families across Leicestershire.”

More than 180 voluntary organisations have applied for funding so far and there is still time for others to apply for Leicestershire Communities Fund.

The deadline for submissions is Friday, April 17.

To find out more and apply, visit: www.leicestershirecommunities.org.uk/leicestershire-communities-fund