More money put forward to support Leicestershire communities during the coronavirus pandemic

An extra £600,000 is being pumped into a fund set up to support Leicestershire communities during the coronavirus pandemic – taking the total to over £2 million.

Leicestershire County Council’s Communities Fund was launched in March to ensure community-based organisations could continue to carry out vital work amid the virus crisis.

More than £1.5 million has already been handed out to back 220 projects across Leicestershire.

The leader of Leicestershire County Council, Cllr Nick Rushton, said: “The response to our Communities Fund has been phenomenal.

“We are proud to be able to support more charities and community groups with an extra £600,000 in this third round.

“The Communities Fund will ensure the valuable work of these organisations can keep communities thriving and support vulnerable people in these challenging times.”

Cllr Louise Richardson, the council’s cabinet member for communities, added: “It’s never been more important for communities to band together and support each other.

“I urge every community group to look into whether they could benefit from this fund.”

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

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

“I would encourage them to visit the website to find out more about how they can apply for funding.”

You can find out more about the fund and how to apply by visiting: www.leicestershirecommunities.org.uk/communities-fund-round-3Projects which have already been supported include The Bridge (East Midlands), a charity that provides early intervention and homeless prevention services to vulnerable people in Leicestershire.

They received £9,100 to help them continue helping those in need.

Round three will have an additional focus on backing community groups providing a vital service to local people during the pandemic, including:

• Support for people described as “clinically extremely vulnerable”

• The provision of welfare and associated support for vulnerable and disadvantaged people and families, including money/debt advice services, employment-related support, foodbank and associated food provisions and access to other essential supplies and equipment

• Support to improve the mental health and wellbeing of people affected by the pandemic, including schemes which reduce isolation and loneliness.

The deadline for applications is Friday January 22.