Sarah Newton, manager of Dobies Charitable Trust wanted to establish a specific fund to support the local community of West Cumbria, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The £10,000 is a substantial amount for this small Trust and almost doubles the normal annual level of giving.
The fund will award grants of up to £1000 to community organisations and charities, to support the delivery of their services. The Trust does not deliver services itself but financially supports those who are doing that work in the community. The fund will cover West Cumbria only and applications will not be considered from individuals.
Recognising charities and community groups will be seeing increased demand for their services, whilst suffering reductions to income, the fund will support these vital organisations via the grants.
“As soon as COVID-19 started to hit the country, I knew I wanted to do something to help the West Cumbrian people. It’s important we stand with these communities and help them through. This money is separate and in addition to the Trust’s normal giving”, commented Sarah Newton.
In the short term there are three areas, the fund will focus on:
Foodbanks – 1 in 8 households in Cumbria have an annual income of below £10,000. As household incomes are reduced due to furloughing or redundancy, the demand on foodbanks will increase. This is a basic practical need that all households should be able to fulfil without worry or angst.
Domestic Violence – there has been an increase in the demand for support for victims living with domestic violence, as social distancing measures intensify their situation. Existing relationship issues will be put under increasing pressures as people are asked to stay at home.
Mental Health and Wellbeing – all ages are affected. From vulnerable young people, to parents juggling work and home schooling to furloughed/redundant employees and those with learning difficulties self-isolating. Even those not usually affected by mental health will be swept into increased states of anxiety and uncertainty.
The delivery of community services will be addressing both practical and emotional needs and with current social distancing measures, the way in which these programmes are delivered will require extra planning, resources and therefore money. The fund can help with these extra costs.
The Trust has already donated £500 to Mirehouse Residents Group, to back food production and delivery and activity packs for kids under 16, all delivered by volunteers. The work is impacting over 2000 residents. Charlie from the group said: “We on Mirehouse are very grateful for your immediate assistance and donation as we created our meals on wheels project to feed the vulnerable of our estate. Your support has been very much appreciated as it allowed us to immediately put our plans into place therefore showing support for our community at a very difficult time.”
If you would like to apply for a grant, here’s how to apply:
- email Sarah Newton at [email protected]
- write to Sarah at Dobies Charitable Trust, Lillyhall West, Workington, Cumbria CA14 4HX
- complete form at http://www.dobiescumbria.com/charitable-trust
Please include in your application:
Name of organisation/group
Services provided
Geographical area covered
How affected by COVID 19
How the money will be used
Amount requested
For more information on Dobies Charitable Trust please visit: http://www.dobiescumbria.com/dobies-charitable-trust
