Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall’s COVID-19 Community Recovery fund has awarded £142,670 in the last few months, with the latest awards in August receiving £22,597. The fund aims to help voluntary groups and charities cope with the financial impact of COVID-19, offering immediate support to organisations that are helping individuals, families and communities to recover and rebuild post lockdown.
Peter McCall comments: “Since June, the COVID-19 Community Fund has been financially helping groups that have been impacted by additional demands and costs, caused as a result of lockdown restrictions over the last six months.
“The financial implications due to the increase in the number of people using social groups has been significant and their work is vital in helping to support families, groups and build young people’s self-confidence, resilience and a greater sense of wellbeing.
“We have already had a very positive response from people applying to the COVID-19 Community Recovery Fund and I urge applications to come forward as soon as possible.
“Successful recipients in the latest round of applications include organisations such as Carlisle Key, a group that works with young people aged 16-25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. They will be using the fund to help adapt a COVID-19 compliant space suitable for counselling sessions.
“Also, Happy Hooves in the Eden Valley have recently been awarded a grant to assist with their horse riding and wellbeing sessions for individuals, families and groups, helping them to recover and regain focus and resilience following the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Harbour Youth Project in Whitehaven will use the fund to help purchase additional IT equipment and software subscriptions that will enable larger and more frequent youth sessions online. And the Gateway Church in Kendal will be increasing the number of volunteer Neighbourhood Chaplain sessions in the Hallgarth, Sandylands and Kirkbarrow area.
“Applicants are able to apply for up to £5,000 with the next deadline 30th September. For further details on how to apply please visit the website at www.cumbria-pcc.gov.uk”
Successful grants awarded in August:
- Cando FM Radio, Barrow £4,590
- Carlisle Key £4,200
- Happy Hooves RDA, Eden Valley £5,000
- Whitehaven Harbour Youth Project £4,000
- Gateway Church, Kendal £4,807
