John Baron MP welcomes opening of Coronavirus Community Support Fund

MP encourages charities and social enterprises to apply

Today the Government’s £200 million Coronavirus Community Support Fund opens for applications. This fund aims to support charities and social enterprises which are helping to meet the needs of vulnerable people affected by the coronavirus outbreak by giving grants, and is part of the Government’s support for this sector. It is being administered by the National Lottery Community Fund, and applications can be made through its website – please see ‘notes to editors’ below for details.

John said,

“Many charities and social enterprises are doing sterling work during the current emergency, but the coronavirus outbreak has presented challenges to their usual revenue-generating and fundraising activities. The £200 million Coronavirus Community Support Fund will offer grants to help organisations supporting vulnerable people, and I would strongly encourage charities and social enterprises to apply to it.”

Notes to Editors:

• For details of how to apply, please visit www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk.

• The Coronavirus Community Support Fund has two main objectives: to increase community support to vulnerable people affected by the COVID-19 crisis, through the work of civil society organisations; and to reduce temporary closures of essential charities and social enterprises, ensuring services for vulnerable people affected by COVID-19 have the financial resources to operate, and so reduce the burden on public services.

• If people are having difficulty obtaining essential supplies, they can register with Essex Coronavirus Action, which is a collaboration between Essex County Council, the Essex Public Health Team and local groups. Their number is 0300 303 9988, open from 8.00am – 8.00pm, seven days a week.

• They can also register with the Community Hub, which is run by Basildon Council and provides support to the elderly and vulnerable at this time. The number is 01268 533 333 (option 1), or e-mail coronavirusresidents@basildon.gov.uk.