New funding for Covid-19 support projects in Wyre and Fylde

Since the coronavirus pandemic began to impact in March, many groups have responded to help vulnerable people in the community, in a variety of ways.

The COVID-19 Response Fund will help to support the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector (VCFSE) and is now open for applications.

The fund has been set up thanks to a partnership between Wyre Council, Fylde Council and Blackpool, Wyre & Fylde Council for Voluntary Service (CVS).

Although the maximum award is £5,000 per organisation, a wide range of bids is encouraged from a minimum of £300 up to the £5,000 maximum.

The partnership is keen to fund projects that meet the immediate need of Wyre and Fylde residents who are struggling to afford food and essentials due to COVID-19

·Schemes are also eligible if they provide advice and information to residents affected by COVID-19 to help them access longer term support they might need, such as benefits, debt advice or employment support.

The fund is also available to projects which provide emotional and mental health support, help address social isolation.

Coun Lynne Bowen, leisure, health and community engagement portfolio holder at Wyre Council said: “We are really pleased to work in partnership with Fylde Council and Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde CVS to be able to offer this grant funding to organisations who are making a real difference in this difficult and unprecedented time.

"We have committed £40,000 towards this grant scheme so we can help to support the amazing work that’s going on in our communities.”

Capital and revenue expenses that will be funded may include buying or replacing essential equipment, such as if a food bank needs a fridge to expand storage capacity or a group need IT equipment to enable their beneficiaries to access on-line support groups.

Expenses will also be available to cover the running costs of eligible projects, and costs such as supplying essential food, clothing or sanitary products.

Projects outside the district boundaries of Wyre and Fylde or ones which benefit private businesses or political activities will not be able to apply.

Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis. The application window for this round of funding will close on Friday, December 4

To download an application form visit www.cvsbwf.org/covidgrants

Completed applications should be returned to [email protected]