A grant scheme set up to help grass root organisations provide key support to vulnerable Richmondshire residents through the coronavirus pandemic has paid out to eight community groups.
The £10,000 district council’s coronavirus community grant can provide cash handouts from £50 to £500.
It can be used to deal with emerging issues and reduce the impact of social isolation as a result of the virus and can be directed at people who live alone and need to be kept connected to the outside world during this time, or people facing poverty or poor mental health at this time.
Grants have been paid to Colburn Hub; Constable Burton Volunteer Support Group; Richmond Town Council; Carlton Parish Council ; British Gurkha and Nepalese Community; Reeth and District Community Transport Group; A Good Life Project – the Upper Dales Covid-19 Support Group and Arkengarthdale Parish Council.
The £3,728.66 has been used to make washable face masks; provide gardening tools, jigsaws and craft kits; and stationery items.
“This scheme is offering small grants to local community groups which are doing an amazing job supporting residents,” said Richmondshire District Council Leader, Councillor Angie Dale.
“I am a member of the Colburn Hub which has made hundreds of sets of scrubs and masks to help through the emergency.
“People are giving up their own time through these groups to offer aid to neighbours and these grants can help them – it could be to pay for initiatives to support the wellbeing of residents particularly those living alone or for a community group to buy a printer to provide information to residents.”
Town or parish councils or community support groups can apply for between £50 and £500 – but must be a formal, constituted group with a bank account to be eligible.
Businesses, companies and schools are not eligible, and the scheme cannot be used for food parcels as there is assistance for this through the North Yorkshire Local Assistance Fund.
To apply visit www.richmondshire.gov.uk/community-grants or contact chloe.lewis@richmondshire.gov.uk
