PR Date: Tuesday, 27 October 2020 - 3:00pm
Two community and voluntary organisations have been awarded grants from North Herts District Council’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Community Support Fund.
The fund has been set up to help community and voluntary organisations in North Herts who are supporting the districts most vulnerable residents. Grants allocated from the fund so far total over £73,000.
The two additional projects awarded grants in October were:
Royston Day Centre who will receive £2000 to provide essential PPE including disposable masks, hand sanitiser pots, signage, thermometers and visors, to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
The Centre provides social interaction for the elderly of Royston and the surrounding villages, catering for those who are often lonely, to improve their mental health and well. The centre provides an opportunity for clients to chat over tea and coffee and take part in a variety of activities.
Sharon Redrup, Centre Manager at the Royston Daycare Centre said: “Royston Old Barn is delighted to receive £2000 from North Herts District Council Coronavirus Community Support fund. without this funding we would have been under considerable financial pressure. The money will help us to purchase PPE, for a safe and secure environment, allowing us to operate safely and also provide activity bags for our clients.
“Our service, for many of our older residents, is invaluable in helping to promote mental wellbeing, improve social interaction and stop many individuals feeling isolated. The facility will be able to open knowing that is has the correct PPE in place, not just now but also for the foreseeable future."
Herts Viewpoint, a charity in Hertfordshire for people with mental health or drug and alcohol problems was awarded £,2000. This will go towards the cost of providing two 12-week creative support groups for vulnerable people, providing a safe space to discuss issues, share experiences and problem solve.
Leslie Billy, Chief Executive at Herts Viewpoint said: “Viewpoint is delighted to provide Making Art and Creative Connections sessions for people experiencing mental health challenges in North Hertfordshire. With the support of the North Herts District Council, we aim to provide people with an opportunity to finding meaningful creative activity; reduce isolation and loneliness and provide an opportunity for meaningful connection with others.
“These sessions will give people an opportunity to be with others and share their experiences, as well as, engage in creative meaningful activity. If anyone living in North Hertfordshire is interested in attending please contact Viewpoint on 01707386136 or info@hertsviewpoint.co.uk”
Councillor Ian Albert, NHDC’s Executive Member for Finance, said: “Our emergency fund has been set up in recognition that the pandemic has placed unexpected financial pressures on many services and local groups. We hope that the extra financial support from North Herts Council will help all the groups who have received funding so far and encourage other groups who are struggling to apply.”
How to apply
Complete an application form on our website: https://www.north-herts.gov.uk/home/community/grants/coronavirus-community-support-fund
Read the Community Support Fund policy and criteria fully before completing an application form. Completed applications will be reviewed by Community Team staff to check eligibility. You may be contacted for more information after applying and a decision-making panel will make recommendations based on the fund’s criteria and the budget available.
For more information, contact the Community Engagement Team by emailing: community@north-herts.gov.uk
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