Greenwich Community Groups Can Claim Emergency Funding

While virtually everyone is re-evaluating their finances and considering their options because of the coronavirus pandemic, some people are in greater need of support than others. This has long been the case, with many households, families and individuals reliant on support from community groups and volunteers.

When something like the situation we are enduring, these organisations struggle, and this places more people under more significant pressure. This is why it is pleasing to see support for groups in Greenwich, in the form of an emergency funding pool.

This is the time to support those in need

A sum of £150,000 has been set aside for groups in the borough. This comes after Greenwich Council provided a grant of £75,000 which matches the sum put forward by the Greenwich Charitable Trust. The Trust is the NHS charity in the borough.

Organisations which are eligible for support have been able to secure a grant of between £5,000 and £10,000. This money will help these groups support others during the pandemic. METRO GAVS will administer the scheme.

Grants can be applied for in the following three ways:

·         Supporting voluntary and community organisations in financial difficulty that is key to the health and wellbeing of the local community.

·         Supporting voluntary and community organisations to adapt services to support people around health and wellbeing during the pandemic, with a particular focus on mental wellbeing.

·         Supporting voluntary and community organisations tackling poverty and food poverty in the local community caused by the effects of COVID-19.

Naomi Goldberg is the Director of Strategy at METRO, and she spoke about how the grant would provide assistance to the sector during the lockdown. Naomi said; “We are hugely grateful to Greenwich Charitable Trust and the Royal Borough of Greenwich for providing this additional funding for the sector at this difficult and extraordinary time.”

Naomi continued by saying; “In doing so, they are recognising the essential contribution that our voluntary, community and faith sector make to the health and wellbeing of the borough’s residents, and the crucial need for continuity and robust services, now more than ever.”

The Greenwich community comes together in tough times

The local council has also recognised there is a need to help the organisations which help people during a trying time. Greenwich Council leader Danny Thorpe said; “The response from our borough’s voluntary and community sector to the COVID-19 pandemic has been incredible, and we want to help them do even more. Our Community Hub has had over 20,000 calls from residents needing support, and it’s clear that some people are really struggling to put food on the table. That’s why we’re providing extra funding to help alleviate food poverty during this crisis.”

During this period, any measure which supports the local community is a good thing, and should be encouraged.

If you are looking for guidance on the housing market or local matters, please get in touch. At Hunters Greenwich, we are keen to provide as much support and guidance as we can in the local community, so please contact us today.