Over £124,000 is now available for local voluntary organisations to help support residents who are struggling to afford food and other essentials due to Covid-19.

Since the start of the pandemic, Richmond Council set up the Emergency Grant Fund, to help local organisations and groups who are delivering support to those affected by the Coronavirus public health emergency. Over £70k has been awarded.

Now, the Government has awarded Richmond Council a grant of £124,000 to help support local people who are struggling to afford food and other essential supplies.

Therefore, the Emergency Grant Fund (Food and Essentials) will now have a specific focus on this area.

Over the next few weeks, the Council will work closely with local charities and organisations who have been directly providing food or funding to access food, to identify their needs. Groups will then be able to apply for up to £10,000 (although larger awards would be considered).

Funding should be for:

- Cash or vouchers for individuals and families towards the cost of food and/or essential items

- Advice or information to help residents manage their situation and access longer term support e.g. benefits or debt advice

- Logistics including transport, storage, equipment and other items which will build organisational capacity in delivering this support.

In addition, the Council will work with Achieving for Children to ensure that local families, care leavers or those at risk of homelessness, are also able to access the funding.

Councillor Michael Wilson, Spokesperson for Communities, Equalities and the Voluntary Sector, said:

"Since the start of the pandemic, the response to this crisis from local volunteer groups has been brilliant.

"Thousands and thousands of food parcels have been delivered to people all over the borough.

"And sadly, as the furlough scheme comes to an end, we will undoubtedly see a rise in unemployment, therefore we anticipate that the demands on food will continue.

"Our local groups have been working closely together to share food supplies and we are keen to support this ethos through this funding.

"I'd urge groups to apply as soon as possible, so we can start making sure funds get to where they are needed most."

For more information and the eligibility criteria click HERE

Households with children that are affected by Covid-19 and experiencing financial hardship can apply to the Richmond Covid-19 Hardship Fund for supermarket vouchers.

The Council's also provides grants through the Local Assistance Scheme for residents experiencing financial hardship.

For further advice and guidance on benefits, debt advice and other entitlements please contact Citizens Advice Richmond.