A total of 24 organisations and groups have been successful in their applications to the COVID-19 Community Action Fund and are receiving over £11,000 between them.

Torbay Council has awarded the grants from the Community Action Fund to provide flexible resources to organisations working within communities who are disproportionately impacted by Coronavirus and the social and economic consequences of the outbreak.

Through the Community Action Fund, small amounts of grant funding of up to £500 are rapidly deployed to community-led schemes. These schemes achieve small but important things that can safely address some of the issues that are arising because of this Coronavirus outbreak.

Grant assistance can include:

• Safe deliveries of essential goods and services to those who are vulnerable, such as foods and medicines
• Support for accessing online information and services
• Virtual support groups to help people to stay connected and informed and to maintain and support mental health and wellbeing
• Transport related initiatives that support safe community responses to the outbreak.

Riviera FM has been awarded a grant from the fund and this will be used to support a playout system which is used in presenter’s homes. This allows the station to continue to keep broadcasting information to residents of Torbay to keep them informed of the latest information regarding Police, Council, Fire Brigade, NHS, and Torbay Community Development Trust press releases every day.

Applications are still open for the Fund.

Councillor Christine Carter, Cabinet Member for Corporate and Community Services at Torbay Council says “We are really pleased that so many groups have stepped forward to assist the community in a diversity of ways. However, we do have more grants to award. There is a huge need from some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. I would urge groups and organisations to get and touch to see if they can assist many people who are in desperate need during this time.”

Applications are encouraged from constituted and not-for-profit Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector groups and organisations, or a combination of groups working together.

More about The Community Action Fund and how to apply can be found by visiting our Community Action Fund webpage.