Through the Somerset Coronavirus Response and Recovery Fund, we will award grants to local charities and community organisations across the county of Somerset in two stages: response and recovery. In the response phase, we will get extra money to boost efforts to provide essential support to older people and other vulnerable groups affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. In the recovery phase, we will fund a wider group of local charities and community organisations whose operations and finances have been affected, helping them to recover while also helping our communities get back on their feet once the outbreak eases.

We will work to make sure the fund reaches the communities that need the most support. We are working closely with partners in the voluntary sector, NHS and local authorities and contacting frontline organisations to see what is needed. We have been funding the local voluntary sector for 18 years and we know a lot of these organisations very well. Never have our communities needed them more and we will swiftly support their efforts.