The money will be made available to community aid groups
Council launches £10k grant scheme for coronavirus support groups
Test Valley Borough Council has launched a new £10,000 grant scheme for those providing community support during the coronavirus pandemic.
Existing voluntary groups, informal groups established in response to the pandemic, parish and town councils and schools can all apply for a grant of up to £500 each.
The funding can be used for a range of purposes, from covering volunteer and travel expenses to paying for equipment. It is intended to support the local provision of emergency supplies to the community.
Groups can apply for the grant online at www.testvalley.gov.uk/covid19grant
Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, Councillor Phil North, said: “I would like to say a big thank you to all of those groups supporting their communities during the coronavirus outbreak – they are doing a truly fantastic job. I have seen first-hand how they have become a lifeline for all those who are unable to leave their homes to pick up food and prescriptions. That is why the council has set up a fund to help cover some of their expenses."
“This funding is available immediately, so I would encourage those who are eligible to apply now.”
Other organisations are also offering grants to community groups responding to Covid-19, including Hampshire County Council (HCC) and Andover Town Council (ATC). More information on the ATC funding is available at
www.andover-tc.gov.uk/coronavirus/emergency-funding-for-organisations
The HCC funding will be administered locally by TVBC, with further details due to be published online at www.testvalley.gov.uk
Test Valley Borough Council has already set up a community support network, via Unity, to help coordinate and give advice about the management of volunteers and working with vulnerable people to these voluntary groups and will continue with that important work.
If you’d like to speak to someone about what help is available then contact TVBC’s community engagement officers on 01264 368000 or 01794 527700.