Voluntary Sector Organisations to Support Communities Through the Pandemic

A TOTAL of 26 voluntary and community sector organisations across Reading will receive grants totalling £220k in order to support communities and residents through issues caused by the on going Covid pandemic.

Successful applications to the Reading Covid Support Fund focused on four key areas, which are:

• Social Isolation / Mental Health / Emotional support
• Self-isolation Support (not financial) targeting seldom heard groups
• Bids supporting carers and children and young people
• Other Covid-related areas of impact (e.g. financial hardship, physical health)

The funding - which the Government granted to the Council through its Practical Support Payment - was available to support the infrastructure and/or additional capacity needed by voluntary and community organisations to expand existing services, deliver services in a different way or to develop new activities. Grants of up to £10,000 were available through the bidding process earlier this year, which increased to £20,000 for bids made in partnership by more than one organisation.

The successful organisations are:

Access to the Arts / READ College

Aspire2 Whitley

AutAngel

Becoming Mums

Berkshire MS Therapy Centre

Berkshire Women's Aid

Chapter2

Get Berkshire Active

Home-Start Reading

Hope and Vision Communities

Hope Counselling Service

Jelly

Nature Nurture CIC

No5 Young People

Parenting Special Children

Rainbow Day Nursery - Royal Berkshire Hospital

Reading Community Learning Centre

Reading Mencap

Sadaka

Sport in Mind

Mustard Tree – Engage Project and Starting Point Project

The Engine Shed

The Forgotten British Gurkha Veterans Charity

The Silvers' Workshop

TuVida

World Education Berkshire - RISC-Food4families

Isabel Edgar, Assistant Director of Corporate Improvement & Customer Services, said:

“The Covid pandemic may not be as prominent as previously, but there is little doubt it leaves an unwelcome legacy for many in our communities, particularly in terms of mental health issues, isolation, financial challenges and for children and young people.

“We know that research shows the impact has been felt the most in some of our more deprived communities. We also know that our amazing voluntary sector organisations in Reading have the skills, experience and know how to reach and engage with those groups or individuals. They have been magnificent throughout the pandemic and I have little doubt they will step up to the plate once more.”

Rachel Spencer, of Reading Voluntary Action, said:

“The voluntary and community groups of Reading have been there for the town throughout the pandemic. Their services and support continue to be vital for people struggling with employment insecurities, the cost of living increases and many challenges. We are lucky to have such a vibrant and diverse voluntary sector in the town and great to see so many receive this recognition and support.”

Lorraine Briffitt, of Connect Reading, added:

“At Connect Reading, we've seen many of our member VCS organisations working tirelessly to support people throughout the pandemic. As we begin to emerge from restrictions, the breadth and depth of the pandemic's impact is becoming even more evident. The impact on people who were already struggling, as well as those newly facing poverty, unemployment, mental health challenges and homelessnes is seismic.  These grants will help these frontline services offer vital support on this long road to recovery.”