Coalfields Regeneration Trust launches new fund to help Nottinghamshire through the COVID-19 crisis

A charity that supports former mining communities such as Hucknall has launched a dedicated fund to help recovery from the coronavirus crisis.
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The Coalfields Regeneration Trust, which works in areas populated by 5.7million people across the UK, says the Coalfields Covid-19 Recovery and Resilience Fund will temporarily replace its £550,000 annual community investment programme.

The change will allow the charity to target its support for the the delivery and sustainability of key services.

Head of operations Andy Lock said: “We recognise the incredible response our coalfield communities have had to the Covid-19 crisis and have altered our funding support so that we can address local needs during this difficult time.

Andy Lock, head of operations for the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, says the organisations it supports are under extreme pressure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.Andy Lock, head of operations for the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, says the organisations it supports are under extreme pressure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Andy Lock, head of operations for the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, says the organisations it supports are under extreme pressure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We will continue to offer grants of up to £10,000 to eligible community-based organisations and our focus will remain on employment, skills, health and wellbeing.”

He added: “Priority will be given to applicants that are delivering support, or who are having to significantly adapt their services, to respond to the pandemic and assist vulnerable groups.

“Applications will be reviewed more frequently so these funds can be used when and where they are needed the most. We’re also proud to continue to offer our free practical support service remotely .”

According to a report produced by the charity in 2019, 42 per cent of residents in coalfield communities sit within the 30 per cent most deprived in the UK.

Over the past five years, the trust has distributed more than £2m but the economic impact of the pandemic is likely to present new challenges.

Andy said: “Our community organisations are in crisis. Demand for their services is at an all-time high but many have had to close temporarily, furlough staff or reduce services to protect reserves and cash flow.

“In other instances, diversifying to deliver service s in different ways is the only option. This requires much-needed skills, support and additional funding.”

The charity is also calling on the Government to establish a ring-fenced coalfield investment fund for the long-term.

For details of how to apply for a COVID-19 grant, go to https://bit.ly/2ApKvgO.