Communities across the North East received a much appreciated cash boost of £200,000 from the Bernicia Foundation, to help tackle hardship caused by the Coronavirus crisis.
The funding has been shared among eight local authorities across the region, with councils asked to use their local knowledge to help us direct the money quickly to those able to deliver real help to people in need.
Numerous charities and volunteer organisations across the region, delivering services to vulnerable and hard hit families, single people and people with learning difficulties have made a real difference through the benefit of these funds.
The East Durham Trust told us “last week saw packed lunches being distributed to families along with craft packs – this was particularly important because last week was the half term school holiday and although schools have been largely closed anyway, there was the issue of vouchers not being issued in lieu of free school meals…we were able to distribute food to many families in need.
John Holmes, Chair of The Bernicia Foundation said: “It is so heartening to see the speed with which our partner local authorities have directed the Bernicia Foundation funding to charities helping people and communities cope. The essential nature of these grass-roots charities has delivered practical and essential support to the most vulnerable of households struggling in these unprecedented times. Each and everyone one of them deserves all our appreciation and support”.
The Bernicia Foundation was created with a £1m fund to support organisations promoting social and financial inclusion and backing young talent in the North East. The general fund allocation rounds for 2020 have now also been brought forward, so that grants can be used to communities recover and thrive over the coming months.