SOMERSET Community Foundation has launched a countywide appeal to get vital funding to local charities and community organisations that are helping the most vulnerable people during the coronavirus outbreak.

The funds raised will help form the Somerset Coronavirus Response and Recovery Fund to ensure support swiftly reaches local charities and community organisations.

Somerset Community Foundation (SCF) plans for the grants to be made on a rolling basis, beginning as soon as funds become available.

Justin Sargent, SCF chief executive, said: “In the response phase, we will get extra money to organisations in order to boost their efforts to provide essential support to older people and other vulnerable groups affected by the coronavirus 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 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 in Somerset for 18 years and we know a lot of these organisations very well.

“Never have our communities needed these organisations’ backing more, and we will act swiftly to support their efforts by using our local knowledge to reach the organisations helping vulnerable people on the ground.”

SCF has announced that funders have already agreed that £40,000 of existing donations can be added to the Somerset Coronavirus Response and Recovery Fund, and is now inviting local people, businesses and organisations who can and wish to help, to make a donation.

Anyone wishing to contribute to the appeal can do so by visiting www.somersetcf.org.uk/appeal.

Justin added: “It’s important that the money gets to groups helping vulnerable people now and in the coming weeks. But we must also look ahead. Our area’s brilliant charities and community organisations will need support to get back on their feet after the outbreak eases so they can keep up their vital work.”

A national appeal has also been launched and the National Emergencies Trust will distribute money through a number of charitable organisations, including community foundations. That appeal can be supported via the National Emergences Trust website.