Over half-a-million-pounds is being given to food banks and community groups to support Leicestershire residents most in need.
Leicestershire County Council is using a £540,000 Government grant to help vulnerable people and will help provide food, toiletries and essential supplies to those shielding from coronavirus.
The money will also bolster the work of voluntary groups, supporting vulnerable people and those self-isolating.
During the pandemic, the council has also:
- Launched a £1.5m fund designed to support communities – a hospice, a homelessness service and a charity supporting young, older and vulnerable people are just three of those awarded money
- Invested an extra £100,000 into the fund to bolster support in extended lockdown areas
- Established a £750,000 fund supporting small businesses to get back on their feet
- Set up a dedicated team to ensure the 25,000 people identified as ‘shielded’ by the NHS have support and care in place, if required – and delivered hundreds of emergency food parcels and prescriptions
- Supported schools – with around 230 staying open every day and around 3,000 children attending across the county
Nick Rushton, Leicestershire county council leader, said: “This extra money is very welcome. It allows us to offer people a helping hand by supporting the community food banks that many rely on.”
“Times are still tough, particularly for those still in extended lockdown. Supporting vulnerable people remains top of our list and this latest announcement builds on a number of successful initiatives which we’ve already launched.”
“Our staff have worked round-the-clock throughout the pandemic and are continuing to to ensure people have the care, food and medicine they need.”
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