AS volunteers across the country have joined forces to help those struggling during Covid-19 pandemic, grants and trust funds have been made available to help local groups.

Eight organisations within Flintshire have so far benefitted from a fund set-up to support projects aimed at local people impacted by coronavirus, and the restrictions imposed by it.

The organisations successfully applied to Flintshire Local Voluntary Council’s (FLVC) Voluntary Services Emergency Fund, which offers grant awards of up to £1,000.

The money awarded to-date will help:

• North Wales Emergency Doctor Service to equip additional volunteer emergency responders recruited in response to the pandemic

• North East Wales Mind to answer more calls to its telephone helpline from an increased number of people seeking mental health support

• Emerge Community Arts to continue its provision for people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health issues, by moving music sessions online

• D.A.F.F.O.D.I.L.S to develop online activities to keep young disabled people engaged and connected

• FDF Centre for Independent Living to support vulnerable disabled people to cope with the transition from lockdown

• 4x4 Response Wales to support their transport and logistics work, helping voluntary groups, medical services and foodbanks to respond to the needs of those who are isolated and vulnerable

• Vision Support to purchase kitchen safety gadgets for the visually impaired who are without the support of helpers because of Covid-19 restrictions

• Cilcain Community Shop Ltd to buy laptops for the management of online systems for ordering and delivering groceries and supplies to elderly, isolated customers

FLVC’s Funding Outreach Officer, Heather Hicks said: "FLVC has been allocated a funding pot of £25,000 from Welsh Government, to help groups get the resources they need to support the vulnerable and keep vital services going in Flintshire, during the pandemic.

"We are trying to make it as easy as possible for groups to access funds quickly. We hope to help more organisations to support local people at this challenging time and the panel looks forward to receiving new applications."

Further information, full guidance and an application form can be found in the Covid-19 section of the FLVC website, www.flvc.org.uk.

To meet the eligibility criteria, organisations and groups must be independent of government, private and public sectors, be formally constituted, and have their own bank account with a minimum of two authorised signatories.

Vernon Turnbull, Planning Officer for successful applicant 4x4 Response Wales added: "We are very pleased to be able to support FLVC with their work in the community. Our team of trained 4x4 Responders cover the six counties of North Wales in support of the police, fire and ambulance services.

"We look forward to using specialist navigation, communication and logistics skills to support any Flintshire groups or residents that need assistance during the Covid 19 Emergency."

Applicants must explain how they will utilise volunteers, why the people they support are considered vulnerable, and what the money will be spent on.

There is no deadline for applications, and those received will be assessed on a rolling basis.

Ann Woods, Chief Officer at FLVC said: "As an organisation, we are proud to support, promote and develop community action in Flintshire. Successful applications help to demonstrate the breadth and depth of support being provided right now by Flintshire’s voluntary, community and charitable groups.

"Helping groups to find the funding needed to sustain and develop their services is a core part of our work and we are grateful for the opportunity to locally distribute emergency funding. We will do our utmost to guide any group seeking funding, and there are several other funding routes available to groups, so please do get in touch."

FLVC can be contacted on 01352 744000, or info@flvc.org.uk.