Half-a-million pounds gifted to communities in lockdown by Northamptonshire lifeline grant giver

The United African Association Northamptonshire has been fundamental to making sure people in their community are fed during lockdown.

The Northamptonshire Community Foundation (NCF) has so-far awarded £556,465 to hundreds of community projects across the county to support the most vulnerable residents and families during the COVID-19 crisis.

The Coronavirus Response and Recovery Fund, which is being delivered in partnership with Northamptonshire Emergencies Trust, opened for applications three months ago in March.

The funds are supporting thousands of hard-to-reach residents who have been self-isolating or shielding and support individuals and families on a low income and those impacted by job loss.

Rachel McGrath, deputy CEO of NCF, said: “The galvanised response from local community groups and charities to support vulnerable residents and families during this public health crisis has been absolutely amazing.

"Our staff team and trustees have been inspired by the array of projects and their local reach ensuring no one is left struggling on their own. We thank our generous donors for enabling us to support this crucial civil society response to the pandemic.

"The demand continues for these support services on the ground and our appeal will continue so that we can keep helping people emerge safely from lockdown and help rebuild local lives. If anyone wishes to find out more about our appeal and how they can help, please get in touch.”

To date, the appeal has raised £658,401 and the funds have already reached 52,889 residents supported by 6,314 volunteers.

Recently funded projects include:

Food for Thought Daventry providing food aid and support to families on a low income.

Café Track in Northampton providing virtual mental health support for vulnerable clients.

Caring and Sharing Trust in South Northamptonshire providing virtual support services, activities and transport for people with learning disabilities.

United African Association Northamptonshire in Northampton providing food aid and deliveries to vulnerable residents.

Message from the editor: Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the highest standards in the world. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you.