Coronavirus support schemes benefit from council funding

CORONAVIRUS support schemes in Beer, Axmouth and Colyford are among those to benefit from a joint grant scheme run by East Devon District Council and Devon County Council.

Twelve projects in total have been funded by the COVID-19 Prompt Action Fund, a small grants scheme which quickly provides funding of up to £499.

Beer Action Group has received £495 to help pay for providing and delivering food parcels to people in need; Axmouth Parish Council was granted £345 to help support volunteers within the parish, such as refunding them for any fuel costs; and Colyford received £300, also to refund costs incurred by volunteers.

Other communities to benefit from the scheme so far include Broadclyst, Brampford Speke, Budleigh Salterton, East Budleigh, Honiton, Ottery St Mary, and Sidmouth.

Community-led coronavirus-related projects and activities can apply for the grants to help them support vulnerable people in this difficult time.

Councillor Ian Thomas, chairman of East Devon District Council's Community Grants panel, said: "Our voluntary and community organisations, together with town and parish councils, form the bedrock of East Devon's drive to ensure that all our vulnerable residents are properly shielded and supported in these challenging times. We should be proud of and grateful for the dedication of each and everyone involved.

"I am pleased that we have been able to contribute to all of these projects, and hope we can help more over the next few weeks if they need it."

Councillor Roger Croad, Devon County Council's Cabinet member for communities, added: "I am pleased that East Devon District Council joined the COVID-19 Prompt Action Fund. At extremely difficult times like this it is important that we all work together to support our residents, especially the most vulnerable.

"The way our communities have responded to this challenge has been exceptional and these examples from East Devon demonstrate just how many volunteers give so freely of their time - stepping up to support those in need and helping keep their neighbours safe, often in the most innovative of ways.

"I am so pleased we can go some way in matching their generosity through this fund and support their inspiring work that is proving so essential to our county's resilience."

There's still more funding available, to find out more and apply visit the Devon County Council website

Applications are accepted from constituted and not-for-private-profit voluntary, community and social enterprise sector groups and organisations, town and parish councils, charities or businesses, or a combination of such groups working together. Organisations can apply multiple times for different projects.

Non-constituted groups without their own, separate bank account, small local businesses and individuals can also apply but they will need to do so with the support of an accountable constituted organisation acting on their behalf either as guarantor or as the holder of the funding.