CHESHIRE Community Foundation has set up a fund to help charitable groups support vulnerable people affected by coronavirus.

The Cheshire and Warrington COVID-19 Response Fund will prioritise funding to charitable projects in the area supporting people affected by the virus.

It will also go towards keep them safe and supported in their homes and reducing pressure on the NHS by helping the county’s charitable organisations overcome huge challenges in the coming weeks and months.

Many will face an increase in demand while already under resourced and working at capacity, while some charities reliant on volunteers will struggle if these vital supporters become ill.

Charities will also see a drop in their income due to cancelled fundraising events and reduced activity income.

“The outbreak of COVID-19 is an exceptional event, already impacting many of the charities and voluntary groups we currently support with grant funding, said Cheshire Community Foundation CEO Zoe Sheppard.

“These groups, already under pressure helping those most in need, are going to be stretched to breaking point without additional support.

“This situation is rapidly evolving, so we wanted to quickly get a fund in place to support our community and give people who have been enquiring about what they can do to help a place to go.

“Philanthropy has an important role to play in supporting and enhancing the government response, especially in support of our most vulnerable communities.

“We have seen through various appeals in the past that local people really do care about where they live and want to ensure that those hardest hit are supported.”

In addition to the local appeal, The National Emergencies Trust (The NET) has launched a national appeal to raise funds to help local charities support those individuals suffering.

The NET will distribute money raised through various charitable organisations, including local Community Foundations, to ensure it reaches those who need it most.

According to Cheshire Community Foundation, although very welcome, funding from The NET will be in no way be enough to meet the need in Cheshire and Warrington.

The Foundation is aware that many people and businesses will be struggling financially, however those that would like to donate can do so by visiting cheshirecommunityfoundation.org.uk/donate, emailing office@cheshirecommunityfoundation.org.uk or calling 01606 330607.

To enquire about receiving funding, charities should contact the grants team via email at grants@cheshirecommunityfoundation.org.uk.