Wessex Water is providing more financial help from today (October 5) for Shepton Mallet community groups in response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The Wessex Water Recovery Fund aims to strengthen communities following the Covid-19 outbreak, with an emphasis on local rather than national projects.
The fund is part of the new Wessex Water Foundation, a multi-million pound initiative which was launched in June and provides a dedicated funding stream for charitable and community projects across the Wessex Water region.
It is run in partnership with the Somerset Community Foundation (SCF), which is based at the Bath and West Showground near Shepton Mallet, and has already been prioritising those worst affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
Particular priority will be given to those groups that are working to:
- support people in financially difficult circumstances
- help build stronger communities
- support the green recovery with new initiatives
- restore and protect nature and wildlife for community health and wellbeing.
Kirsty Scarlett, Wessex Water's head of community engagement, said: "For this year only, as a response to the challenges faced by local communities, the Wessex Water Recovery Fund has been set up to provide support that will both address priority needs and help build resilience for the future.
"Applications for the fund will open with community foundation partners from Monday October 5. We particularly welcome applications from BAME groups.
"The fund will close on Friday December 4 with decisions made at local community panels in January 2021."
The Wessex Water Foundation has already supported a number of charitable projects, including Ups and Downs Southwest, a charity that supports children and young people with Down Syndrome.
Funding has enabled Ups and Downs Southwest to expand and improve its education programme, providing vital support to young people in the area.
Justin Sargent, CEO at SCF, said: "We're very pleased to continue our successful partnership with Wessex Water and delighted to administer the new Wessex Water Recovery Fund.
"From early October, local groups and organisations can apply to us for a grant from the fund to continue their fantastic work supporting those most in need in our communities.
"Small, local charities are vital to Somerset's social fabric and funding from partners like Wessex Water will help to continue to keep our communities strong."
From April 2021 the Wessex Water Foundation plans to provide at least half a million pounds of funding every year to support community projects, local environment projects, debt advice and charities helping those who are suffering the consequences of poverty through low income or unemployment.
To find out more about the Wessex Water Foundation visit:
www.wessexwater.co.uk/foundation.
Community foundations are local champions, connecting people and organisations that want to improve their communities.
They invest in local people and organisations tackling some of the biggest issues facing communities today and supporting some of society's most disadvantaged people.
They provide help and advice to those who want to give at the heart of their communities, both now and in the long-term, by matching donors to important local causes.
