Charities and community groups across St Helens Borough are urged to bid for funding from LCR Cares.
The fund was set up by Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram last month to support groups who are supporting those most in need in the face of the challenges that the coronavirus pandemic has brought for many supporting people in the community.
LCR Cares has been backed by the likes of Jamie Carragher and raised thousands which is now being distributed to groups like Age UK Mid Mersey who have been supporting people from its Mansion House base in Victoria Park.
Mark Lunney their CEO said: “We have seen nothing like this ever before. We are helping hundreds of local older people in any way we can. Calling them to offer a moment of support, befriending and reassuring them that people care about them and are looking out for them when they are most in need. Keeping a lifeline open for them to get essential help, information and medication, or drop off a free emergency food parcel. But most of all, keeping them resilient and calm.
“If this funding does one thing, it will now ensure those older people in need will be able to get help from us quickly and will allow us to offer desperately needed care at a time when it’s vital. It could help save lives and identify those in our communities who previously may have been overlooked.”
And it is looking for more submissions for grants to help continue the vital work happening every day.
Priority areas that the fund is looking to support include:
- Foodbanks
- Food/care package deliver to vulnerable people self-isolating
- Delivery of services and projects supporting the most vulnerable
- Emotional and mental health support
- Financial inclusion, support to access benefits and debt advice
Councillor David Baines, Leader of St Helens Council, said: “We are working with so many fantastic community groups and charities and we are supporting them to make their bids for this funding. But we know there are so many more groups who are doing things on a really local level that could also benefit from even just a small amount of money to continue making a difference to the people who need our help the most in these challenging times.”
To find out more about how to apply for funding from LCR Care visit https://cfmerseyside.org.uk/
