New COVID-19 recovery and resilience fund launched

The Coalfields Regeneration Trust, which supports 5.7 million people in former mining communities in the UK, has opened a Coalfields COVID-19 Recovery and Resilience Fund in Yorkshire.

Acting as an interim replacement for the Coalfields Community Investment Programme (CCIP), which provides £550,000 to eligible organisations annually, the new fund will provide better support for the delivery and sustainability of key services during the current crisis.

Head of operations (England) for the Barnsley-headquartered Coalfields Regeneration Trust, Andy Lock, said: “We recognise the incredible response our coalfield communities have had to the COVID-19 crisis and have altered our funding support so we can address local needs during this difficult time.

“As part of the fund, we will continue to offer grants of up to £10,000 to eligible community-based organisations and our focus will remain on employment, skills and health and wellbeing.

“However, priority will be given to applicants that are delivering support, or who are having to significantly adapt their services, to respond to the pandemic and still assist vulnerable groups.

“Applications will also be reviewed more frequently so these funds can be used when and where they are needed the most.

“Our community-based organisations are in crisis.

“Despite the fact that demand for their services and support is at an all-time high, many have had to close temporarily, furlough team members or significantly reduce their services to protect reserves and cash flow so that they can survive longer-term.

“In other instances, diversifying to deliver services in different ways is the only option. This requires much-needed skills, support and additional funding.

“This is why our new fund and practical support is more important than ever before.”

“This is just one example of how our efforts improve the lives of people living within former mining communities, but much more needs to be done.

“We know that if we are to see lasting change for generations, we need a dedicated commitment from Government. That is why we are calling for a ring-fenced Coalfield Investment Fund, which will be used to tackle the many and varied challenges that still exist.”

For further details about the programme and the application process, visit: https://www.coalfields-regen.org.uk/england/covid19-ccip-funding-support/