Around 80 local groups and charities supporting the most vulnerable members of the Liverpool City Region community have now been handed a share of over £330k in funding.
Friday (17 April) saw the award of a further 27 grants to organisations from across the city region receive funding for their vital work – from food banks in Wirral and Knowsley to advice and support networks in Halton and Sefton.
LCR Cares was launched by Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram in partnership with registered charity Community Foundation for Merseyside to support local community and voluntary organisations on the frontline of helping the city region’s communities cope with the impact of Coronavirus.
Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:
“It’s fantastic that we have passed the £700,000 mark on our way to our £1 million target for LCR Cares, thanks to the generosity of individuals, businesses and organisations.
“It’s even better that we’re getting that money out into the community nearly as fast as it’s coming in. We’ve now given out more than £330,000 and we’re already hearing the human stories of the difference that is making.
“Thank you to everyone who has given and I’d like to encourage people to give what they can – now more than ever, we need to stand together in solidarity.”
Rae Brooke, Chief Executive, Community Foundation for Merseyside, said: “In the early stages of this crisis the Metro Mayor did what we hope anyone in a position of leadership would do and that is take swift and decisive action for the benefit of those they serve.
“The most vulnerable people in the Liverpool City Region are now benefiting from that positive leadership and the Community Foundation for Merseyside will continue to ensure the funds from the LCR Cares Covid-19 Community Support Fund go to those community organisations where there is most need and where it will have greatest impact.”
Jeane Lowe CEO at Centre 63 said: “It’s fantastic to receive this grant from the LCR Cares support fund. Centre 63 has been trusted by young people and their families for decades in Kirkby, so when this crisis hit, we could hit the ground running with regular healthy food supplies , benefit, tenancy, and debt advice, grants for young single parents and other support as needed.
“This grant means we can offer food and emergency help that because of the coronavirus is even more desperately needed than usual, and will be life-changing to those we can help”.
Lorraine Rizzotti, Operations Manager, Open360: “We are delighted to receive this grant from the LCR Cares support fund. At Open360 we work to change the lives of disadvantaged people in Runcorn, including young single parents, people in long-term unemployment and isolated over-55s in the community.
“This funding will allow our dedicated staff and volunteers to effectively work with the community from home to make sure we’re helping them through this difficult situation – whether that’s through advice or training or the delivery of food and other essentials.
“This will mean that we can continue to serve the most in-need, building their skills and confidence and support their health and wellbeing – all absolutely vital in the context of the coronavirus crisis.”
Details on how to donate are on the Combined Authority’s website. Search “LCRCares” or visit www.lcrcares.co.uk