The Somerset Coronavirus Appeal, launched by Somerset Community Foundation (SCF) in late March, has grown to more than £1 million.

The money has come from local individuals, charitable trusts and businesses, as well as from the national appeal run by The National Emergencies Trust (NET).

Grants of more than £500,000 have already been awarded to in excess of 180 local good causes, including food deliveries for older people, online counselling, activity packs for disadvantaged children and support for struggling families.

SCF chief executive Justin Sargent said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have reached this significant milestone and have been humbled by the generosity of local people, businesses and charitable trusts who have really united behind our communities here in Somerset. I am hearing regularly from charities on the frontline that the demand for their support continues to be huge at a time when many of them have lost fundraising income.

“Many also believe that they will see even greater demand in the months ahead as the long-term impacts of the outbreak start to have an effect. We’ve set ourselves an ambitious goal of raising £1.5 million for Somerset so we can make a further £1 million of grants to see our communities through the tough times ahead.”

Any group which wants to apply for funding from the Somerset Coronavirus Appeal should visit www.somersetcf.org.uk/coronavirus, where they can find guidance on how to make an application.

To give to the Somerset Coronavirus Appeal, visit www.somersetcf.org.uk/appeal or phone 01749 344949.