The Somerset Coronavirus Appeal, launched by local charity the Somerset Community Foundation (SCF) at the start of the pandemic, has raised £1.5 million.

The foundation has been able to award grants to more than 300 local charities in just ten months, thanks to the support of individuals, businesses, charitable trusts and public sector partners, as well as funding from a national appeal run by The National Emergencies Trust (NET).

Grants of between £100 and £5,000 are helping local groups and charities, supporting those most impacted by the outbreak, including vulnerable older people, domestic abuse survivors, people experiencing mental health problems, and children and families living in poverty.

SCF chief executive Justin Sargent said: “We’re truly delighted to have reached such a considerable milestone in our fundraising.

“Our grateful thanks go to all the donors who have supported the Somerset Coronavirus Appeal so far and so generously since the launch in March of last year, and especially to our local charities on the frontline, who have worked tirelessly to ensure our vulnerable neighbours across the county have been cared for and supported through these most difficult of times.

“These generous donations will go a long way to helping local charities to not only continue delivering essential services, but to help mitigate the significant financial impacts of the coronavirus outbreak in light of the challenges of fundraising during lockdown.”

Anyone who would like to contribute to the appeal can do so by visiting the SCF website at www.somersetcf.org.uk/appeal or, if that is not possible, to phone 01749 344949.

Any charitable group which would like to apply for funding from the appeal should visit the SCF website where they can find guidance on how to make an application.