THE Somerset Coronavirus Appeal raised £275,000 in its first ten days, with £100,000 already awarded in grants to 39 local good causes by yesterday (Thursday).  

Somerset Community Foundation (SCF) says this is thanks to the swift response and generous donations of local individuals, trusts and businesses.

The amount raised includes a big boost of £50,000 from Somerset County Council and a major donation from local charitable trust, The Fairfield Trust.

Justin Sargent, chief executive at SCF, said: “Initially, the fund will focus on providing urgent support to charities and community organisations who are working tirelessly to support the most vulnerable in our communities, such as older people, those with underlying health conditions, and children and families experiencing poverty.

“We’ll be proactively contacting organisations who work directly with these groups and getting funding out as quickly as possible.

“As demand for funding increases, and as the fund grows, we hope to be able to broaden the scope to invite other charities and community organisations to apply, and we’ll operate a rolling programme of funding to help charities to respond to local need.”

In addition, subject to confirming details, SCF expects that funds raised through the national appeal, run by the National Emergencies Trust in partnership with the British Red Cross, will be combined with the Somerset Coronavirus Appeal funds to form the Somerset Coronavirus Response and Recovery Fund.

Grants will be awarded to local charities and community organisations that are helping the most vulnerable people during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak across the county.

Those who feel able to donate to the Somerset Coronavirus Appeal may do so by visiting www.somersetcf.org.uk/appeal