North Herts Council has received £100,000 to help community organisations affected by the Covid pandemic, including groups in Hitchin.

If you are a local community group or voluntary organisation, supporting local people through the pandemic, then you can now apply for a share of £100,000 funding to help ensure you can continue your vital work.

North Herts Council has been awarded £100,000 through the Hertfordshire Health Protection Board (allocated via Herts County Council) to provide a fund for local community and voluntary organisations to help them continue to deliver support to local people affected by the pandemic.

Throughout the pandemic, community organisations have offered a lifeline by providing key services such as food deliveries, befriending services, and mental health support.

The increase in demand for these services has led to higher running costs, while organisations have also been unable to carry out their usual fundraising activities, putting them under financial pressure.

The fund, which has to be used by March 2022 will be used help organisations cover rents and property costs, implement infrastructure to make services or buildings Covid compliant, maintain staffing levels and prevent closures.

Councillor Judi Billing, North Herts Council's Executive Member for Community Engagement, said: "The support community organisations have given to local people throughout the pandemic has been a vital lifeline for our community.

"We are thrilled to be able to give back to these organisations and provide the support they need to continue delivering services and to help them continue to meet the increased demand brought about by the pandemic."

Organisations can apply for between £1,000 - £20,000, with the aim of supporting groups that are responding to increased demand or adapting their delivery model due to the effects of the pandemic.

If you represent an independent and not-for-profit organisation working for the benefit of local communities in North Hertfordshire and you think your organisation could benefit from the Health Protection Board Covid Fund, click here for more information.