A NEW fund has been set up to help voluntary and community organisations that provide support to vulnerable people across the borough during the coronavirus crisis.

Darlington Borough Council launched the fun, with an initial contribution of £100,000.

It says it hopes to work with others to increase the amount available in the fund to help as many local organisations as possible during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Councillor Heather Scott, Leader of Darlington Borough Council, said: “We know there are many voluntary groups and community organisations who work hard throughout the year to help those most in need across the borough but are finding it particularly tough in these challenging times.

“The Hardship Relief Fund we hope will go some way to help and provide the support needed to help ensure they can continue their efforts.

"We will also be working with other potential funders to help boost the fund further.”

A number of charities have already reported a decline in funding as a result of the pandemic, including St Teresa's Hospice, which is based in the town and provides end-of-life care, as well as other services for people living with life-limiting conditions.

The aim of the fund is to help organisations that are providing support and services to the most vulnerable in society during the COVID-19 crisis, as well as those that provide support to the most vulnerable all year round but due to the pandemic are financially challenged and may not survive to provide support and services after the end of the crisis.

Organisations are being told not to apply if its main business is retail and leisure and they have already received help from the Governments small business relief grant scheme, or if it has contracted services with the council as hardship should be addressed through commissioning procedures.

To apply for a grant please complete the application form online at www.darlington.gov.uk/fund.

Resources are limited so applications may need to be prioritised depending on demand, and funding requests may only be approved in part.

A fund for businesses has also be launched with Government funding.

Further details on that scheme, which has already had more than 1,000 applications, can also be found by visiting the council's' website.

Earlier in the week a number of MPs signed a letter calling for more Government support for charities during the pandemic, which was backed by the chief executive of Darlington Mind, Simon Davidson.