Representatives from charities including UK Youth and the Scout Association have met with civil society minister Baroness Barran to discuss how best charities can mobilise volunteers to support communities during the outbreak.
The British Red Cross, Sustain and the National Council of Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) are also involved.
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“I have been so encouraged by how the British public, alongside our brilliant charities and volunteers, are rising to the challenges presented by Covid-19 and supporting each other at this challenging time,” said Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden.
“I know that many people across the country are wondering how they can help those who are more vulnerable – whether that’s delivering food to those isolating or simply being around for a chat on the phone.
“We will work with the sector experts to channel this fantastic outpouring of support and deliver help where it’s most needed.”
Our dedicated volunteers and charities have many of the skills needed to address the challenges ahead. We're working closely with them, including @NatEmergTrust @NCVO @BritishRedCross to develop plans for a major volunteering push to support those affected by coronavirus https://t.co/rr4V3rVdgK
— Oliver Dowden (@OliverDowden) March 18, 2020
Matt Hyde, chief executive of the Scout Association said that the voluntary sector is facing a crisis and urgent funding is required to help charities support vulnerable people.
There are two ways of looking at the crisis affecting the charity sector currently (and it is a crisis) 1. Funding is urgently required for those charities supporting the most vulnerable at the present time.
— Matt Hyde (@matthyde) March 19, 2020
Meanwhile, a £2m emergency support fund has been set up in London to support charity and community group efforts to help communities during the outbreak.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has pledged £1m to the fund, with a further £1m coming from City of London funding body City Bridge Trust.
Among those welcoming the fund’s creation is the NCVO.
Great to see this new pooled fund for London organisations, making funding much more accessible ⬇️ Vital that funding is readily available to support charities and volunteers to deliver critical services during the #coronavirus pandemic. https://t.co/ogz7Gf7l4Y
— NCVO (@NCVO) March 18, 2020
London Youth is urging youth organisations to look out for details around applying for funds when announced.
Emergency support of £2m announced by @MayorofLondon, @CityBridgeTrust & @LondonFunders for voluntary and community organisations facing immediate financial pressure due to #covid19uk. We encourage youth organisations to watch for more details: https://t.co/6wVxI9Grco https://t.co/9jrmZpSTlR
— London Youth (@LondonYouth) March 18, 2020
A priority of the fund is to help charities who are facing immediate financial pressures due to the outbreak, as well as those facing higher demand amid a reduction in donations, staff and volunteer numbers.
Khan is calling on other funding bodies, including the UK government, to also contribute to the fund.
“London’s community and voluntary organisations show our capital at its very best,” said Khan.
“They support our communities and provide much-needed help to the most vulnerable, so in these challenging times their work is more important than ever.
“It’s vital that we unite to do what we can to support these organisations and I’m proud to be able to provide funding to help their ongoing work.”
