Covid-19 has already impacted acutely on many people’s lives, and we expect its effects to be felt for months to come. For vulnerable people facing a particularly challenging time and in need of additional support to maintain their mental and physical wellbeing, our local charities and voluntary groups are a critical part of the response.

The launch of this new appeal follows the programme of actions agreed by local voluntary sector leaders and partners who have come together to support local community action in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Norfolk Community Foundation, Community Action Norfolk, Voluntary Norfolk and Momentum are coordinating this response. This will include a centralised point to register volunteers and manage support requests, whilst working closely with existing organisations to make sure they have the tools they need to respond. Plans are still being developed and will be published when available. It is recognised that this may be a long-term effort, and must respond as needs continue to emerge and evolve.

The Covid-19 Community Response Fund has been created to support vital community projects which are well placed to take action. This additional funding will help charities and voluntary and community groups to take steps to adapt or expand their services to provide much needed care and support – now, and in the months ahead.

It is hoped enough funds will be raised to enable this to open shortly, and we will publicise details when there is an opportunity to apply.

Supported by the National Emergencies Trust

The National Emergencies Trust (NET) has taken the unprecedented step of launching a UK-wide disaster relief fund in response to the coronavirus. The UK Community Foundation network has been chosen as a charitable partner for this disaster relief response as we are able to apply our local expertise to direct funds to where it is most urgently needed in our local area.

In Norfolk, funds raised by NET will work alongside our local fundraising to meet the most pressing community needs.

The chairman of the National Emergencies Trust, Lord Dannatt, said: “While there is much that government can and is doing, there is also a strong desire of the public to help others and there are local grassroots organisations that can provide vital support to people who need it. We will channel the money raised to those organisations so people who need it can get support as quickly as possible but also who will need these vital funds to continue to be there for the long haul.”

Watch HRH Prince William’s statement below on the launch of the NET disaster relief fund in response to the coronavirus.

How to donate

Donate now online quickly and securely

Alternatively please make a cheque payable to Norfolk Community Foundation (referencing Covid-19 Community Response Fund) and send it to Norfolk Community Foundation, St. James Mill, Whitefriars, Norwich, NR3 1TN, or telephone us on 01603 623958.

Thank you for your support.

Further information about Covid-19

NHS website – Coronavirus: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19

Norfolk County Council coronavirus toolkit for professionals: www.norfolk.gov.uk/what-we-do-and-how-we-work/campaigns/coronavirus-toolkit-for-professionals