Council pledges support to voluntary sector during coronavirus pandemic

Tower Hamlets Council has committed to supporting the borough’s voluntary and community sector (VCS) through the current coronavirus pandemic.

The authority says it will continue to fund VCS partners so that they can adapt their activities and continue supporting residents.

This will include organisations funded through the Local Community Fund, small grants and funds for those transitioning from mainstream grants as well as a range of commissioned services including children and older people, health, domestic abuse, disability, advice and employment.

It will also continue to fund organisations whose grants are due to come to an end.

As well as continued funding, the council will also contact VCS organisations that might qualify for a three-month rent holiday.

John Biggs, mayor of Tower Hamlets, said: ‘In these difficult times it is vital that we support our partners in the local community and voluntary sector and help them continue to deliver crucial services that will be needed now more than ever.

‘We hope that committing to continued funding and rent breaks will help these organisations through this emergency situation and reassure them that the council is here to support them.

‘We value the important role the sector plays in listening and responding to the needs of our vulnerable residents, and this must continue despite these unprecedented and uncertain times.’

In related news, the East End Community Foundation launched an emergency appeal for funds to help local, vulnerable communities in London’s East End through the coronavirus pandemic.

You can find out more online at www.eastendcf.org