MP Bob Seely has welcomed the Government’s announcement of £22 million to help life-saving health and care charities continue providing support services during the Covid-19 outbreak.
Air ambulances, St John Ambulance and mental health, social care, learning disabilities, autism and dementia charities are all among those eligible for the funding.
The aid – part of a £750 million package of support for the voluntary sector announced by the Chancellor in April - will see charities given cash grants to ensure they can meet increased demand as a result of Covid-19, while continuing their day-to-day activities to help those in need.
Bob said: “I welcome this support which recognises the valuable contribution that the voluntary sector is making during the Covid-19 outbreak. Given our location on an island, the air ambulance and other life-saving charities are especially important.
“I am delighted that these vital organisations have been confirmed as among those eligible for support at this challenging time. I am also pleased that now further details of the £750 million support package has been announced, many other organisations based on – or serving - the Island and its residents are among those eligible.”
The funding will include:
· £4.2m to support mental health charities including Samaritans, Young Minds, Place2Be, Beat, Mental Health UK, Bipolar UK, CALM and charities within the National Bereavement Alliance
· Up to £6.8 million to support St John Ambulance
· £6 million to support Air Ambulances
· £6 million to support various charities, including those working with people with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs (National Autistic Society, British Institute for Learning Disabilities, MENCAP, Learning Disability England, Contact, Respond, The Challenging Behaviour Foundation), those working to support people with cancer (Anthony Nolan Trust, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, Blood Cancer UK) and stroke and dementia charities, and those that support the adult social care system (Carers UK, Alzheimer’s Society, Race Equality Foundation, Royal Osteoporosis Society, Stroke Association)
The funding will also go to charities supporting pregnant women, babies in neonatal intensive care and those affected by stillbirth and neonatal deaths (Tommy’s, Bliss and Sands) and support for specialist addiction and recovery charities.