A boost for charities across Rutland and Leicestershire has been announced to help communities cope with the pandemic and its aftermath.

Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Commissioner Lord Willy Bach has releasednew funds to support community projects responding to the exceptional challenges of Covid-19.

The Commissioner is expanding his PCC Prevention Fund to include applications which can support communities and vulnerable people to cope with the unprecedented difficulties posed by the coronavirus health emergency.

"We must all play our part and direct help to where it is urgently needed to protect and support our communities," said Willy Bach.

"I know of many organisations in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland are working hard to offer a lifeline to people struggling to cope in self-isolation for whom there is nowhere else to turn. I want to do as much as I can to help and give these services the boost they need to reach more vulnerable people."

The global pandemic is already impacting on community services across Leicestershire with many experiencing unparalleled calls for help and support. Some of those set up to prevent crime, protect the vulnerable and ease demand on policing and other emergency services are now turning their focus to supporting people directly affected by Covid-19.

To aid their efforts, the Commissioner has ring-fenced £350,000 through his PCC Prevention Fund during 2020-21 - an increase of £100,000 on his original commitment to invest £250,000 in community projects over the next 12 months.

The PCC is particularly keen to fund projects which not only demonstrate how they are mobilising vital resources to the challenges posed by Covid-19 but also those initiatives which show a demonstrable link and positive impact on his public safety priorities too.

"It is a deeply unsettling time for all our communities. Those who are isolated from help and have no other support network will be feeling particularly desperate," explained Willy.

"We have a wealth of charitable groups and organisations across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland who are well placed to take action and I hope this extra funding will help them take the necessary steps to protect and care for these vulnerable people in the best way possible."

Since the crisis escalated, the PCC has already pledged support to Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland and charity E2 to provide emergency food parcels and launch other vital support measures.

For more information and to apply visit this website.