Leicestershire Police and Crime Commissioner Lord Willy Bach today (Thursday) unveiled a new financial support package to help charities protect victims and survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence during the pandemic.
The PCC has been allocated £368,000 from the Government as part of an emergency Covid-19 fund extending support to the vulnerable during the health crisis, including victims of modern slavery and children and families impacted by domestic violence and abuse.
The funding covers the period March 24 to October 31 2020 and will help providers meet the additional costs of increased demand during Covid-19 and enable services to adapt to new social distancing rules.
Grants may be used to address short-term income disruption, meet essential costs to sustain current activities, fund additional staff to cover employees self-isolating or unable to work during the pandemic and to expand services to cope with increased demand.
The Commissioner is inviting charities and non-profit organisations to check their eligibility.
A series of Skype calls have also been organised to guide organisations through the application process and provide an opportunity to ask questions.
Willy Bach said: “Supporting the vulnerable is one of my highest priorities as Commissioner. Covid-19 has increased the risk of harm for many victims and survivors of violence and abuse and it’s vital that help is available wherever it is needed and called upon.
“There are many people living in fear in a place they should feel safe. For these vulnerable individuals, staying at home presents a much more serious challenge and I’m determined to maintain a lifeline.
“This funding will help existing support services mitigate the additional costs and demands brought by the pandemic as well as help other projects get off the ground. On top of expanding the provision of safe accommodation, we are working hard to broaden paths of support including new virtual or telephone-based support and increased practical help.”
The funding is part of a package announced by the Government to support victims and survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence, vulnerable children and their families, as well as victims of modern slavery.
In Leicestershire, £184,000 will be distributed to DA services already commissioned by the PCC while £92,000 will be available to Sexual Violence services already commissioned by the PCC and those that are not. A total of £92,000 is being earmarked for DA services not currently commissioned by the PCC.
The deadline for applications is Monday 1st June 2020.
Two Skype calls will be held on Friday 22nd May at 14.30-15.30pm and on Tuesday 26th May at 14.30-15.30pm. If you would like to dial in, visit: https://www.leics.pcc.police.uk/Planning-and-Money/Commissioning/Current-Funding-Available/Covid-19-Emergency-Funding.aspx for details. Please be aware that there may be a large number of participants during the call however staff will endeavour to answer your queries.
To check eligibility and for more information visit: https://www.leics.pcc.police.uk/Planning-and-Money/Commissioning/Current-Funding-Available/Covid-19-Emergency-Funding.aspx.
Questions can also be emailed to: PCCPreventionFund@leics.pcc.pnn.gov.uk.
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Media Enquries: Sallie Blair - 07702 541401
Posted on Thursday 21st May 2020