Emergency coronavirus appeal launched in West Berkshire

Greenham Trust puts up £250,000 of funding for charitable groups

The Greenham Trust has put in place £250,000 of emergency coronavirus funding which is available to benefit local charitable and voluntary organisations who are supporting elderly and vulnerable people through the coronavirus crisis in West Berkshire and North Hampshire.

The trust has also launched a public appeal on its charitable funding platform, The Good Exchange, and pledged to match up to £100,000 of this funding for donations received via the platform.

For every £1 raised, Greenham Trust will match £1 to support local charities that require additional help during these unprecedented times.

The £100,000 fund will go to help those charities and volunteer organisations supporting those most urgently in need including:

Helping elderly or vulnerable people or people with chronic underlying health conditions or diseases in self-isolation or quarantine who need access to food, medicines or social care.

Providing more support for Foodbanks.

Increasing the number of meals on wheels deliveries to support the elderly.

Providing financial, employment and debt advice.

Giving counselling, suicide prevention and mental health support for those who have for example lost their jobs, are grieving or are in crisis.

Supporting those who are homeless or in temporary accommodation.

Since the Greenham Trust funding was put in place, Sovereign Housing Association has pledged £50,000 locally and £50,000 for the organisation’s wider area, Peter Baker Foundation has committed £25,000 and Englefield Charitable Trust £10,000.

Greenham Trust chief executive Chris Boulton said: “The ongoing threat of coronavirus has placed heavy burdens on everyone in our society and it is incumbent on all of us to offer our support to those in real need.

"We are truly grateful for the generosity shown by Sovereign Housing Association, Peter Baker Foundation and Englefield Charitable Trust and we encourage everyone who can donate to our appeal, to do so via The Good Exchange.

"Any donation, no matter how small, is very much appreciated.”

Sovereign Housing Association head of communities Michelle Smith said: “Coronavirus is changing the way we are all living our lives.

"The Greenham Trust and The Good Exchange are perfectly placed to maximise the value of our donations.

"They will in turn fund groups and organisations to take action in ways that directly benefit communities across our geography.

"Investing in the existing structures that already hold us together and make us stronger makes perfect sense.”

Greenham Trust is working alongside many local organisations including West Berkshire Council, Newbury Soup Kitchen, Citizens Advice West Berkshire, Age Concern West Berkshire, Volunteer Centre West Berkshire, Community Furniture Project, Healthwatch West Berkshire to support vulnerable and elderly people.

To donate money or apply for a grant, visit The Good Exchange https://app.thegoodexchange.com/project/17994/greenham-trust/greenham-trust-coronavirus-emergency-appeal

For further information on West Berkshire’s response to the coronavirus, please visit https://info.westberks.gov.uk/coronavirus-communityhub

West Berkshire Council has also teamed up with the voluntary and charity sectors to launch a Community Support Hub where people can go for advice and information.

The aim of the hub is to try to keep people updated on the situation and let them know what they can do and where they can get help if they need it.

There is also a telephone number people can call if they need to – (01635) 503579.