The Success of the LCR Cares Community Support Fund.

Community Foundation for Merseyside (CFM), a VS6 partner, launched the LCR Cares Covid-19 Community Support Fund in partnership with LCR’s Metro Mayor, Steve Rotheram. Since its launch last year, the fund has raised £2,238,630 which has helped 405,620 beneficiaries (as of February 2021). VS6 would like to congratulate Community Foundation for Merseyside for this fantastic achievement.  

 
The LCR Cares Covid-19 Community Fund began as an emergency response to the pandemic when lockdown began in March 2021, however it is now supporting ongoing issues that have transpired from the pandemic. Funds were distributed amongst each local authority; the Community Foundation tried to ensure that it was as fair and diverse as possible and that the funding went to those most needed parts of the city region.  

 
The main issues identified as a result of the pandemic and therefore areas of concentration for the fund included: 

• Food poverty and insecurity 

• Mental health and wellbeing 

• Service provision to the most vulnerable 

• Unemployment and loss of income 

• Domestic abuse 

• Digital exclusion 

 
The fund has supported a range of projects and organisations with a focus on the above issues identified. For example, it has helped fund ingredients for food packages; resource families in need with relevant equipment for learning from home; provide remote counselling for community members in need, equip households with tablets and sim cards etc. 

 
The LCR Cares Covid-19 Community Fund has positively impacted many people across the city region and has helped alleviate some of the hardship and struggle, that so many people have faced over the last 18 months. It is vital that it can continue in order to keep supporting our communities. For more information and how to donate, see here.