A YORK-based charity which supports local women is among eight organisations across the region that have been awarded grants totalling nearly £14,000 by Two Ridings Community Foundation.

The grants are to help support vulnerable residents and individuals who are suffering hardship as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Covid-19 outbreak is impacting voluntary, community and social enterprise groups and at times of crisis, the strength and desire to help from the public can make the most difference, Two Ridings said.

The foundation, which supports charitable organisations and groups across the counties of North and East Yorkshire, has allocated the first grants to local charities and groups on behalf of National Emergencies Trust and its public appeal to raise funds in partnership with the British Red Cross.

The grants have been allocated to organisations that can make the most impact quickly to support the most vulnerable residents living in North and East Yorkshire, ensuring the public’s donations are spent most effectively in these challenging times.

One of the organisations to be awarded a grant is Kyra Women’s Project, based at the Central Methodist Church, in St Saviourgate, which has received just under £2,000. The charity exists to help local women make positive change in their lives and offers a range of courses, therapies, life skills and events.

Other organisations to be awarded grants include The Moorlands Community Charity (Goole), Home-Start (Craven), Clapham Community Shop Limited (Craven), The Hinge Centre Limited (Bridlington), Beverley Cherry Tree Charity (Beverley), The Hull (North Bransholme) Phoenix Project (Hull) and Hull Youth Support Trust (Hull).

Jan Garrill, chief executive of Two Ridings, said: “Many people are suffering, not just physically due to ill health, but also economically and socially. Workers are struggling to make ends meet, small, local businesses are closing their doors, and social distancing and self-isolation means people aren’t able to visit vulnerable loved ones. We want to offer reassurance that we stand shoulder to shoulder with the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector during this critical time and on behalf of National Emergencies Trust we’re proud to be playing a role in making sure that generously donated public donations to support those in need get to where they are most needed in our community, as quickly as possible.

“We’re well-placed to provide emergency relief. We understand the needs of those living in our communities and are able to work with partners to quickly provide support. This is an incredibly challenging time for everyone, even more so for many of our residents. North and East Yorkshire are not only large geographically, but also demographically. From large cities like York and Hull to some of the most rural areas, with many residents still suffering the devastating impact of flooding as well as self-isolation and health concerns.

“In order to support the most vulnerable members of our community, our initial focus has been to allocate the money to those charities and groups who are able to provide an immediate response to those people. From groups supporting victims of domestic violence to meals on wheels and those providing lifelines to elderly and vulnerable residents who are self-isolating or who have health concerns, these grants will be invaluable.”

The foundation said many of these groups have already seen a rapid increase in demand for their services, coupled with facing restrictions to protect the safety of their staff and volunteers and in many cases deliver their service on the ground while working remotely.

The organisations will use the grants to support the increase in demand, from fuel costs to delivering food parcels, to the cost of food items and toiletries to phones and other items required for remote working.

Further grants will be allocated over the coming weeks and fundraising efforts continue.