CHARITIES in Bradford district are among those sharing £42,775 from the Leeds Building Society Foundation’s Covid-19 Support Fund, set up to lend a helping hand during the pandemic.

The Foundation, which works to help improve the lives of disadvantaged or vulnerable people, widened its criteria for its latest funding round so small charities could apply for money to assist with running costs or extra spending needed to help them deal with the impact of coronavirus in their communities.

Bradford PHAB, Bradford Toy Library and the Margaret Carey Foundation, all in Bradford, received grants which will support a variety of projects including:

• Providing sensory toys, family games and arts equipment at Bradford Toy Library, which loans toys and equipment to disabled children and young people.

• Buying IT equipment for Bradford PHAB to allow it to deliver online services to children and young adults who are isolating.

• Purchasing PPE and helping meet staff costs at Margaret Carey Foundation.

A total of 44 charities across the UK have benefitted from the most recent round of funding.

Leeds Building Society Foundation Trustee, Gary Brook, said: “Many of these charities are the lifeblood of their communities and are facing extra costs or seeing their funding fall at a time when demand for many of their services is increasing.

“We wanted to act quickly to ensure charities in Yorkshire have the help they need at such a challenging time; whether that’s buying equipment or helping with staffing and running costs. We know how supporting initiatives in local communities is important to our members and colleagues.”

The Foundation is funded by the Society and its members via the Your Interest in Theirs scheme.

It primarily provides grants towards practical items that directly support those in need including those with disabilities, affected by homelessness, or with serious health issues.

To find out more, charities should visit the Leeds Building Society website.