As the Coronavirus pandemic develops, there have been huge demands placed on crisis groups across Cornwall – the foodbanks, the homeless shelters and the soup kitchens.

To help ensure these groups can continue to support vulnerable residents, Cornwall Council has contributed £100,000 to Cornwall Community Foundation's (CCF) Cornwall Coronavirus Emergency Appeal.

The CCF offers small grants of £500 - £3,000 to organisations in Cornwall, to cover the additional costs of supporting people during the Coronavirus crisis.

Jayne Kirkham, Cornwall Councillor for Falmouth Smithick, told Nub News:

"Each councillor has £2000 each year to pass onto organisations in their community who are helping their residents. I have used it for causes as varied as the Brownies, a domestic violence charity in Falmouth - True Butterflies, to help pay for water taps in the town through Plastic Free Falmouth, help for the Gylly lifesaving surf team, towards a community fridge, Craftivista and an organisation who go out to see and work with socially isolated people.

"We have been told it can be sped up so other small, unconstituted groups can access money quickly to help. If people are looking to cook hot meals for vulnerable people or deliver food and supplies for example.

"Groups who need it can contact their Cornwall councillor, as long as they have an organisation who will vouch for them and act as their banker. They can then go through their Community Link officer and access money."

If groups are already organised charities or CICs they can access the Cornwall Community Foundation.

Contact Jayne Kirkham if you have examples of other small groups who might need some help.

If you would like to apply email [email protected] OR email your local Cornwall Councillor.