The first tranche of emergency funding for Watford’s local charities and voluntary and community sector organisations has been awarded to organisations such Electric Umbrella, Small Acts of Kindness, Watford Mencap and Herts Inclusive Theatre, Watford Workshop, Watford Women’s Centre, New Hope and The Dan Tien.

The special coronavirus funds (comprising the Mayor’s Small Grants Fund, Neighbourhood Locality Fund and County Council Locality Budgets) gives local groups the chance to apply for funding from the pool of money, which is over £100,000. The money must be spent on a project that will help meet the needs of people and communities as we tackle the coronavirus outbreak, helping to combat isolation and provide practical help for vulnerable people.

Watford Borough Council is encouraging more groups and charities to come forward with applications, more information can be found here:

www.watford.gov.uk/mayors-smallgrants – You can apply for maximum of £3000
www.watford.gov.uk/neighbourhoodlocalityfunds – each of Watford’s 12 wards has £3,000
www.hertfordshire.gov.uk./localitybudgets – A maximum of £10,000 per councillor

Electric Umbrella a vibrant, unique co-creation between adults with learning disabilities and professional musicians are using the fund to continue to provide entertainment to their members and supporters. Mel Boda from Electric Umbrella said: “It’s helped massively, this grant has ensured that our online Electric Umbrella TV all-week programme can continue to provide a vital lifeline of 25 hours a week of online connection for our learning disability community across Watford and beyond”

Lynne Misner, founder of Small Acts of Kindness, usually sends packs throughout the year to elderly people who are lonely and cold across the county. The charity have been vital during the coronavirus outbreak to reach even more vulnerable people at this critical time. Lynne said “It’s really important that as a community, in the widest possible sense, we all take an active part, particularly because so many people face feeling really lonely and isolated during this time. Thanks to the funding, we are able to continue this vital service.”

Elected Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor said, ‘I am delighted that we are able to give a helping hand to our wonderful community groups who are doing so much to support people in our town at this difficult time. There is still funding available, but these funds are first-come, first-served – so get in touch now at www.watford.gov.uk/mayors-smallgrants. I’m really proud of the way our town has come together to help one another.’

Watford Borough Council is working with local partners and organisation to co-ordinate local people wanting to volunteer to support their community. Anyone wanting to volunteer can register their details online at www.watford.gov.uk/covid-volunteers