Southwark’s Community Response to COVID-19

To help charities, social enterprises and community groups in Southwark manage the impact of COVID-19, United St Saviour’s and a group of local funders is today announcing a new emergency fund. With pooled contributions from ourselves, Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity, Peter Minet Trust and Southwark Charities, a total of £455,000 has been earmarked for Southwark communities across the whole borough.

This fund is in addition to the London Community Response fund, coordinated by London funders, which launched on 27th March. Through the London Community Response Fund, over £5m is now available to charities, social enterprises and community groups across the capital for emergency financial support to help manage the impact of Covid-19.

The ‘Southwark Community Response Fund’ will be managed by ourselves, but to make it as simple as possible for community organisations all applications will go through the London Community Response portal londoncommunityresponsefund.org.uk/apply and will need to match their priorities and criteria.

The first phase of funding is already open and is offering funding for urgent needs – with grants of up to £5k for food and essentials. The second wave of funding, starting 6th April, will be for larger grants, service transformation, and ongoing work to support communities and charities at this difficult time.

Charities and community groups seeking more information on the Southwark Community Response Fund and guidance on how to apply should visit here: London Community Response or contact Sarah Thurman at United St Saviour’s Charity (Sthurman@ustsc.org.uk), phone: 07703 715 145