Helping those who have helped others during the pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic has had a huge impact on our local communities. Many found themselves struggling to provide food and essentials for their families, while lockdowns have caused people to suffer from loneliness and mental health issues and reports of domestic abuse have been increasing rapidly.

Our Coronavirus Community Support Fund has been reaching out to help organisations in North Herts to support those affected by the pandemic.

So far, over £90,000 has been granted to organisations that have helped local people during the pandemic.

Growing Resilience in Teens (GRIT) received £2,930 to help them run non-contact boxing and mentoring sessions for teenagers, contributing to their physical and mental wellbeing. This innovative doctor-led programme is designed to help reduce anxiety and self-destructive behaviours, and increase resilience in teens. Sessions will be delivered either face to face at a gym, when restrictions allow, or online via video calls. The GRIT programme is open to all teenagers in North Hertfordshire. Find out more here.

Royston Day Centre received £2,000 to provide essential personal protective equipment (PPE), helping to provide a safe environment and to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Disposable masks, hand sanitiser pots, signage, thermometers and visors were all purchased. The Centre provides important social interaction for the elderly in Royston and the surrounding villages and is a vital lifeline to those who may otherwise be lonely. Attendees have a chat over tea and coffee while taking part in activities organised by the Centre. Find out more here.

Herts Viewpoint is a charity that helps people who are living with mental health issues or drug and alcohol problems. They received £2,000 to host two ‘Making Art and Creative Connections’ support sessions. Each session helped to provide a space for people to discuss issues while taking part in meaningful creative activities. Herts Viewpoint was formed in 2003 and works across Hertfordshire to deliver activities including confidence building courses, creative writing and poetry, music groups for men and art courses. Find out more here.

Herts Viewpoint was formed in 2003 and works across Hertfordshire to deliver activities including confidence building courses, creative writing and poetry, music groups for men and art courses.