MORE than a dozen volunteer groups and food banks have been handed grants of up to £5,000 as they help people impacted by coronavirus.

The Herefordshire Community Foundation has awarded its first National Emergencies Trust fund grants to groups co-ordinating volunteers and food parcels in Herefordshire.

The charitable trust, set up to raise funds from the general public in the event of a domestic disaster or emergency, has announced a further £5million will be distributed to 46 community foundations in the UK.

So far, around half of the £16m total pledged to the coronavirus appeal has been given out, following an initial allocation of almost £2.5m a week after the appeal launched.

Groups in Herefordshire to have already received grants include Vennture, Age UK and Eardisley Neighbourhood Friends, as well as food banks in Bromyard, Hereford, Leominster and Ledbury.

For more details or to apply for a grant from the Herefordshire Community Foundation visit www.herefordshirecf.org.

Grants from the NET fund will range from £1,000 to £5,000 and are for the immediate pressing need of supporting the vulnerable and funding community groups.

John Herriman, CEO of the National Emergencies Trust, said: “It is fantastic that good causes across the UK are already seeing the benefits of the public’s support and the overwhelming generosity of our corporate donors. It’s vital that we are able to offer support to these groups as soon as we can.

“Our work may have started but there is still much more to do. We’re asking the public to get behind the appeal and make contribution if possible, or to spread the word to help raise awareness.

"Everyone who donates can be confident their money is reaching those in need quickly and making an instant difference to the most vulnerable in our communities at this difficult time.

"We need to come together more than ever and I’m heartened the British public are rising to the challenge.”

Rosemary Macdonald, Interim CEO of UK Community Foundations, said: “Working closely with our network of 46 community foundations, we’re seeing unprecedented demand for support from those in need across our society.

"We’re working to make sure that donations reach communities quickly and in response to particular needs, so that we are properly supporting the most vulnerable as best we can.”

The National Emergencies Trust’s coronavirus appeal was launched in partnership with the British Red Cross and with the support of the Duke of Cambridge. Celebrity supporters including Miranda Hart, Joe Lycett and Kate Thornton have shared video messages on social media urging the public to get behind the appeal.

Anyone can make a donation at www.nationalemergenciestrust.org.uk or by texting APPEAL to 70141 to donate £10.