Our communities have been hit hard by COVID-19 and we have been blown away by the support that community initiatives have provided our residents. Groups across Cheshire West and Chester have been providing invaluable services throughout the pandemic, helping make sure everyone has been able to receive the support they need. All of Cheshire West and Chester Council’s initial Community Response Fund has now been distributed so the Let’s Turn This Around COVID-19 Fund has been set up to provide further opportunities for community initiatives to access funding. The Fund has been kick-started with donations of £50,000 from the council - can we reach £80,000 together? Pledging towards our campaign will help us to continue to support the vital work of organisations combatting food poverty, social isolation, poor mental health, financial hardship and much more. By working together, we can provide funding for community initiatives #letsturnthisaround

What we'll deliver:

• Emergency financial support for community initiatives across Cheshire West and Chester.
• A community approach to funding where everyone can get involved and pledge.
• A panel from the business, voluntary and community sectors making sure it’s a fair process.
• Sharing information of delivery funded initiatives to connect groups across the borough.

Why it's a great idea:

Like all other areas of the UK and world, COVID-19 has impacted our communities across Cheshire West and Chester. As community initiatives have provided such invaluable support to residents throughout the pandemic and before that, it’s vital they have access to funding opportunities and the resources needed to continue delivering their services. Financial support for community initiatives, including: • Food poverty • Isolation and befriending services • Mental health support • Older people’s services • Support for children and young people • Financial hardship All pledges are very much appreciated no matter how big or small. Every penny will go towards supporting our communities so they can continue to adapt and help us turn this around.

Steps to get it done:

• Reach our crowdfunding target
• Distribute financial support for community initiatives across Cheshire West and Chester

We need everyone to club together and support our crowdfunding efforts: Local funders, philanthropists, businesses and community members - everyone can contribute so that the council can coordinate extra funding and provide greater support to community initiatives. Here are some examples of the projects we supported through the Council’s original Community Response Fund: 1. Supporting older people in communities across west Cheshire: https://tinyurl.com/yxq7f4me 2. Providing funding for those at the heart of the COVID-19 response https://tinyurl.com/y3ct6p3a How you can apply for funding? Application forms to access the Community Response Fund can be requested from Chester Locality team at [email protected]