Funds have been put in place by the county council to help community groups in Sidmouth which are working to support those impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent UK lock down.

Devon County Council has launched the COVID-19 Prompt Action Fund to help provide valuable funding to organisations working in communities that have been affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

The scheme, which only launched this week has had over 80 applications already.

The grants of less than £500 will help voluntary and community groups to tackle the social and economic impacts of the virus outbreak and help those who are most vulnerable in their communities.

The funding can be used to address issues such as:

-Safe deliveries of essential goods and services to people who are isolating, for example food and medicine.

-Starting virtual support groups to help people who are isolated to stay connected and to improve mental health and wellbeing.

-Applications are invited from established Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector groups, Town and Parish Councils, charities or businesses, or a combination of these working together.

Groups, small local businesses and individuals without their own separate bank account may also apply, but they will need to have the support of a recognised organisation – such as Town and Parish Council, local Community and Voluntary Services (CVS) organisation, village hall or other established local voluntary groups – acting on their behalf as guarantor or as the holder of the funding.

Roger Croad, Devon County Council's Cabinet Member for Communities, said: "The coronavirus is having a huge effect on Devon and it's important that we are helping to support residents to remain resilient and support each other even during these challenging times.

"There is some excellent work going on within many communities to support vulnerable residents and to maintain people's wellbeing while they are isolated.

"We hope that the Prompt Action Fund will provide rapid and flexible financial support to better enable community groups to tackle some of the issues they face safely and in the ways that work best for them."

For more information about applying, the application form and the terms and conditions visit the Devon County Council website.