8 April 2021

Funding is available for voluntary organisations offering essential transport

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Apply for Essential Transport Funding

Funding is available for voluntary sector organisations that provide essential transport in Hampshire, helping local residents to access safe, affordable travel to GP, hospital and vaccination appointments during the summer of 2021. Community First will be distributing grants of up to £1500 on behalf of Hampshire CVS Network.

The grant is part of the Contain Outbreak Management Fund (COMF) given to local authorities by the Department of Health and Social Care to help reduce the spread of coronavirus and support local economies and public health. The COMF Fund, being administered by Hampshire County Council, will help organisations continue their vital work and overcome any barriers as the lockdown eases and demand for their services grows.

The Essential Transport grants will enable organisations to recruit more volunteer drivers, to cover the cost of journeys, as well as to develop and promote existing community transport, Good Neighbour and voluntary car schemes. It will help to ensure that Hampshire residents have safe and affordable access to their essential medical appointments.

Tim Houghton, Community First’s Chief Executive, said, “Hampshire’s voluntary sector has never been more needed and we currently have an important role particularly in supporting more vulnerable residents as we emerge from lockdown restrictions, as well as supporting the vaccination rollout in our communities. We are therefore pleased to be able to distribute this funding to local voluntary organisations so that they can continue their vital work and support residents with accessing essential appointments. We would like to thank to our partners at Hampshire County Council for allocating the Contain Outbreak Management Fund to Hampshire CVS Network.”

The application form for organisations is available here. Please send any queries to Mandy Harris, Community First’s Community Development Director, at mandy.harris@cfirst.org,uk or call 07500 781 421.