GRANTS of between £50 and £500 are available to those groups and organisations helping to support the vulnerable and self-isolating get through the coronavirus crisis.

Craven District Council’s £10,000 coronavirus grant scheme is supporting organisations which have sprung up across the district to help get essential supplies to vulnerable residents.

Council leader, Cllr Richard Foster, said: “We are working closely with community groups to help support the vulnerable and self-isolating at this very difficult time.

“We want to provide further assistance to these groups who may need funding to support the wellbeing of residents, help people remain safely connected with the outside world, and help combat social isolation, poverty and poor mental health.”

The council says groups do not need to be formal organisations with constitutions to apply for grants, although businesses, companies and schools are not eligible. It will not distribute money directly from the fund, instead it will buy items or services on behalf of applicants and collection arranged. Funding for the expenses of volunteers however, may be available says the council.

For more details on the coronavirus grant scheme, go to: www.cravendc.gov.uk/corona-grants.

The fund does not cover the cost of food, for applications for food funding, apply to the North Yorkshire Local Assistance Fund at: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/local-assistance-fund

Those who are self-isolating, shielding or vulnerable and who need help should first ask family, neighbours and friends; then church organisations, clubs, voluntary organisations or societies.

Those who still need help should contact North Yorkshire County Council on 01609 780780