LCR Cares passes £2 million mark

Set up in partnership with the Community Foundation for Merseyside and the National Emergencies Trust, the Fund has benefited from significant funding from the National Emergencies Trust and the Combined Authority; as well as contributions from other charitable trusts, such as the Daneway Foundation, Dulverton Trust and Westminster Foundation.

Businesses, like Home Bargains and Barclays Bank, have also contributed; as have high-profile individuals, such as Jamie Carragher and Sir Terry Leahy; as well as hundreds of individuals across the city region.

LCR Cares has already distributed £1.95 million of that total in nearly 400 grants to local community organisations across the whole Liverpool City Region

Speaking about this latest milestone, Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:

“When the Coronavirus crisis erupted, community groups across our region leapt into action to do everything they could to help keep their neighbours safe and well during this crisis. From mental health support and debt advice, to providing food and activities for vulnerable people, they have stepped up when their communities needed them.

“Many of these organisations are small in size and operate on a shoestring budget, so I set up LCR Cares to help give them the support they need to keep up their brilliant work.

“In just a few months, thanks to the generosity of local people, we’ve been able to raise and distribute £2m to help support our communities through this crisis.”

Rae Brooke, Chief Executive for the Community Foundation for Merseyside, said:

“The LCR Cares COVID-19 Community Support Fund has now distributed nearly 400 grants to vital community and charitable groups, helping over 333,000 people across the Liverpool City Region. Including those living in poverty, requiring emergency food provision, experiencing mental health issues, older people in need, along with those with learning and physical disabilities, homeless individuals, victims of domestic violence and people needing debt advice.

“It has been heart-warming to receive feedback from groups and individuals that have been helped across all areas of the Liverpool City Region – such as the Congolese Association of Merseyside in Sefton, Sew Halton, Wirral’s Gallier House, the Florence Institute in Toxteth, St Helens Citizens Advice Bureau and Knowsley’s Listening Ear project, amongst many, many others.

“In the most difficult times, it is the most vulnerable in our communities that suffer the greatest – especially in these challenging and uncertain times where the effects will be with us for some time. That is why it’s so important the LCR Cares COVID-19 Community Support Fund is there to continue to provide vital assistance. We thank everyone and every organisation who have supported LCR Cares so far and encourage others, who are able to do so, to donate to the Fund.”

Details on how to donate are on the Combined Authority’s website. Search “LCRCares” or visit www.lcrcares.co.uk