Sheffield City Council have announced their plan to launch a second round of funding to support the Voluntary and Community sector.

£230,000 is available in the Community Covid-19 Response Fund.

Councillor Paul Wood, Cabinet member for Neighbourhoods and Community Safety at Sheffield City Council, said: “We are pleased to launch another round of the Voluntary and Community Sector Covid-19 Response Fund.

“This is offered in recognition of the outstanding efforts of our local voluntary, community and faith sector organisations in helping communities in Covid-19 prevention.

“Their work continues to be highly valued in combating the virus and preventing transmission in our communities and citywide.”

The fund will help organisations prevent the spread of the virus, manage testing, support people isolating and encourage the uptake of the vaccination.

Thalassaemia, an organisation that supports individuals and families affected by the genetic blood disorder, received a grant during the first round of the fund.

They educate and raise awareness of the condition to high-risk communities and those who already have it, to prevent further complications.

This is achieved through events and conferences, as well as providing support groups for carers, patients and families.

Nighat Basharat, of Thalassaemia, said: “I just wanted to share how happy the service users are in getting their digital equipment.

“It took me some time due to lockdown to get the right ones within the budget, but I managed to get them from Currys and I feel so grateful for the difference you have made in these patients’ and families’ lives.

“Only because of Sheffield City Council’s support was I able to put smiles on their faces and assist them to stay home and self-isolate whilst keeping motivated with other sessions that I will be running with all of them now.”

Organisations and partnerships can apply for between £500 and £5,000 before applications close at 12 noon on 26 March.

For more information, download the full application pack here.