Emergency fund donates £500,000 to nearly 200 groups helping battle coronavirus

Severn Trent has paid out £6,000 to 3 charity and community groups in Chester as part of its commitment to donate £1m to organisation on the front line of supporting communities through the coronavirus crisis.

The company, which serves eight million people in the Midlands, created the fund to support the charities and community organisations which are making a difference to those most affected by the virus.

Liv Garfield, Severn Trent CEO, said: “Looking after each other is so important right now, and while our workers continue to keep the water flowing for everyone, we wanted to go above and beyond to help those helping others by creating the fund.

“It’s so, so important that everyone does their bit now which is why I’m absolutely delighted we’ve been able to get nearly £500,000 straight to those incredible community groups on the front line, which are helping those who need it most – providing much needed peace of mind and assistance during this uncertain time.”

Among the Chester groups that have benefited, are Here and Now Chester, Blacon Foodbank and Dial West Chester.

Severn Trent’s Community Fund team, which is managing the donations, worked with local authorities, Councils for Voluntary Service and UK Community Foundations to identify over 180 groups in its region. The company will be donating the other £500,000 to support organisations get back on their feet when things start to improve.

“While we don’t know how long we’ll be in this situation, we knew we wanted to support those groups delivering food parcels, making sure families have essentials or supporting the most vulnerable and we’re sure this money will be used extremely where it’s needed the most,” said Liv.

Karen from Here and Now chester said: " Here and Now Chester Ltd is a local Social Enterprise set up to alleviate social isolation in Blacon and Chester area. Normal weekly sessions include, Keep Fit session , 2x  Social Groups and a Digital technology session. With the recent events Here and Now has adapted its sessions so that members are not left isolated this includes a  3 x weekly befriending phone/text/face time  calls a  newsletter containing quiz wordsearch and a roundup to keep members and volunteers in touch  and an online Zoom digital platform for people to connect on." 

For more information on Severn Trent’s Community Fund, visit: stwater.co.uk/communityfund.