As the coronavirus pandemic develops, Cornwall Council has seen an increased demand on crisis support groups such as homeless shelters, foodbanks and soup kitchens.

Cornwall Council has contributed £100,000 towards the Cornwall Community Foundation’s (CCF) Emergency Appeal to support local community groups, which are in high demand during the pandemic.

Jane Hartley, chairman of the CCF said: “The coronavirus outbreak is putting immense pressure on foodbanks and other small, frontline community groups supporting people most in need in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

"Demand is increasing as a result of redundancies and isolation from usual support networks.

“At the same time, food donations have reduced due to stockpiling and local charities cannot get out in their communities to do their usual fundraising. We are very grateful to Cornwall Council for their quick response to this unprecedented crisis and for donating £100,000 to support the vital work of grassroots organisations.”

Council staff have been working with the community and voluntary sector to help ensure these groups can continue to support vulnerable residents during the crisis.

As a priority, the council’s staff have been working with central government and local partners to ensure community hubs are ready to respond when and where needed.

The foundation has taken a lead role in providing support, offering small grants of £500 up to £3,000 to organisations in Cornwall. The grants are to cover the additional costs of supporting crisis groups which have come in demand during the coronavirus crisis.

Cornwall Council leader Julian German, said: “We will do whatever we can joining forces with our partners across Cornwall to protect our most vulnerable residents during this unprecedented time.

“The work of these crisis groups is always vital, but never more so than right now and I want to thank each, and every volunteer involved in this amazing work.

“They are stretched by the demands being placed on them, alongside the unique challenges posed by the pandemic, such as the difficulty in getting hold of food.

“We are calling on central government to direct supermarkets to introduce priority purchasing arrangements for foodbanks, so that we can make sure our most vulnerable residents are not going hungry in this crisis.”

Anyone in Cornwall who needs help with shopping, collecting medicines or other practical help and support can request a volunteer by ringing 01872 265300 or emailing requestforhelp@volunteercornwall.org.uk.

Arrangements are also in place with local pharmacies to include prescription collection as part of this service.

Volunteer Cornwall has more than 1,500 individuals and 160 community groups registered to provide support – and they will always follow up with the individual to ensure the volunteering has happened and their needs were met.

The group has made arrangements with the police so that volunteers registered with Volunteer Cornwall can easily identify themselves as carrying out essential activity.

Members of the public can also donate to the emergency appeal by visiting cornwallcommunityfoundation.com/donate-to-cornwall-emergency-coronavirus-appeal/