Rural Action Derbyshire (RAD) has set up a Rural Hardship Support Fund to help people in rural areas of Derbyshire who are suffering extreme hardship as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic

This has been possible thanks to an award of £2,000 from The Prince’s Countryside Fund. Rural Action Derbyshire has also been receiving some donations through their website, which is also going toward this fund. 

Claire Saunders, Director of The Prince’s Countryside Fund said: “Rural organisations like Rural Action Derbyshire are the lifeblood of many far-flung communities. They have adapted to provide unprecedented support to rural people, quickly, and efficiently, with the help of a dedicated army of local volunteers. We are so grateful to all our sponsors, who by supporting The Prince’s Countryside Fund, have enabled the provision of these Rural Response Emergency Grants during this crisis.”

Beverley Parker, CEO of Rural Action Derbyshire said, “We are so grateful to The Prince’s Countryside Fund for helping us support people in rural Derbyshire. We know many people in rural areas are struggling, mainly in relation to jobs. Some people may have lost their job, others have to stay at home to take care of children and not everyone qualifies for government support."

“We want to make sure people can pay their bills and aren’t going hungry.”

Applications to the Hardship Fund will be by referral and individuals will need to meet the criteria to qualify.

The fund will provide regular food parcels and assistance with some critical household expenses. People will also be able to access information on other support available to them relative to their specific needs.

For further details click here