A number of community groups across Gravesham have been awarded a share of almost £50,000 emergency funding.

Gravesham council has given the grants to eight organisations to help them continue to support those suffering hardship as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Through its Emergency Assistance Grant scheme, the government has given funding to local authorities to distribute to those most in need, or who are struggling to afford food and essentials.

The groups to get the cash cover a wide range of needs for all ages, from general volunteering to foodbanks, mental health and domestic abuse.

Cllr Shane Mochrie-Cox, Gravesham council’s cabinet member for community and leisure said: “Since March we have been working closely with a number of local organisations to help support the most vulnerable in our community.

“We believe the most effective way to get vital support to those who continue to need it is via local organisations who deal directly with them.”

Those receiving grants are:the North West Kent Volunteer Centre, to help provide ongoing volunteer support and training for new volunteers; The Hive and Riverview foodbanks, to provide ongoing support for those in need of essential food supplies; North West Kent CAB, to help meet increased demand for debt advice and support; The Gr@nd in King Street, Gravesend, to provide wellbeing support and advice for young people; Choices, to provide ongoing support for the victims of domestic abuse; North West Kent Age UK, to support an increasing demand for befriending calls, diet and nutrition advice and physical exercise support; and Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Services, to provide ongoing advice and support including activity packs.

The council has also reserved a small amount of funding to go towards providing emergency support and food parcels that may be needed in the future.

Cllr Mochrie-Cox added: “We know there are many deserving charities, community and faith groups in the borough who played a vital role in supporting the local community during lockdown, for which we thank them.

“We would love to be in a position to help them all. However, we received a finite amount of Emergency Assistance Grant funding and after careful consideration, we believe the organisations chosen to receive support are providing ongoing assistance and tackling long-term issues across all sectors of our communities.”

Read more: All the latest news from Gravesend