Emergency fund available to support vulnerable residents

March 2, 2021

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council is encouraging local charities and groups to apply to the Southend Emergency Fund (SEF) – which is aiding local charities and organisations who support extremely vulnerable people in Southend-on-Sea.

SEF is a centralised funding facility that was established at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Providing much needed funding and support for local charities and organisations, the fund enables the charities to concentrate on recognising and directly supporting Southend’s vulnerable residents.

Local charities and groups helping vulnerable residents can apply directly to the SEF for funding, which can be used for a various levels of support such as food parcels, debt relief, and maintenance. Visit https://southendemergencyfund.org.uk/apply-for-funding/ to see if your charity or organisation is eligible to apply for a grant of up to £3,000.

Individuals and business can also do their part and donate to the fund, helping to reach SEF’s first target of £250,000. For more information visit: www.southendemergencyfund.org.uk.Southend-on-Sea Borough Council has contributed £107,000 to the fund so far.

Cllr Ian Gilbert, leader of the council, said: “There has been a heart-warming response from many in our community since the start of the pandemic, from neighbours and friends, to charities and organisations, all providing much needed support and assistance to our vulnerable residents’.

“Southend Emergency Fund is doing great work in adding to the funds of our many local charities and organisations in Southend, enabling them to direct their focus on helping our vulnerable residents directly.

“I would like to thank everyone who has been able to donate to the fund, as well as the SAVS staff and volunteers of The Southend Emergency Fund for their hard work in making it all possible, and I am delighted that we have also been able to contribute to this fund.”

Alan Kirkman, Southend Emergency Fund organiser, said: “Southend Emergency Fund was set up to make sure financial resources are directed quickly to where they are most needed. This enables frontline charities to concentrate on delivering the support individuals and families are desperate for.

“Southend-on-Sea Borough Council has been very supportive of the fund not only in financial terms but also in identifying what kind of support is required and where. We hope this cooperation will continue to benefit all residents of the Borough who need a helping hand at this time.”