Groups to get NIHE COVID-19 funding

The fund has been set up by the NIHE to help community groups working on the ground during the current emergency.

Constituted groups, including Housing Community Network groups, organisations and enterprises carrying out activities to support local vulnerable people are eligible to access awards of up to £1500.

Colm McQuillan, Director of Housing Services for the Housing Executive, explained; “During Covid-19, we are linking with many community groups via our Good Morning phone call service.

“Our Patch Managers and other staff members are regularly checking up on vulnerable tenants in isolation by telephone.

“Many of these groups are helping provide a connection with the wider community and are reducing social isolation for those being asked to stay in their homes.

“Some community groups are delivering food to people’s houses, others are arranging pharmacy services and the provision of medicines but - probably most importantly - they are giving residents a link to the outside world and a listening ear if they need it.

“This fund aims to provide immediate financial support to enable these activities to continue and to help groups to operate.”

Linda Watson, Chair of the Central Housing Forum, the body which represents groups comprising the Housing Community Network said; “It will provide a lifeline for groups operating at the coal face of our communities and will ensure that vital work protecting local vulnerable people will continue.”

Info at www.nihe.gov.uk.

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