On 2 May 2020, the Government announced that there would be an additional £76m funding to support victims and survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence during the COVID-19 virus.
Three weeks after that announcement and groups are now being invited to apply for part of that funding.
This funding will be distributed by the Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner to charities and voluntary sector organisations who support victims of Domestic Abuse and/or Sexual Violence in North Yorkshire (including York) such as IDAS, including organisations not currently funded by the PFCC to meet local need and demand.
IDAS is the largest specialist charity in Yorkshire supporting anyone experiencing or affected by domestic abuse or sexual violence
See: www.idas.org.uk
Julia Mulligan, North Yorkshire’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, says she has been working with the government for a number of weeks to bring forward a package of support during the pandemic and now – the Ministry of Justice is now investing £20m nationally, part of the £76m overall package.
Organisations who offer domestic abuse and sexual violence support services are being encouraged to apply for additional funding to help their work during the Coronavirus crisis.
Bids for funding will be assessed by the Commissioner’s team in North Yorkshire and due to the urgent need for the support for those victims and survivors, the government is committed to distributing the money as soon as possible.
Organisations, who must be a charity, charitable incorporated organisation, social enterprise or community interest company can apply for the COVID-19 extraordinary funding and bids are open to all involved in providing support services, whether currently funded by the Commissioner or not.
The money can be used to address costs associated with the pandemic from 24 March through until 31 October, including short term disruption to income, essential costs of sustaining current activities or addressing increased demand.
Applications must be received by 12 noon on Monday 1 June and will be assessed quickly with payments being made as soon as possible.
Julia Mulligan, North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, said:
I know that the COVID-19 pandemic has put a huge strain on many families, with charities reporting a huge increase in demand for their services, which is why I have been working hard to secure this additional investment.
The fund will help ensure that organisations across North Yorkshire who help survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence have the support they need at a time when their services are sadly in demand more than ever.
To make an application, download the simple funding request form at www.northyorkshire-pfcc.gov.uk/news/dafunding/ and return to sarah.arnott@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk
