Over 2,000 people supported through the pandemic thanks to Groundwork Northamptonshire

Funding awarded to Groundwork Northamptonshire at the start of the pandemic has helped support more than 2,000 residents – all thanks to the Anglian Water community support fund.

During the first wave of the Coronavirus pandemic, Anglian Water announced plans to establish a new £1 million community support fund to provide a cash boost for local communities to meet emerging needs arising from the pandemic.

Funding awarded to Groundwork Northamptonshire enabled the charity to extend its Better Together Hub Covid response service. This service has provided families with a series of events at The Green Patch, the charity’s Kettering based community garden.

Kate Williams, CEO of Groundwork Northamptonshire, said: “A huge thank you to Anglian Water for this timely, life changing grant which has been all about reconnecting and getting people back together safely. To be able to act and react quickly and efficiently not only improved lives. We are also confident we have saved lives.”

Sue Williams, recruited by Groundwork Northamptonshire to coordinate the programme, said: “Alongside the events, which included meditation sessions, Pilates, mosaic making and much more, we delivered food parcels, helped families apply for winter grants and food vouchers, we made vegetable boxes and even opened a donation shop.

“My job has changed as the restrictions have eased but I still chat regularly to families and support them in any way I can – even transporting people to vaccine centres.”