22.05.20
Health charities to receive £22m government funding support
Health Minister Nadine Dorries has announced £22m of government funding will be awarded to mental health, ambulance, social care, learning disabilities, autism and dementia charities to help support their work during the current coronavirus outbreak.
The funding forms part of a wider £750m funding package unveiled by the Chancellor in response to Covid-19, with the cash grants ensuring even despite increased demand as a result of the virus UK charities can continue to meet the need for their vital services.
The announcement comes as the nation marks Mental Health Awareness Week, with a total of £4.2m being awarded to mental health charities, including Samaritans, Young Minds and Bipolar UK, who are working to support people experiencing mental health challenges throughout the outbreak.
This funding builds on the £5m already made available to Mind and the Mental Health Consortia.
Nadine Dorries, Minister of State for Patient Safety, Suicide Prevention and Mental Health, said: “Mental health, learning disabilities and autism charities are providing vital support and advice during this public health crisis, working tirelessly alongside NHS and social care services to help people affected in many different ways.
“This epidemic has had huge consequences for us all, but for some it has been especially difficult, leading to loneliness, anxiety and other mental health challenges.
“The funding we are providing today – alongside £5 million already awarded to mental health charities – will help to give these organisations a much-needed boost during this outbreak so that they can keep doing what they do best.”
St John Ambulance and Air Ambulances UK will each receive over £6m to continue to provide life-saving services throughout the outbreak.
Charities supporting people with cancer and dementia, carers and to support the adult social care and community healthcare systems will also receive a portion of the funding.
Ed Argar, Minister of State for Health, added: “Every day, charities perform amazing work for our communities – whether that’s providing air ambulances during accidents and emergencies, or much-needed support and advice to people suffering from illness or just needing help and a friendly ear.
“During this COVID-19 pandemic, these services are more important than ever to many people.
“Therefore, I am pleased that today’s funding awards to health and social care charities will help these fantastic organisations to continue with their vital work.”
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak unveiled back in April a UK-wide funding support package of £750m for the voluntary sector, with £360m of this directly allocated by government departments to charities providing key services and supporting people during the crisis. The Department of Health and Social Care has worked to ensure that funding reaches where it is needed most as soon as possible, with the aim for charities to receive money later this month.