Power firm donates more than £19,000 for Covid-19 relief, including £5,000 to charity with base in Boston

Western Power Distribution set up the In This Together – Community Matters fund to help local groups and organisations deliver urgent care and support to people directly affected by the pandemic.

The business, the area’s electricity network operator, invited applications for grants of up to £10,000.

Among those to apply was Citizens Advice Mid Lincolnshire. The charity, which has a base in Boston, received £5,000 to help it continue its services remotely during lockdown.

Sally Pygott, project development team leader, said: “Since Citizens Advice Mid Lincolnshire closed its offices to the public on Monday, March 23, our small team of advisers has helped clients with 2,578 issues via Citizens Advice telephone Adviceline, pre-booked advice appointments, email and Help to Claim via phone and web chat.

“The funding has enabled us to purchase mobile phones and keep them topped up for advisers helping clients via Adviceline, as well as buying a couple of new screens and laptops for advisers who were using their own computer equipment at home.

“Thank you Western Power Distribution for helping to fund our coronavirus response service.”

Alison Sleightholm, a director with Western Power Distribution, said: “Our team has worked tirelessly to get our fund running and active. I’m delighted that we’ve been able to move quickly and support some fantastic organisations which are making a real difference to thousands of vulnerable people during the pandemic.”