Charity with Sleaford-base gets £5,000 to aid remote working

Citizens Advice Mid Lincolnshire applied for a grant from the In This Together – Community Matters fund set up by Western Power Distribution, the electricity network operator for the area.

The fund, which has now closed, was launched to help community groups and organisations deliver urgent care and support to thousands of families during these challenging times.

Applications were invited from charities, local hospitals, community groups, parish councils and local authorities for grants of up to £10,000 to help those directly affected by the pandemic.

Sally Pygott, project development team leader at Citizens Advice Mid Lincolnshire, 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.”

In response to an urgent need for direct support, Western Power Distribution has donated more than £19,000 to a range of community organisations and charities across Lincolnshire.

Alison Sleightholm, the business’s resources and external affairs director, 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.”