SSE’s networks business Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has awarded over £320,000 to support communities in their response to the coronavirus crisis.
Over 200 communities across central southern England and the north of Scotland have been given the boost by the business’ Resilient Communities Fund.
The fund which was repurposed in March and allocated in early May, goes to community, parish, town and borough councils, and supports local efforts to help those most vulnerable during the pandemic.
The projects range from providing food, materials and PPE, to supporting volunteers and befriending schemes.
Colin Nicol, Managing Director, SSEN, said: “As we play our part in keeping the power flowing to homes, businesses and sites critical to the country’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, we also recognise the significant impact this crisis continues to have on the communities we serve.
“It’s impressive to see how quickly communities rallied together to support those most vulnerable, so I’m pleased our repurposed Resilient Communities Fund will help in their ongoing response, reaching over 200 communities from the Shetland Isles to the Isle of Wight.”
Projects benefiting from the quick turnaround in funds include HIVE Portsmouth. They received £2,000 to provide food and materials to those most vulnerable in the community. Cllr Gerald Vernon Jackson, leader of Portsmouth City Council said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to SSEN’s Resilient Communities Fund for the £2,000 grant given to HIVE Portsmouth to provide food supplies and update leaflets to vulnerable residents through the coronavirus emergency.”
In Scotland, Dundee City Centre and Harbour Community Council received £3,000 for the Dundee Thegither project, which supplies food parcels, medicine and other goods to those in need.
Secretary, Sheena Wellington, said: “City Centre and Harbour Community Council is very pleased to be able to use this money to support the work of Dundee Thegither.”
Avich and Kilchrenan Community Council in Argyll and Bute received £1,550 to provide and deliver food and medicine. Resilience Coordinator Dr Cowley, said: “Due to the spread-out nature of our rural community, drivers logged over 300 miles during the five weeks to the beginning of May. With, as yet, no end in sight for the service, the grant will enable us to cover future fuel costs for our drivers.”
Trossachs Search and Rescue, in Stirlingshire received £1,000 to help set-up a new communications system.
Secretary and call-out organiser, Stuart Ballantyne, said: “Thanks to SSEN, we will be equipped with a state of the art 4G phone system with WiFi so that we, council officers and other community groups can operate more effectively - not only during this pandemic, but during periods of severe weather and at other times of need. It will also enable us to make a defibrillator available for public use at our base.”
For a full list of the funds and projects supported, click here.