Decision details

In April of 2020, Political leaders across Devon established a fund of up to £1m to address some of the most acute short-term impacts on people’s livelihoods. A COVID19 Hardship Support Grant was provided by Devon County Council, which can be used flexibly by District Councils in line with local needs and existing partnership arrangements. A total grant allocation of £167,023 has been provided to Teignbridge District Council.

The focus of the grant is on direct support to applicants. However the phasing of the grant was arranged so that local community and voluntary partners could receive additional funding directly required for their role in delivering the hardship support, where necessary.

A Community Recovery Group workshop was held with key representatives from the Community and Voluntary Sector in Teignbridge on 2^nd December 2020. Representatives identified the following priority areas for our COVID-19 recovery efforts; digital access, reducing loneliness; and improving mental health. A suggestion was then made by the Head of Community Services and Improvement for Teignbridge Council to allocate £50,000 from our COVID-19 Hardship Support Grant Allocation to support community and voluntary sector organisations in Teignbridge address these issues, and in so doing improve the lives and wellbeing of local residents. This decision was approved by the relevant Policy Lead based at Devon County Council.