A Mansfield-based charity has spoken of its work to help get funds to community groups supporting people through the Covid-19 pandemic.

And the Nottinghamshire Community Foundation (NCF) has urged local residents to get in touch if they want to help its work through leaving legacies and donations.

Last year 27 community groups in Mansfield were given small grants totalling £178,000 and 16 groups in Ashfield received £84,000 to support their coronavirus response work.

As part of the distribution of national emergency funding, the foundation awarded grants to local charities and community groups that were able to respond quickly to the needs of their vulnerable service users.

Among the groups was Ladybrook Community Centre, Mansfield, which said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to the NCF grants team, which awarded us £5,000 from the NET (National Emergencies Trust) Coronavirus Appeal.

“NCF awarded us the full amount we applied for, which was specifically around our response to the Covid-19 services we are offering via our Help At Hand project.

“The money will support phone charges for our helpline, volunteer mileage and staff time. It will also help cover some of the other running costs like insurance payments.

“A huge thank you to NCF for this grant and seeing the value in our work. It is very much appreciated.”

NCF distributes funds on behalf of local businesses and families. Chief executive Nina Dauban said: “We were thrilled to be given the task of getting this money out to those who needed it most and were amazed to see so many volunteers rally to the needs of their communities in this difficult time.”

NCF currently administers legacies and donations, small and large, on behalf of local people who want to ensure 100% of their generosity goes to local charity.

If you wish to make a donation, set up or own family fund or leave a local legacy, contact Nina Dauban on [email protected] for free advice or visit www.nottscf.org.uk