DEPUTY minister and chief whip, Jane Hutt, has announced the launch of the Voluntary Services Recovery Fund (VSRF).

This will replace the Voluntary Services Emergency Fund (VSEF) from Monday, August 17.

The VSEF, which has awarded almost £7.1million in emergency grant funding to voluntary organisations to date, closed on August 7 – but third sector organisations will still be able access funding to support the voluntary sector and continue to play a major part in Wales’ recovery efforts.

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Ms Hutt said: “We’ve been working closely with the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) throughout the covid-19 pandemic, helping charities and third sector organisations to expand and adapt services to meet the specific needs of this challenging time.

"In 14 weeks, the Welsh Government Voluntary Services Emergency Fund awarded almost £7.1 million to 156 voluntary organisations who have been working on the front line to support our most vulnerable communities.

“Charities, voluntary sector organisations and volunteers have played a vital role in the response to covid-19, and our support for the voluntary sector won’t end here.

"As life begins to return to a new normal, and shielding for our most vulnerable citizens ends in August, we will be opening a new funding scheme to enable organisations to meet new needs and respond to new challenges.

“The Voluntary Services Recovery Fund will be open for applications from August 17.

"It will focus on reducing the inequalities across society which have emerged with such devastating clarity during the covid-19 pandemic.

“Many communities suffered disproportionately, and are still in emergency situations.

"This new fund will support the third sector to continue to deliver essential services to communities throughout Wales, and to adapt to meet new needs, for example relating to mental health and social well-being.

“I want to acknowledge and celebrate the invaluable contribution made already by the third sector in Wales, which has provided much-needed help and support during a particularly challenging time.

"Thank you for continuing to work tirelessly to support communities throughout Wales.

"Your dedication has been an inspiration.”

WCVA chief executive, Ruth Marks, said: “It’s been truly inspiring to see the critical work that voluntary organisations have been doing during the pandemic response to help the most vulnerable in Wales.

"At WCVA we’re really pleased to have been able to support that work alongside Welsh Government through the Voluntary Services Emergency Fund.

“Now, as we see an easing of restrictions, the needs of the voluntary sector are changing. It’s important that we adapt our support, and the purposes of this emergency grant scheme, to enable voluntary organisations to address the different challenges that lie ahead.”

Application guidelines for the new Voluntary Services Recovery Fund will be announced shortly.

The Third Sector Resilience Fund remains open for applications, and will continue to provide direct financial support to charities and third sector organisations to help pay bills and ease cash-flow.