A Grantham-based project to help the homeless and vulnerable has itself been handed support - through an SKDC grant.

Cllr Annie Mason (Grantham St Vincent's) has donated a £500 Ward Member Grant to help ease the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on Grantham and District Poverty Concern Group.

The project supports those in the local community who are homeless, vulnerable, living below the poverty line, suffering with mental health and addiction issues.

Co-ordinator Chris Thomas said: "We support people in a number of ways, including supplying weekly food parcels and having a dedicated support person to help with benefit advice. We also signpost to other agencies and can help with emergency accommodation.

"On a practical level we can top up people's gas or electricity payments in the most serious cases but, just as importantly, can also give clients our time: we're a non-judgmental listening ear when people need it the most."

Cllr Mason said: "Grantham Poverty Concern (Grantham Passage) has been running for 19 years and has expanded its community assistance as the need has increased. Pre-lockdown they were cooking hot meals for the local community seven days a week and last year provided over 11,500 meals. They are staffed purely through volunteers and receive no central or local government grant to meet the £800 per month running costs.

"This is a cause that offers practical help and assistance in any way it can but its staff also work hard to help people feel that they aren't forgotten during these difficult times."

Anyone who would like to donate food, funds or a little of their time to help can call Mr Thomas on 07517 943792 or Andy Maddison on 07850 100340. More information can be found online at granthampovertyconcern.org.uk

Those concerned about a rough sleeper can contact the numbers above, SKDC or the P3 Outreach team. SKDC can be contacted on 01476 406080 or out of hours 01476 590044 (option 4). P3 can be contacted on 0808 281 0280.