Council kick starts community appeal to help the vulnerable during crisis

Horsham District Council  has made the first donation to help kick start a community support appeal which has been launched to help with funding for the Horsham District Community Volunteer Hubs and community group Horsham Matters during the coronavirus crisis.

The Hubs are manned by volunteers from around the District. They are giving practical help such as going for shopping and medicines, and providing emotional support, with friendly phone calls for those who are isolated at home.

As Horsham Town Centre is the largest area in the District with the highest population, the Council are managing the volunteer hub for the town directly in collaboration with other voluntary and community organisations.

Funds raised by the appeal will be paid directly to the volunteer hubs and food banks to pay for essential food and medical provisions.

The Community Volunteer Hubs have been established by local community groups, parish and neighbourhood councils, social media groups and Horsham District Council for the vulnerable of the Horsham District.

How you can donate

If you would like to help support the Horsham District Community Volunteer Hubs and other local organisations helping vulnerable people at this time of crisis, you can donate securely by text or online.

You can donate as little or as much as you would like. To give £20 by mobile, just text HUBS to 70085. Texts cost £20 (the donation) plus one standard rate message.

Alternatively you can donate by debit or credit card. Your data will be held in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018.

If you pay tax the value of your donation will be increased if you take the Gift Aid option.

The support appeal is possible thanks to registered charity The Hub Beeding and Donorfy who provide award-winning fundraising software to non-profit organisations across the UK.

Funds are distributed proportionately to the Community Hubs and a small number of local support organisations including Horsham Matters.  The calculations for dividing the funds between the hubs is based upon size of the residential population they cover.

Commenting on the appeal, Horsham District Council Cabinet Member for Community Matters and Wellbeing Cllr Tricia Youtan said:

“At this very worrying time for many people it is good to know that this appeal will provide crucial funds to help buy basic provisions for members of our community.

The good news is that some £2,000 has already been raised in the space of just one week, which is a great start.

“I urge as many of you that feel able to start donating now and spread the word about the appeal.

“Your donations will be well used and really appreciated.”

Horsham District Council Cabinet Member for Community Matters and Wellbeing Cllr Tricia Youtan

Your donation is processed on behalf of the Horsham District Covid19 Community Hubs by The Hub, Beeding - registered charity number 1173420. Funds are distributed proportionately to the Community Hubs and Horsham Matters. Read more about HDC's COVID-19 Community Support.

For media queries please email press@horsham.gov.uk