Rachael Maskell MP, Shadow Minister for the Voluntary Sector and Communities has heard from local charities and grassroots voluntary organisations in Essex and Hertfordshire about the impact and challenges they have faced as a consequence of the COVID pandemic and what the Government should be doing to support them.

Over 20 local organisations from Essex and Hertfordshire took part in the online meeting with Rachael, with representatives from Harlow Stroke Support, Community Action Dacorum, Headway Day Centres, Essex, Citizens Advice Bureau Stevenage, Harlow Foodbank, North Herts and Stevenage CVS, Sunnyside Rural Trust Dacorum, PACT for Autism and the Royal British Legion, were among those who spoke about their experiences and the challenges they face through this pandemic.

Many local organisations are now in a precarious position because of financial strains and extra demand on their services because of the pandemic. They are crucial to the wellbeing our communities, providing essential support to many people.

Labour is pushing the government to do as much as it can to support and better fund local organisations to ensure they can continue to prove vital services we come out of the Covid-19 crisis.

Rachael Maskell MP said:

“Local charities and grassroots voluntary organisations are the lifeblood of their communities and it was inspiring to hear about their experiences, the great work they are doing and the kind of help and support they need.

“They continued to support local communities – as they do every day – through the worst period of this COVID pandemic, providing help, practical support, and a sense of purpose to those who need it most.

“They have engendered a real sense of compassion and solidarity in local communities which is going to be needed more than ever as we slowly emerge from the COVID pandemic.

“Labour will continue to press the Government to better understand the needs and importance of this sector and provide improve support and funding.”