Wales & West Utilities has launched a £50,000 community fund and is encouraging North Wales charities and bodies affected by the coronavirus pandemic to apply for support.

The Safe and Warm Fund has been established in response to the crisis and will help communities affected by the outbreak with essential funding.

The gas emergency and pipeline service has been working hard throughout the pandemic to make sure people are kept safe and warm in their homes and has opened the fund to help others do the same.

Wales & West Utilities chief executive, Graham Edwards, said: “I’m delighted to launch the Safe and Warm Fund. This £50,000 will help directly support organisations working in communities, targeting support at those who need it most.

“We’re now encouraging organisations across the area – from food banks to energy efficiency organisations, domestic abuse charities to community transport. Put simply, we want to support those on the frontline and help the most vulnerable people in the community stay safe and warm.”

Organisations and charities can apply for funding between £500 and £5,000. Applicants are encouraged to give details about how the funding will help extend its support to those most in need.

Graham added: “One of the most optimistic elements of this pandemic has been seeing the way in which communities have pulled together to support one another and we are hoping that this money will go some way to extending that support.”

Applications will be assessed by a panel consisting of representatives from Wales & West Utilities.

For more information on the fund please visit www.wwutilities.co.uk/SafeandWarm. The closing date for applications is 6 July 2020.