A new £750,000 fund for grassroots organisations hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic will help protect community-led spaces that are supporting the most vulnerable people.

The ‘Community Spaces at Risk’ fund will be accessible by cultural centres, social clubs, youth, education and other spaces that are locally rooted and critical for supporting vulnerable groups during the pandemic. Many of these community hubs deliver a range of activities to tackle isolation, support mental health and resilience and provide essential local services, but they are being put under financial pressure when they are needed most.

The new fund, setup by the city’s Mayor, Sadiq Khan, will provide one-to-one specialist advice, direct support and grants to help organisations protect these spaces. It will be particularly targeted at those most affected by the impact of covid-19, including Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, LGBTQ+ communities, deaf and disabled people, and women’s-led groups.

“Community and cultural spaces have been invaluable beacons of hope, support and comfort to so many Londoners during the pandemic” said Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London. “However, these spaces are facing increased pressures from the impact of covid-19, and desperately need support to continue their work. Through this fund, we will do all we can to help them continue to serve the communities who need them the most,” he added.

Khan has identified “High Streets for All” – a City Hall campaign to promote thriving and diverse high streets and city centres as key to aid London’s recovery.