More than 50 Powys groups will share nearly £500,000 to help the county respond to the challenges and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Set up by Powys County Council, the Community Recovery Grant is to help community groups, charities, social enterprises, and voluntary groups supporting people and communities respond to the pandemic.

It aims to assist recovery and help organisations develop flexible and responsive plans and activities to become more resilient and financially sustainable in the future.

Third sector groups have been able to apply for both Capital and Revenue funding, almost £500,000 has been allocated to 56 projects across the County.

Powys County Council Leader, Councillor Rosemarie Harris, said; “We are delighted to be able to support community organisations with a wide range of initiatives including mental health and wellbeing projects to help tackle issues triggered by the pandemic.

“We have supported organisations whose membership has been impacted, to help them ‘re-boot’. We are also aware of the need for outside activity, and several of our open space have been awarded funding.

“The council has helped our Community Buildings to be able to operate in a safe and sustainable way, to welcome back residents of our Powys communities.”

The fund is currently closed but it will reopen in the new financial year.