The National Emergencies Trust has launched a new fundraising appeal to help local charities support beneficiaries during the coronavirus outbreak.

The appeal has been launched with support from a number of media, business and government departments and in partnership with the British Red Cross who will be managing donations.

The Duke of Cambridge, who attended the launch of NET in November 2019, has also supported the appeal.

Grants will be awarded by the trust to a number of charitable organisations, for example, local Community Foundations, to ensure it reaches those who need it most.

Those partners will work within parameters agreed with NET to help identify the greatest need and distribute funds with both care and speed wherever possible.

The partnership network has been created by the NET since it was established last year, in response to recommendations made by the Charity Commission following a series of emergencies in 2017.

Donations can be made through the NET website, or through Just Giving, Go Fund me, Virgin Money Gives, Good Launch and Muslim Giving.

Individuals and charities should not apply directly to the NET for funds. Local charities should contact their local Community Foundation to apply for funding.

NET chair, Lord Dannatt said: “The outbreak of coronavirus is clearly both a global and national emergency. Many people are suffering, not just from ill health but also from the economic impact as well as the effects of social distancing and isolation.

“While there is much that Government can and is doing, there is also a strong desire of the public to help others and there are local grassroots organisations that can provide vital support to people who need it. We will channel the money raised to those organisations so people who need it can get support as quickly as possible but also who will need these vital funds to continue to be there for the long haul.

“These are tough and uncertain times and we’re only asking those who can really afford to give to our appeal to do so. We will do our very best to channel the money raised to organisations where people who need it can get support as quickly as possible.”

The Duke of Cambridge added: “Whenever and wherever adversity strikes, the people of the UK have a unique ability to pull together. The way that local communities support those affected shows the very best of our values and human nature.

“The public’s desire to help in the wake of tragedy needs to be managed and channelled in the best possible way - which is why the establishment of National Emergencies Trust was so important.

“I said at its launch last year that I dreaded the day when it would be needed. Sadly, with the outbreak of Covid-19, that day has come faster than any of us would have hoped.

“But now, more than ever, I am grateful that The National Emergencies Trust exists. It will ensure that support reaches those across the UK who need it most, as quickly and efficiently as possible. And it will help to ensure that all our efforts to overcome this challenge are channelled in the best possible way.”

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