Funding grants open for South Yorkshire flood victims
Flood-hit communities impacted by Storm Babet in South Yorkshire can now apply for emergency financial help to support their recovery.
Grants of up to £600 are available from South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation (SYCF) for individuals and families who have been forced to leave their homes or suffered property damage caused by the recent flooding.
In the aftermath of the storm, which hit in October 2023, SYCF launched the South Yorkshire Disaster Relief Appeal Fund, which has so far raised almost £30,000.
The Appeal is funded by donations from individuals, businesses, churches, charitable trusts as well as contributions from South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation and Rotherham Council.
Flood victims clearing up after Storm Babet
Ruth Willis, CEO of SYCF, said:
The recent flooding in South Yorkshire caused widespread devastation with many people unable to live in their own homes due to the damage.
The response to our Flood Disaster Relief Appeal has been fantastic and it means we can now provide financial support to those affected to pay for property repairs or household essentials.
At South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation, we take great pride in our role at the heart of the community, and we believe that working together we can make a positive difference.
Rotherham Council’s Leader, Cllr Chris Read, said:
I saw with my own eyes the devastation caused by Storm Babet, with homes across Rotherham being affected with Catcliffe being particularly hard hit. We are glad to be working with community groups such as SYCF to provide immediate financial relief to those impacted by hardship that has been caused by flooding.
There is also ongoing support for residents affected by the flooding, so please get in touch with the Council if you have any queries or need support.
Grants are available to all individuals or families whose properties and contents have been damaged by flooding and those who are suffering other hardship caused by Storm Babet.
Hardship grants are normally up to £600 subject to funding availability. However, in exceptional circumstances, higher grant awards may be considered.
Priority will be given to those with uninsured properties, low-income households, people over the age of 70, families with young children under five, people with physical or learning disabilities, mental health needs or medical conditions and those suffering financial or other hardship.
For more information about the appeal or for assistance completing an application, please call SYCF’s Grants Team on 0114 242 4857 or visit South Yorkshire Disaster Relief Appeal Fund 2023 | South Yorkshire's Community Foundation (sycf.org.uk).
Meet Natalie Harrison
Natalie is responsible for overseeing the communication and marking strategy for South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation. This includes the development and delivery of media relations activity to raise the profile of SYCF. She also looks after the Foundation’s social media accounts and website. Her working hours are Monday to Thursday, 9am to 3pm.
Natalie Harrison
Comms and Marketing Manager
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