BwD gets a share of Community Champions funding

Blackburn with Darwen is among 60 local councils to get a share of a £23million government fund to support people who are most at risk of long-term impacts of the Coronavirus pandemic.

The government’s Community Champions scheme has been set up to address the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on certain groups.

The government has allocated £352,622 to Blackburn with Darwen, which will be used to establish a network of Community Champions from across the borough, who will have an ambassador-type role.

Established community groups and organisations will also be commissioned to deliver practical engagement projects with targeted groups, including BAME residents, residents with disabilities, and young people.

Leader of the Council Councillor Mohammed Khan CBE welcomed the funding announcement today.

He said:

This is fantastic news for Blackburn with Darwen where we have some of the most deprived wards in England, and residents need more support to recover from the devastating impacts of the pandemic.

We are drawing up plans to use our Community Champions funding to help improve health outcomes by using new networks to share accurate public health information and tackle dangerous misinformation particularly around the Coronavirus vaccine.

Community Champions funding will also be used to support residents with learning, training and employment needs that have arisen as a consequence of the pandemic, particularly among young people in our communities.

Ultimately, the Community Champions scheme is about helping people to stay safe, and supporting them to recover from the impacts of the Coronavirus pandemic.

More information about the Community Champions scheme and how residents can get involved will be released next month.