CASH-strapped voluntary and community organisations in Ryedale have been thrown a lifeline.

Ryedale District Council is giving support to Ryedale Community Transport, Ryedale Special Families and Next Steps Mental Health as part of its second wave of funding from its £40k Emergency Grants Fund.

Grants of up to £4,000 have been awarded to be spent on new services, or a change in service delivery, so that those who need support during Covid-19 continue to get it.

Cllr Keane Duncan, leader of RDC, said: “Covid-19 has had a major impact on their services, with the lockdown putting a stop to their fundraising activities and day-to-day operations. These groups need support to survive, so the council is stepping in to help.”

Cllr Steve Arnold, deputy leader of RDC, and chairman of the grants working party, said: “It’s our key aim to support the citizens of Ryedale, especially those whose lives and livelihoods are most at risk as a result of Covid-19.”

Ken Gill, chief officer at Ryedale Community Transport, said: “We’re delighted to receive the grant from Ryedale District Council.

“It’s taken a huge weight off our shoulders. Covid-19 has had an impact on us financially and we’ll need to look at this in the longer term.”

Lisa Keenan, chief officer of Ryedale Special Families, said: “We can use the grant to continue our core work and help families in a number of different ways. It’s helping us to look at the next stage of our work and what our services will look like.”

Leisa Burniston, Next Steps’ service manager, said: “The grant from Ryedale District Council is literally a lifeline for us to continue to support people in these difficult times, without grants like this we would cease to continue helping those that are most vulnerable.”

Helmsley Walled Garden, Sight Support Ryedale, Ryedale Lions and Musical Memories received help in the first wave.

The council is still open for applications. For details, go to ryedale.gov.uk/EGF