Dudley Council has pledged an extra £175,000 for the voluntary and community sector in the borough through Dudley Council for Voluntary Services in recognition of the work the sector has done throughout the pandemic.

The local authority has worked closely with DVCS to help those affected by Covid-19 and the Governmental Workforce Capacity funding will be used to continue to strengthen adult social care offer in the community.

Working with DCVS, the council will use it to maintain care provision and continuity of care, support providers to help reduce possible outbreaks and infection in care homes, support safe and timely hospital discharges to a range of care environments and enable care providers to care for new people. Councillor Steve Clark, cabinet member for finance and legal, said:

"We are extremely grateful for the vital role played by the wider voluntary sector and communities to support the most vulnerable citizens throughout the pandemic.

"DCVS has been an incredible partner to work with and the investment will help to further sustain infrastructure, the voluntary sector workforce and support communities."

Andy Gray, Chief Executive and Dudley CVS, added:

"This funding will be welcomed by the voluntary and community sector that has worked tirelessly during the last 12 months to ensure that our most vulnerable residents continue to receive their vital services."

People can find out more about DCVS online at dudleycvsreview.org.