By the time you read this the country – indeed most of the world – will have experienced perhaps the strangest Easter Sunday ever. Indeed, this must be the first time in the whole 1400-year history of English Christianity that all English churches have been shut on Easter Sunday. Yet even though the buildings are closed, I know that vicars and congregations across the area are preparing themselves for a host of virtual ceremonies – sending the Easter message directly into homes in a way that previous generations could not have dreamed.
It seems particularly fitting that in Easter week the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, has made an announcement to help support charities across the country who are struggling in the Covid-19 crisis. The Government has already made titanic moves to support the first and second sectors – it is only right that it now steps forward to support the third.
Many brilliant charities are on the front line in the fight against the Coronavirus but have seen their income fall as the economy contracts. The Government has announced an unprecedented £750 million package of extra funding to keep these and other essential charities going. This will benefit tens of thousands of charities, ensuring they can meet increased demand as a result of the virus as well as continuing their day to day activities supporting those in need.
£360 million will go to key charities providing key services and supporting vulnerable people during the crisis. This funding will be allocated by Government departments and will include up to £200 million for hospices to help increase capacity and give stability to the sector. A further £370 million will go to small- and medium-sized charities at the heart of local communities which are making a big difference during the outbreak. The Government is also pledging to match donations to the National Emergencies Trust appeal made during the BBC’s upcoming ‘Big Night In’ live fundraising special, with a minimum pledge of £20 million.