SWINDON charities have received a share of a £2 million support package to help them keep going during the coronavirus crisis.

Zurich, which has its headquarters in Swindon, has split the funding between good causes that it has partnered with through its Community Trust.

The charities have been chosen by the company's 4,500 UK employees. Grants are already being made with the plan being that funds will be available throughout the year as the crisis develops.

Swindon Carers received £6,000 to help provide for resources including food, books, mindfulness activities, arts and crafts, and counselling costs for around 40 carers.

Swindon Night Shelter has been given £10,000 to support core costs and adapted services which are still being delivered during the pandemic.

The centre's rent, utility costs and maintenance are still on-going along with staff costs for those who have not been furloughed. 32 people are currently being accommodated at the homeless centre.

The Open Door Centre is still operating in a restricted capacity by cooking up hot meals for clients with learning difficulties to collect twice a week, calling them regularly and giving them activity packs. The charity has received £10,000 towards this effort.

Deputy CEO of Swindon Carers Fiona Prinzi said: “Our partnership with Zurich in Swindon is highly valued and we’d like to say a huge thank you on behalf of our carers, both for the support through Zurich’s staff volunteers, and for its community grant in response to Covid-19.

"This vital funding means we’re better able to support carers quickly when they need us most. Our aim is to keep our carers safe and well which ultimately helps them when looking after those they love.”

An additional £25,000 has been awarded to the Wiltshire Community Foundation for the Wiltshire and Swindon Coronavirus Response fund to help the wider community and voluntary sector given Zurich’s significant presence and history in Swindon and surrounding areas.

At a national level, ZCT has increased its funding to £150,000 to Dementia UK and £75,000 to the Alzheimer’s Society.

CEO and Chief Admiral Nurse at Dementia UK Dr Hilda Hayo said: “A huge thank you to our partners at Zurich Community Trust for this donation, which will allow our Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline to carry on its vital work during this challenging time.

"There is a real risk of carers feeling completely overwhelmed, and the symptoms of dementia can be exacerbated with the isolation measures in place. Families need specialist dementia support now more than ever.”

Zurich’s UK staff are also being encouraged to use their three allocated volunteering days as an opportunity to support people and communities affected by the Covid-19 crisis.

The company launched a fundraising appeal among its employees to make donations to the National Emergencies Trust to help the valuable work of charities over the coming months.

Head of Zurich Community Trust Steve Grimmett added: “We are aware of the huge impact Covid-19 is already having on charities. We’ve all seen how fundraising is being hit hard already at a time when demand for charities’ services are increasing along with the costs incurred to deliver these.

“In response, will are focusing our funding towards charities we have existing relationships with who are working to support individuals and communities hit hardest.

"We are working in partnership and will be here to support organisations over the coming weeks and months. At the same time, we’re looking at ways to deploy the support of our employees who are keen to share valuable skills and expertise with those working on the front line.”