This week is National Volunteers week. It is important to acknowledge all the incredible work of volunteers that contribute their time to help in Copeland during the crisis.

The commitment and agility to quickly adapt over the last few months has been outstanding.

I appreciate there is no kinder act than helping someone less fortunate than yourself, many people have put their own time aside and gone above and beyond to help the people at risk during the crisis in our communities.

The emphasis on teamwork from our weekly Copeland Resilience group meetings have proved an invaluable opportunity to network our communities, share experiences, valuable resources, information and support.

The crisis has undoubtedly brought us all closer together, better connected to each other and highlighted not only the problems but the wonderful support network we have in place now and for our future.

Volunteers have been absolutely essential in our communities. Copeland and Allerdale are blessed with so many people that have been involved in helping local support groups from delivering food, prescriptions and welfare checks.

The government has pledged £750 million to ensure voluntary, community and social enterprise groups can continue their vital work supporting the country during the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak, including £200 million for the Coronavirus Community Support Fund, along with an additional £150 million from dormant bank and building society accounts.

The DCMS will review learning from the early distribution of the £200 million fund and the evolving picture on the impact of the crisis, to inform decisions on the distribution of the remaining £110 million, so that funding is best utilised to address emerging priorities and opportunities.

As we move out of the crisis, I will continue feeding back to the highest levels of Government how Copeland needs support as we all start to return our workplaces, schools and business.

I would like to take this opportunity to say a very genuine thank you to all volunteers in the Copeland community – we really couldn’t do without you.

Thank you so much for your commitment, dedication and service to others.