In recent weeks, Cornwall has been affected by a series of severe weather events, resulting in serious damage from flooding, high waves and strong winds.
A wide range of agencies have been involved in responding to these emergencies and in helping communities to recover afterwards. Agencies that are involved include Cornwall Council, Devon & Cornwall Police, Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service, the Environment Agency, NHS, the voluntary and community sector, Town & Parish Councils, utility companies and many others.
A formal multi agency recovery team has now been established which will work alongside the ongoing response operation. The recovery team is now working to provide support to individuals and businesses in over 30 communities across Cornwall, from Penzance to Bude and Calstock.
Offers of help
A number of organisations are offering financial and practical help to individuals and families whose homes have been damaged, or have lost or damaged essential household items or other possessions. Residents and businesses have also been coming forward to make donations, or volunteering to help.
If you would like to volunteer or donate household items, please contact Volunteer Cornwall on: 01872 265305.
If you would like to make a donation to the Cornwall Community Foundation Emergency Fund, you can either:
- Visit Cornwall Community Foundations’ Just Giving Page www.justgiving.com/Cornwall-Emergency-Storm-Fund
- Send a cheque payable to “Cornwall Community Foundation” to: Suite 1, Sheers Barton, Lawhitton, Launceston, Cornwall, PL15 9NJ Please write “Emergency” on the back of your cheque
Help available
Relief Funds are available to help people affected by storm and flood damage in Cornwall, including:
Cornwall Community Foundation Emergency Fund
Grants of up to £250 are available to individuals. Community groups can apply for up to £1,000.
Guidance on applying and an application form is available online www.cornwallfoundation.com
Cornwall Council Crisis Awards
Crisis Awards of up to £1,500 are available to people in emergency or disaster situations to help them and their families with their immediate needs. Help will usually be provided in a practical way with goods or services.
More information is available online www.cornwall.gov.uk/crisisandcare
Phone: 0300 1234 121 (and select option 2)
Email: crisisandcare@cornwall.gov.uk
Government ‘Repair and Renew’ grants
David Cameron has announced new grants to help homes and businesses affected by the winter storms.
Individual grants of up to £5,000 are available to help pay for repairs, not covered by insurance, which improve a property’s ability to withstand future flooding.
More information and advice on applying for a repair and renew grant is available online www.gov.uk
More information
More information about these grants and others is available on the Council’s website: www.cornwall.gov.uk/floodfunding
Information about help with planning, listed building consent and building regulations following flood and storm damage is available on the Council’s website: www.cornwall.gov.uk/planningnews