I was very encouraged to hear that eight local charities have received over £124,000 of government funding during the Coronavirus pandemic, through the National Lottery Community Fund.

This figure includes £10,000 for the R C Sherriff Trust (which works to advance the arts across Elmbridge) and more than £30,000 for Music in Hospitals & Care, which provides live music sessions for people in hospitals and hospices.

Citizens Advice Elmbridge (West) has also received more than £40,000 to support their essential work. I visited the great team there last month and was, as always, very impressed by their dedication.

It’s been heartening to see how communities have pulled together during these difficult times, and local charities have been at the centre of these efforts. It’s very welcome that these vital organisations have received government support to continue their work.

The other local charities which have received government funding are:

• Oasis Children’s Charity (a service helping to keep vulnerable children in Elmbridge out of the social care system and with their own families) – £9,609;
• ‘It’s Not Your Birthday But’ (an artistic organisation helping people to communicate by post) – £9,750;
• Peterson’s Fund for Children (a charity supporting children who struggle with mental and physical disabilities) – £9,400;
• Hersham Youth Trust (a local youth charity) – £8,000;
• Harrison’s Fund (a Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy charity) – £5,400.