We're providing over £250k extra community investment to help vulnerable people during coronavirus (COVID-19)

We know many people will be impacted by coronavirus, particularly those most vulnerable.  That's why we're investing over £250,000 extra funds to help support local communities. This investment will go directly to community groups, food banks and our most vulnerable customers.

Here's more information about where this money will go:

£125,000 for local community groups to help vulnerable people

We've joined up with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation to allocate £125,000 to the fantastic community groups being formed to support older and vulnerable people throughout the crisis. These groups are already playing a vital role in helping with tasks such as shopping, collecting prescriptions, dog walking and a friendly voice to make people feel less isolated and more connected.

To access the funds, we're encouraging community groups to get in touch with us and we'll support them through the process. We'll make sure to release funds quickly so they can be used to make a difference immediately.

£125,000 for foodbanks

Knowing many people are facing even more financial pressure and changing circumstances given the impact of coronavirus, we'll also be making a donation to a number of foodbanks across our operating area.

Helping vulnerable people stay connected

To help our customers in the most vulnerable groups stay connected to loved ones and provide support to families who don’t have the equipment their children need to do their schoolwork from home, we're offering 200 tablets complete with sim card, in case of no broadband. The tablets will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis to customers. We'll offer the tablets to those identified as ‘critical’ (who will receive a letter from Public Health England this week) and will work with local schools to identify the families most in need.