Help for communities on the Isles of Scilly

Residents on the Isles of Scilly have been hugely affected by the devastating effects of the COVID-19 epidemic. Heavily reliant on tourism, the islands would usually have been full of visitors and buzzing with activity at this time of year. The local economy on the islands is centred around holidaymakers, but they are unable to visit the islands. Beaches, streets and businesses have been left empty and as a result many families on the Isles of Scilly are experiencing enormous hardship and anxiety. They and many others have turned to their community for support.

Cornwall Community Foundation has been reaching out to communities in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly throughout the epidemic, and recently awarded £1,000 to The Edward McDonald Trust to provide emergency help to individuals struggling on the Isles of Scilly. Joel Williams, a Trustee of The Edward McDonald Trust, said “Scilly, like Cornwall, has a tourism and service sector based economy. Most people are low paid, on seasonal contracts and often reliant on several jobs to sustain themselves. COVID-19 has devastated the early season with all hotels, cafes, restaurants and many shops shut. Closure of our school and childcare setting further compound issues for local families. Grants funding offers some relief to those hit hardest by the downturn in the economy. The Isles of Scilly has no foodbank and the cost of food here is greater than the mainland due to freight costs.”

The Edward McDonald Trust supports many deserving individuals including those experiencing poor health, financial hardship, domestic abuse and other challenging circumstances. Working alongside social workers they make financial grants ranging from £50 to £500.