The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted on every section of society. This research looks at the experiences of grassroots community groups during spring and summer 2020: how they have been affected by the impact of the virus, how they have responded to support their communities, and how they can be empowered to continue playing a key role in their neighbourhoods through the next phase of the crisis and recovery.

The research included a survey of 2,658 community groups conducted in June 2020, telephone interviews with representatives of 103 community groups, and analysis of data about activities supported through the Tesco Bags of Help Covid-19 Community Fund between April and September 2020.

Key findings highlighted the tension between the sever impact of Covid-19 on community groups leading to pausing activities with fewer volunteers available and the increased need for those services than before lockdown measures were introduced. 

Read the full report

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Find out more about the Bags of Help programme in Scotland

Bags of Help – October to December 2020

Due to the continued crisis we have decided not to resume in store voting in 2020, but will be supporting Bags of Help projects in a slightly different way. During October, November and December, Tesco will be providing grants of up to £1000 to support projects focused on local children and young people.

The Tesco Bags of Help COVID-19 Communities Fund  for £500 has now closed. The fund provided a single award to organisations who have been supporting vulnerable groups. In the last six months, Tesco Bags of Help has awarded £4 million to over 8,000 groups.