Around 40 good causes in the Watford area have benefited as a result of the efforts of businesses, residents and quiz fans who have supported the town’s Covid-19 appeal.

A total of £150,000 has been raised for the Watford Covid-19 Charity appeal thanks to online donations, an auction and raffle and also by participants in the weekly Big Bold Community Quiz, which is co-hosted by Hornets legend Luther Blissett and the town’s elected mayor Peter Taylor on his Facebook page.

This funding pool was created by Watford Borough Council and Watford and Three Rivers Trust, an organisation which helps the voluntary sector in a variety of ways, including assisting members with funding applications and business planning.

The Trust has released details of the grants that have been awarded as a result of the fundraising appeal, giving a helping hand to a large number of community groups which have been providing vital support to the community through the pandemic.

The largest amount of £5,000 has been given to five different organisations, including Ascend for a back to work programme and job club, and Electric Umbrella to help provide their daily programme of online interactive music shows for and featuring adults with learning difficulties.

This sum was also awarded to Peace Hospice Care to help their Hospice at Home team work from home and support them with the increased demand during the Covid-19 crisis, while New Hope’s grant helped deliver food and provide support to those with mental and physical health needs.

A grant of £5,000 was also made to Herts Mind Network to help provide counselling sessions to those affected by Covid-19.

A host of other organisations have benefited from the appeal, with the size of the grants handed out starting at £136 for the Random Café to help with emergency food services. £400 was also given to both SEWA Day and Watford Food Bank for the same purpose.

Among the other good causes to be awarded grants were Watford Women’s Centre, with £3,000 given to its £10,000 appeal to ensure services could continue to be provided for three months, while £4,500 went to CAB Three Rivers due to the increased demand it faced as a result of the pandemic.

The Pump House Theatre received £4,747 to help pay for technical equipment and the manager’s additional hours, while Disability Watford was awarded £1,927 to cover the loss of predicted income from fundraising events.