A Portishead PR and digital communications agency has launched its charity fund worth £5,000 to help local groups which have been hit the hardest by the pandemic.

The company, bClear, which is based at Black Nore Light House in Nore Road, has launched the scheme in order to help some of the many charities which are struggling to gain funding due to the coronavirus pandemic.

North Somerset Times: bClear Communications appointed Jack Hayes, Simon Peevers and Hannah Price earlier in the year as part of its ambitious growth strategy.bClear Communications appointed Jack Hayes, Simon Peevers and Hannah Price earlier in the year as part of its ambitious growth strategy. (Image: Barbara Evripidou)

The grant comes as recent analysis published by government department The Charity Commission found that almost 6,000 charities were forced to close in the year to June 2020, a 19 per cent increase on the previous year and a five-year high.

Business bClear seeks to offer grants of up to £500 to charities in the South West of England which have a particular focus on helping the environment, children and health.

Community groups which have been impacted by the pandemic may also apply.

CEO and founder of bClear, Debbie Staveley, said: “During the past 15 years, bClear has provided support to more than 20 charities both locally and internationally.

“In these particularly trying times, we are launching the bClear fund to offer a helping hand to local charities who have been hit the hardest by the pandemic.

“We want to help local charities to get back on their feet during these increasingly challenging and uncertain times.”

The PR and digital communications agency has doubled in size during the first lockdown and is launching the fund to give something back to the community.

The communications firm has given more than £20,000 to UK charities since the company was founded in 2005.

These include Avon Wildlife Trust, Soil Association, Shine and Jessie May.

Other charities which have benefitted from bClear funding are BRACE - Alzheimer's Research, The Jack Hazeldine Foundation, Supporting Children with Diabetes and Centre for Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

The business’ charitable fund for 2020/21 is now open for applications.

Charities and local groups will be able to apply by completing the bClear fund application form and can return it via email to charity@bclear.co.uk

Grant funding will be allocated throughout the next few months.

To download an application form, log-on to www.bclear.co.uk/about-us/supporting-charities/