Lancashire councils are among 60 local authorities to get a share of a £23million government fund to support people who are most at risk of long-term impacts of the Coronavirus pandemic.

The Community Champions scheme has been set up to address the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on certain groups.

The government has allocated £352,622 to Blackburn with Darwen, which will be used to establish a network of Community Champions from across the borough, who will have an ambassador-type role.

The list of Lancashire wide allocations is Burnley Council - £106,500; Pendle Borough Council - £90,458; Hyndburn Borough Council - £492,870; Preston City Council - £492,065; Blackpool Borough Council - £211,690.

Established community groups and organisations will also be commissioned to deliver practical engagement projects with targeted groups, including BAME residents, residents with disabilities, and young people.

Leader of the Council Councillor Mohammed Khan CBE: “This is fantastic news for Blackburn with Darwen where we have some of the most deprived wards in England, and residents need more support to recover from the devastating impacts of the pandemic.

“We are drawing up plans to use our Community Champions funding to help improve health outcomes by using new networks to share accurate public health information and tackle dangerous misinformation particularly around the Coronavirus vaccine.

“Community Champions funding will also be used to support residents with learning, training and employment needs that have arisen as a consequence of the pandemic, particularly among young people in our communities.

“Ultimately, the Community Champions scheme is about helping people to stay safe, and supporting them to recover from the impacts of the Coronavirus pandemic.”

The allocation is part of over £7.9 billion government funding provided to councils to help them support their communities during the pandemic and also to help them fight ‘fake Covid vaccine news’.

Communities Secretary, Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said: “It is vital that everyone has access to accurate and up to date information about COVID-19.

“False information about COVID-19 vaccines could cost lives. Today’s funding will help councils and community groups expand some of the excellent work already underway and reach out to their communities to ensure they have the information they need and get their questions answered. Ultimately this funding will help save lives. Vaccine Deployment Minister

Nadhim Zahawi said: “We want all communities to take up the offer of a free vaccine and I have been working closely with faith and community leaders to ensure those who may be at higher risk of harm from this virus know how they can benefit from a vaccine.

“The expansion of the Community Champions scheme will help everyone get the advice and information they need about COVID-19 vaccines.”