That’s a total of £5,000 put towards local causes over the past six months by the retailer. Through its Bags of Help initiative, and as part of the retailer’s emergency response in supporting local communities, Tesco provided a single payment of £500 to organisations which support vulnerable groups. This included support for organisations which experienced increased demand or disruption to services as a result of lockdown, or to fund new community services. Over the last six months, the grants, which form part of the retailer’s £30million package of support to help local communities tackling the Coronavirus outbreak, have helped to support in excess of 8,000 groups across the UK, totalling more than £4 million. Some groups in Carrick and Larne which have benefitted from the grant include Larne Wellbeing Hub, The Open Door Centre, Larne Community Care Centre, Mae Murray Foundation and Rainbow Playgroup. And, although the £500 funding has come to an end, the supermarket is now announcing a further extension to its Bags of Help initiative over the next two months, which will see it give away £1,000 grants to support youth groups across the region. Organisations that can apply include those supporting mental health, offering outdoor and educational activities, helping young carers, providing bereavement counselling, and assisting those in poverty or at risk. Claire De Silva, Head of Community at Tesco, said: “Due to the sustained need for the emergency support we’ve seen from local community groups, we took the decision to extend the deadline for the £500 grant scheme beyond the original 12-week mark, and we’ve been really impressed with the number of groups we’ve been able to help locally. It’s excellent to see that the grants have helped support thousands of groups across the UK. Over the next few months, we’ve extended our Bags of Help funding round this year to youth groups, which could qualify for some financial support to the tune of £1,000.” On the additional round for youth groups, Tony McElroy, Head of Communications, said: “Young people have been among those most impacted by the pandemic, with schools closing and many missing out on all-important services impacted by lockdown. That’s why we’re encouraging any groups in the area, working to support children and young people, to apply for this new funding.” Any groups that would benefit are encouraged to apply at: www.tescobagsofhelp.org.uk