We wanted to provide an update on Chester FC Community Trust and our plans moving forward in light of the coronavirus outbreak.

This is an unprecedented situation and one that is impacting the lives of everyone in the UK.

Our primary concern is the health and wellbeing of our staff, participants, the Chester FC family and the communities we serve.

We have continually reviewed our services and activities based on guidance from government, the NHS and The FA.

Following the advice to avoid non-essential contact and introduction of social distancing measures, we took the decision to suspend delivery of all projects until further notice, however there is one exception to this as we continue to provide support to those schools who remain open for children who need to attend.

We have a small core team of permanent staff who deserve a special mention. They have demonstrated amazing commitment to the community and want to help ensure we offer whatever support we can for those in need.

While we are unable to deliver our usual services, we will find new ways to have a positive impact on the community in these difficult times.

We have responded to the council and Cheshire West Voluntary Action’s call for help and as part of the coordinated response will do whatever we can to support our community as long as required.

The Covid-19 crisis is having a huge economic impact and will increase the pressure on small charities like ourselves. We know many of the people we work with may be feeling particularly vulnerable or isolated at this time and we want to reassure them that will be here for them.

We are putting contingency plans in place to protect the jobs and incomes of our permanent staff and we are looking into how we can support our casual workers. We are grateful to MBNA and other funding partners for the messages of support and reassurance.

We do not know when we will be able to resume our normal services and activities but if you need help, please ask.

You can contact us via community@chesterfc.com or on 07512 355396 at anytime. You can also keep in touch through our social media platforms Twitter and Facebook.

We will continue to monitor government guidance and provide further updates when we have them.

Please continue to follow the advice of government and take care of yourself and your loved ones.

Our City, Our Community, Our Club.

The Trustees of Chester FC Community Trust

David Evans, Paul Bodman, Sue Pearson, Chris Robertson, Mike Vickers and Martin Williams