Communities 1st Voluntary Sector Briefing 26th August 2020

Safely coming out of lockdown
The coronavirus pandemic, has meant that the majority of activities and services delivered by local voluntary sector members have either been suspended or dramatically altered.  As the government is beginning to inform us how they are removing the strictest lockdown rules, it can be difficult for organisations to navigate these challenging times.  Whilst there will be a desire from these organisations to provide services and activities for their communities, there will also be an acute awareness that this needs to be done in a safe way for both residents and the organisers.

Some organisations will need to completely rethink the activities they provide: It may not be safe to resume some activities for a while due the need for continued social distancing measures. However, these groups may be able to adapt the activity to allow for some of the same benefits i.e. Social connections/ providing exercise.

How can Communities 1st support these measures?

We plan to promote ideas from organisations that can be shared and adapted to allow more activities and services to restart.  Through our website and e-newsletters we aim to enable organisations to:

  • Promote their current and any restarted activities
  • Ask residents for help in getting their activities back running again - local residents across the area have shown their desire to support their communities
  • Find the support and funding opportunities needed to keep their organisation viable

If you would like more information, or support please contact our member services team on 01727 743018 or via email: memberservices@communities1st.org.uk

As we’re coming towards the end of August and the summer bank holiday is fast approaching, we will be taking a short break with this Covid-19 Stakeholder eNewsletter next week.

If someone has forwarded this to you, you can sign up to receive our e-newsletters directly into your inbox here: www.communities1st.org.uk/newsletter.

Stay safe, stay well, be kind

Stephen Craker,
Chief Executive, Communities 1st

 

This newsletter is split into the following sections:

  • Communities 1st COVID-19 Information and Support
  • Information to support voluntary and community sector organisations
  • Funding for non-profit organisations
  • Information to support individuals

 

COMMUNITIES 1st COVID-19 INFORMATION AND SUPPORT

Compassionate Community Connector Programme
Supporting Individuals: People who need help whilst isolated (or someone on their behalf) can complete an online form here or call 020 8207 5115 or email.

Volunteering: for people who are healthy and at low risk to help others. Individuals wishing to volunteer their time can sign-up here or call 020 39559 3559 between 1pm – 3pm, Monday to Friday.

Charities, Voluntary Organisations and Community Groups - we are here to help
If you need information, advice or support Communities 1st is here to help.  We can offer advice on issues from fundraising to governance and to managing volunteers.  You can contact us on 01727 743018 or via email: memberservices@communities1st.org.uk and we will prioritise support for your organisation.

On our website you can find a range of resources and support on issues relating to Covid-19, including:

  • Funding sources – we’re updating our funding sources regularly with the latest information
  • Resource Hub – including staffing issues, governance, managing a funding crisis, digital support, safeguarding and other useful resources (operational issues and guidance on working with different sectors of the community)
  • Useful Covid-19 volunteer introduction videos and documents for your organisation and information about mutual aid groups

Kindness Stories
We want to gather stories about positive things that are happening in our local communities.  If you have a Kindness Story that you would like to share please email us: covid19news@communities1st.org.uk #1stcommunities

If you want more information you can visit our website: www.communities1st.org.uk/Covid-19Updates or contact our Voluntary Sector support team on 01727 743018. 

INFORMATION TO SUPPORT VOLUNTARY AND COMMUNITY SECTOR ORGANISATIONS

Save the date for Communities 1st Voluntary Sector Conference and AGM
We will be hosting three 2-hour zoom meetings over three days in early September for this year’s Voluntary Sector Conference and our AGM.  The theme for the conference this year is Resilience, Sustainability and Collaboration and we have an exciting line up planned.

Places on each day are limited to 100.

You are welcome to book as many of the days as you would like to attend.  In order to receive the Zoom links, you will need to register for each day separately, by clicking on the individual links below.

The three two-hour Zoom sessions which will take place on

When you register, you will be asked to choose one break out session on each day you attend. After you have registered, you will receive the Zoom link for each day by email. Please check your ‘junk’ folder for this.

On the day of the event, please click on the Zoom link to attend, ensuring that you sign in with the email address that you used to register.  If you do not do this,  we cannot guarantee you a place in your chosen breakout session.

We are looking forward to seeing you at what promises to be a lively, interesting and informative event.

For further information on the Conference and AGM, please contact us on 01727 743018 or email engagement@communities1st.org.uk.

The Valuing Volunteer Management Awards
Join Volunteering Herts as we champion best practise in Volunteer Management and the organisations across Hertfordshire who have made a firm commitment to pursuing it. Each year we present an award for demonstrating excellence in volunteer management and with the events of COVID-19 dominating world affairs in 2020 good volunteer management has never been as important as it is now.

Our awards ceremony this year will be a virtual one. It will take place between 2pm and 3pm on Wednesday 16th September. We are delighted to announce that this year’s award will be presented by The High Sheriff of Hertfordshire, Henry Holland-Hibbert.

Numbers are strictly limited to 100 guests - Secure your space by registering as soon as possible!

To sign up now click here

Valuing Volunteer Management Training – recruiting and retaining volunteers
This interactive and engaging one-day course will explore the challenges of recruiting, retaining and managing volunteers. It is ideal for staff who have this responsibility as their role.  We have split the course into two halves to give participants more choice.

It’s also a really great opportunity to begin the process of working towards achieving the Valuing Volunteer Management Six-Point Promise. This is a solid affirmation of your commitment to the pursuit of excellence in volunteer management. It gives potential funders evidence of the quality service they look for and potential volunteers can be more confident that they will be valued and supported by your organisation.

Thursday 6 October 2020

Click the links above to book your place or for further information email Volunteering Herts at info@volunteeringherts.uk or call 01707 274861.

Cost:

Herts voluntary organisations: £25 half-day or £45 full-day (includes handbook)

Statutory organisations: £50 half-day or £90 full-day (includes handbook).

Borehamwood to Beirut - Sending Urgent Medical Aid!
Following the shocking explosion in Beirut, Lebanon, Communities 1st members Goods For Good have been working to help support their partners on the ground deliver urgent medical aid. They need your help to make this happen and support these vulnerable people who have lost everything in a second.

Access to medicines in Lebanon was already precarious, now they need our help more than ever. Please donate via this link: www.goodsforgood.org.uk/donate and share the appeal to your family and friends.

For more information go to www.goodsforgood.org.uk or contact Stephanie Rukin on 01582 540 521.

Mental Health Conference
As the nominated East of England Regional Network Hub for the Mind charity, the Herts Sports Partnership have organised their first ever conference dedicated to Mental Health. This online event is an opportunity to hear from some inspiring speakers working in the mental health arena. Attendees can sign up for as many one hour webinars as they choose, with breaks programmed throughout the day.

All sessions are free to attend.

Benefits and financial advice for people affected by coronavirus
Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, there have been a number of changes to the benefit system, along with job retention/self-employment schemes. Hertfordshire County Council’s Money Advice Unit has been providing updates and guidance for professionals and residents as these changes have developed.

Their latest factsheet includes help, advice and updates for people affected by coronavirus and may be of interest to colleagues also. In addition, the Unit is also providing a Universal Credit online training course, which is available to anyone who works with people living in Hertfordshire.

Food insecurity exposed by COVID-19
The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee’s COVID-19 and Food Supply Report has found that the pandemic has exacerbated food insecurity for millions of people. The use of UK food banks almost doubled during lockdown, with a significant spike in demand from people with children.

Recognising that the situation is likely to worsen, a cross-party group of MPs has called on Government to urgently appoint a ‘Minister for Food Security’.

The new Minister would work across Government departments to collect robust data and deliver sustainable change. The report also urges the Government to consult on whether a ‘right to food’ should be put in legislation.

Read the findings from the report here.ties are likely to be at the forefront.

BAMESTREAM launch their national mapping of BAME mental health services report
‘Implications and Impact: A Case for Culturally Appropriate Mental Health Services in Response to Covid-19’ is the newly released report detailing the findings from their National Mapping of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Mental Health Services Survey.

Organisations including NHS Foundation Trusts, Local Authority commissioners of health and wellbeing services, as well as Voluntary and Community Sector organisations across England and Wales responded.

Covid-19 has exposed yet another inequality that Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities experience in the United Kingdom (UK). The two analyses by Public Health England (2 June 2020 and 16 June 2020) revealed that Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities are at higher risk of contracting the virus, increased risk of severe symptoms and higher rates of death. This survey highlights that a mental health epidemic is coming and that Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities are likely to be at the forefront.

Find out more.

A Strange Empty Place
Advance - a charity that aims for a world in which women and children lead safe, equal, violence-free lives - has published its report ‘A Strange Empty Place’.

This report comes from their survey of women in contact with the Criminal Justice System and supported by Advance’s Minerva Services, who shared their experiences and impact of the pandemic and the lockdown in March to June 2020.

Click here to read the full report.

Collapse in charity provision looms at moment of greatest need
The Charity Finance Group has issued a depressing but all too familiar report which states that 58% of charities are to cut back services costing the sector 60,000 jobs.

The survey of 455 charities found that 19% have already made redundancies, and that 23% plan to make further cutbacks once the government’s furlough scheme comes to an end. That number jumps to 44% among the UK’s largest charities. Remarkably, nearly one-in-ten (8%) large charities anticipate reducing their headcount by 25-50%.

Read the full details here.

What Happens on the Internet Every Minute?
How long have you spent reading our e-newsletters? Well in that time look at what has been happening on the internet! You will not believe it!

Here's a snippet so you don't have to click (if you don't want to):

  • Facebook users upload 147,000 photos
  • Twitter gains 319 new users
  • Instagram users post 347,222 Stories
  • YouTube creators upload 500 hours of video

Click here for the full list.

VCS Emergencies Partnership website launched
The VCS Emergencies Partnership website includes a service to support local organisations and community groups to respond to emergencies, where needed. This is done by matching needs with resources locally, regionally and nationally.

Click here to go to the VCS EP website.

FUNDING

If you would like help with applying for these funds such as a read and review, Christine Halpin and Isobel Hatfield are on hand to help you through, please contact them by email at memberservices@communities1st.org.uk and they will book some time in to work with you.

Hertfordshire Community Foundation (HCF): Coronavirus Relief Fund Phase 2
Informed by the results of the local and national surveys/reports on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The final deadline for applications: 5pm 15th September 2020.  They are welcoming applications on a rolling basis for the following:

  • Fast track grants of £1,000 to £5,000 prioritising smaller organisations continuing to meet immediate need
  • Grants up to £10,000 for organisations that have adapted their support services and are looking to the longer-term
  • Grants up to £20,000 for collaborative proposals that see organisations coming together to address specific needs

Click here for more information.

HCF Workforce Development Grants
Grants of up to £2,000 are now available for learning and development in voluntary and community organisations in Hertfordshire.

HCC Adult Care Services are funding this grant scheme for VCS organisations that provide adult social care in Hertfordshire. The grants are managed by HCF Training and Development and can be used to support the:

  • Learning and development of the organisation’s workforce
  • Development of the capacity of the organisation to deliver training and skills to its workforce, to carers or to service users/clients

Examples of acceptable uses include:

  • Training or qualifications for paid staff, volunteers or trustees
  • Coaching or mentoring for key leaders (e.g. managers or trustees)
  • Equipment, software or other resources/materials that will be used for the delivery of training and skills to the workforce, carers or service users/clients
  • Costs associated with accreditation of courses (provided there is a sustainable plan for maintaining this)
  • To develop and run peer support programmes to aid recovery and provide on-going care and support

Find out if you are eligible and to apply.

Herts Sports Partnership have produced a funding newsletter which is extremely useful for sports groups and can be found on their website.

It includes both local, national and sport specific funding packages. 

Crowdfund Hertfordshire
Crowdfunder are working with a number of partners across Hertfordshire, helping to make great ideas happen through a combination of expert crowdfunding coaching, events and grants.

Do you have a great idea for a project or initiative in Hertfordshire that needs funding?

For any queries relating to these funds please contact Hertfordshire Community Foundation at ana.siewniak@hertscf.org.uk.

www.crowdfunder.co.uk/programmes/crowdfund-hertfordshire.

Grants for the Conservation of Wildlife and the Environment
Monthly grants are made to support the conservation of wildlife and the environment by the HDH Wills 1965 Charitable Trust. The Trust makes grants of between £250 and £500 (sometimes up to £5,000) to general, environmental and wildlife charities, so long as they are registered with the Charity Commission of England and Wales or they are exempt or excepted charities (within the meaning of the Charities Act 2011). Supported charities will be small in size or be applying for support for a modest project, such that the grant will have a meaningful impact. There are no deadlines, grants may be made towards revenue, capital or project expenditure and email, postal or online applications are accepted.  Find out more.

Funding to Help Musicians Affected by the Coronavirus
Grants of £3,000 are available to help professional musicians aged 18 and over with no significant backing, who are finding their health, and performance and teaching commitments affected by the Coronavirus. The Covid-19 round of Help Musicians’ Do It Differently Fund offers a bespoke package of funding and expert advice, including wellbeing and development services, to help musicians adapt and sustain their music through specific projects or activities during this period of isolation. This might include new ways to distribute music, build online presence, reshape current business plans or refocus on creative ambitions. Groups of 6 members or less can also apply. There will be multiple rounds of the Fund over the next three months but applications can only be made once. The deadline for applications for this round is 5pm on the 14th September 2020.  Find out more.

Comic Relief Extends Deadline for Change Makers Programme
In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, Comic Relief has launched a new funding programme to support changes in the way which community and voluntary sector organisations work. Funding of between £150,000 and £600,000 will be available for projects lasting up to 3 to 5 years. The focus is on work in areas that are of particular interest to Comic Relief. This includes addressing homelessness, forced migration, gender justice, mental health, and early childhood development. Organisations will be able to apply in one of two categories. Grants for small and medium-sized organisations that focus on equalities and are user-led; and grants for medium-sized organisations. 20% of the available funding is ring-fenced for efforts led by and working with BAME communities. The deadline for applications has been extended from the 28th August 2020 to 12pm on the 25th September 2020.  Find out more.

Arts Council England’s Culture Recovery Fund
Arts Council England has announced that round 2 of its Culture Recovery Fund has opened for applications. The fund will make grants of between £50,000 to £3 million to cultural organisations that were financially stable before Covid-19, but are now at imminent risk of failure. The type of organisations that can apply include Cultural organisations (both profit and not for profit); local authorities; universities and public sector bodies based in England. The closing date for applications for round one is 12 midday on the 4th September 2020 and for round two 12 midday on the 4th September 2020.  Find out more.

Public Engagement Spark Awards to Re-open in September 2020
The Science and Technology Facilities Council’s (STFC) Public Engagement Spark Awards will re-open for applications on the 9th September 2020. Awards of up to £15,000 will be available to schools as well as scientists and engineers, museums, science communicators, and amateur astronomy groups, etc to deliver high-quality public engagement activities that focus on a topic within the Council’s remit. This can include astronomy, solar and planetary science, particle physics, particle astrophysics, cosmology, nuclear physics and accelerator science. Find out more.

Funding for Local Road Safety Pilots and Trials
Local Authorities, Police Forces, Fire and Rescue Services, UK-based registered charities, universities, not-for-profit social enterprises and community interest companies will soon be able to apply for funding for local road safety pilots and trials. The Road Safety Trust has announced a new £300,000 funding stream to encourage applications that respond to changing road use and emerging road safety issues as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Through the Trust’s Small Grants Plus Programme 2020 funding of between £20,000 and £50,000 over a maximum of two years will be made available for projects which are either a pilot, trial or evaluation of a practical road safety intervention. All projects should have other sources of funding, either cash or in-kind. Applications will be accepted between the 15th September and the 21st October 2020.  Find out more.

Discretionary Grants for Charities how have business properties in St Albans
Charities who have business properties in the St Albans District and who have not previously received any financial support have only two more weeks to apply for a non-repayable Discretionary Grant of up to £25,000 from the Council.

The Council is prioritising awards to charities who didn’t qualify for the previously announced grants because they don’t pay business rates. They have already made payments to several organisations in the District and are looking to make sure other Charities or Voluntary Organisations do not miss out.

For further information and to apply for a grant, please visit by the 28th of August 2020.

INFORMATION TO SUPPORT INDIVIDUALS

Borehamwood Library is open again
Borehamwood library is open again and have been welcoming customers back into the library.

Things are a little different and some services will be limited. You will be able enter the library for up to 15 minutes to browse the bookshelves and to use the self-service kiosks. There are social distancing measures in place including queue management, screens on enquiry desks, hand sanitiser stations and quarantine areas for returned books. Customers will be expected to wear face coverings during their visit (under 11s are exempt and under 12s should be accompanied by an adult). Computers will be available in one-hour slots for customers who have made an advanced booking, with 15 minutes between slots to allow for cleaning.

You can find the latest information about Hertfordshire libraries re-opening plans and online services on the county website.

Staying alert and safe – social distancing guidance for young people
The government have published guidance for young people, which applies in England. This guidance for young people is about social distancing and what they can do to stay alert and safe during this time. The focus is on the main public health principles for staying safe and helping prevent the spread of COVID-19. This guidance has been written for young people in collaboration with young people.

Find out more.

"Stay Safe Hertfordshire: Play Your Part" Campaign
Hertfordshire County Council has launched a countywide campaign focussing on four of the most important things you can do to help reduce the spread of coronavirus: hand washing, social distancing, wearing a face covering and getting tested if you have symptoms. A useful toolkit, with social media posts and posters, has been created.

  • Testing is available for anyone who is in the first few days of having suspected coronavirus symptoms
  • Drive through testing continues to operate on various days of the week in Hertford, Hemel Hempstead, Stevenage, and Welwyn Garden City
  • HCC website – containing coronavirus guidance and service updates
  • PPE online hub - providing guidance on PPE
  • Herts Help contactable on 0300 123 40