How has volunteering been affected by the pandemic?
During the last few months, as the country has gone into lockdown and we have all had to change the ways we live our lives, the volunteering landscape has also had to adapt the way volunteers support local organisations.
Supporting other charities to rebuild
During late May and June, Communities 1st carried out its second survey of local voluntary and community organisations, in order to understand the sector further at almost 3 months in to lockdown. We aim to use the information to inform our work and target support where it is needed most.
Celebrating Pride - Equality isn’t just for one month a year
Every year, throughout June, there are Pride festivals and events across the world to mark the anniversary of the Stonewall riots. As well as being a time for celebration, Pride Month also provides the opportunity to reflect on recent weeks. This includes the unjust death of George Floyd, the ensuing Black Lives Matter movement, the underrepresentation of BAME, LGBTQIA+ and Deaf and Disabled people in charities and the discrimination many still face.
Together with COVID-19, there has been an unspoken mental health crisis sweeping through households across the UK, whose impact is greater on the most vulnerable. While many of us are flexing our muscles getting ready to hop back to normality, many people will remain in isolation for an indefinite period of time. Some people with disabilities in the UK will need to shield themselves against coronavirus for as long as it is required to stay safe, and may be isolated from family and friends, and all the things they hold dear.
Stronger Together
As we’ve celebrated Small Charities Week, I’ve reflected on lessons learned during the pandemic. As we emerge into a new climate of uncertainty. One key question that voluntary sector providers have to ask ourselves, is whether our organisation can quickly pivot and scale? Are we up to the task of this change?
Voluntary and community groups can now apply for grants of up to £5,000 from a fund operated by St Albans City and District Council.
The money is intended to support projects and activities that benefit the whole community including the most vulnerable people.
Priority this year is being given to projects that will help people recover from the impact of the Covid-19 emergency.
This may include, for example, initiatives to re-establish social networks or improve mental health and wellbeing.
Both during and beyond the coronavirus crisis, our voluntary sector is vital in providing services and support.
As organisations look to move into a new era, possibly with more troubled service users, and often having witnessed huge loss of charitable income over the lockdown period, it will be volunteers who will help these hugely important structures pivot and thrive well into the future.
Volunteering and wellbeing
It’s great to see so many of you celebrating National Volunteers Week this week. A big thank you to the volunteers that work with our community partners to help support and strengthen their organisations.
Monday 1 June 2020
Volunteers Week 2020: Hundreds of organisations join forces to say ‘thank you’ to their fantastic volunteers
Communities 1st are delighted to be part of a collaborative action of organisations championing a united response for Volunteers’ Week 1-7 June. This week Volunteer Managers across the UK are coming together to say a massive thank you to all volunteers.