Community Fund Isolation and Grantholders Adapting Their Services
Most people will feel lonely at some point in their lives, but if loneliness becomes chronic it can have a negative impact on both physical and mental health. It can affect anyone and is often triggered by transitions or sudden changes in our lives.
Here, The National Lottery look at how our grantholders are adapting their services in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and the changes we’re all facing whilst living under lockdown.
A Community Response
Many people are responding by taking action in their local community to support and connect with others. They welcome this and are part of the Community Action Response campaign, which encourages people to do what they can.
Charities are sharing tips on how best to support neighbours and friends, whilst ensuring everyone stays safe. Doing Good Leeds’ Being a good neighbour pack gives top tips on offering help, looking after yourself and staying safe at home and online.
Some groups are encouraging people to connect with their local community. Lack of contact can make people feel very fragile and we know that small moments of connection or gestures of kindness – from looking out for a neighbour, to smiling and saying hello – can make a big difference. Fun Palaces brings local people together to share skills, culture and have fun. They are currently sharing practical suggestions for people to connect with their community.
Some groups have already successfully set up community volunteering teams, like Ageing Well Torbay, which has set up a matching team to pair volunteers with people who would like contact.
The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) provides comprehensive advice on involving and managing volunteers during the coronavirus outbreak, which includes pages on safeguarding and data protection, amongst others.
To read the full article click here.
You can also check out SCVO’s COVID-19 pages on our website at www.scvo.info/covid-19/ packed full of useful information, online resources, funding and much much more.
Source: National Lottery Community Fund