Jon led CAN through its first very successful six years, substantial Covid response work, and has been a significant figure in the local voluntary and community sector over the last 15 years.
More than 60 per-cent of community groups across England and Wales have been forced to reduce their services or close completely because of the pandemic, whilst two-thirds say need has increased in their communities. Closure can, however, be a positive move however, often arising from positive circumstances. And there are often other options.
Inspired by the experience of shielding as the pandemic hit, the Rainbow Art Making Club was set up by two Thorpe St Andrew mums to help promote wellbeing, celebrate kindness and connect people in the community.
Cromer & District Foodbank has been up and running since 2012, so dealing with people’s individual crises is not new to the team, and they were well-experienced and equipped to deal with Covid-19 when it hit.
The VCSE sector has inevitably suffered its share of cutbacks during the pandemic in terms of loss of income and consequent pressure on staffing levels. But there’s hope – and support – for those having to seek fresh fields in 2021. If you, your colleagues or your service users are having to find new employment there are avenues of help available.
Connecting Bowthorpe is a collective of community volunteers from several organisations within Bowthorpe, all with extensive experience of community work and a real vision for the area, and with a long-term commitment to the residents of Bowthorpe.
With county and district council elections happening on 6th May 2021, now is a good time to take a close look at what VCSE sector organisations need to know about getting involved in political campaigning.
Over the weekend of the 14th March 2020, we saw several hundred Norfolk communities create new Mutual Aid Groups in response to the pandemic's effect on their communities.
Everyone in the VCSE community should [JC1] [SN2] be aware of the need for vigilance and protecting the vulnerable – and understand the requirements and implications of safeguarding. Every VCSE organisation delivering charitable activities has a duty to safeguard volunteers, staff, hirers, adults, children and young people, participants and donors.