Nationally it appears that tighter banking restrictions coupled with a sustained period of financial inactivity due to the pandemic has led to a change in banking practice in relation to charity banking services provided to VCSE groups and organisations.
Community Action Norfolk are becoming more concerned with the energy price rise and the impact it is having on not only individuals, but on charities and village halls. That is why we are launching a campaign to raise awareness of the issue and to advocate for change.
CAN is working in partnership with Future Projects in combating social isolation in the Breckland and North Norfolk districts of the county. We'd be grateful if those reading this and living or working in Breckland or North Norfolk could share this information - especially to anyone you know who may be interested in volunteering. Thank you.
This is Part 2 of last week's article about other options when Charities and Community Organisations might be considering closing down. You can read Part 1 here.
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.
Eastern Community Homes officially launched last month with an online event over three days. ‘Eastern Community Homes: We Do Housing Differently’ saw more than 450 delegates booked in to hear a range of expert speakers share their experiences and projects.
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.
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.
This was our community spirit at its best. A process of forming groups that would normally take several months was accelerated into days. People were coming forward to help, who had never volunteered before. Whatever the legacy of the practical support that was delivered, the simple truth is “you can’t un-meet your neighbour” and this is hugely positive for our communities.