A project that combats loneliness and isolation in Norfolk has adapted swiftly to the constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic. Operation No Cold Shoulder offers free support to people in Dersingham and North King’s Lynn in the west of the county; Swaffham and Litcham in mid-Norfolk; Thetford, Fakenham and surrounding villages; and Mile Cross and Thorpe Hamlet in Norwich.
Many of you reading this will know that at CAN we’ve been surveying the Norfolk VCSE sector to compile a measured and accurate picture of how voluntary organisations and groups across the county have been adapting and modifying approaches to working with their service users during the COVID-19 crisis. The responses have been channelled into helpful data which will ultimately help present the voice of the voluntary sector to commissioning authorities and to government itself.
CAN has joined with other prominent public and voluntary sector agencies from across Norfolk to warn residents to be extra vigilant of new and existing scams during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dealing with bereavement is never easy. It’s even harder during this difficult period, with separation from loved ones at the most crucial time. Norfolk County Council, together with the Working Together partnership, is offering a 30-minute wellbeing telephone support call to anyone registering a death.
We know that many voluntary and community groups are experiencing severe operating constraints currently, not least the inability to engage directly with clients and service users. One of the great characteristics of the VCSE sector, however, is the ability to adapt and improvise to meet the need.
Now’s the time to buy your heating oil. Prices are at a four-year low and you can get a really good price from CAN's community oil buying scheme ThinkingFuel.
CAN’s long-standing network of Good Neighbour Schemes across Norfolk was well-placed to mobilise its members to respond quickly to local need = and the past few weeks have seen the Schemes welcome many new volunteers join in response to the COVID-19 crisis.
The Charity Commission is offering guidance on running your charity during the Coronavirus pandemic, with useful information about meetings, postponing AGMs, using reserves and keeping people safe.
Norfolk County Council’s Adult Learning has made many of its courses available online, as well as launching new online courses designed to keep people active, healthy and connected throughout the lockdown.
CAN is an member of the national ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England) network. ACRE is very active at national level in helping formulate government strategies for supporting community groups. Right now ACRE is working with other national charities to help Government get to grips with the impact of Covid-19 on rural people and community organisations throughout England.