At CAN we have been conducting research to assess the impact of COVID-19 on VCSE operations and service delivery. You can read about this here. We are featuring here regular examples of how groups and organisations have adapted their particular services. This week we’re focussing on Norfolk Community Action Network.
The Arts and Culture sector is an important element in the VCSE fraternity, in the context of community engagement and outreach, and addressing local health issues such as social isolation and loneliness. Natalie Jode, Executive Director at Creative Arts East, has seen the impact of the pandemic on operational capability and capacity across the county.
CAN has a special service level agreement with the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk (BCKLWN). We deliver a range of services across the Council’s area which, at 556 square miles, is the largest geographic local authority district in Norfolk. And we very much value this relationship.
A report from the New Local Government Network (NLGN) states that a huge proportion of vulnerable people needing help during the pandemic has been directly supported by the proliferation of thousands of the spontaneous, voluntary Mutual Aid groups that have emerged.
Rik Martin, our Development Manager, has been awarded status as a Community Led Homes Accredited Adviser, having completed an intensive course of training and study.
Here at CAN we work with a wide variety of VCSE organisations, and during the COVID-19 pandemic have been busy gathering sector data on the impact on capacity to deliver. You can read more about that here.
The short answer is, yes, you can postpone your AGM in the present circumstances. The government and Charity Commission recognise this and offer precise advice on how to go about postponing or cancelling AGMs and other critical meetings.
Many charities across Norfolk have recently received donations in response to the pandemic. We have received several enquiries from trustees asking if they can make donations to help community support groups and local charities which are helping vulnerable local people through the Coronavirus crisis.
East Anglia is one of the driest regions of the UK, receiving about one-third less rainfall than the average for the rest of England; we actually get less rain than some areas of Spain! Here at CAN we help promote Anglian Water's awareness-raising campaigns.
Our National Health Service is rated best in the developed world for safety, affordability and efficiency, according to US-based Commonwealth Fund. Very occasionally however something goes wrong and needs resoving - which is where NHS Complaints Advocacy can help.