At CAN we’ve seen the spectrum of community groups forming in response to the Coronavirus pandemic, seeking to help their vulnerable and isolated residents. We have, and are, helping many of them with safeguarding, insurance and legal advice and volunteer management, under the auspices of our existing Good Neighbour scheme network.
There are some inspiring examples of communities coming together during the Coronavirus pandemic, and one south Norfolk town has shown how it can be done.
CANConnect grants have been awarded to community groups who are able to demonstrate a positive contribution to improving social engagement in their locality. Wells-next-the-Sea Men’s Shed put their grant to good use in buying their ‘shed’.
The Rural Coalition is calling on prospective Parliamentary Candidates and their political parties to commit to delivering fairer funding for rural areas following the election on 12 December.
Community Action Norfolk leads the way with Social Prescribing - we were honoured to be shortlisted for Best Local Project at the inaugural international Social Prescribing awards in July this year. Working with a number of partner agencies, results so far are very encouraging.
Social Prescribing is a way of GPs and other health care professionals helping patients find non-clinical solutions to their health issues. Some encouraging examples are emerging in Breckland and West Norfolk, the areas covered by CAN.
Social Prescribing is a way of GPs, nurses and other primary care professionals referring people to a range of non-clinical services. People’s health is determined by a range of social, economic and environmental factors and social prescribing supports individuals in taking greater control of their own health.
The National Rural Crime Network (NRCN) has published a report into domestic abuse in rural Britain, the result of an 18-month intensive research project.
Community Action Norfolk was shortlisted for Best Local Project, awarded at the inaugural International Social Prescribing Awards held at the University of Westminster, London on 11th July.
The impact of loneliness and social isolation is significant. To tackle this problem, Norfolk County Council adult social services, is investing in ways of preventing and reducing loneliness that address the barriers to people having the quality and quantity of social connections that they would like.
Around 92% of locations across Norfolk can receive fast broadband. That’s around 24 Mbps. And Better Broadband for Norfolk is working hard to increase that figure. You can check broadband availability in your area at www.betterbroadbandnorfolk.co.uk. That’s if you can get broadband in the first place of course…