We often feature articles about the inspiring initiatives happening in response to Covid-19. Except they don’t just happen – they’re the result of innovative, often spontaneous efforts by local individuals who see a need in their community. Mattishall Volunteer Hub (MVH) began life in the very first week of the lockdown in response to the Coronavirus pandemic and is still going strong.
The village hall, church and pub are three archetypal hubs of rural communities. Many communities across Norfolk have just one pub remaining, whilst some have lost even that. A familiar story in recent years is that of saving the village pub, an effort requiring skillful organisation, focused fundraising and commitment from those involved.
A new report warns of a difficult winter ahead for fuel poor households across the UK in the coming winter, as a potent combination of higher energy use resulting from staying at home for longer is mixed with reductions in income. It is estimated that 25,000 households across Norfolk experience some level of fuel poverty. CAN is committed to tackling these issues and supports a range of initiatives across the county.
At CAN we believe in fair outcomes for all Norfolk residents and we support services that meet the economic, health, and social needs of individuals in their communities. We are asking for your help in raising awareness of ThinkingFuel, our collective heating oil buying scheme that helps combat fuel poverty.
Our CANConnect initiative works with partner agencies across the North Norfolk district of Norfolk and Waveney CCG (Clinical Commissioning Group) to help connect people with activities in their locality, as well as providing individuals with one-to-one support in identifying and achieving their personal goals. CANConnect also provides support for the community itself, helping organisations and people make the places where we live stronger, friendlier, and more resilient.
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.
Here at CAN we deliver a wide and varied range of support for communities across the county. One particular activity is ThinkingFuel, our well-established community heating oil buying scheme. And we'd like to ask your help in raising awareness of it as a benefit in rural, off-gas communities.
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.
Affordable housing is at the heart of helping rural communities thrive and survive. In this, Rural Housing Week, we are looking at why affordable housing is needed and why it’s important for residents to be involved.