South Norfolk

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. 

Early identification of need was the trigger for a swift community volunteer response to COVID-19 in the Chedgrave and Loddon area. Now they're looking to the future too.

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. 

The Appleseed Care Farm has been set up in Wymondham to offer people with mental health and social care needs, suffering with anxiety and depression, job seekers, ex-offenders and those living in sheltered housing a chance to boost their health, happiness and well-being. Norfolk RCC helped with funding research and advice after the project almost stalled  at an early stage.