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.
Everyone in the VCSE community should[JC1] [SN2] be aware of the need for vigilance and protecting the vulnerable – and understand the requirements and implications of safeguarding. Every VCSE organisation delivering charitable activities has a duty to safeguard volunteers, staff, hirers, adults, children and young people, participants and donors.
Our CANConnect service, working in partnership with Future Projects, operates throughout the former North Norfolk Clinical Commissioning Group area. CANConnect has worked regularly with Redwings Horse Sanctuary in Aylsham in offering social events aimed at bringing together people from across the area who are experiencing loneliness and social isolation.
There are definite benefits to registering as a charity, not least of which is credibility when applying to potential funders. Making your case to the Charity Commission needs to be done in an organised and planned way.
The organisers of activities and events are responsible for ensuring people’s safety and wellbeing during their time there, but it doesn’t mean the village hall volunteers and staff are absolved from responsibility. it’s helpful to have a closer look at why it’s especially important for hall committees to have the right policies and procedures in place.
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.
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.
Norfolk’s hundreds of village halls and community venues are often at the heart of local life and, at this difficult time, it’s more important than ever that their value is realised. The National Village and Community Hall Survey deadline has been extended to 30th April to allow everyone to participate.
There are around 10,000 village halls across England and many are crucially important to local communities, but their upkeep and improvements cost money.