National lockdown: stay at home
February 2021

This means you must:

• Stay home – only leaving to buy food, seek medical support, or work if you cannot work from home
• limit contact with other people
• maintain social distancing (2 metres apart where possible)
• wash your hands more regularly
• wear a face covering in public spaces

The whole of England is still in National Lockdown; this is expected to remain in place for a number of weeks yet, with a recent announcement that schools will remain closed to most pupils until at least 8 March.

Do not leave home if you or anyone in your household has symptoms.
For full details on what you can and cant do during this period of lockdown visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-lockdown-stay-at-home

The government has developed a series of posters to help councils and organisations display information about the national lockdown in England:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/england-lockdown-stay-at-home-posters

Stop the Spread
The majority of cases within Cumbria are now caused by the new variant. This means that it is more important than ever for all of us to follow the basic “hands, face, space” steps to protect each other from infection – and to self-isolate and book a Coronavirus test if we experience any of the main Coronavirus symptoms, however mild.

If you have any coronavirus symptoms:

• a high temperature
• a new, continuous cough
• a loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste

Get a test and stay at home

Cumbria
Infection rates are now falling across Cumbria, but the rates are still very high compared levels over the summer. You can find information on local infection rates, hospital admissions, etc, on the Cumbria County Council website:
https://www.cumbria.gov.uk/StopTheSpread

Colin Cox, Cumbria’s Director of Public Health, will be doing another Facebook Live Q&A session on Wednesday 3 February at 7pm – join by visiting the Cumbria County Council Facebook page on the evening: https://www.facebook.com/CumbriaCC

Volunteering and Neighbourliness (18.01.21)
It is still acceptable to leave home to provide support to a vulnerable person, and for volunteering activities that cannot be undertaken from home, during the national lockdown. This means that there should be no significant issues for community groups supporting others during coronavirus – but please take the opportunity to have another think if there are ways you adapt how you work.

It might now be possible to undertake some activities from home, or to reduce the number of volunteers involved in face-to-face support – if you can, this will help to limit the spread of Coronavirus and to further reduce the risks to individuals.

The full guidance on safe volunteering is here:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/enabling-safe-and-effective-volunteering-during-coronavirus-covid-19

Vaccination (02.02.21)
The vaccination programme got underway in Cumbria on 8 December 2020. Information on the vaccination programme can be found here:

North Cumbria: https://northcumbriaccg.nhs.uk/covidvaccine

South Cumbria: https://www.healthierlsc.co.uk/CovidVaccination

Patients are urged not to contact their practice as they will be called when it is their turn. We know many people are keen to find out when they’ll be vaccinated, by calling the practice is adding pressure and causing delays for those seeking medical support. Primary care teams are still seeing their patients as usual while delivering the vaccine and they appreciate people’s patience and support. The graphic on the next page shows the priority groups for vaccination.

There will be additional vaccination centres opening in Kendal and Ulverston this week.

Many of these GP-led sites have used local volunteers to help with car parking and to direct people around the site. Their support has been invaluable. If existing community groups are interested in helping in this way over the next few months, it is suggested that they get in touch with their local GP practice to offer their support.

There will also be a very small number of larger vaccination sites in Cumbria, run by the regional NHS with support from our local NHS. They are expected to begin operating sometime in January. These are also likely to need support from volunteers.

In South Cumbria, individuals who are interested in volunteering at the larger sites can register on the LVP website:
https://lancsvp.org.uk/opportunities/covid-vaccination-internal-marshall-3/

In North Cumbria, arrangements for volunteering at the larger vaccination sites are still developing.

You can find the Public Health England resources on the Coronavirus vaccine here:
https://coronavirusresources.phe.gov.uk/covid-19-vaccine/

 

 

 

 

 

Protecting people more at risk (08.01.21)
Government have announced changes people more at risk. For full details visit:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-lockdown-stay-at-home#protecting-people-more-at-risk-from-coronavirus

Community Leaders Pack (08.01.21)
This pack is designed to help community leaders to support people in their communities. It aims to give you information on the key messages and where people can access support, with a little more detail and background information than it is possible to include in short press releases and other public information. Community leaders may be informal (someone who’s set up a local support group) or formal (local councillors); the pack might also be useful to other people, including the staff of local voluntary sector organisations.
Download a copy https://cumbriacvs.org.uk/coronavirus/covid-19-volunteering/

Help is here
Cumbria County Council can provide urgent help and emergency support, including basic food and essential items, or if you are struggling to cope with your current situation for whatever reason.

Call the county council’s Support Helpline on 0800 783 1966 (Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm, Friday 9am to 4.30pm). Our supportive staff will talk to you and suggest ways to help.

You can also email COVID19support@cumbria.gov.uk and you will receive a response within one working day.

Support and Advice
We know that going into another national lockdown is going to be a struggle for many people, financially and emotionally.
There’s information on the support available on the Cumbria County Council website:https://www.cumbria.gov.uk/welfare/

Update on county council services during current lockdown
Following the recent decision to place England into lockdown measures, the county council will continue to provide a range of essential services throughout this period.

There may be some changes to services to ensure the latest public health guidance is followed, and residents should check the council website for further information: https://www.cumbria.gov.uk/

For the latest information on what is happening in Cumbria visit: https://www.cumbria.gov.uk/coronavirus/latest.asp

Local Infection Rates
You can find information on local infection rates, hospital admissions, etc, on the Cumbria County Council website: https://www.cumbria.gov.uk/StopTheSpread

Daily national information is available here: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/

Scams
Unfortunately, there are once again a number of scams in circulation, both in relation to vaccination and Coronavirus more generally.
For more information on scams and how to report them, visit the Action Fraud website: www.actionfraud.police.uk

Please Note: all information is correct at the time of being made available.

 COVID 19 Guidance for Third Sector Organisations

Sections include: General; Volunteering; Funding; Governance; Wellbeing; Organisations/Employers; Training; Other Key Sources; Local/National (Updated 29/06/20)

General

Guidance for the safe use of multi-purpose community facilities

The government has updated the guidance for those managing community centres, village halls and other community facilities on safely re-opening multi-purpose buildings during the national lockdown in England:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-the-safe-use-of-multi-purpose-community-facilities

Non-essential shops and services have closed again (04.01.21)

To reduce social contact, the regulations require some businesses to close and impose restrictions on how some businesses provide goods and services. The full list of businesses required to close can be found in the guidance on closing certain businesses and venues in England, but includes:

Non-essential retail
Hospitality venues
Accommodation
Sports and leisure facilities
Entertainment Venues
Animal attractions
Indoor attractions
Personal care facilities
Community centres and halls

For full details visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-lockdown-stay-at-home#businesses-and-venues

To check if your business may be eligible for financial support, visit:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-lockdown-stay-at-home#financial-support

Covid-19 Testing Opportunities Around Cumbria
A range of locations are now being used around Cumbria to support people to access testing for Covid-19 in Cumbria.
For full details of Test Centres including walk through facilities, visit: https://northcumbriaccg.nhs.uk/covidtesting

Face Coverings – what you need to know
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-lockdown-stay-at-home#face-coverings

Support Bubbles – what you need to know
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-lockdown-stay-at-home#support-and-childcare-bubbles

Public Health England ‘Active at Home’ Booklet
Public Health England has produced an ‘Active at Home’ booklet that provides practical guidance to older adults on home-based activities to maintain their strength and balance. It follows concerns that low levels of physical activity in older adults will lead to reduced fitness resulting in loss of independence and need for care in the future. Download a copy here.

Change of Service Directory
Cumbria CVS has developed a directory to capture changes in service delivery across local organsiations including closures and new services developed in response to COVID19. To acess this, please click here: https://cumbriacvs.org.uk/giving-you-a-voice/cumbria-action-for-health/

Mental Health and Wellbeing
The Directory of Mental Health, Mental Wellbeing and Bereavement Support details both local and national mental wellbeing resources. To access the directory, please see visit our Action for Health page.

Frequently Asked Questions (04.01.21)
//www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do

COVID-19 Easy Read Guides
People First have collected easy read information and valuable resources from a range of respected sources to support adults with a learning disability to stay connected and informed of Covid-19.   You can access these resources here: https://wearepeoplefirst.co.uk/news/covid-19-easy-read-information/

COVID-19: guidance for managing a funeral during the coronavirus pandemic and national lockdown https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-lockdown-stay-at-home#funerals

Vegetrian for Life have produced a couple of useful information sheets as follows:Vegetarian Grocery Box Guide

 

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Volunteering

Volunteering and Recruiting volunteers

To access our full list of volunteering support, advice and downloadable resources here: https://cumbriacvs.org.uk/coronavirus/covid-19-volunteering/

Support Cumbria: A central website for anyone interested in volunteering during Covid-19. Click here to register as a volunteer: https://supportcumbria.org.uk/
Please note: we are anticipating high numbers of volunteers; you will only be contacted when an organisation needs your help but Thank You in advance for offering your time and skills to volunteer!

Need Volunteers?
If your organisation is looking for volunteers for extra help during Covid 19, please contact Cumbria CVS to register these. Please complete and submit the attached Registration Form and return it to Cumbria CVS: info@cumbriacvs.org.uk

 

Funding

Cumbria CVS Funding Support:
Cumbria CVS can offer support in relation to funding applications, please contact:cvsfunding@cumbriacvs.org.uk  Please see our main FUNDING page: www.cumbriacvs.org.uk/funding

Please see our latest Focus on Funding features:

Focus on Funding 11_8_20
Focus on Funding 01.12.20

Case Studies – Funding Support

Eden Sight Support Funding Case Study

Border Kirk Carlisle Case Study

Cumbria Community Foundation
The Cumbria COVID-19 Response Fund has now closed to applications: https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/

COVID19 Funders database and online toolkit
The Charity Excellence Framework has developed a free online toolkit to increase impact and funding and a Covid19 Funders database.
https://www.charityexcellence.co.uk/

Governance

For a full list of GOVERNANCE Advice, Guidance and Support links and resources, please click here: Governance Advice and Resources 18052020

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Health and Wellbeing

Wellbeing and mental health during covid-19: a guide to looking after yourself and others
The new the new Covid19 Wellbeing & Mental Health booklet pulled together by Every Life Matters
https://www.every-life-matters.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/ELM006-COVID-19-public-info-a5-booklet-AW-online-1.pdf

For a full list of WELLBEING Advice, Guidance and Support links and resources, please click here: Wellbeing Advice and Resources V5 09.11.2020

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Organisational/Employers

For a full list of ORGANISATIONAL Advice, Guidance and Support links and resources, please click here: Staff -Employees Advice and Resources V6 20.11.2020

Coaching For Recovery
Cumbria Coaching Network offers Free Coaching Support to Leaders and Employees in Cumbria affected by Covid19
Cumbria Coaching Network is a professional group of coaches who operate in and around Cumbria. Founded in 2004, we promote the benefits of coaching for individuals and organisations and provide peer group support for coaches, with opportunities for Continuing Professional Development (CPD), coaching supervision and maintenance of professional and ethical standards.
Our members are offering their services free of change, to leaders of businesses, charities and public sector organisations and their employees in Cumbria and adjoining areas, who have been affected by the impact of the Covid 19 epidemic. We recognise from our experience that having an independent person with the skills of listening and helping people find their own solutions can be very beneficial in reducing stress, anxiety and tension. The service in confidential.
For full details visit the website: https://cumbriacoaching.net/covid-19-support/

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Training

Recovery College Online – Coping during the Pandemic Course
This course has been developed for everyone in response to the recent global pandemic.
There is information about how to avoid catching/spreading the virus, what immediate feelings you may have and common reactions, managing your mental health at this time, managing isolation and social distancing, self-care, supporting children and young people and some accessible information.
The course is free to access for everyone. You can find the link on our homepage: https://www.recoverycollegeonline.co.uk/

British Red Cross online training course for coronavirus volunteers
Whether you’re volunteering with a charity or lending a hand to a neighbour, this step by step guide tells you how to look after yourself and others.
https://rise.articulate.com/share/bOiebd5nNsS8qqBvYouYG_Ompki_m61e?_cldee=YWxpc29ucEBjdW1icmlhY3ZzLm9yZy51aw%3d%3d&recipientid=contact-539af83a2646e411b4e4d89d6765e198-abb08a06c9364b48b7c281075b1e2414&utm_source=ClickDimensions&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NCVO%3A%20Coronavirus&esid=1e571c06-7484-ea11-a811-000d3ab7f90f#/

We also have a Coronavirus page on the website: https://www.recoverycollegeonline.co.uk/your-mental-health/coronavirus/

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Other Key Information Sources

Please note that these websites are constantly being updated to reflect new information, advice and guidance and so please do check them frequently for the most up to date information:

For the latest health advice: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

For all other advice: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

People who are concerned they are suffering symptoms that may be due to Coronavirus can use the tool on the NHS 111 website in the first instance https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19

It may be necessary to self isolate: What is self-isolation and why is it important?

Remember NHS trusted social media accounts have a blue tick.

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Local

Cumbria CVS: Support and advice for local third sector organisations/community groups and volunteers: www.cumbriacvs.org.uk/coronavirus/covid-19-volunteering

Cumbria County Council: Support for all local organisations/individuals:https://cumbria.gov.uk/coronavirus/

Local Support Directories
Cumbria County Council’s area teams have produced local support directories for each district. They are now listed on cumbria.gov.uk on the Local Communities page here under ‘Local Area Updates’. They can also be downloaded from here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1u9GJ76RQYLpLWGaxSYUzZElHcgA1xtXf

Support Cumbria: A multi-agency supported website supporting volunteers and organisations across Cumbria: Support Cumbria

Active Cumbria: The Sports and Physical Activity partnership for Cumbria. Lots of useful advice on how to keep active: https://www.activecumbria.org/

Specific resources for the sport and physical activity sector: https://www.activecumbria.org/workforce/coronavirus-update-sector/

A comprehensive list of activities people can do at this time #StayInWorkOut:  http://www.activecumbria.org/stayinworkout

Action for Communities in Cumbria (ACT): Advice for rural community groups and village halls: http://www.cumbriaaction.org.uk/

Cumbria Chamber of Commerce: Advice for businesses and large third sector organisations including a toolkit and information on grants, loans etc. https://www.cumbriachamber.co.uk/

National

The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) has some guidance to help you decide what steps you and your organisation may need to take in light of the spread of the covid-19 virus including updates on sick leave; managing finances and planning for staff/volunteers to work from home: https://www.ncvo.org.uk/practical-support/information/coronavirus

NESTA: An innovation Foundation. They are looking at how they can support the voluntary and community sector as they respond to COVID-19.
https://www.nesta.org.uk/blog/going-distance/

Cumbria Action Fraud: Keep abreast of current (COVID-19) scams:https://www.cumbria.police.uk/Advice-Centre/Crime-Prevention/Fraud.aspx

National Association for Voluntary and Community Action (NAVCA): A national perspective: https://navca.org.uk

 

Resources

Eden Project – Community Action Response: 5 things to do: Poster

Pets: Guidance leaflet on Pet Support when self-isolating

 If you have any questions, or ideas on other information that it would be useful to add to this webpage, then please contact:

Alison Phillips – alisonp@cumbriacvs.org.uk

Or contact our main office on 01768 800350 / info@cumbriacvs.org.uk