Communities and Volunteers
We wanted to send you a thank you.
Almost 380 volunteer groups, made up of over 6,000 volunteers, have been in touch to see how they can help those who are most at risk from coronavirus. Many of you who have registered as individual volunteers are now working closely with the British Red Cross, LIVES, Lincolnshire Community Assistance Trust and a number of other community groups, to deliver much needed assistance and support in a coordinated way. Over the past few days, some really amazing work has been happening by groups and support organisations in the county – much need food parcels have been assembled and delivered, prescriptions have been delivered and a number of groups have started checking on those residents most in need. Yesterday, for example, volunteers knocked on the doors of 50 residents across the county to check they were safe and well, and whether they needed any extra help or support. These were extremely vulnerable residents, who couldn’t be contacted by phone. We know we haven’t called on all of you yet, but we know you are out in your communities providing an essential lifeline. For that we are truly grateful.
From Monday, our colleagues from Wellbeing Lincs will be working with you, and established voluntary sector organisations, to make sure there are enough people in the right places at the right times. We have increased the number of staff to reflect the anticipated demand. We continue to work through our information from Central Government, the NHS and local records to make sure that everyone who needs help, has it. We are working around the clock to make this happen. We are all in this together. Great examples in the community
We heard about St George's C of E Community school in Gainsborough who had designed a 'Grab and go' food station at the school gates, which is now feeding their school and local community. They have painted white lines 2 metres apart on the path to ensure social distancing. Such a brilliant idea. If you have a great idea or something which is working really well in your community, please let us know so we can share. Just drop us a line on engagement@lincolnshire.gov.uk.
Need funds?
There are many ways you can register for funding. Many foundations and organisations are offering support. Locally, the Lincolnshire Community Foundation is offering grants to local charities and community organisations. Visit www.lincolnshirecf.co.uk to find out more.
Alternatively, visit the Small Charities Commission or the CAF Coronavirus Emergency Fund. We know it is tricky to know where to go, so we've added a full list of funding options is available on www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/coronavirus. Keeping healthy
By being a volunteer you are doing an amazing thing. Please, remember though there is lots of support out there for you too. We all have good days and bad days, and this is an unprecedented situation. It is ok not to be ok. There is a wealth of information and helpful advice on NHS UK. Alternatively, if it would help to have someone to talk to, a new confidential mental health helpline has been set up – between Lincolnshire County Council and the third sector. It is 24/7 and can help support with feelings of low mood, anxiety and stress. Simply, call 0800 001 4331. National guidance updates If you are in your community and there's someone you know of who has a medical condition and has received an NHS letter advising them to stay home, and they need help getting food or medication, please ask them to call 0800 028 8327 or visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable. If they haven’t received a letter, ask them to contact their GP or clinician after they have registered with this service.