Just before Christmas we learned that the government will announce its next Budget on 3 March. In response, we came together with the other charities that support the #NeverMoreNeeded campaign to get a submission drafted and sent to the Treasury.

Based on the campaign’s ‘five point plan’, the submission outlines the ongoing effects of the pandemic and lockdown on vital charity services and proposes constructive solutions that government could bring in to help. It also calls for:

‘a renewed package of dedicated support measures…to support communities and their role in the social and economic recovery. It is crucial that the mechanism for delivery of this money should be as unbureaucratic as possible, to ensure that the funds are received swiftly by the recipients, so they can most effectively and quickly provide support for those most in need.’

The submission was supported by 28 leading charities and representative bodies, and you can read the full paper here.

The fourth episode of Carers Network’s new podcast series is live and available to stream and download here:
https://carers-network.org.uk/new-podcast-episode/

In this episode, Carers Network’s Services Manager Sandie Roberts talks to Sharon Hammond, Project Manager for Working For Carers at Camden Carers.

Working For Carers supports unpaid carers and former carers in London, who are aged 25 or over, to move closer to employment. Carers can access free support, which is tailored to meet individual needs.

They discuss how the project helps to support local unpaid carers along with the impact the pandemic has had on employment opportunities and how they deliver their services.

Other episodes in the podcast series can be accessed here.

Refer to Carers Network securely online:

Refer any unpaid carers you are working with who are over 18 and looking after an adult here

This Government scheme temporarily increases data allowances for mobile phone users on certain networks. This is so that children and young people can access remote education if their face-to-face education is disrupted.

Who can get help
Schools, trusts and local authorities can request mobile data increases for children and young people who:
• do not have fixed broadband at home
• cannot afford additional data for their devices
• are experiencing disruption to their face-to-face education

Children with access to a mobile phone on one of the following networks might be able to benefit:
Three
Smarty
Virgin Mobile
EE
Tesco Mobile
Sky Mobile
Other providers may join the scheme at a later stage.

When help is available
Schools, trusts and local authorities can request mobile data increases when schools report a closure or have pupils self-isolating. Schools, trusts and local authorities need to submit mobile information through the Government online service. Click here for instructions on submission

How to use an Xbox or PlayStation for Online Learning
Click here for guide

Government guidance to help with running your charity during the coronavirus outbreak: click here