news
COVID-19:
For information about COVID-19, please visit: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19
Message from London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham for the 3rd sector
13th March 2020
I’m writing to you about the work we’re doing to support vulnerable residents in the borough. We are currently coordinating a borough-wide approach involving organising welfare calls, meals for residents, shopping trips and other ways that we can help people at this time of uncertainty and worry.
We have a great network of voluntary sector partners in the borough, and are really grateful for the support your staff and volunteers can offer to supplement the work we are doing to look after our residents. Please get in touch with on lisa.henry@lbhf.gov.uk, LBHF’s Strategic Commissioner in Adult Social Care if you can offer any additional support.
The council is also sharing all Public Health England’s current guidance and information with frontline services to explain how to reduce and delay the spread of infection. To view the latest information, which is updated live, go to the home page of the council’s website, and below. www.lbhf.gov.uk
We have a large supply of A5, A4 and A2 posters covering NHS advice on handwashing and sneezing, which we are very keen to share across the borough. You can contact dan.levene@lbhf.gov.uk to arrange to receive a supply.
No doubt you are all also updating your Business Continuity Plan in respect of this virus. Please could you send your updated plan Lisa so we can record and review – we’re here to help.
PHE guidance which will assist professionals in providing advice to the public on how to prevent spread of Covid-19 infection, what symptoms to look for, and what to do if they become unwell in a variety of settings – are here:
Thank you again for all your assistance.
Lisa Henry, Strategic lead – commissioning, Adult social Care
Translated information is available, which has been approved by Public Health England and London Councils:
Business continuity planning for Coronavirus/COVID-19
The continued increase of UK residents developing COVID-19 is a high concern, and will present a challenge if the spread of the virus expands as it has in other locations. Organisations should have a robust business continuity plan in place, which considers the impact of a reduced workforce – both paid staff and volunteers, on their ability to deliver their services and how they would ensure particularly vulnerable residents will cope should the service be unavailable, reduced or provided in a different way.
For information on what to consider in business continuity planning, please take a look at this guide. COVID-19 business continuity planning
Additional advice and resources for the charity sector are available from NCVO: http://www.ncvo.org.uk/practical-support/information/coronavirus
Changes to local services
If you are introducing temporary changes to your services as a result of COVID-19, please let us know . We will post information on this page from local 3rd sector organisations about these changes, and circulate the information to groups and organisations in the borough.
Volunteer support
It is anticipated that the impact of COVID-19 will have a significant impact on all local services, including the local authority, health services, emergency services, shops, services, and of course local community and voluntary sector organisations. The Council has a robust and detailed business continuity plan in place, but it may be that volunteer help would be sought to help support and protect the most vulnerable residents. If such help is sought, information will be emailed to local groups registered with Sobus, and the council will also have information on their website: http://www.lbhf.gov.uk
News in general:
Below is a selection of the latest news from Sobus and the organisations that we work with. Click on the news article for more information.
If you would like to promote a service or event of your organisation please email news@sobus.org.uk
For more information on the deadlines and frequently asked questions please click here.
Aviva Community Fund
Aviva Community Fund have broadened their criteria, due to the COVID – 19 outbreak, ‘to include applications for projects that enable causes to adapt or continue their vital services by covering core running costs, so they can help their beneficiaries and communities...
Culture Sector Gets £1.5bn Rescue Package
Britain’s arts, culture, and heritage sectors will receive a £1.57bn rescue package to help weather the impact of coronavirus, the government has announced. Find out...
Key Government Updates
1) Travel exemptions On Saturday 4th July the government's travel advice changed, with exemptions for travelling to certain countries and territories that no longer pose a high risk for British travellers. The government continues to advise against non-essential...
Funding for Charities Supporting the Over 60’s & BAME Communities (UK)
Grants of up to £1,000 are available to UK charities that focus on the often complex issues that have arisen from the Covid 19 pandemic for people aged 60 and over. The funding is being made available through the Austin and Hope Pilkington Trust. The Trust will also...
Please Find Today’s Key Government Updates Below.
1) Test & Trace guidance: Maintaining records of staff, customers & visitors The easing of social and economic lockdown measures following the COVID-19 outbreak is being supported by NHS Test and Trace. Organisations in certain sectors should assist this...
Difficult Decision Making: FREE Seminar
With challenging times ahead, how can charities approach difficult decisions while staying true for their organisation's values? Bates Wells and Directory of Social Change's Debra Allcock Tyler explore the issues in this webinar on July 14 @ 2.00pm - 3.00pm. Register...
Funding for BAME-Led Organisations, Communities & Individuals
Non Frenguelli looks at DSC's research into COVID-19 response funding, highlighting innovative and boundary-pushing BAME-funders, and organisations for groups and individuals in the BAME-community, that are challenging how the funding sector responds to crises. Find...
London Funders – The London Community Response Fund
The London Community Response to the COVID-19 pandemic is coordinated by London Funders, the membership network for funders and investors of London’s civil society. There are three types of grants available in the new wave of funding announced on 1 July 2020: Crisis...
WLB Summer Reception, Annual Awards launch & Online Networking
Join us on Zoom for our first online Summer Reception, bringing together senior professionals from the West London business community on 9 July 2020 at 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM. Free for businesses of 10 or fewer staff - enter discount code WLB2020FREE on the second page of...
Comic Relief Announces Change Makers Programme (UK)
In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, Comic Relief is launching a new funding programme to support changes in the way which community and voluntary sector organisations work. Funding of between £150,000 and £600,000 will be available for projects lasting up to 3 to 5...
NFU Mutual Community Giving Fund (UK)
Charities, schools, and community groups can apply for grants of up to £1,000 through the NFU Mutual Community Giving Fund. The fund is available in areas that are local to NFU operations in the UK. Applications are likely to be more successful if they meet one or...
Covid Guidance
COVID19 guidance for community facilities If your charity operates community centres, village halls, and other community facilities the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government has published guidance for reopening from 4 July. Find out more. ...
