The Good Things Foundation is hosting an online roundtable on Monday16th May from 12-2pm. We’re taking a closer look at what can be done to ensure older people’s voices are heard in the digital inclusion arena. This feels more important than ever given the continued shift to online services, rising costs of living, and ongoing effects […]
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 your event or service, please email news@sobus.org.uk
For more information on the deadlines and frequently asked questions please click here.
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
In partnership with UKAni, CNWL and RBKC Council being held on the 27th of May at the Great Hall – Kensington Town Hall (Hornton Street, W8 7NX) from 10 am – 2 pm. Please share with your network as we want to have as many people attending as possible. We will be having a variety […]
This year’s theme is Loneliness. Loneliness affects many of us at one time or another and more so during the pandemic. Factors such as social distancing and lockdown meant that it felt more important than ever to consider how we are connecting with others. This week the Keeping Well NWL service is encouraging everybody to take time out to […]
The shortlist for The Charity Awards 2022 has just been announced, click here to check out who has made the list.
The Ofgem Energy Industry Voluntary Redress Scheme has opened the first funding round in phase two of the scheme. A total of £27 million is available as grants to charities and community energy groups that support households most at risk from cold homes and high energy bills across England, Scotland and Wales. Projects should also […]
Grants of up to £5,000 are available to local charities and not for profit organisations for projects that will fix, repair, maintain and improve properties and community facilities for of those in need in the UK. The funding is being made available through the Screwfix Foundations and the grants are available for all kinds of […]
Grants of up to £5,000 are available to registered charities to support projects that equip people ( 18 or older in order) from disadvantaged groups with critical life skills necessary for employment. Priority will be given to projects that target people experiencing multiple deprivation or other groups facing major hurdles to employment, especially; women, people […]
For Mental Health Awareness Week this year, we’re raising awareness of the impact of loneliness on our mental health. One in four adults feels lonely some or all of the time. The longer we feel lonely, the more we are at risk of mental health problems. By understanding different mental health problems and learning new […]
The Gas Safe Charity continues to offer more of their popular and free carbon monoxide awareness workshops. Aimed at front line staff and volunteers, they help people who work in the homes of vulnerable people be more aware of the risks and to help prevent poisoning taking place. The interactive workshop lasts an hour. To […]
Alpkit is taking grant applications from individuals or organisations that support those affected by the Coronavirus pandemic, across the country. Examples include: Being active in your local community to help elderly or vulnerable people Minimising the impact of self-isolation for those in quarantine and need access to food, medicines or social care Supporting food banks […]
Max Wallace talks to workingwise.co.uk about his career ups and downs and how he is starting again with a new fitness and wellbeing business, aided by the Start-up School for Seniors. Click here for the article Watch his video here!
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Telephone 020 7952 1230
Email info@sobus.org.uk
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Sobus is a new Community Development Agency for Hammersmith & Fulham. It has been created through the merger of the Community and Voluntary Sector Association Hammersmith & Fulham (CaVSA) and the Fulham Community Partnership Trust (FCPT). Building on the strengths of both organisations, sobus aims to provide a wider range of support services for local charities, community groups, social enterprises and start up businesses.