E-Bulletins

Weekly Update from ERVAS – 24.04.2020

Posted Devan
To keep you updated with the latest developments regarding Covid-19 we have started to populate our online page with all the information you may need. This is available on our website at https://ervas.org.uk/coronavirus/.

This email contains just some of the updates we have seen this week.

Voluntary Sector Updates

Launch of free e-learning courses

As part of our training project we now have some free e-learning courses available and will be adding more when we can. So far there are courses on using social media, safeguarding, confidentiality, ways to fundraise as well as links to the national scams awareness course.

Find a course today

Update from Mencap Gig buddies

The news they have to share this time is somewhat different to their usual news about which gigs they have been to or shows they have seen. With them currently unable to do these things, they have taken a new approach by going online and becoming Virtual Gig Buddies.

Read more

Youth Work Unit News and Events

The Youth Work Unit Yorkshire and the Humber serves on the Covid-19 Youth Work Response Group with the NYA; the Mix and other national Youth Sector organisations. The group produced the One Point of Contact site for Youth Work and Youth Workers: Youth Work Support. If there are things you would like to see on the site, or you see things which could be improved, contact them: theunit@youthworkunit.com.

As part of their response to the crisis, the YWU has been hosting a series of on-going thematic online network meetings for youth work practitioners and managers in our region. Networks include: Youth Voice Workers; those working with LGBT+ young people; Youth Work Leads; the Voluntary Youth Organisations Network; the Youth Impact Network and the Young People’s Youth Voice Steering Group. If you would like to join in any of the online meetings, let them know:  theunit@youthworkunit.com.

ERSCP Coronavirus: Domestic Abuse Briefing Note

This briefing note contains important information about Domestic Abuse and the local and national contact to access Domestic Abuse support during the coronavirus pandemic.

We ask that the briefing note is circulated as far as possible by email and on websites/social media. The briefing is for professionals, volunteers, parent carers and young people.

Visit the ERSCP website and click on the red banner to access further resources related to coronavirus pandemic.

Updates from NCVO

NCVO have made three important additions to their existing coronavirus advice:

Health Updates

Healthwatch latest survey – your COVID-19 experience

During this difficult time, many people will still need to access health and social care services; however, many services are changing the way they are operating due to the coronovirus outbreak. Healthwatch want to hear your experiences of accessing Health and Social care at this time and if needed offer further information and support.

If you have an experience, good or bad, that you would like to tell us about, please complete our Covid-19 survey.  This survey can also be completed if you are seeking further information or assistance, regardless of whether you have accessed a service or not.

Take the survey

NHS guide for parents

Amidst everything that is happening at the moment, with all advice to avoid hospitals and not to visit your GP unless you need to, it can be hard knowing what to do if your child is unwell. The NHS have produced a guide which gives clear and simple advice on what to do if your child is showing any signs of being unwell.

This is a good to keep handy to refer back to if you need to especially during the coronavirus pandemic.

View the guide

Hull CCG Commission Kooth

Kooth is newly commissioned by Hull CCG to offer mental health and well-being support to young people in East Riding aged 11- 25 years.
The service provides young people with:

  • An opportunity to access support services anonymously
  • Access to BACP accredited counsellors via online chat
  • Access on to online articles and magazines written by counsellors
  • An opportunity for young people to write their own articles and to share their story
  • Young people can set their own personal goals and are supported by the counsellors online
  • Young people can access the support service from any internet device, 365 days a year.

Visit the kooth website

Police News
Domestic abuse support

If you or someone you know is suffering from domestic abuse, isolation rules do not apply – police response and support services remain available. Humberside Police have also put together a list of local agencies that are able to help. You should always call 999 if you are in immediate danger.

View local agencies list

Humberside Police Recruiting Police Cadets for 2020
Calling Future Volunteer Police Cadets! Humberside Police are looking for young people aged 15 and 16 to apply for their new 2020 intake. If you think you would like to get involved apply now!

Find out more

Humberside Police – reporting form for people not social distancing
Humberside Police has created an online reporting portal where members of the public can report details of anyone not following the newly imposed social distancing rules.

To complete and submit a report to Humberside Police visit their website.

Make a report online
OPCC Commissioner Blog and Office Update

Every week Keith Hunter will be updating you on the work of himself and his office as we move through the current situation of the Covid-19 lockdown. You can read the latest update on their website.

Read the update

Fraud, Scams and Digital News

Friends Against Scams update  

Join Friends Against Scams and CTSI’s lead officer for doorstep crimes as they review the current issues surrounding fraud. They will discuss how we can work together to raise awareness and empower victims to take a stand against scams and protect our communities.

Civica are hosting a Community Check-in on Tuesday 28th at 12noon.

Register for the webinar

How to deal with cybercrime

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) says there has been an increase in cybercrime – with coronavirus being used as a main theme. They have produced some resources which provide advice for individuals and organisations on how to deal with this new trend.

Read more

They have also produced guides on the following issues:

12 tips on social media advertising during the pandemic

Reason Digital has shared its experience plus the feedback from several charities they work with to produce a guide identifying some good examples and ideas which other charities can learn from, plus listing some things that charities can avoid when it comes to social media advertising.

View the 12 tips

Funding News
The best online fundraising platforms
Charity Digital has compiled a list of some of the best free and cheap online fundraising platforms. The list includes lesser-known platforms to show the broader online fundraising landscape and includes platforms that have different donation models, are aimed at different types of fundraising and often take a much smaller cut from donations and do not charge a subscription fee.

Find out more

Navigating funding possibilities during Covid-19
Good Finance has compiled some tips and information to make it as easy as possible for groups and organisations to navigate this changing landscape. The guide covers the following:

  • Key principles to help your thinking
  • Making the most of government advice
  • What to consider with your current grants
  • What to consider if you currently have social investment
  • Navigating your relationship with banks
  • Operational and business planning

Get the guide

Coronavirus Mental Health Response Fund
To help voluntary sector organisations based in England continue to provide vital mental health services, or to provide additional support, organisations can apply for a Coronavirus Mental Health Response Fund (CMHRF) grant. Thanks to £5m support from Government (the Department of Health and Social Care), grants of £20,000 or £50,000 are available for projects lasting up to 12 months.

Support for smaller organisations or groups
As part of this funding programme, the National Survivor User Network (NSUN) will be administering a fund to support user-led organisations and smaller, unconstituted community organisations, who might not otherwise be eligible for a grant. More details are available on the NSUN website.

Find out more

GOV.UK Updates
Claim system now open for furloughed staff

You can now make your claim for the 80% of furloughed staff salaries through HMRC’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

Before you make your claim:

  • Read all the available guidance at GOV.UK
  • Make sure you have all the information and calculations you need beforehand (calculator guidance is here)
  • Take a look through the step-by-step guide

Then you are ready to make your claim here.
Generous donors urged to give safely to registered charities this Ramadan
Regulator offers advice on ensuring charitable contributions reach the intended cause, including when giving online.

Funding boost for remote victim services
Victims of crime will have greater access to support during the coronavirus pandemic after a funding boost for charity helplines and online services.

Government launches plan to tackle loneliness during coronavirus lockdown
The Government has launched a major effort to tackle loneliness and social isolation during the coronavirus outbreak and period of social distancing.

Digital minister urges parents to follow new guidance to keep children safe online during lockdown
The government has today (Thursday 23 April) published new advice to help people, particularly children, stay safe online during the coronavirus outbreak.

DVLA warns customers to stay safe online
DVLA is reminding customers that the only official place to find our services and information is on GOV.​UK. Cyber scams are common so we want to help our customers to spot fraudulent activity.

COVID-19: guidance on supporting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing
Advice for parents and carers on looking after the mental health and wellbeing of children or young people during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

New major package to support online learning
Education Secretary announces that vulnerable and disadvantaged young people across the country will receive free laptops.

COVID-19 mental health campaign launches
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge support new Every Mind Matters advice for looking after mental wellbeing

Coronavirus (COVID-19): increased risk of fraud and cybercrime against charities
This alert provides information and advice for charities about coronavirus (COVID-19) related fraud and cybercrime.