Support for Community Organisations
NI Executive Coronavirus Executive Approach to Decision Making identifies a five-stage plan for easing the COVID 19 lockdown in NI.
Mortgage Holiday Payment extended for a further three months
Furlough Scheme extended to October 2020
DFC COVID-19 COMMUNITY RESPONSE PLAN
Coronavirus Service Activity Guidance and PPE Instructions - Red Cross
Register your organisation on Community NI
Sport NI Framework – to guide progression towards a resumption of sport and physical recreation in Northern Ireland
CONTACT THE LEAD ORGANISATION IN YOUR COMMUNITY PLANNING AREA
Each Community Planning Area has a Community Resilience Plan and a lead organisation to coordinate the response in the area to make best use of resources. Make contact with the lead to see how they can support your organisation.
REQUEST GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT
A Community Support Officer is available to support organisations in the response to COVID 19. Find out who to contact in your area.
NICVA’s COVID 19 hub with information about governance, human resources and much more
Skills Match – new online platform to link the skills and expertise of business volunteers to support local community, voluntary and social enterprises
COMMUNICATIONS AND RESOURCES
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has a range of resources to support messaging.
- Browsealoud offers the options of 90 languages
- Advice booklet for people with a learning disability with information on symptoms, stay at home and social distancing
- Stay at home guidance for households with possible COVID 19 infection
- Advice on looking after your wellbeing.
For up to date information visit the PHA Website
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has created downloadable graphics for Myth Busting on Coronavirus
FREE TRAINING FOR STAFF, VOLUNTEERS AND CALL HANDLERS
- Psychological First Aid
- Towards Zero Suicide
- Advice NI Triage Training
- Online Stress Control Classes
- Safeguarding Awareness to spot the signs of abuse
- Online training for furloughed workers and those who have lost their jobs as a result of COVID 19
INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR GROUPS DEALING WITH MEDICATION
All organisations dealing with prescriptions should register with the Community Development and Health Network (CDHN) for insurance purposes.
If groups sign up to this voluntary scheme, the responsibility is shared if something goes wrong in that each party (pharmacy, community/voluntary group and volunteer) are required to adhere to a Standard Operating Procedure. If you do not sign up the organisation assumes all liability if something goes wrong.For up to date information visit the CDHN website for FAQs
SUPPORT COMMUNITY PHARMACIES TO ACCESS VOLUNTEERS
Community Groups with Access NI checked Volunteers who can support community pharmacies should contact the Community Development and Health Network (CDHN). Please do not contact pharmacies directly.
- Groups must be constituted
- Groups must be registered with CDHN
- Volunteers must be Access NI checked (North West Volunteers Centre is offering FREE access NI checks for volunteers to support with the COVID 19 response)
Volunteers are needed for two specific tasks:
- Volunteer Drivers to deliver medication on behalf of Community Pharmacy
- Volunteer support to limit and control access to Community Pharmacy.
Email: Kathymartin@cdhi.org Tel: 02830 264 606
VOLUNTEER WEEK
Volunteers’ Week is an annual celebration of the contribution millions of people make across the UK through volunteering. This year it will take place from 1-7 June. Read all about it HERE