Kickstarting your community activities
At our recent People Helping People Network meeting, we heard from groups in Kirklees about how they have adapted and run activities in recent months and their plans after Freedom Day.
Many of you have expressed your concerns and issues around how to proceed safely. The general feedback that groups have received was that the public are very cautious, with many wanting to keep certain safety measures in place.
Is there any guidance from Public Health England & Kirklees Council?
Many community groups are looking for guidance on how to manage peoples expectations in a respectful way now that the rules have changed.
A statement was issued by Kirklees Council on 9th July: COVID-19 Infections Continue To Rise In Kirklees As Restrictions Set To Ease.
The key points in the statement are that the best thing anyone can do is:
1) Get two doses of the vaccine. There are numerous pop-up vaccinations taking place throughout July and August and the details are on the Council website.
https://www.kirklees.gov.uk/beta/health-and-well-being/covid19-vaccination-programme.aspx.
2) Wear a mask if you are in an enclosed space or around lots of people indoors.
3) Continue with hands/face/space and ventilation.
4) Test regularly & isolate if asked or you have symptoms
The Council themselves are being cautious and are risk assessing their own meetings to ensure that Councillors are able to attend live cabinet and council meetings by reducing the number of other face to face meetings taking place.
Your organisation has to feel comfortable and not go beyond this under pressure. It’s got to feel safe for your staff and venue, and your service users.
Kick-starting your community activity – things to consider
We have put together some useful information to help with planning activities from 19th July, including sample risk assessments.
https://www.tslkirklees.org.uk/people-helping-people-kickstart-your-community-activity-from-freedom-day/.
Links to further information, support and training
- Free online Covid training courses https://www.tslkirklees.org.uk/free-covid-online-training-resources/
- Track and Trace https://www.gov.uk/guidance/maintaining-records-of-staff-customers-and-visitors-to-support-nhs-test-and-trace
- Community First Yorkshire have updated their website with the latest guidance and info sheets to support village halls & community buildings across Yorkshire with their re-opening https://communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk/coronavirus/re-openingafterlockdown/
- Talking to staff and volunteers about anxiety coming out of lockdown – NHS’ Every Mind Matters campaign has produced resources to help.
Funding & Support
There are a number of small and large grants available to third sector groups in Kirklees to help kickstart your community activities.
Health Action Seed Fund – Thriving Kirklees
Grant of up to £4k to improve health and wellbeing of children and families. Deadline of 20th September to apply.
https://www.tslkirklees.org.uk/thriving-kirklees-seed-fund-open/
Wellbeing Skills Funding
Funding is available for projects to support young people and their families learn new skills and improve wellbeing, including cooking, gardening, crafts, yoga etc.
https://tslkirklees.org.uk/wpcontent/uploads/2021/01/Wellbeing-Skills-Flyer.pdf
Community Champions Funding
Small grant funding for encouraging vaccine take-up and COVID testing. This funding is ideal for small groups who work with people in their local communities.
https://tslkirklees.org.uk/apply-now-funding-for-creative-ideas-to-tackle-vaccine-hesitancy
Local Connections Fund – National Lottery
Funding is available for constituted, local charities and community groups working to tackle loneliness by helping people feel more connected within their communities. Between £300 and £2500. You cannot apply if you received funding in round one of this fund. You can apply if you are looking at other funding with the NL. Applications close on 6th August.
https://www.tslkirklees.org.uk/local-connections-fund-round-two/
TSL funding information and contact details
Our funding page: https://tslkirklees.org.uk/funding/
Val Johnson, Chief Officer: 07539 317924 / val@tslkirklees.org.uk
Bridget Hughes, Supporting Communities Lead: 07540434573 / bridget@tslkirklees.org.uk
Marketing your community events
Marketing & Social Media Clinics
If you need help with marketing basics or setting up social media, TSL will be running regular 1-hour online marketing clinics to help groups in Kirklees with a variety of marketing enquiries, including social media, websites and digital marketing.
Groups can submit their questions and get help and advice from our marketing experts.
Our first session is on Thursday 5th August at 10am. Register your place here –
TSL Community Events Website Page & Social Media
Send us your community events or if you are a member you can add your event to your dashboard for us to share.
https://www.tslkirklees.org.uk/category/community-events/
https://www.facebook.com/TSL4Communities
Contact: comms@tslkirklees.org.uk