Some updates for you that have come in over the last week, thank you to those who have sent this through. Apologies if you have seen any of them before, hopefully they will be useful for you as you continue with your volunteering and community work.
Additional support from Anglian Water
Anglian water are circulating the attached leaflet that provides information to customers about the extra services and support that they are providing. It especially encourages vulnerable people to register on the ‘Priority Services Register’ so that they are known to them. The register also applies to energy companies.
Co-op Gift Card Scheme
Co-op are allowing gift cards to be topped up and/or ordered and paid for by calling 0800 029 4592. Cards will then be posted within 2/3 working days. People who are self isolating can then ask family members or volunteers to use these to purchase groceries if they wish. https://www.coop.co.uk/coronavirus/updates-on-our-stores
Voluntary sector virtual network – 6th May
stay connected. More info can be Cambridge Council for Volunteer Services will be running a voluntary sector virtual network especially for Fenland groups on 6th May, which looks set to be a great way to found here
http://www.cambridgecvs.org.uk/training-events/view/339
CVS are also there to answer any questions charities or community groups may have, this is under the Support Cambridgeshire banner but please feel free to contact them on the main email [email protected]
Business Grants still to be claimed
Despite having contacted eligible businesses, several hundred are still yet to make a claim to Fenland District Council for a Small Business Grant or a Retail Hospitality and Leisure Grant to which they are entitled. These grants do not need to be repaid. If you have friends or family that run a potentially eligible business, please encourage them to email [email protected]
More information can be found here:
https://www.fenland.gov.uk/coronavirusbusinessadvice
Volunteer guidance issued to the Good Sam Network
The Royal Voluntary Service have issued guidance to the NHS Good Same Volunteers. It is worth a read as the principles are likely to apply to many groups and businesses who are also volunteering.
https://volunteering.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/documents/2-rvs-getting-started-as-a-community-response-volunteer-v116-981.pdf
Food Hygiene advice for those handling food
I know a number of you are preparing and delivering food to residents. Just to update you on the guidance in its current state; Environmental Health colleagues have kindly provided the following useful links. They note that: “You do not need a food hygiene certificate to provide food for charity or community groups. However, you need to make sure that you handle food safely”
https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/food-safety-for-food-delivery
https://www.food.gov.uk/safety-hygiene/food-safety-for-community-cooking-and-food-banks
Again I hope this is of use.
Best wishes
Isabel
Isabel Edgington
Senior Events and Projects Officer
Fenland District Council
