COVID-19

BEMIS Scotland has set up the Ethnic Minority National Resilience Network (EMNRN), offering support services and sharing best practice from local community responses for those working with and supporting Scotland’s ethnic minority communities during COVID-19. The network publishes regular newsletters, provides counselling and resources, and has funding around COVID-19 support available, including the Emergency Sustenance Grant Fund and the Transition Fund.

Through their 100×100 UK COVID-19 Community Relief Programme, Barclays is making 100 donations of £100,000 each to UK charities working to support vulnerable communities impacted by COVID-19, and the associated social and economic hardship caused by the pandemic. The deadline for applications is Friday 22nd May.

Crowdfunder has announced that, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the work being done to support people across communities, they have now made all their funding platforms FREE to use. The free platforms are available for charities and other third sector organisations (with a dedicated section for foodbanks), businesses (including social enterprises) and communities, and can be used to raise funds.

The National Lottery Community Fund Scotland has released an update on their activities and support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Key points include: the fund is “open for business”, with their teams all working from home, and will continue to award grants as planned, and they remain open to all applications as usual, but over the next 6 months they will prioritise applications related to COVID-19.

As part of our COVID-19 Community Responses, Resources and Guidance page, our team at CVS Falkirk has pulled together a range of funds relevant to our local communities and sector: the COVID-19 Funding page. Please check this page regularly, as new information is being added on an ongoing basis.

Skills for Health has developed a free online resource for key workers (including volunteers, who are classed as category 2 or 3) to learn about COVID-19 symptoms, infection prevention, investigation and guidance to support them in their role. The course includes Statutory/Mandatory e-learning training, aligned to the UK’s Core Skills Training Framework, including Infection Prevention and Control.

Change Grow Live (CGL) Forth Valley has compiled a short list of useful information documents for during the current COVID-19 pandemic, including: Support Services in Forth Valley, information on the benefits available under Universal Credit during the pandemic, and a list of NHS and partner helpline services.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Skills Development Scotland (SDS) is continuing to provide career information, advice and guidance. SDS Careers Advisers are also continuing to offer support to individuals via phone, Skype or online.

Home Energy Scotland is a free, impartial energy advice service from Scottish Government. They are keen to help householders whose home heating and energy use will be affected by staying home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Advisers are available to help with any questions people may have around staying warm and saving energy whilst self-isolating.