ALISON Online Learning also offers free courses across a range of topics and subjects, including education, personal development, languages and IT. They have also created an information course on COVID-19, looking at the virus’ history, symptoms and possible treatments and prevention methods.
News
COVID-19 Committee: Call for Evidence on Lockdown Restrictions
Scottish Parliament’s COVID-19 Committee wants to hear people’s views on the options for refining or reducing the current lockdown arrangements. The Committee is keen to hear from as many people as possible, as part of Scottish Government’s COVID-19 Framework for Decision-Making and its call for ideas from the public on transitioning out of the current lockdown. Written views in any language (including English, Gaelic, and Scots) are welcomed. The deadline for responses is Friday 29th May.
Scottish Government COVID-19 Impact Online Survey
Scottish Government is researching the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on personal, community and society wellbeing, and have launched an online survey to gather feedback. The survey looks at the concerns, priorities and possible opportunities for different groups and communities, along with their experiences. The deadline for responses is Wednesday 27th May.
NHS Forth Valley Mental Wellbeing Guides
NHS Forth Valley has a range of self-help guides available on their website, including information on Metal Wellbeing During COVID-19. Other self-help guides available include: alcohol, bereavement, domestic violence, eating disorders, and many more.
Wellbeing Fund Reopened for Applications
Scottish Government’s Wellbeing Fund has reopened for applications, and third sector organisations are strongly encouraged to apply. Activities should be based on working with at risk groups with new needs not currently met by existing services, and be focused on providing vital wellbeing support. Applications from groups working with Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities are particularly welcomed. The deadline for applications is Friday 22nd May.
Falkirk Business Support Fund Open to Charities
Properties occupied by charities (with a rateable value of £18,000 or less) are now eligible to apply for grants of £10,000 from the Business Support Fund, part of Scottish Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of these grants is to help protect jobs, prevent business closure and promote economic recovery. Falkirk Council has been asked to administer the grants for businesses and charities based in the Falkirk Council area.
BEMIS Scotland EMNRN COVID-19 Funding and Support
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.
Barclays’ 100×100 UK COVID-19 Community Relief Programme
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.
Just Enterprise Support for TSRF Applications
Just Enterprise is running a series of free webinars this week and next to support social enterprises with their applications to the Third Sector Resilience Fund (TSRF): Friday 8th May at 1pm, Monday 11th May at 12pm, Wednesday 13th May at 12pm, and Friday 15th May at 1pm. These webinars (lasting roughly an hour) aim to help organisations understand their financial situation in order to apply for the TSRF.
Volunteer Scotland Online PVG Sessions
Volunteer Scotland’s Disclosure Services team has created virtual drop-in sessions, taking place every Thursday, 12:30pm – 1:30pm via Zoom, to provide support and answer questions around the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme during this time. These sessions aim to provide an opportunity to ask any questions around the PVG scheme, including those around the new process. Participants can join the session from any device. It is for general questions only.
