The Scottish Community Development Centre (SCDC) has updated their “Supporting Communities Safely” COVID-19 guidance page. The page, which has been checked for accuracy by Public Health Scotland, provides advice on how to reduce risk and staying safe while helping people and local communities.
News
COVID-19 Impact On Equalities and Human Rights
Scottish Parliament’s Equalities and Human Rights Committee have launched an Inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on equalities and human rights. This inquiry seeks to identify the evidence that some groups of people are experiencing disproportionately negative impacts of COVID-19, and some of the measures taken to deal with it. The deadline for responses is Friday 1st January 2021.
ALISON Online Learning Free Courses
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.
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.
