Voluntary and Community Sector Support

Our Community Grants scheme for 2021-22 is now open! As well as our popular capital, revenue and Everyone Active grants we have launched some exciting new grants this year. This includes two new Green Grants and a small, one-off VCS Re-Start Grant. We are also continuing to offer priority to Covid-related applications for the first two grant rounds of this financial year. Full details and application information is available at Community Grants webpage

Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation Coronavirus Support Fund offers grants up to £5,000 through two funds:

Immediate Emergency Relief Fund: Apply if you are a constituted charitable or community organisation in Leicester, Leicestershire or Rutland, providing immediate emergency relief to one or more groups of people below:

• Older people (over the age of 70) not otherwise supported
• Vulnerable people with medical conditions, including mental health difficulties, not otherwise supported.
• People who are isolated and lack a support network
• People with low or insecure incomes e.g. having to claim universal credit or use food banks
• People facing domestic violence
• People facing other emergency needs not met by other organisations.

General Coronavirus Support: A smaller part of the fund is made up of donations from local companies and donors to meet important but less immediate needs that have arisen due to the lockdown and the Coronavirus crisis, for example

• Helping people you normally support in different ways – for example, wellbeing, educational or support activities on-line
• Support for people who need your service, but who are not in an emergency situation
• Preventative projects or activities to ensure people or communities you work are less likely to need emergency help
• Adaptions you have had to make that will directly benefit the people you help

National Lottery Funding

The National Lottery funding schemes are open to all applications that meet their criteria, including support during COVID-19. With the COVID-19 pandemic still with us, they will continue to support people and communities most adversely impacted by COVID-19 through two funds:

• Awards for All - grants between £300 and £10,000
• Local Connections Fund - grants between £300 and £2,500 for projects to reduce loneliness

For up to date listings of all grants available relating to the Coronavirus pandemic visit:

Leicestershire County Council Leicestershire Communities website 

Voluntary Action Leicestershire website

The government has made a range of funding available to help small businesses that are registered to pay non-domestic rates (even if you don't pay anything due to relief). This can include premises used for public assembly and leisure activities, including sports clubs, community centres/halls and libraries. For up to date information about government grants, visit the Council's Reliefs and Exemptions webpage.

Love Blaby Lottery is a weekly online lottery set up by the Council to support local voluntary sector organisations in Blaby District.  We launched the lottery three years ago and it has helped bring in extra income for local charities, community groups and sports clubs even through the recent tough times.

It is FREE for organisations to join and you receive lots of help to promote your cause. You can spend the proceeds however your organisation needs: whether that's paying a bill, making up for lost income or meeting new costs that have arisen from the pandemic in order for you to run activities safely.

So, if you’ve not already signed up, it’s a great time to join the Love Blaby Lottery and start raising money in a matter of days! How much money could your organisation raise by joining the Love Blaby Lottery?

The projected annual income is based on maintaining a consistent level of ticket sales per week. For more information and to register your organisation visit Love Blaby Lottery.

As part of its response to support charities and social enterprises through the Coronavirus pandemic, the government is supporting a number of financing options:

£45 million will be deployed by Big Society Capital to allow better access to investment including emergency loans for charities, social enterprises and some small businesses facing cash-flow problems and disruption to their trading following the coronavirus outbreak.

The demand for affordable credit is expected to rise substantially in light of the coronavirus outbreak. Fair4All Finance will use £65 million to support registered affordable credit providers to increase access to fair, appropriate products and services for those struggling financially, providing them with an alternative to high cost loans.

£30 million will go to Access - The Foundation for Social Investment who will support social enterprises helping people in vulnerable circumstances. They will make up to £10 million available for emergency support through social lenders while also developing a wider programme of recovery finance for the social sector.

Step 1 Part 2 - From 29 March

At this stage, some further settings will be permitted to open.

This will include outdoor sports facilities such as:

• gyms
• swimming pools
• sports courts (such as tennis and basketball courts)
• golf courses, including mini golf
• water sports venues
• climbing walls
• driving and shooting ranges
• riding arenas at riding centres
• archery venues

People can use these venues in a group of six people, or with members of up to two households.

At this step, formally organised outdoor sport will also return - this can include a larger number of participants, provided that appropriate steps are taken to make it COVID-Secure in line with the law. Indoor facilities, such as changing rooms, should not be used at this time, although toilet facilities can be accessed. At this stage, these gatherings must only include participants - not spectators.

Businesses eligible to host childcare and supervised activities for children will now be able to host all outdoor children’s activities, and outdoor parent-and child groups for up to 15 people (not counting those aged under five)

Step 2 - no earlier than 12 April

Following the move to Step 2, further settings will be permitted to open. Unless a specific exemption exists, these must only be attended/used in line with the wider social contact limits at this stage - as a single household or bubble indoors; or in a group of 6 people or 2 households outdoors.

Public buildings, such as community halls and centres, and libraries, can reopen.

Businesses eligible to host childcare and supervised activities for children will now be able to host these activities (including sport) for all children, regardless of circumstances.

Permitted businesses operating in otherwise closed attractions (such as a gift shop or a takeaway kiosk at a museum) may only open where they are a self-contained unit and can be accessed directly from the street.

Outdoor gatherings or events, organised by a business, charity, public body or similar organisation, can be organised, subject to specific conditions:

• that they comply with COVID-Secure guidance including taking reasonable steps to limit the risk of transmission
• complete a related risk assessment
• ensure that those attending do not mix beyond what is permitted by the social contact limits (unless another exemption exists, such as for work purposes, or supervised activities for children). This could enable spectators at a grassroots sports match or a village fete, provided people do not mix beyond groups of 6 people or two households
• We will update guidance to local authorities on how smaller outdoor events like these should be run safely

Indoor events that bring people together - even if they do not mix with other households - must not run until Step 3.

This is only permitted if there is an explicit exemption - this includes support groups, supervised activities for children, parent-and-child groups (up to 15 people, not counting those aged under five), communal worship, or a wedding, reception or commemorative event like a wake.

Step 3 - no earlier than 17 May

Following the move to Step 3, further settings will be permitted to open. Unless a specific exemption exists, these must only be attended/used in line with the wider social contact limits at this stage - in a group of 6 people or 2 households indoors: or in a group of no more than 30 people outdoors.

At this step, both outdoor and indoor gatherings or events, organised by a business, charity, public body or similar organisation, can be organised, subject to specific conditions:

• that they comply with COVID-Secure guidance including taking reasonable steps to limit the risk of transmission
• complete a related risk assessment
• ensure that those attending do not mix beyond what is permitted by the social contact limits (unless another exemption exists such as for organised sport or exercise, supervised activities for children or a significant life event)
• Spectators will be allowed at elite sporting events and performance events. Attendance at these events will be restricted to 50% of capacity up to 1,000 people for indoor events, and 50% of capacity up to 4,000 people for outdoor events. For outdoor events taking place in venues with seated capacity of over 16,000, event organisers may apply a 25% capacity cap, up to a maximum of 10,000 seated people. Large business events will also be able to go ahead, subject to the same capacity requirements.

Step 4 - no earlier than 21 June

• In Step 4 we hope to reopen remaining settings such as nightclubs and adult entertainment venues, and to lift the restrictions on social contact and large events that apply in Step 3. This is subject to the outcome of the Events Research Programme, and a review of social distancing measures.
• We will also look to relax COVID-Secure requirements on businesses, subject to the outcome of the reviews

Prior to re-opening your premises you must review the following:

• As the building has been closed for a while due to water  stagnation there may be an increased risk for Legionnaires Disease 

Legionella risks during the coronavirus pandemic - HSE news

• Carry out a deep clean: normal cleaning and disinfection is adequate

Cleaning, hygiene and handwashing to make your workplace COVID-secure (hse.gov.uk)

• Review your Covid Risk assessment

Risk assessment - Working safely during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic (hse.gov.uk)

• Review the ventilation of the building which will form part of your Covid Risk assessment

• Review your posters displayed  throughout the premises.

Posters - Coronavirus Resource centre (phe.gov.uk)

• Face coverings

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own 

• Track N Trace QR code in place and a book for names and contact numbers

 Venues in hospitality, the tourism and leisure industry, close contact services, community centres and village halls must:

• ask all members of every party of customers or visitors (up to 6 people) to provide their name and contact details (New Change)
• keep a record of all staff working on their premises and shift times on a given day and their contact details
• keep these records of customers, visitors and staff for 21 days and provide data to NHS Test and Trace if requested
• display an official NHS QR code poster so that customers and visitors can ‘check in’ using this option as an alternative to providing their contact details
• adhere to General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR)

Maintaining records of staff, customers and visitors to support NHS Test and Trace - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

• Reopening a kitchen for catering

Reopening checklist for food businesses during COVID-19 | Food Standards Agency

covid-19-food-delivery-and-takeaway-guidance.pdf (cieh.org)

covid-19-safe-shopping-guidelines.pdf (cieh.org)

You can also contact Blaby District Council's Environmental Health team for advice at environmental.health@blaby.gov.uk 

The Rural Community Council is continuing to provide remote support to people managing village halls and other community buildings across Leicestershire and Rutland. You can find a series of useful resources related to the re-opening and usage of community buildings on the Rural Community Council website. This includes guidance from Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) around opening village halls and community buildings.

Communicating with your service users and the wider public when you have re-opened or re-started services/activities safely is a really important step. You may also want to promote new fundraising initiatives that you are running to help re-coup lost income.

We may be able to help promote your updates and activities through the Council's communications channels, such as our monthly e-newsletters. Please use the Voluntary and Community Sector Hub request for help form on this webpage to share details with our Communications Team.

There is also guidance available from the Charity Commission for village halls and other charities concerned about meetings and reporting during the coronavirus outbreak.

Those who are classed as Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (CEV) are no longer advised to shield from Thursday 01 April. Although CEV people will no longer be advised to shield, it is still strongly recommended that extra precautions are taken to minimise the Covid risk. Please read the full Government Guidance relating to Clinically Extremely Vulnerable which outlines the precautions that should be taken. 

Supermarkets will continue to offer priority access until 21 June. If you still need support, you can contact us and we will be able to put you in touch with support available in your area. Please see the section Community Hub support below for details of how to access this help.

Anyone classed as a CEV aged 16 or older should already have been offered the first dose of the vaccine. If you have not yet received your first dose, please contact your GP as soon as possible.

Blaby District Community Hub was set up at the start of the lockdown to ensure vulnerable and isolated people get the support they need, either from friends or family, volunteers in the community, the Council or other partners organisations. The Community Hub will remain in place at this time so if you are worried about someone, please contact us using the online referral process.

Ageing Well information at Blaby District Council

Benefits Team at Blaby District Council

Domestic Abuse Support Service at Blaby District Council

Resident Support Service at Blaby District Council

Adult Social Care at Leicestershire County Council

Children’s Services at Leicestershire County Council

Alzheimer’s Society - Dementia Support Workers in Leicester and Leicestershire are providing telephone support to people living with dementia, their carers and families.

AgeUK Leicestershire and Rutland - is offering a package of support for older people which helps with the challenges faced during self-isolation. These include practical challenges in getting to the supermarket or pharmacy as well as support with fears and anxieties, low mood, loneliness and boredom. We can also help with issues which are exacerbated by the coronavirus, for example bereavement, carer strain and financial challenges.

LAMP is offering mental health support via a telephone service during this time as well as virtual group support for carers of someone with a mental health condition.

Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust has launched a dedicated telephone line so that people of all ages in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland can access urgent NHS mental health support directly on 0116 295 3060. Please note that this is not an emergency service. Where people have immediate, serious and life-threatening emergency mental and/or physical health needs, for example if an individual has taken an overdose or is in imminent danger of physical harm, they should attend the accident and emergency department or call 999 for the appropriate emergency service. Further information about national, local and online non-urgent mental health support is available on the Leicestershire Partnership Trust website.

Young Minds - Children and Young People's Mental Health Charity

Our Health and Leisure Team is offering a range of tailored support to sports clubs and instructors. Sign up to receive support.

Leicestershire and Rutland Sport have a dedicated section on their website relating to all matters COVID including advice about re-opening and funding.

For more information on how we can support you to find new volunteers or work with your existing ones, please go to our volunteering webpage.

The government has provided a range of information and advice  for those organisations that employ staff with regard to financial support schemes. For further information visit the Government's Coronavirus Business Support webpages.

The National Council for Voluntary Organisations is the umbrella body for the Voluntary and Community Sector.  It's knowhow section contains guidance and resources to support charities, voluntary organisations and volunteers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Digital Boost is a platform that will host a community of digital experts, who will offer one-to-one digital support to small businesses and charities free of charge to help them improve their digital capability to grow and prosper.

Catalyst has developed guidance and offer support via zoom to help you think about how to move your services online. Cast is a charity which helps people use digital for social good.

Organising an activity or event online requires the same basic steps as an in-person event or activity. The keys to success are to be clear about what you are trying to achieve and to plan it well. 

There are a few tools available for groups who need to find a way for several people to have a discussion together, without physically being in the same place.

Voluntary Action Leicestershire offers a range of services including:

• Advice on setting up or growing your group or organisation
• Recruitment, retention and management of volunteers
• Training courses
• Opportunities to consult with key partners and commissioners
• Different types of funding, including access to the Leicestershire Funding Toolkit

VAL is also running online surgeries every Wednesday between 1.30-3.30pm.  To find out more visit the Voluntary Action Leicestershire website.

Leicestershire Cares is a charity which brings together businesses and the community for the benefit of both.

Cooperative and Social Enterprise aims to grow the impact of the co-operative and social enterprise economy in the East Midlands by delivering business support as well as developing and offering products and services that meet current and emerging business needs.

The Resource Centre is based in Brighton and although it focuses on supporting community groups in Brighton and Hove, any organisation is welcome to use their online resources

Community Action Partnership are a charity who offer a door-to-door transport service through a team of dedicated volunteer drivers.  This service is available to people who have difficulty using public transport in Oadby & Wigston and Blaby District.

Commbus is your local community transport service, every day, for the elderly and for anyone with a disability or limited mobility.