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COVID-19 Survey: impact on local charities and community groups
We want to understand the impact that COVID-19 is having on local charities and community organisations so we can look at the services and support groups will need over the coming months and in the future. Please complete our short Covid-19 survey so that we can get a picture of what is happening.
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Join our online meetup for trustees
This is a chance to hear from you about the support you need, share information and ideas and help you to get to grips with your ever extending to do list!
Details are below
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We have been holding a number of successful online networking meetings. These have been helpful in raising common issues sharing ideas and experiences and making useful connections between different organisations.
You can find details of our NEW session for trustees here.
We have new dates for meet ups for groups in:
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What Trustees need to think about
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NCVO asks the questions
NCVO poses a series of questions for trustees to consider:
- Do we have, or need to develop a plan
- Can we refocus our efforts and activities, in line with our charitable purpose, to respond to coronavirus?
- What are our most essential operations and services? How could we continue to operate these in the event of isolation or staff absences?
- What organisations can we partner with to continue to deliver services or provide new support?
- What extra flexibility or support might employees, volunteers and beneficiaries need at this time and how can we communicate with them?
- What immediate actions do we need to take to manage our finances – considering cash flow and increased contingency costs?
- Can we speak to funders about the impact of cancelling, delaying project activities, or even in repurposing funds?
- How can the board and staff team utilise technology to continue to meet and make decisions if we cannot meet in person?
- How might this impact on our corporate decision making, audits and filing deadlines as well as meetings such as AGM’s?
The website gives further information on key issues and also lists additional resources.
CCVS Business Continuity Plan
We have prepared a Business Continuity and Risk Planning template to help groups with the process of thinking about and planning for the future which you can find on our website. It is designed to quantify the disruption to delivering your services, managing the risks in the activities that you ran during the crisis and how your restart process will be initiated.
If you would like advice on how to adapt the plan for your own use or talk through any specific issues your group is facing then please contact us.
Email enquiries@cambridgecvs.org.uk and we can arrange for a phone or online chat.
Contingency planning and financial implications
This guidance from NCVO looks at what groups need to do to prepare for the potential impacts of coronavirus on your charity's or voluntary organisation's operations and finances.
The section covers the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, Immediate actions to manage finances, funding opportunities and other useful resources.
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Keeping your volunteers in the loop
Many organisations are now out of physical contact with their volunteers as we self-isolate, but we know groups are still working to keep their volunteers engaged ready to step back into the fray when the situation improves.
Groups are also concerned volunteers may also be missing the camaraderie of volunteering and have started to think about ways to address this.
We have pulled together some ideas on keeping your volunteers engaged - this is a starting point and not intended to be an exhaustive list, please let us have your ideas and recommendations.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): increased risk of fraud and cybercrime against charities
The Charity Commission has issued an alert warning charities to be aware of increased threat of coronavirus related fraud and cybercrime.
Fraudsters are exploiting the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in order to carry out fraud and cybercrime. Police have reported an increase in coronavirus related scams.
We are issuing this alert to help charities minimise the risk of becoming a victim of such frauds and cyber-attacks.
All charities, but especially those providing services and supporting local communities during the coronavirus crisis, could be targeted by fraudsters.
Read the guidance in full here
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COVID-19 Cyber & Fraud Protect messages
Advice collated by the East Midlands Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU) highlights the need for groups and individuals to be on their guard against a growing list of scams and fake news.
Fake News continues to be a problem
Mainstream media (BBC/ITV) report the spread of false information during the coronavirus outbreak has been rapid. People sharing messages on social media warning of everything from beating the virus by drinking hot drinks to 5G masts spreading the virus.
Reliable sources of information are: National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), Action Fraud and your regional/force Protect and Communications teams.
Hot Topics
- Action Fraud warn the public about the continued use of the NHS in scam messages requesting either money or personal details.
- Text messages are being sent to dupe people into topping up their mobile phones as they cannot visit shops.
- A Covid-19 scam via text and WhatsApp telling people to claim a supermarket voucher, is now also appearing as an email. The victim clicks the link and enters personal info.
Trending
- Hackers are sending a new COVID 19 email titled “You are infected”. Recipients are asked to download an infected Excel document attached to the email and proceed to the nearest emergency health clinic for testing.
- Phishing emails purporting to come from Microsoft or internet browsing companies asking to click on link for terms and conditions update.
- The National Pensioners Convention has received reports of COVID-19 scams specifically targeting the elderly, such as selling pre-paid funerals and power of attorneys.
- Scam email, stating the following: ‘As schools will be closing, if you’re entitled to free school meals, please send your bank details and we’ll make sure you’re supported’.
- ZOOM video security - there are several reports in the media, raising doubts about the security of ZOOM. We recommend that users review the set up and implement all of the recommended security setting within the application.
- Top tips for video users: Think about location - what can be seen in the background? Do you have Alexa, Siri or Google Assistant listening in the background? Sharing your screen – think about what else can be seen when you “share”.
Reporting
Reporting to Action Fraud can be done online or by calling 0300 123 2040. To report offers of financial assistance from HMRC, contact phishing@hmrc.gov.uk.
Advice and information is changing daily as we navigate our way through the COVID19 pandemic, so please ensure you only take information from reputable sources.
If you require any further information, assistance or guidance please contact the ERSOU Protect Team CyberProtect@ERSOU.pnn.police.uk or your local Force protect team.
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Coronavirus information updates
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Read this information if your group has a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund:
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and The National Lottery Community Fund’s grant holders
The government has confirmed that The National Lottery Community Fund’s grant holders are eligible for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) so long as:
- they are not primarily funded by the government, and their staff cannot be redeployed to assist with the coronavirus response
- they do not already receive public funding that is explicitly designed to cover the staff costs for which they are now claiming*, and
- the combined total of their grants and Job Retention Scheme payments should not represent more than 100% of the level of total income they would have expected to receive for salaries and associated salary costs during this period in a non-COVID scenario (for the avoidance of doubt, this includes earned and contributed income).
The National Lottery Community Fund will allow grant holders to vary their grants which had been allocated to paying for staff who are eligible for the CJRS, in order to enable them to allocate funding to other essential activities in order to support communities and ensure continued liquidity.
All groups in receipt of NLCF funding should read this item in full on the website here.
Advice from HMRC for charities having to cancel events due to coronavirus
This advice covers changes to help charities process refunds, collect donations and claim Gift Aid for events cancelled due to coronavirus (COVID-19).
Looking for help with digital skills?
Cambridge Online has a team of Digital Champions to help
Cambridge Online's offer to community groups and charities for Digital Skills Training and Support in partnership with CCVS and Cambridge City Council is still running through a phone 01223 300407 and email helpline – help@cambridgeonline.org.uk
Hugh, our Digital SkillsTrainer is available to existing and new Voluntary and Community Groups – including those specially set-up in response to the Coronavirus Pandemic.
We have a team of Digital Champions working with Hugh to support this work during the crisis.
COVID-19: information from Cambridge City Council
Cambridge City Council has developed its Community Resilience model to explain its work with and support for local community groups and vulnerable people needing help during the coronavirus crisis. The model also describes the relationship between the City and County support and with national organisations providing advice and information.
The City has also provided the following information:
- The emergency food aid phone line has now been tested and is available to publish across the City – feel free to publish in your newsletters, web pages and share with your groups 01223 967426
- The list of food hubs and community fridges is now available here and new ones are being developed
- The Co-Op are offering support for cashless transactions to assist volunteers with shopping tasks
- We’ve heard there may be some shortages of sanitary products in some stores and, for those in real economic hardship, period poverty can be a challenge. To combat this, the Food Bank have a large supply of these products and are starting to put in food packages to households. Anyone with a lack of contact the foodbank for help.
CPFT COVID-19 Update
The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust has provided an update on changes to its services during the pandemic. Some services have had to be paused while others have been increased in response to the crisis. A list of changes can be found here
You can also find a list of services that are available to help with people’s wellbeing:
- Lifeline, a mental health phoneline for people aged 18 and over living in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough has extended its operating hours to now be available everyday between 2pm and 11pm via freephone 0808 808 2121.
- CPSL Mind (Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and South Lincolnshire) has launched an online wellbeing service for people over the age of 18 called Qwell, which provides a range of materials to support and assist people with their psychological wellbeing. This includes educational and self-help articles and peer-to-peer support via forums. Adults are also able to receive help from qualified counsellors via drop-in or scheduled online chat sessions.
- Kooth provides free, safe and anonymous online support for children and young people.
- Keep Your Head brings together all the mental health support available in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
Top tips to improve your mental wellbeing
This NHS site has advice on improving your mental wellbeing including a quiz to get your free plan, designed to help you feel more in control, deal with stress and anxiety, boost your mood and improve your sleep.
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Online Training, Events and Activities
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Tempo – supporting communities
At Tempo, encouraging community has always been at the centre of what we do. Now, more than ever, we are seeing communities unite to support each other. Here at Tempo we want to play our part in helping you and your communities support each other best during this challenging time.
Tempo Communities has a new website offering a range of online events and courses to help people to stay connected.
• E-Learning Courses
• Online Events
On 23 April Tempo is organising an online forum for people working in the Mental Health sector. It will be a chance to hear guest speakers sharing good practice around mental health services during Covid-19 as well as an opportunity to network with others working in this sector and to share problems and solutions.
Find out more and book here
Creative and cultural Support for Cambridge Residents
Whilst Cambridgeshire residents are confined to their homes, Cambridge City Council want to offer a way to keep them connected with and inspired by the local creative and cultural offering.
The culture and community team are developing a digital newsletter to be circulated amongst residents across Cambridgeshire, containing links to creative and cultural activities and content to engage with from home.
Creatives and organisations are invited to contribute to the newsletter, which will be circulated fortnightly. For example, you might include links to:
- An activity which can take place at home i.e. a worksheet or guide
- An online event – live or recorded
- Online classes/workshops – live or recorded
The newsletter will list each item with a brief description (approximately 50-100 words alongside an image (if provided) and a URL (essential). To contribute content, click here and you’ll see a Google form for submitting the details. If you have any questions or find you are unable to complete the form, please email artsandculture@cambridge.gov.uk.
Initial deadline for submissions Thursday 23 April.
All you need to know about becoming a charity trustee
Free webinar for women aged 18-25 in Cambridge
Tuesday 5 May: 6-7pm
Join trustee recruitment charity Getting on Board to find out about becoming a charity trustee (a volunteer charity leader). This session will cover the role of charity trustees and how to find and apply for a trustee position. You will also find out how to apply for a free programme to support you to become a trustee.
Did you know?
- There are 100,000 vacancies for charity trustees in the UK.
- Trusteeship is open to all ages, backgrounds and skill sets
- The level of time commitment is modest (30 hours a year)
- Most people don’t know what a trustee is or that trusteeship is open to them
- 96% of trustees said they had learned new skills and 84% said being a trustee made them happier.
Sign up here
Kindly funded by the WF Southall Trust
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Raise funds for your charity: join the 2.6 Challenge
Sunday 26 April should have been the date of the London Marathon, the world’s biggest one-day fundraising event which last year raised more than £66.4 million.
Instead, Sunday 26 April is now the date of the 2.6 Challenge.
The 2.6 Challenge is a nationwide fundraiser that local charities can use to do their own fundraising. You can download the campaign toolkit here to get involved. You can find everything you need here to get started including event posters and social media posts and frames, email footers and activity ideas and images.
Anyone can take on the challenge. All you need to do is dream up an activity based around the numbers 2.6 or 26 that suits your skills and complete it on Sunday 26 April. Check out ‘how to get involved’ for more ideas on the website. If you want to donate to a specific charity you can set up a fundraising page here
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Update from the National Lottery Community Fund
Reaching Communities Fund
COVID-19 Response: All the funding decisions we make for the next six months will prioritise addressing the current crisis.
This means we will prioritise applications from:
- Organisations supporting people who are at high risk from COVID-19
- Organisations supporting communities most likely to face increased demand and challenges as a direct result of measures to prevent the result of COVID-19
- Organisations with high potential to support communities with the direct and indirect impact of COVID-19
We will support organisations who fit these priorities with funding for activities specifically geared to supporting communities through this crisis.
We will also consider how we can support such organisations to respond to any acute financial difficulties they might face as a result of the crisis.
Go to the website for full details
Awards for All
A quick way to apply for smaller amounts of funding between £300 and £10,000.
COVID-19 Response: All the funding decisions we make for the next six months will prioritise addressing the current crisis.
This means we will prioritise applications from:
- Organisations supporting people who are at high risk from COVID-19
- Organisations supporting communities most likely to face increased demand and challenges as a direct result of measures to prevent the result of COVID-19
- Organisations with high potential to support communities with the direct and indirect impact of COVID-19.
Go to the website for full details of how to apply
RAFT Fund
RAFT Fund is seeking to ensure that effective small charities and social enterprises are able to meet the rapidly changing needs of their beneficiaries, remain viable and prepare for delivery when the acute phase of the crisis is over. The fund will provide grants for high quality, well-managed small charities and social enterprises with great leadership doing vital work in their communities.
RAFT Fund opens for applications on Wednesday 22 April 2020 at 10am. The fund offers unrestricted grants of up to £5000 to any small charity or social enterprise in the UK with turnover of under £500,000.
Full details are on the website
Local Giving: Magic Little Grants
Localgiving is working with Postcode Community Trust, a grant giving charity funded by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, to offer charitable organisations the opportunity to apply for grants of £500.
The aim of the fund is to support the work of organisations that are engaging hard to reach individuals, encouraging them to take part in physical activity to help improve their physical health.
Both Localgiving and Postcode Community Trust recognise the role that sports and exercise can play in bringing communities together, as well as promoting holistic wellbeing amongst groups and individuals. Grants can be used to support the general running costs of new and existing sports and physical activities. For example, this could include: facilities hire, kit & equipment, coaching qualifications, events and trips, and other volunteer expenses etc.
We are happy to support projects that support people to stay active during social distancing, such as online fitness classes delivered via video conferencing software or Youtube.
In addition to receiving the grant, successful organisations will receive an annual membership with Localgiving funded by Postcode Community Trust. This membership will give them access to the Localgiving online fundraising platform, regular fundraising competitions and expert fundraising advice.
Find out more on the website
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