Local support for individuals and families
Just a reminder about RVA’s resources page for individuals and families that gets updated regularly: Coronavirus Community Action
Funding
NEW! Reading Community Grants Deadline 24 July
Reading Voluntary Action is pleased to announce this new funding for small community groups in Reading, who are embedded in and providing grass roots support to their communities. We have received £10,000 from Berkshire Community Foundation to distribute in this way and qualifying groups can apply for up to £2,000 each. RVA values and supports the vital role that small community groups play in our town and this funding is directly targeted to help such groups to strengthen what they are already doing to support those most vulnerable in our town. Read more and apply.
Deadline 12 July!! The Jo Cox Foundation and Facebook have partnered to launch the Great Get Together Facebook Community Grants programme. They are looking to award grants of up to £1000 to projects aiming to build virtual connections in creative and innovative ways throughout the rest of the year. Successful applicants will also benefit from a package of digital support from Facebook, including mentoring to enable organisations to fully optimise their use of the platform. Applications are welcomed from organisations who have previously been engaged with the Great Get Together or the More in Common network. Find out more and apply here
British Red Cross report on Life after lockdown: tackling loneliness shows that although social distancing and lockdown measures will continue to be eased, loneliness will remain. And for those most left behind, it may continue to grow.
To truly meet the challenge ahead, policy makers and civil society must now consider recovery and refocus our efforts on supporting those most affected by this crisis.
Resources and ideas for befrienders and their befriendees
Music for Dementia have launched m4dradio, a new online radio station for people living with dementia and their carers, including 5 themed radio stations playing music that evokes memories. m4dradio
RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) have published a set of resources aiming to help organisations and individuals working on the ground who might interact with blind and partially sighted people. There is a document called Helping You to Help Others also available in an accessible PDF, and an accompanying video that's worth a watch and share.
BBC Radio 4’s File on 4 investigates the impact of coronavirus on the nation’s mental health - and asks if services will be able to cope in the aftermath of the pandemic. Mental Health: the Next Pandemic?
A New Yorker article on the political consequences of loneliness during the pandemic by Masha Gessen
