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Wednesday 7 April, Issue 2
Thank you to everyone who has already been in contact to share what support their group or organisation needs at this time. We're currently collating your responses and finding solutions to ensure you receive the best possible support to continue to deliver your services. Please do keep in touch and tell us what your organisation needs, where the current gaps are, and what the future priorities for funding/training/support might be. Please contact me directly at: alison.semmence@yorkcvs.org.uk.

We've highlighted our response to the COVID-19 pandemic in full on our website; detailing our activities and the support we are providing to individuals and the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector in York during the pandemic. If you would like further information, please visit our website or get in touch by emailing: info@yorkcvs.org.uk.
Alison Semmence 
Chief Executive 
York CVS
Read what York CVS is doing
As a social action organisation, our purpose and passion is to support and champion York’s voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector; to make positive change, challenge issues and grow new ideas to strengthen communities. And what a challenge we have all been faced with! Here at York CVS our purpose and passion remain the same as we navigate through the coronavirus pandemic. Please visit our website where we have highlighted our activities and detailed our services and support at this time.
Read response
HR Guide to Furlough
Our HR Guide to the Government’s Job Retention Scheme (Furlough), provides an overview of the scheme, information on what financial support is available under the scheme as well as the practicalities involved if you furlough staff.
Download guide
Local information, guidance and resources
Healthwatch York urge local employers to help protect the most vulnerable
Healthwatch York, part of York CVS, has published a press release urging local employers to make sure they fully understand the personal circumstances of each of their employees and to take a common-sense approach where continuing in their duties puts lives at risk.

This message comes after hearing directly from people who believe they are particularly vulnerable to coronavirus but who have not received a letter or live with someone in this situation, and from those who live with a vulnerable individual for whom the guidance simply isn’t possible, either due to their living arrangements or the nature of their work.
Read full press release
What is shielding?
Healthwatch York is also urging the Government to extend the shielding advice to cover household members where limiting contact is not possible, and employees living with those being shielded where the nature of their work prevents social distancing.

Shielding is the word used to describe how to protect those at highest risk of severe illness if they catch coronavirus. You can shield yourself following the Government guidance, and shield others by minimising all interaction between yourself and those who are most at risk. Healthwatch England has published a detailed article on shielding which provides advice about how you shield yourself.
Read shielding article
Safeguarding during the coronavirus pandemic
We have published a guide to safeguarding during the coronavirus pandemic, designed to support groups and organisations at this time. The document covers the need for a safeguarding policy, free training and links to information and resources.

The City of York Safeguarding Children Partnership has also launched a dedicated webpage with links to further information specifically designed for professionals/parents/children and young people.
Download guide
Cruse Bereavement Care telephone support
Cruse Bereavement Care, York & North Yorkshire Area is now offering telephone support to bereaved people and offering support to parents on how to help their children. The contact number is 01904 481162. Please leave a message and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.
Be alert to scams and fraudsters
North Yorkshire Police has received a number of reports of fraud related to Coronavirus over the last few weeks. They have published some examples of scams on their website and have issued the following guidance.

General tips to keep safe from scams:
  • Do not click on links or open attachments in emails and text messages.
  • Take time to check emails or messages are from a legitimate source. Please be aware that fraudsters go to great lengths to make their communications with you look genuine.
  • Delete any suspicious emails or text messages immediately.
  • Don’t let anyone into your home without verifying their identity and checking they have legitimate documentation or an official ID card.
  • Never give out personal or financial information over the phone.
  • Only purchase goods online from trusted and legitimate retailers and if you have one, then use a credit card as this will offer greater insurance.
As Covid-19 continues to spread, fraudsters are likely to continue using the anxiety it generates to trick people out of their personal data and hard-earned money. Please look after and support each other and report anything suspicious to the police.
Victim Support has also published two guides, one for individuals and one for groups, with practical tips and advice on how to be alert to scammers and fraudsters during the coronavirus pandemic. You can download both guides below:
More information from North Yorkshire Police
National guidance and resources
Eligibility checklist for government business support
NAVCA has shared a checklist that offers an at-a-glance view of which type of businesses and organisations can qualify for the different support measures offered by the government throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
View checklist
VAT guidance over the next few months
Accountancy firm, BHP, has published a blog post full of advice regarding VAT, including guidance on:
  • VAT Deferral
  • Payments on Account
  • VAT Bad Debt Relief
  • Cash Accounting Scheme & Flat Rate Scheme
  • HMRC COVID response – digital links for Making Tax Digital for VAT deadline extended to 1 April 2021
Read guidance
Age UK publish short guide to coronavirus
Age UK has published a guide to the coronavirus which includes useful information regarding the different terms used, including: social distancing, self-isolation and shielding. The guide also provides tips for staying safe and well at home as well as useful contact details including the Age UK advice line (0800 169 65 65). 
Download guide
How to get started with digital fundraising platforms
Charity Digital has published an article on digital fundraising platforms to support charities and organisations that are facing reduced fundraising streams due to social distancing and the coronavirus pandemic. The article highlights how digital platforms can be good options to quickly and effectively take donations.
View guidance
Free webinar: tools and technology that can make your charity accessible
Charity Digital is hosting a free webinar with representatives from Microsoft, to share how you can use various tools in your organisation and why implementing this technology and building an accessibility strategy into your business is essential.
Book online
Funding and Development
Visit our COVID-19 Funding Information page for more local and national funding information. If your organisation needs support with funding advice and applications, please contact our Funding and Development Officer, Jane Granville: jane.granville@yorkcvs.org.uk
Sport England Community Emergency Fund
Sport England are making up to £195 million of funding available to help the sport and physical activity sector through the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
More information
Sport England Community Emergency Fund Webinar
Date and time: 16 April, 18:00 - 19:00
North Yorkshire Sport & Active Humber are hosting a joint webinar to discuss Sport England's recently launched Community Emergency Fund in response to the coronavirus pandemic. This webinar is to support any organisations thinking of applying for Sport England's Community Emergency Fund across North Yorkshire and the Humber.
Register online
Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation
Grants of £250 to £2,000 are available to charities helping communities cope with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Can fund: running costs, staff and travel/volunteer expenses. Quick decision on application (within 2 weeks).
More information
Coronavirus Community Fund
Two Ridings Community Foundation has established the Coronavirus Community Fund to support community groups through this unprecedented time. The focus of the fund will be to offer community organisations emergency funding to deal with emerging issues in the community as a result of the continuing threat of coronavirus.
More information
National Lottery Community Fund
All National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF) funding decisions in the next six months (up to £300m of funding) will be devoted to responding to the COVID-19 crisis. The NLCF will prioritise existing grant holders and applicants with activities specifically geared to supporting communities through this crisis, and helping organisations overcome liquidity issues caused by COVID-19.
More information
Health and Wellbeing
Stay Active at Home resources
North Yorkshire Sport has compiled some of the most useful tips and handy exercise ideas that are out there for keeping active in and around your home. If you've found a great way to keep active online, use the hashtag #StayInWorkOut on social media to share it with others.
 
Useful links:
More information
Explore York share stay at home ideas and resources
Explore York has shared a shared a range of activities and some new ideas to support staying at home during the pandemic. On their website you can find the following:  
Join the library online
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