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New Welsh Government report commends local authority and volunteer partnership for rapid response to Covid-19

Adroddiad newydd Llywodraeth Cymru yn canmol partneriaeth rhwng awdurdodau lleol a gwirfoddolwyr am ymateb yn gyflym i Covid-19

Local authorities and the third sector responded rapidly to support Wales’ most vulnerable and isolated people during the pandemic, a new report has found.

The Welsh Government report commends the way that local authorities and the third sector worked together to plan and co-ordinate local support for non-shielding vulnerable groups and individuals.

The report also notes increased levels of volunteering at a local level, with the pandemic resulting in more and new forms of volunteering.

Although the survey indicated evidence of higher levels of loneliness and isolation among vulnerable groups during the pandemic, local authorities and CVCs provided numerous examples of positive impacts on community support and strengthened social connections within communities.

Voluntary and community action across Wales has been strongly focused on supporting vulnerable people, and the groups and communities most affected by Covid-19, including Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic and disabled people. 

The Deputy Minister and Chief Whip, Jane Hutt, said:

“Right across Wales, teams of volunteers have directly supported vulnerable members of their local community by providing support with shopping and medication collection, as well as befriending services to help tackle loneliness and isolation. This work has freed up local authorities, health and social care services to enable them to provide vital services to the most vulnerable amongst us.

“Volunteers and third sector organisations have already made a huge difference across Welsh communities. Communities have shown how well volunteers work together, and I wish to applaud and celebrate the efforts made.

“Please carry on doing whatever you can to support your local area – it all makes a difference. Just remember to stay safe, and follow Welsh Government’s Covid-19 guidelines.”

The online survey from which the report draws was issued on behalf of the Minister for Housing and Local Government, Julie James, who said:

“Support workers in local authorities and the third sector have been working tirelessly to support some of our most vulnerable people during this pandemic.

“While it’s clear that some challenges remain, it’s encouraging to see that new and existing partnerships have worked so well in mobilising local support.

“I want to pay tribute to everyone who has been involved in delivering these vital services. It’s essential that we keep building on these partnerships in the months to come.”

While local authorities and County Voluntary Councils have introduced initiatives aimed at reducing digital exclusion, the report also recommends that more support is needed to improve digital skills and access among vulnerable and disadvantaged groups.

Deputy Minister for Economy Lee Waters said:

“Our procured programme ‘Digital Communities Wales: Digital Confidence, Health and Well-being’ works with organisations best placed to reach those who need help and support to use digital technologies. Digital inclusion is also a key focus of our new Digital Strategy for Wales.

“We must support people to overcome barriers and ensure everyone is supported to gain the motivation, confidence and skills in order to make informed decisions and choose how they participate in, and make the most of, our increasingly digital world.”

Community and third sector activity remains key to Wales’ recovery from the pandemic. The recently announced £4m Community and Volunteering Support for Recovery Grant emphasises partnership between public bodies and third sector organisations. This funding will sustain volunteering and community action, helping grant recipients to introduce new systems and arrangements, and develop long term community support services which will support recovery in Wales.

Ruth Marks, CEO of Wales Council for Voluntary Action, said:

“Since the beginning of the pandemic, the voluntary sector has stepped up its services to provide vital support to those most vulnerable. 22,528 people have registered to volunteer this year on Volunteering Wales and WCVA, County Voluntary Councils and Local Authorities have worked in collaboration to ensure these volunteers were able to support people in need.

“This work has helped to ensure that individuals and families were able to isolate safely, which in turn has helped to take pressure off the NHS. The response of voluntary organisations and volunteers has been truly remarkable, and we would like to thank everyone involved for their continued efforts.”

Notes to editors

Notes for editors

The research report – “Review of the support for non-shielding vulnerable people (NSV) during Covid-19” - can be seen here when published:

  • The report presents findings from an online survey administered by the Welsh Government to local authorities and county voluntary councils (CVCs) in August 2020 on behalf of Julie James, Minister for Housing and Local Government.
  • The aim of the survey was to collect information on how local authorities and CVCs were providing services for non-shielding vulnerable people (NSV), including their use of volunteers, and capacity to scale up if demand for services increased.
  • All 22 local authorities across Wales submitted responses to the survey, 10 of which had prepared their responses jointly with the CVC operating in their area. In addition, two CVCs submitted individual responses. The survey responses were analysed in-house by social researchers in the Welsh Government’s Knowledge and Analytical Services to identify key themes and experiences.

Guidelines for those wishing to volunteer:

  • Start with friends and family. Pick up the phone, or call on your neighbours (at a safe distance). Reach out to people you already know to see if they need help with anything, like picking up essentials on your next local shop.
  • Think local. Reach out to existing groups in your area to find out if they need help – community notice-boards, or online community hubs, can be a good source of information to find out who needs a helping hand.
  • Be realistic with your time. You don’t need to promise to spend hours volunteering – it’s amazing what can be achieved in just an hour or so.
  • Don’t forget about fundraising. Your local community groups and charities welcome your support, and there are so many ways to fundraise – just remember to stay safe.
  • Stay safe and keep others protected against Covid-19. Keep your distance, wear a mask when appropriate, and wash your hands regularly. Check out the Welsh Government’s coronavirus pages for further info.

Case studies

 

Pictures here - https://we.tl/t-9TThP9yGPi

Including images of: Masks made by Masks and Sundries, Llanmaes; Cowbridge Male Voice Choir outdoor rehearsals. 

TIDE – the power of connection

This is a UK-wide charity tide (“Together in dementia everyday”) which brings together carers of people living with dementia to share their stories to influence positive change. Their work not only connects people to talk about key issues but it enables carers to gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to share their voices with key decision makers in Health and Social Care.

Amy Kordiak of TIDE said:

“The key issue that have come out for carers of people with dementia since the Covid-19 lockdown has been isolation and loneliness. Opportunities for connection, even in more normal times, are limited, due to their full time caring roles.

“We sent a survey to carers at the start of lockdown, asking what support they needed. Their caring responsibilities have been even greater due to the worries about the health of people they are caring for – external visits for respite care or daily care were limited or non-existent. Caring duties became relentless.

“To fill the gap, we’ve offered social events and quizzes online, as well as online sessions on young-onset dementia, living grief and bereavement, and sleep resources. Where possible, we’ve recorded webinars to enable carers to watch at a convenient time.

“Feedback from carers has been really positive. Caring is such a tough thing to do - building support networks, and enabling people to talk things through with someone who understands can make the world of difference.”

Further information on TIDE here - https://wcva.cymru/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Tide-The-power-of-connection.pdf

 

Cowbridge Male Voice Choir

Cowbridge Male Voice choir consists of over 80 members. Many members are older people who have lost close family members, and miss having a close support network.

Jon Wilks, top tenor and vice chair of Cowbridge Male Voice Choir, said:

“Early in the pandemic, and with choir singing restricted, it seemed that Cowbridge Male Voice choir would not be able to continue, at least this year. I was determined, though, that people shouldn’t be on their own through this, that we should do our best to keep people together, looking after one another.

“So, I made sure that we could keep practicing using the technology we have at our disposal – Zoom – to schedule choir practices. Choir members have also struggled with their mental wellbeing during this tough year, wondering whether they will actually see or speak to anyone this week. They had lost confidence.

“Coming together as a choir sounds like a small thing, but it is a very big thing when there is nothing else to hold your attention. Keeping the choir going has given a reassuring sense of community and continuity to people who could otherwise have faced a very difficult, lonely time without much hope.

“Loneliness and loss of purpose isn’t good for anyone, but the choir, and the strong bond formed between choir members, has reawakened our sense of fun, and given us a purpose and new sense of meaning. We’ve held bake-offs, catch-ups, a cocktail night, and a poetry competition. The choir has evolved as an extended family.

“A few months ago, when we were allowed once more to meet outside in groups of up to 30 people, we organised a rehearsal together in person in a field setting. ITV Wales filmed our first rehearsal, and we also featured live on Good Morning Britain. It was a great opportunity to speak up for the benefits of choirs in general, but also to show how community groups across Wales have worked so hard to keep people together, and to support friends and neighbours who could otherwise have been forgotten. I am very proud of what we have achieved.”

Jon Wilks is available for interview – contact jon@jonwilks.co.uk

Pictures attached - Cowbridge Male Voice choir 1, 2, and 3.

 

Masks and Sundries Llanmaes

Gail Foley of Masks and Sundries, Llanmaes, said:

“Masks and Sundries Llanmaes is a lively group of sewers who have raised £9000 for NHS and local charities affected by Covid. Sewing has occupied us, kept us sane, and staved off loneliness through our What’s App group. We feel we have been useful and have met so many lovely people as we have sold the masks.

“We’ve made and sold around 7 thousand masks since April this year. At times, demand has been huge and has outstripped our ability to supply using domestic sewing machines alone. When that has happened, we’ve been supported by the fantastic owner of a sewing factory in Brynmenyn, Louise Burrell, who has helped us widen our donations much further.

“All the money raised has been used in different ways to support the NHS and charities – we have donated nightwear, iPad holders, radios, head bands, personal items like hair brushes and combs, and personal hygiene items like tooth brushes and toothpaste, as requested by hospitals throughout south Wales. We’ve also made and donated drain bags for breast cancer patients at Llandough hospital.

“The next project we are supporting is a Christmas Day lunch at a church in Llantwit Major in the Vale of Glamorgan. This will make sure that people who have no access to a festive lunch on Christmas Day, and those who don’t have family to share with, will not be left out. No-one should be alone at Christmas.

“Loneliness could have been a problem for all of us in the group, but we’ve all kept in contact with one another, and made new friends. Two of our sewers were recovering from breast cancer. They have been able to support one another through their journey, having met through the sewing group. The personal benefits for all of us have been huge.

“People love the masks and other things we’ve made. The group has kept us occupied, and we’ve been able to help a lot of charities (the Samaritans, the Huggard Community, and others) and the NHS. The sewing group has kept us going. Local shops, pubs, estate agents, hairdressers, leisure centres and restaurants have helped us by selling the masks we’ve made. We feel useful, and connected.”

Gail Foley is available for interview – contact gailtalks@hotmail.com, or tel: 07885254436

Pictures attached – Masks and Sundries 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.

 

CCAWS

Counselling befriending and advocacy services for diverse cultures – and the impact of Covid 19

https://wcva.cymru/volunteers-for-mental-health-and-wellbeing-in-cardiff/

Clwb Rygbi Nant Conwy

The rugby club in rural Conwy wanted to support the community that was no longer being so well connected with the rugby club unable to welcome guests. The rugby club volunteers mobilised and created a support network helping with distributing shopping, prescriptions and meals, as well as providing a friendly voice on the phone for calls to help tackle loneliness. More on their story.

Centre for African Entrepreneurship

When lockdown hit CAE completely changed their activities to provide Swansea’s BAME community with vital services. Each year, hundreds of people visit the centre for entrepreneurship support, English language courses, business clinics and employment advice. When the pandemic came CAE went from providing career support to running a food collection and distribution service. More on their story.

Bridgend Carers

https://wcva.cymru/bridgend-carers-centre-provide-lifeline-for-carers-during-pandemic/

Bridgend Carers Centre (BCC) exists to support unpaid carers in Bridgend. Since the coronavirus pandemic, they’ve had to adapt and create new services to help their community.

There are an estimated 18,000 unpaid carers in Bridgend. Most often this involves people caring for family members, and it can range from everything including young people caring for sibling with physical disabilities, parents looking after children with mental disabilities and elderly people caring for their partner.