Suffolk community groups get help preparing for reopening
A county-wide scheme's been launched to help voluntary groups.
Last updated 4th May 2021
Hundreds of Suffolk-based clubs, groups, sports centres, well-being health, meet-ups, and community buildings are being given a helping hand to get back to normal.
It's part of a county-wide restart initiative aimed at helping voluntary and community-based groups prepare for reopening on the 17th May.
The Collaborative Communities Board commissioned Community Action Suffolk to run a series of sessions with advice about guidance, changes to protocols, and health and safety.
The training for leaders of local groups and clubs is due to start from the 5th May, to ensure everyone is ready to reopen in line with Government Covid-19 guidelines.
Throughout the pandemic, Community Action Suffolk has been surveying the voluntary sector, and says it recognises that many smaller groups and organisations are concerned about the added demands of reopening under new regulations, but are extremely aware of the vital role they play in terms of the health and social opportunities of the community.
Chris Abraham, CEO of Community Action Suffolk, said: "Covid has further amplified the important role that voluntary and community groups play in keeping people well and reducing health inequalities.
"Since March 2020 we have all experienced restrictions to varying degrees, and the devastating impact lockdowns have had on some of our most vulnerable communities is yet to be fully realised.
"The Suffolk Community Restart programme is therefore vital in ensuring we can quickly and successfully get those lifeline groups, events and projects back up and running in a safe way, so that they can resume doing their work in supporting mental and physical health, and increasing social connectivity."
A dedicated fund has been created for the 'Suffolk Community Restart' initiative, allowing organisers of clubs, groups, venues and schemes to not only access Covid Restart training and workshops, but also to apply for grants of between £250 and £2,500.
Grant funding must be used specifically to help get activities up and running in a Covid-safe way - perhaps for purchasing PPE, creating new signage, or introducing new cleaning regimes.
Applications for the Suffolk Community Grants are open from today - 28 April - and Covid Restart training and workshops commence from 4th May.