The Covid-19 pandemic has seen a surge of people who want to help in their local community. This is a wonderful response and it is important that we ensure everyone is protected during these difficult times.
It is important that volunteers and the people they are helping are safeguarded during the crisis. The region's local infrastructure organisations have already produced a number of resources to help charities, community groups and individuals understand their responsibilities and how to protect people's wellbeing.
- VODA North Tyneside have created an informal volunteering guidance sheet as well as informative videos on volunteering and safeguarding on their website. VODA are also scaling up their Good Neighbours volunteering project to enable people who want to volunteer to do so within an established project.
- Connected Voice have links to safeguarding information for adults self-isolating on their website and informative videos on volunteering and safeguarding.
- Northumberland CVA are putting together a list of voluntary and community sector organisations, local support groups and local businesses that are willing to provide help to support local communities.
- Durham Community Action have a good practice guide for organisations and information for volunteers on their website.
- MVDA has information about how to help and staying safe when supporting others.
- Catalyst Stockton have set up a COVID Community Support Team which is available 7 days a week.
The Safer Culture North East partnership, which aims to highlight the importance of safeguarding and run training and awareness raising sessions, will be looking at how to deliver safeguarding guidance in the context of Covid-19.