• The roll-out of Covid-19 vaccinations is well under way. You will be contacted by the NHS when it is your turn. For information on the vaccine, who is eligible and how it is given, view the NHS webpage.
• There are some useful guides about the vaccine for older adults here.
• Public Health England have information for those worried about getting their second dose of AstraZeneca.
• There are some social media resources to encourage people to sign up to a GP, to enable them to be asked for a vaccination. These are available in a number of different languages here.
• If you don’t have coronavirus symptoms, you can order free lateral flow tests to do at home.
• If you have symptoms or have been told to isolate after contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus, you will need to get a PCR test.

As ever, people should follow social distancing guidance (updated 11 June 2021) while volunteering outside the home, or COVID-secure guidance if in a workplace. While travelling to volunteer or while volunteering, people should follow safer travel guidance.

NCVO have updated their guidance (24 August 2021) to help you decide what steps you and your charity or voluntary organisation need to take in light of the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

Changes in advice for clinically extremely vulnerable people (1 April)

From 1 April, clinically extremely vulnerable people will no longer be advised to shield. Like everyone else, people in this group should volunteer from home where possible. They can also choose to volunteer outside the home. However, they’re advised to take extra steps to keep themselves safe. This includes minimising:

• the number of social interactions they have
• the time they spend in places where they can’t maintain social distancing

Volunteering in groups

For detailed guidance check the Government guidance on how volunteering can be done safely and effectively. This was updated on 19 July 2021. It includes guidance for ‘formal’ and ‘informal’ volunteers, and for volunteer-involving organisations and groups.

Working safely during coronavirus: volunteer involving organisations must ensure their workplaces meet coronavirus safety standards (updated 14 July 2021).

Coronavirus – how to help safely: government guidance for volunteers (updated 5 March 2021).

How can I support my local community: please read our ‘how to’ guide for guidance on volunteering in your local community.

For further information on supporting volunteering

• Community Support North Yorkshire: information on how our service can supporting volunteer involving organisations during coronavirus
• Visit our Community Gateway for safeguarding and supporting volunteers resources
• North Yorkshire County Council advice and information on help for residents and organisations during coronavirus

For further support and information please contact our volunteer support team volunteersupport@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk or 01904 704177

• The DHSC are offering free personal protective equipment (PPE) for voluntary sector organisations.
• DCMS has produce a vaccine communications pack for VCSE organisations to help disseminate important information about the vaccine and tackle misinformation. You can download the pack as either a powerpoint presentation or a pdf.
• NHS test and trace guidance for workplaces (updated 3 August 2021).
• Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: how to reclaim wages (updated 5 August 2021).
• Our employment support advisors have produced the following guides to support employers during coronavirus:
  • Extension to the Government’s furlough scheme changes from 5 March 2021.
  • Job Retention Scheme guidance: how the scheme will work and eligibility criteria.
  • Statutory Sick pay (SSP) guidance in relation to self-isolation.
  • Holiday: calculating entitlement for furloughed employees.
  • Advice for staff: an overview of coronavirus and the implications for the workplace.
• Coronavirus guidance for the charity sector: produced by the Charity Commission (updated 3 August 2021).
• National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) have updated guidance and resources to support charities, voluntary organisations and volunteers during the Coronavirus.
• North Yorkshire County Council’s Workplace Wellbeing website has a wealth of Covid-19 related guidance for the workplace.
• ACAS has information and webinars on subjects such as managing mental health and furloughing.
• CIPD also have a range of webinars available for employers including guidance on returning to the workplace and how to lead through a crisis.

• Reopening: see our up to date guidance, information and resources for preparing to reopen your hall after lockdown.
• Further useful information can be found in our funding and financial advice section.

If you have a specific query please contact communitybuildings@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk

• Clinically Extremely Vulnerable: North Yorkshire County Council has Guidance for people who are Clinically Extremely Vulnerable from Covid-19
• Protecting the person you care for: Carers UK have useful information on protecting the person you care for and making contingency plans.
• Specific Health conditions: Healthwatch North Yorkshire have information relating to specific health conditions.
• Supermarket shopping: RNIB has listed what additional support and measures the main supermarkets are putting in place for people who are blind or partially sighted.
• Hidden Disability Lanyard: the Sunflower Lanyard acts as a discreet sign that the wearer (or somebody who is with them) has a hidden disability and requires additional assistance.
• Public Health England toolkit: people who cannot wear face masks due to a disability or health condition can download free resources which explain they are exempt. The kit includes posters, imagery and animations for social media, badges and cards for mobile phone display or for printing.

• North Yorkshire County Council have a range of easy read and communication packs in different languages available here.
• North Yorkshire Partnership have gathered together a wide range of easy read and accessible documents and resources here.