• 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.
• People most at risk from the complications of Covid-19 are being offered the vaccine first.  There is a process, but sometimes you may have to wait a while.
• There are some useful guides about the vaccine for older adults here.
• From the 9 April, everyone in England, including those without symptoms, will be able to take a free rapid coronavirus test twice a week.  The Government explain how to book your test on their website.
• 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.

How changes in restrictions at Step 1B in the Roadmap out of lockdown (29 March) impact volunteering

From 29 March, at Step 1B of the Roadmap out of lockdown, people will no longer be legally required to stay at home, meaning people will no longer be legally required to undertake their volunteer role from home unless they cannot reasonably do so. From this date forward, people should continue to volunteer from home where possible and they can leave home to volunteer if they are not required to self-isolate for any reason.

• People can meet in groups of any size, indoors or outdoors, while volunteering.
• Volunteering which cannot be done from home can continue in closed business or venue while it remains closed to the public.
• Businesses/venues, community centres and libraries which are otherwise required to close or restrict their activities are permitted to open and be used, including by volunteers, for a number of specific purposes only.
• Accommodation such as hotels, B&Bs and holiday lets, which are otherwise ordered to close, are permitted to open for people who need to stay for volunteering purposes.

As ever, people should follow social distancing guidance 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.

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

• While volunteering, people can meet in groups of any size, indoors or outdoors.
• Formal support groups are exempt from gathering restrictions up to a limit of 15 participants (aged 5 and older), however there is no limit on the number of volunteers. For, example, 10 volunteers could support a group of 15 participants.

For detailed guidance check the Government guidance on how volunteering can be done safely and effectively. This was updated on 5 march 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 10 February 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

• 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 2 February 2021).
• Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: how to reclaim wages (updated 3 March 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 6 November 2020).
• National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) have updated guidance and resources to support charities, voluntary organisations and volunteers during the Coronavirus.
• Community Interest Companies (CICs): government advice includes continuing to deliver community benefit, filing accounts and annual reports and business support.
• 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.

• January national lockdown: download our guide to permissible activities for community buildings and village halls here.
• 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

• The Coronavirus Act, which the government introduced on 19 March 2020, postponed any elections that were due to be held in May 2020 until 6 May 2021. Any other electoral events, such as the council or parliamentary by-elections, will also be postponed until May 2021.
• Councils have been given new powers to hold meetings remotely (updated 30 April 2020).

For more information on coronavirus issues affecting local councils, please visit the National Association of Local Councils and Yorkshire Local Council Association.

• 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 with during coronavirus.
• 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.