• The roll-out of Covid-19 vaccinations is well underway.  For information on the vaccine, who is eligible and how it is given, view the NHS webpage.
• A booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine is available for everyone aged 18 and over, and some people aged 16 and over, who have had 2 doses of the vaccine at least 3 months ago. Information on where to get your booster vaccination in North Yorkshire is available here.
• There are some useful guides about the vaccine for older adults here.
• There are some social media resources to encourage people to sign up for 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 the guidance on how to stay safe and help prevent the spread of coronavirus (updated 14 December 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 guidance for people previously considered clinically extremely vulnerable people (updated 3 November 2021)

The shielding programme has now ended in England. This means that people who were previously considered clinically extremely vulnerable will not be advised to shield in the future or follow specific national guidance.

Volunteering in groups

For detailed guidance check the Government guidance on how volunteering can be done safely and effectively. This was updated on 13 December 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 support volunteer-involving organisations during coronavirus.
• Visit our Community Support North Yorkshire website for safeguarding and supporting volunteers resources.
• North Yorkshire 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 government has reintroduced the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme (SSPRS) by reimbursing organisations for the cost of Statutory Sick Pay for Covid-related absences, for up to 2 weeks per employee. For further information contact employment.advice@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk or visit the government’s website.
• NHS test and trace guidance for workplaces (updated 15 December 2021).
• Coronavirus guidance for the charity sector: produced by the Charity Commission (this guidance will be reviewed in January 2022).
• National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) has guidance and resources to support charities, voluntary organisations and volunteers during the coronavirus.
• North Yorkshire 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 has a range of webinars available for employers including guidance on returning to the workplace and how to lead through a crisis.

[updated 01.03.22]

ACRE has issued new guidance for Community Buildings and Village halls detailing the considerations for halls following the easing of restrictions.

• ACRE update for Village Halls 22 February 2022.
• Appendix C poster.
• Appendix E Special conditions of hire.
• Appendix F Risk assessment for halls
• Appendix G Risk assessment for hirers