COVID-19 COVID-19 - Information This is an outline of Medrwn Môn’s role, and the current focus of our work to support people, volunteers, community groups and voluntary organisations during this difficult time. OUR ROLE Medrwn Môn’s aim is to strengthen and empower communities throughout Anglesey and our priority and focus at this time is responding to the need of people and communities across Anglesey during this difficult time. We cannot do this alone and it is so encouraging that so many people in our communities have come forward to volunteer their time and effort to help neighbours in need and do a ‘good turn’. We’re working in partnership with other third sector organisations and public services, especially the Isle of Anglesey County Council and Menter Môn. More details here. Medrwn Môn's services continue to be available, with all our focus now on the needs arising during the COVID-19 period. Our mission is to support people, volunteers, community groups and voluntary organisations.1. Môn Community Link is still available and our Local Asset Co-ordinators will still be here to talk to you over the phone. You can contact Môn Community Link by phone on 01248 725745 or email [email protected] and we will be happy to help in any way we can. This INFORMATION BOOKLET - gives an up-to-date list of services that are available to support the residents of Anglesey. The booklet lists details of more than 30 different services – and the aim is to ensure that the residents of Anglesey are aware of organisations and services that can support their health and well-being. To contact Môn Community Link call 01248 725745, leave your name and phone number so we can call you back, or email [email protected] For other Medrwn Môn services please contact 01248 724944 or email [email protected] SUPPORTING COMMUNITY RESPONSE We have been working closely with new and existing groups who have come forward to act as Area Support Teams at ward level, across the Island. To find out about your Area Support Team, click here. In partnership with the County Council and Menter Môn, we’ve produced some basic guidance and information for local community/good neighbour schemes that are being established across the Island in the light of the Covd-19 outbreak. WCVA have also prepared guidance on the Community response to Covid-19 - enabling safe and effective practice, here. VOLUNTEERING Individuals interested in volunteering their time with their local Area Support Team can contact Môn Community Link to register their details - [email protected]. We will keep in contact with everyone who registers, linking them with a community need, as and when appropriate. We need to be mindful of the risks of linking our vulnerable residents with unregulated support, so we are working on the best possible ways to harness the willingness and energy of those who are well and willing with the key areas of need – to protect the helper as well as the person needing help. WCVA through their Volunteering Wales website have produced a guide to volunteering during this time. For more information on volunteering opportunities visit Volunteering-wales.net. People can register their interest in volunteering through this link HERE. COMMUNITY GROUPS AND VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS We know that there’s a great deal that you’re already doing to continue delivering essential services and support. We’d really appreciate it if you could take a few moments to complete the following form so that we can co-ordinate the details of the Third Sector response on Anglesey. We also need to make sure that we can call upon any additional capacity or resources you may be able to offer to further support the cause, especially if you need to redeploy staff or volunteers. Does your organisation need volunteers to help with covid-19? Login or register and add your covid-19 volunteer requirements. Don't forget to add some Covid keywords and use the covid-19 category so volunteers can easily find your opportunities. If you’re concerned about any grants or contracts you’re delivering at the moment, please get in touch with us if you need help to negotiate with funders or commissioners and reprofile activities. Also visit Funding Cymru to see information on various funds to support the sector through this period. The Charity Commission has issued guidance to help with running your charity during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The Information Commissioner’s Office has issued guidance on what you need to know about data protection during COVID-19, for organisations here and for community groups here. The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) has issued guidance on Safeguarding Community Volunteers during COVID-19 outbreak here and more information for the sector available here. WCVA has information on issues for Trustees to consider here. Community Transport Association (CTA) has issued guidance on Community Transport here. FUNDING Medrwn Môn Voluntary and Community Services’ Emergency Fund Applications for a grant of up to £1000 are invited from voluntary organisations or community groups supporting communities on Anglesey. The purpose of the Anglesey Voluntary Services’ Emergency Fund is to: Maintain or increase activities that support the vulnerable during the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic Ensure voluntary organisations and community groups have the resources needed to deliver vital services for their communities Encourage stringent health & safety protocols during all activities that safeguard voluntary and community sector staff, volunteers and beneficiaries. There is no deadline. The panel meets frequently, with applications that meet the criteria funded on a first come, first served basis. Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis. Please contact Medrwn Môn on 01248 724944 or [email protected] for more information and to request an Application Form. INFORMATION SHARING AND REGULAR UPDATES Medrwn Môn has set up this dedicated webpage that will link to the updates we share on our response to the pandemic. Updates will also be shared on our Facebook page @medrwnmon and Twitter @medrwnmon. We are also issuing regular E-BULLETINS to highlight the latest information - please click HERE to see our latest E-Bulletin. We know organisations have a huge number of questions on what this means for them on areas such as governance, looking after staff and their financial sustainability. If you have news to share, let us know and we will share the information via our E-Bulletin or social media. PARTNERSHIP APPROACH Medrwn Môn has been working in partnership with the Isle of Anglesey County Council, Menter Môn, the Rural Development Agency on Anglesey and voluntary organisations such as the Anglesey Food Bank, Môn CF and CAB Ynys Môn. Together we are trying to understand the issues that communities face and help identify solutions to these issues. We’ve been speaking regularly to voluntary and charitable organsiations across the Island about changes to their service provision as well as identifying opportunities to share resources and deploy staff and volunteers where possible. We’re liaising with regional networks and organisations specialising in health and social care and in emergency responses, North Wales Police and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, to share and co-ordinate information and effort. WCVA is working hard on behalf of the sector on a national level by leading on providing a link between the Secretary of State for Wales and Welsh Government Ministers, WLGA and Once Voice Wales to support local collaboration and we’ve been speaking regularly to the network of CVCs working locally across Wales. We need to work together, across the voluntary sector but also with local government and businesses, to support people, communities and each other through the crisis. Medrwn Môn will be doing everything we can to help that happen in the coming weeks and months. Where possible, we are working to re-direct existing funds and unlock new funds to support organisations and communities during this crisis. ANGLESEY FOOD BANK The Coronavirus will have a significant impact on the lives of families and individuals on Anglesey. Communities are responding brilliantly to support the most vulnerable. To support their efforts Menter Môn have set up a fund which is raising funds to purchase food and other essential supplies. Click HERE for the ANGLESEY FOOD BANK Gofundme page. LOOKING AHEAD Medrwn Môn’s team is dealing with very many responses and queries from: People in need of support People offering to help their local community Community groups developing Area Support Teams Voluntary organisations developing their own contingency plans Public Sector partners seeking the best way to access safe, coordinated voluntary and community-based support for the people of Anglesey. TELL US WHAT YOU NEED The information we have laid out here gives an overview of our role in supporting voluntary organisations through this crisis. Our work must always be based on your needs, so if you work in the sector and you have specific concerns or needs please get in touch by emailing [email protected]. We don’t pretend to have all the answers and we won’t be able to help with every problem, but working with you we will always go the extra mile to make a bigger difference together. The Medrwn Môn Team would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for everything that you’re doing to ensure that people still have access to vital services during this uncertain time – don’t forget we’re here to help you so keep in touch. 01248 724944 / [email protected] LINKS TO IMPORTANT INFORMATION For the latest health related advice, visit: Public Health Wales For the latest Welsh Government Coronavirus advice and announcements: Welsh Government For the latest UK Government advice and announcements: https://www.gov.uk/ Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS): DBS Information Commissioner’s Office (Data Protection): ICO Data Protection Charity Commission: Charity Commission Isle of Anglesey County Council: www.ynysmon.gov.uk Menter Môn: www.mentermon.com https://cy.medrwnmon.org/covid-19