Information and support during the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis

1
Apr

These are unprecedented and exceptionally challenging times for all of us working in and with Voluntary and Community Organisations. We know that some organisations are on the front line of the fight, many are supporting, whilst others have had much anticipated events cancelled and fundraising income impacted. 

Things are changing on a daily basis but we will do all we can to keep you informed. In addition to our weekly news bulletin, we have created this hub page to collate all the latest advice on responding to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. CLICK HERE for a wide range of resources to help youth workers, parents and families navigate through this dififcult time.

In light of the sudden and rapidly changing situation for our members we would welcome the chance to hear about good news stories so that we can share with the wider VOYC membership. Please let us have anything you think would be good to share and help others, either by emailing us or tagging us into posts on Facebook and Twitter.

For emergency help, funding and support during this crisis, please see the following list of services available:

Young Devon Update - support available and how to keep in touch: Whilst we have had to close most of our Young Devon bases, we are still here. If you need support, or advice; we are only an email, phone call or text away…

General enquiries: For any general Young Devon enquiries, please email info@youngdevon.org

Wellbeing support for Young People: In addition to the Wellbeing Toolkit, designed by young people for young people, our counsellors are still contactable, delivering our Wellbeing services over the phone or by video-call. If you are struggling, and need to talk to someone, please email wellbeingenquiries@youngdevon.org and someone will get back to you as soon as they can. For anyone already receiving support through our Wellbeing service, please email yes.exeter@youngdevon.org or call 07935364652 and leave a message with your name and contact details.

Accommodation support: We are keeping our Accommodation services running as usual, and our Young Devon houses are still open. For more information, please see our Accommodation page.

YES Centre and Homelessness enquiries: For any YES Centre questions, or Homelessness enquiries (Exeter, East Devon and Teignbridge), please email yes.exeter@youngdevon.org. If you would prefer to text, please send your name and message to 07894724610. We will get the right person to call you back.

Young Victims of Crime support: For any queries relating to our Young Victims of Crime service, please email yes.exeter@youngdevon.org or call 07935364652 and leave a message with your name, contact details and a brief idea of your query. The appropriate person will contact you as soon as possible.


Devon Food Banks
An up to date list of Devon Food Banks is available: CLICK HERE
Most of these services require vouchers that are issued referring agencies and are generally for 3-14 days provision. You can also see up to date services on the Trussel Trust website and Pinpoint Devon.
Please contact chris.keppie@exeter.anglican.org if any information is incorrect, or to add a new service.

National Youth Agency
NYA have recently launched a new microsite in collaboration with UK Youth which compiles and hosts as much guidance for Youth Workers and Young People during the COVID pandemic as possible: youthworksupport.co.uk

Charity Commission Guidance
Guidance is available to help with running your charity during the coronavirus (covid-19) outbreak from the Charity Commission:   http://ow.ly/Kyg450z0Yy0Any charity that needs an extension to their annual return deadline can contact the Charity Commission to ask for one. 

DCC Prompt Action Fund
Devon County Council has launched the COVID-19 Prompt Action Fund to provide flexible resources to organisations working with communities who are disproportionately impacted by coronavirus and the social and economic consequences of this outbreak. Apply: ow.ly/S5V450z0V7r

Sport England #StayInWorkout
As we adjust to this new normal, it's more important than ever to stay physically active. Sport England provide advice and tools to help you do this in whichever way suits you. Get active and share your experience by using the hashtag #StayInWorkOut sportengland.org/stayinworkout

How to run a virtual event
Turn your event into a virtual one. With more people confined to their homes, digital technology can help us to stay connected. A sense of community is even more important right now. Charity Digital News has put together this guide to running virtual events: http://ow.ly/R1CB50z0S01

ZOOM sessions to support families
NEW 40-min sessions via Zoom for parents, carers and education professionals are provided every Tuesday and Thursday afternoons to help children and families find a sense of calm and manage this tricky time. £3 per session. Email malouopenminds@outlook.com to book.

Scouts promote #TheGreatIndoors
As the experts in developing skills and bringing adventure to young people, the Scouts want to do what they can to help children and their families, especially now that schools are closed and the kids are staying at home during the Easter holidays to contain the spread of Coronavirus. Instead of promoting the great outdoors, they've pulled together some inspired indoor activity ideas to keep your kids learning new skills and having fun (and avoid hearing ‘I’m bored’ every 30 seconds) all in #TheGreatIndoors. https://www.scouts.org.uk/the-great-indoors