Last updated 19 March 2020
- Added NET launching an appeal to raise funds for local charities and grassroots organisations
- Added ‘How can charities keep doing social good during social distancing? Judith Stone, ourAssistant Director of Sector Development, makes a return from secondment to talk about what charities can do to continue their vital work.’
- Added ‘The coronavirus pandemic has raised serious issues for trustees of all charities, meaning that risk management and effective decision-making are more important than ever. Read our guide for trustees.’
Read Public Health Wales’ daily statement here.
- Due to the current advice on the Coronavirus we’ve taken the decision to close our offices. However, all of our staff have been equipped to work from home and we’re still here doing everything we can to support voluntary organisations during this difficult time
- There is currently some disruption to our phone lines which is expected to last until the end of next week, in the meantime if you’re trying to get hold of us please email [email protected]
- We’re currently suspending all face-to-face training and events, but will continue to deliver online learning where possible
COVID-19 DAILY UPDATES
If you’d like a daily (Mon – Fri) update on the latest COVID-19 news for the voluntary sector in Wales, please sign up here.
LATEST NEWS
- NET launching an appeal to raise funds for local charities and grassroots organisations
- All schools in Wales will now close from Friday
- UK Government are recommending everyone avoid ‘non-essential’ travel and contact with others. Read more on BBC
- Welsh Government is set to receive £475m to support people affected by coronavirus. The UK Government is providing at least £1.5bn to aid devolved governments with their responses to the virus. Read more on ITV news
- The Older People’s Commissioner for Wales has said that older people need to know that people are looking out for them, after chief medical officer says that over-70s need to reduce social contact. Read more on the BBC
- Bin collections and other council services may be reduced during the coronavirus crisis. Welsh Local Government Association leader Andrew Morgan said key services like social care were the priority. Read more on WalesOnline
OUR STANCE ON THE CONTINUING PUBLIC HEALTH DEVELOPMENTS
As part of the ongoing response to the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19), WCVA is paying close attention to advice provided by UK Government as well as guidance from Public Health Wales.
We would recommend that everyone follow NHS hygiene advice and any returning travellers from certain countries with confirmed cases of Coronavirus should follow recommendations laid out here. Vaughan Gething has approved the national roll-out of video health consultations, as part of Welsh Government’s response to the coronavirus outbreak.
We will continue to monitor any developments and will inform the voluntary sector of any further action we take as things change.
WHAT IS CORONAVIRUS?
Most cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) seem to be mild.
Coronavirus is a viral disease that can cause coughing, fever and difficulty breathing. It can be more severe in older people, those with weakened immune systems and some long-term conditions like diabetes or cancer.
What to do if you have symptoms of Coronavirus – Public Health Wales’ guidance
If you have need to stay at home, follow Public Health Wales’ self-isolation advice.
Planned ‘elective’ or non-urgent surgeries in Wales have been cancelled. Welsh Government have issued a written statement on the full extent of the actions our health service is taking, which can be viewed here: Welsh Government statement
RESOURCES
- UK Government – latest information and advice
- Public Health Wales – their most recent statement, updated daily at 11am
- Public Health Wales – collected guidance
- Public Health Wales guidance for schools. They have also produced a series of infographics for organisations looking for social media-friendly ways of sharing advice, which can be downloaded here.
- NHS hygiene advice
- Welsh Government: guidance for social, residential and community care providers – for care workers who may have to work with potentially vulnerable people
- Association of Charitable Foundations – Response to coronavirus (English only)
- The British Lung Foundation have guidance for people with pre-existing lung conditions (English only)
- Mind have provided guidance on mental health and wellbeing while dealing with the coronavirus (English only)
WCVA
- How can charities keep doing social good during social distancing? Judith Stone, ourAssistant Director of Sector Development, makes a return from secondment to talk about what charities can do to continue their vital work.
- The coronavirus pandemic has raised serious issues for trustees of all charities, meaning that risk management and effective decision-making are more important than ever. Read our guide for trustees.
Charity Commission
- Statement reminding charities that coronavirus could cause serious incidents that need to be reported to the Commission (English only)
- Filing charity returns during the coronavirus pandemic (English only)
- Charities that need an extension on their annual return can ask the Charity Commission. Find out how on their website
NCVO
- Our partners in England, NCVO, have prepared their own set of guidance which is useful for all charities – you can view this here
- Coronavirus and governance: what trustees need to think about (English only)
Institute of Fundraising
- Coronavirus: advice for corporate fundraisers (English only)
- Information for fundraisers about coronavirus (English only)
GOOD NEWS NEEDED
There hasn’t been a lot of positive news lately – between COVID-19 and the recent devastating floods across Wales, the mood seems pretty somber across the nation.
What we haven’t been lacking in is stories of resilient communities coming together – for example the news that groups such as Coronavirus Support Blaenau Gwent have been assembling volunteers to help people in need.
We’ll be sharing good news stories and examples of good practise as part of this newsletter. If you know of any other positive stories like this of communities pulling together to cope with COVID-19 then please let us know!
