We are beginning to collate lists of community activities taking place in response to coronavirus- these lists will never be exhaustive and it will not be possible to include every small community offer, however we would still like to know about these via our Volunteering in Lincolnshire Facebook Group
First and foremost, we would like to encourage every one to follow government guidelines and stay at home, observing good handwashing techniques. For those who would still like to respond and are not presenting any symptoms of coronavirus, here are some useful links to the community.
Volunteering Opportunities
Lincolnshire-specific vulnerable person support: Lincolnshire County Council has been a collating a list of almost 400 organisations across the county who are able to respond to the outbreak with community support, and are now seeking volunteers to assist the community.
NHS Volunteering has now closed for applications.
British Red Cross Emergency Reserves: https://www.redcross.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer/volunteer-in-emergencies
Age UK Lincoln and South Lincolnshire (Supporting wider Lincolnshire) are seeking volunteer telephone befrienders and community drivers https://www.ageuk.org.uk/lincolnsouthlincolnshire/
Lincoln Foodbank: Volunteers are needed for packing at the warehouse, helping at the distribution centres, and van drivers/delivery team. If anyone would like to volunteer, please complete the form on this link: https://bit.ly/foodcrisis-volunteer. Please continue to donate food when possible, as well as carrier bags – as they will be needed to deliver to people who are self-isolating. Donation drop-offs are at: Morrison’s, Tescos stores and Lincolnshire Co-op Foodstores.
Lincoln Community Larder are currently continuing to run the following food distribution centres and would like to hear from anyone available to help with volunteering:
– Rosemary Lane – Tuesdays 1.30-3pm, Fridays 1.30-3pm
– St Giles Methodist Church – Wednesdays 10am-12pm, and Fridays 9.30am-11.30am
– St John’s Ermine – Wednesdays 9.30-10.30
To volunteer or donate, please contact 01522 569291 Mobile: 07914655460 Email: lincolncommunitylarder@hotmail.co.uk
Lincolnshire Co-op: Are you part of a community group who could help support vulnerable people with deliveries of essential groceries or by picking up prescriptions for them?
Find out how we can work together to support our communities here: http://ow.ly/fJ2M50yQWdM
Help is specifically needed in the following areas:
| Pharmacy | Food Store |
| Lincoln Winning Post | Lincoln Carholme Road |
| Lincoln City Square | Lincoln Queen Elizabeth Road |
| Lincoln St Botolphs | Lincoln Riseholme Road |
| Lincoln Cabourne Avenue | Lincoln Sincil Street |
| Lincoln Swanpool | |
| Lincoln Tealby Street | |
| Lincoln Woodhall Drive |
Market Rasen Action Group is welcoming volunteers to assist with shopping, prescription collection etc. If you have a recent DBS check, even better. marketrasenactiongroup@gmail.com
Feeding Gainsborough are involving volunteers with community food deliveries in the Gainsborough area https://www.facebook.com/pg/FeedingGainsborough/posts/?ref=page_internal
More opportunities being added daily at Do-it.org
Support for Individuals
Lincolnshire County Council is able to offer support directly to vulnerable individuals. You can register that you need help here or by calling 01522 782189.
Gov.uk has launched a vulnerable persons registration service for anyone who did not receive a letter automatically notifying them of their at-risk status, but who does still identify themselves as vulnerable.
City of Lincoln Council have launched their new community help email address and phone number. They say: We have created a signposting service to support those who are vulnerable or self-isolating. The service aims to help connect vulnerable people to community support projects across the city such as food banks and food delivery services from local businesses. Anyone in need of information on where to get help can call the dedicated phone lines on 01522 873461/873374 or email communityhelp@lincoln.gov.uk
The council has also shared a Good Citizen Guide outlining the types of activity that community members might undertake during this time.
West Lindsey District Council You can find all the latest updates on disruption to council services and the latest on support for businesses and council tax here: www.west-lindsey.gov.uk/coronavirus
Age UK “Food Through Adversity“
Age UK Lincoln & South Lincolnshire have launched Food Through Adversity, in partnership with local catering company Salted Orange Food Co. Offering 21 nutritious meals for just £20. These vital food supplies will delivered to over 65s throughout Lincolnshire, as a response to the spread of COVID-19.
- Home cooked meals for the over 65s in Lincoln and South Lincolnshire
- 21 meals for £20* – 12 week menu available – Call now to order 03455 564 144
The weekly deliveries available for up to 12 weeks ensure that those who need it have access to three meals a day, seven days a week without the worry and stress and often logistical challenges of supermarket shopping.
For more information on our new Food Through Adversity service please visit our website – https://www.ageuk.org.uk/lincolnsouthlincolnshire/our-services/food-though-adversity/
*Delivery charge of £10 per household outside of 10 miles
Lots of other smaller businesses are offering local food delivery services. We recommend using social media to find your local providers.
Support and Advice for Groups
Community Lincs have created a Good Neighbour Scheme Lite Toolkit, which is full of helpful information and guidance for new community groups who are helping their neighbours during this time. The team is on hand to help- please email gns@communitylincs.com to get your copy of the toolkit or speak to a member of the team.
VODA have produced a useful guide to informal volunteering and how to safely get individuals involved in the local community, which is available from their website.
DBS Checking
Rules have been relaxed nationally relating to DBS checking.
VCS is currently unable to offer its usual DBS checking service due to the need for a wet signature on paperwork. We have been advised through our networks that YouCheck.co.uk offers a suitable online alternative for groups needing to access DBS checking services during this period.
VCS remains able to offer advice about the need for DBS checking as well as safeguarding information, policy templates etc.
Car insurance for volunteers helping out: If you are using your own car for voluntary purposes to transport medicines or groceries to support others who are impacted by Covid-19, your cover will not be affected. You do not need to contact your insurer to update your documents or extend your cover. This applies to all categories of NHS Volunteer Responders, including transporting patients, equipment, or other essential supplies. (Karl Wilding- NCVO)
Keep us in the loop
Please bookmark this page to ensure you have the latest information. Please help us by sharing important and useful information directly to heather@voluntarycentreservices.org.uk
