How the sector is responding to the pandemic
Comic Relief and Children in Need join for spectacular night
Millions of viewers are going to be treated to a night of top notch entertainment tonight all in aid of charity. Comic Relief and Children in Need join forces for the first time to deliver a special night of television during these unprecedented times. And the timing of the broadcast will coincide with the weekly Clap for Carers, which will see people across the country show their support for frontline workers for the fifth week in a row. The live spectacular will raise money for and pay tribute to those on the front line fighting coronavirus and all the unsung heroes going that extra mile to support their communities. A post revealing all the BBC website reads: "Together (but safely distanced), Comic Relief legend Lenny Henry and Children in Need's Matt Baker will join forces with Zoe Ball and Paddy McGuinness to host a night of comedy, music and live entertainment from the studio, linking up with a multitude of stars from their houses for an unmissable night.” There will be chances to make a donation throughout the three hour broadcast, which will get going on BBC1 at 7pm.
Run a virtual Race for Life
Cancer Research UK has launched a virtual version of Race For Life, after being forced to postpone the majority of its physical events until the autumn. Race for Life at Home is encouraging people to exercise at home and support Cancer Research UK, either by joining one of its Facebook Live exercise routines, by setting their own home challenge or by going for a 5k or 10k run or walk. The physical Race for Life usually features hundreds of events across the country, most of which are scheduled between May and July. Last year, more than 375,000 people took part in 416 events and raised £33m for the charity. The virtual campaign is not looking to replace the physical events, but “it’s an initiative focused on raising awareness and encouraging people to stay active and united at home”, a spokesperson for the charity said.
Captain Tom keeps on keeping on
Captain Tom Moore has now raised more than £28.1m for the NHS Charities Together emergency coronavirus appeal. The 99-year-old captain initially aimed to raise £1,000 by doing 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday on 30 April. But his fundraiser went viral and total now stands at more than £26m, with donations to its JustGiving page coming in from around the world. JustGiving said this is the largest total raised in a single campaign on its platform. Donations are going to the NHS Charities Together coronavirus appeal, which is raising funds to support NHS staff and volunteers during the crisis by offering mental health counselling, providing food and wellbeing packs and covering for travel costs, among other things.
Housing group feeding the needy
Almost 6,000 food parcels have been handed out by a housing association with thousands more being prepared. Wheatley Group, GHA’s parent company’s EatWell service has distributed 5800 to customers in self isolation or experiencing hardship. The scheme was boosted with £350,000 from the Scottish Government to deliver another 8500 parcels over the next three months. As well as food the packs include puzzle and drawing books for children. Lorraine McLaren, Wheatley Foundation director, said: “The demand from vulnerable people in our homes who need help with essential food supplies just keeps growing every week. We are determined to keep doing everything we can to help communities as the crisis continues.”
Young people should to apply for grants
Queens Cross Housing Association in Glasgow is encouraging young people to apply for its Community Chest grant. The grant was designed to keep activities and clubs accessible to young residents but the housing association now says the grant can be used to access the internet, for socialising and study. The Community Chest fund, run by the association’s charity the Garscube Community Foundation, was set up in 2016 to help children and young people aged 1-25. It gives grants of up to £150 to pay for activities, equipment, training, clothing and clubs that might not be affordable otherwise. But Social Regeneration Manager, Jamie Ballantine, says it can still help even during the national lockdown: “During Covid-19 many of us have turned to the internet and online activities to keep ourselves and our families entertained. But digital exclusion remains a big problem for many children and young people in our communities especially when schools, colleges and universities are closed.” Apply HERE
Support for leaders
ACOSVO is hosting weekly Zoom meetings for any voluntary sector chief executives and senior leaders who would like to participate. The next session takes place on Monday (27 April) from 12pm to 1.30pm and will discuss the challenges, and progresses, of leading and supporting health and well-being across Scotland. The discussion will be led by Pat Armstrong OBE, chief executive of ACOSVO, and Claire Stevens, chief executive of VHS. You can register here.
It is also hosting bi-weekly thematic support calls to facilitate discussion and best practice sharing for sector leaders. For more information about the support ACOSVO is offering during this time, please see the dedicated webpage.
