Adapt and Thrive Programme launched to help mining communities
The Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT) has set-up an Adapt and Thrive Programme to help former mining communities across Scotland recover from the impact of Covid-19 and lockdown.
Funding available through the charity’s new initiative is designed to let community groups continue to deliver their projects and develop new ones as the country emerges from lockdown. It will help groups meet the cost of adapting their services in line with government guidelines and minimise any risk of coronavirus infection.
A recent report published by CRT found that former mining communities are among the most disadvantaged in Scotland, in terms of education, unemployment, child poverty and poor health and wellbeing. This inequality has been widened by Covid-19 which has exacerbated existing issues.
The programme is offering awards of between £500 and £5,000 to charity and not-for-profit organisations in coalfields areas - including community centres, youth clubs, miners’ welfare centres and sports clubs - to help them safely re-open after lockdown and re-establish their services.
Examples of the types of activity that CRT will fund include: changing operations to use more rooms with reduced capacity, making greater use of outdoor spaces and developing new procedures, such as staggering opening times. Projects funded could be working to restore communities and reduce isolation; tackle poverty; promote health and wellbeing and encourage youth engagement.
Nicky Wilson, chair of the Coalfields Regeneration Trust in Scotland, said: “Throughout the Covid-19 lockdown we have been doing everything we can to support community groups working in former mining areas across Scotland. We have seen and heard that the pandemic has exacerbated existing problems in these areas, including health and wellbeing, unemployment and education gaps.
“We decided to set-up the Adapt and Thrive Programme to enable groups to support their local communities as we emerge from lockdown. For example, some groups will need to find more space to allow for social distancing, or open longer hours to limit numbers at certain times. These sorts of changes cost money and that’s where our fund will help. We would encourage groups to get in touch to find out more about our new programme.”
To request an application form for the Adapt and Thrive Programme email david.wright@coalfields-regen.org.uk
Top line-up for Shake With Laughter
Shake with Laughter is back to raise vital funds for Parkinson’s UK - and this time, you don’t even need to leave your living room!
The charity’s flagship comedy night returns as a virtual event that will be available to live stream from the comfort of your own home on Monday 13 July.
The incredible line-up will feature some Shake with Laughter alumni returning as well as some exciting new faces.
Russell Kane will be joined by Rob Deering, Paul Sinha, Nathan Caton, Laura Lexx, Eleanor Tiernan and Paul Mayhew-Archer, with Mick Ferry returning as host for the evening.
Shake with Laughter was initially due to take place in March in Manchester but it was not able to go ahead due to Covid-19. The evening will be raising money towards pioneering research into Parkinson’s, which affects around 145,000 people in the UK.
Paul Jackson-Clark, director of engagement at Parkinson’s UK, said: “We are so grateful to all the incredible acts who are supporting Virtual Shake With Laughter for Parkinson’s UK and we are really looking forward to what will be a fantastic evening of laughs.
“Over a million people with Parkinson’s, family members, friends and carers need Parkinson’s UK now more than ever before. Lockdown restrictions are starting to lift and life is moving towards something more normal - but when this crisis is over, Parkinson’s will still be here. That’s why we are rapidly adapting our pioneering research so that we can develop new treatments.”
Virtual Shake with Laughter will be live streamed online on Monday 13 July at 8pm. Secure your ticket online today.
Day to Reflect planned
With the news that there have been more than 204,209 UK deaths, equating to one million people bereaved since lockdown started, end of life charity Marie Curie has announced a day to reflect to be held on 23 March 2021.
Every death during lockdown has been devastating for friends and family. Coronavirus has particularly had a disproportionality severe impact on BAME people and the care home community. Feelings of guilt, confusion and regret have been amplified as the normal grief processes of a bereavement have been disrupted during the crisis. Many people have been unable to be with their loved ones or hold their hand as they are dying. They have not had proper goodbyes or been able to comfort or even hug each other. They have been unable to mourn or attend funerals as they would in ‘normal’ times and will be more likely to struggle with the long-term effects of grief because they might not feel they have had any closure.
The day to reflect in 2021 will mark the one-year anniversary of lockdown and is being backed by Marie Curie supporters, Alison Steadman, Paul Chuckle, Chris Kamara and Greg Wise, along with Becky Gompertz, whose family founded the Yellow Hearts movement. The day to reflect will be a dedicated occasion for communities to come together and remember, grieve and celebrate everyone who has died, from coronavirus or another cause.
Marie Curie has been on the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic providing care and support to dying people and those living with a terminal illness. The charity hopes other organisations, including faith groups, will join together to back the day and sign the petition to support all of those who have been bereaved.
Matthew Reed, Marie Curie chief executive, said: “We have seen many people die before their time and grief has had that extra layer of pain when we’ve not been able to share it and console with friends and family. Deaths from coronavirus have particularly affected people who identify as BAME and their bereaved loved ones and as society we need to do more to protect and support vulnerable communities.
“This day is an important reminder of our responsibility to communities and will give the nation a much-needed time to reflect on and celebrate the lives of the people who’ve died and support for their loved ones in their grief.”
Share on social media using #UniteInMemory and sign the petition at www.mariecurie.org.uk/nationalday To access Marie Curie’s bereavement support line call free on 0800 090 2309.
