COVID-19 Bulletin #1 April 2020

COVID-19 Update How to contact us Current support available from TVA Information for Torfaen Funding Information Foodbank Information #Torfaen Shop information Bank Information Helping safeguard Cash Handling Advice Grants Funding of up to £1,000 Grant Funding up to £500 To Volunteer

As you will be aware, quite a lot of changes have arisen from the current COVID19 pandemic, and TVA has also changed it’s working practices.

TVA will continue to operate ‘business as usual’ through homeworking until further notice. Therefore, staff will be contactable through email, and telephone. Direct contact details can be found be found our website, or through emailing [email protected]

For the very latest news, please check our website at www.tvawales.org.uk

For the latest updates about #COVID19 follow @PublicHealthW and @AneurinBevanUHB on Twitter & Facebook

www.tvawales.org.uk Charity Registration No. 1097079 Company No. 4603713

/TorfaenVoluntaryAlliance www.tvawales.org.uk @TVATorfaen

To contact anyone in TVA, here's the details you'll need;

For Volunteering and volunteer support, call Callum Jones on 01495 365617 Mobile: 07908 232125 Email: [email protected]

For Funding support and advice it's Thomas Boor on 01495 365616 Mobile: 07713367214 Email: [email protected]

If you need help with IT or social media, call Patrick Downes on 01495 365618 Mobile: 07713367213 Email: [email protected]

If it’s Health, Social Care and Wellbeing call Pat Powell on 01495 365619 Mobile: 07966784922 Email: [email protected]

If you are or would like to become a member of TVA contact Amanda Rawlings on 01495 742420 Email: [email protected]

For all enquiries regarding the third sector in Torfaen it's Victoria Crocker on 01495 365614 Mobile: 07834585935 Email: [email protected]

And if you want that in video format, please take a look at our YouTube video here https://youtu.be/wphQ3xYnCYE

/TorfaenVoluntaryAlliance www.tvawales.org.uk @TVATorfaen

CURRENT SUPPORT FROM TVA #COVID19

We are actively engaging with organisations that are providing COVID-19 support for the community; offering support and advice where needed.

We are supporting organisations with any IT or social media promotion requirements.

We are sharing resources, offering advice and networking with all partners and third-sector organisations.

We are offering financial advice and guidance for organisations applying to the HMRC grant.

We are working in partnership with Torfaen County Borough Council to offer funds to financially support organisations providing COVID-19 support.

We are promoting COVID-19 Volunteering Role on the Volunteering Wales website; building a bank of volunteers to support organisations.

Voluntary Service Emergency Fund Grant Available : More information and the form to apply here: https://bit.ly/tva_vse

If you are providing a service and require support, please contact us on [email protected] or phone us on 01495 742420.

If you are looking to volunteer, please register here:

To contact us, the full details are here

Guidelines from Welsh Government here

“Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless.” – Sherry Anderson

/TorfaenVoluntaryAlliance www.tvawales.org.uk @TVATorfaen

TORFAEN INFORMATION

• Torfaen County Borough Council For latest Coronavirus updates, click on the following link: www.bit.ly/tcbccovid19info Call: 01495 762200 (Open Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 17:00pm) Email: [email protected]

• Schools: If you are claiming Free School meals, you will need to complete the following form as soon as you can. Please click on this link for more information: www.bit.ly/tcbcschoolmealsform

• School Hubs: School hubs are for children of key workers and vulnerable children. For more information, please click the following link: www.bit.ly/tcbcschoolhubs

• Welsh Government - www.Gov.wales/safe-help

• Aneurin Bevan University Health Board - www.bit.ly/aneurinbevancovidinfo

• NHS Direct Wales - www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk

• Public Health Wales - www.phw.nhs.wales

• Citizens Advice - 01633 876121 (Option 2) - www.citizensadvice.org.uk/local/Torfaen/contactus

• Age Connects 01495 769264 - www.ageconnectstorfaen.org

• Mind Cymru 02920 395123 - www.mind.org.uk/about-us/mind-cymru/

• Bron Afon Community Housing 01633 620111 - [email protected]

• Melin Homes—Money Advice Team 01495 745910 - [email protected]

• Gateway Team - 01495 766949 - [email protected]

• Cwmbran Centre for Young People - 01633 875851

• Heddlu Gwent Police

“We are currently in our Persuade and Engage phase of policing this ‘lockdown’. As an organisation we are splitting up any large groups that we find and warning them of the dangers of their actions and the subsequent pressure they are putting on the NHS. We are finding that we are having a lot of success with this and the community almost seems to be policing itself as the majority are embracing the restrictions as they understand the importance of them. We are hopeful that this cultural pressure will continue to see the majority of people staying at home with only a select few travelling due to essential business and/or shopping requirements.”

/TorfaenVoluntaryAlliance www.tvawales.org.uk @TVATorfaen

FUNDING SUPPORT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE

During COVID-19 we understand that finding funding to pay for the service you are providing is difficult. That’s why we have created this list of a few of the funds we know of.

Click on the link for each fund for more information.

Torfaen COVID-19 Support Grant - The Torfaen COVID-19 Support grant has been set up by Torfaen County Borough Council and Torfaen Voluntary Alliance. The aim of the grant is to pro- vide financial aid to all organisations that are providing support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here for more information and application.

Voluntary Service Emergency Grant - The purpose of the Voluntary Services Emergency Fund (VSEF) is to enable those providing vital support to groups affected by Covid-19, such as: people in isolation, the elderly, carers, people struggling to access food etc. so that they can be supported during this time. Click here for more information and application form.

Greggs Foundation - The Coronavirus outbreak is having a devasting impact. Charities, community groups and schools who support some of the most vulnerable people in our communities urgently need our help. Click here for more information.

Third sectors Resilience fund for Wales - This fund is designed to support those voluntary sector organisations that need financial support to survive the current crisis primarily because of an unprecedented fall in their fundraising and donation income. Click here for more information.

The Cwmbran Trust - In response to the COVID-19 crisis the Trust has developed a swifter process to assess applications and enable those most in need to receive support as quickly as possible. For more information click here.

Charities Aid Foundation Launches Coronavirus Emergency Fund (UK) - The Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) has launched a new Coronavirus Emergency Fund. Through this fund smaller charities, not for profit organisations, social enterprises and unregistered community groups can apply for grants of up to £10,000 to help them to continue to deliver much needed support to within their communities. For more information click here.

/TorfaenVoluntaryAlliance www.tvawales.org.uk @TVATorfaen

FOOD PROGRAMMES AND GENERAL SUPPORT DURING THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK

If you are facing financial hardship and are in need of a food parcel the following organisations can assist, and food parcels will be delivered to your door usually within 24 hours (except weekends): • Torfaen Gateway - 01495 766949 • Citizens Advice - 0300 330 2117 • Job Centre Plus - 0800 169 0190 • Disability Advice Project (DAP) - 01633 485865 • Building Resilient Communities - 01495 742131 TRAC2 - 01495 764078 There are a number of other community based organisations and groups who are also able to assist with urgent requests for food and other household items, these include:

Garnsychan Partnership Garnsychan Partnership have decided to close both Circulate shops. Safety of customers, staff and volunteers is of paramount importance. Staff there are now working to support immediate frontline services for residents and families affected by Covid-19. Garnyschan Partnership is still taking calls from the public to help with: • Foodbank support • Food packs for residents • Offering a friendly phone call service to anyone who is isolated and would like some virtual company up to three times a week to every resident who would like the service • Supporting Abersychan Pharmacy with deliveries of medication to elderly and vulnerable pa- tients • They are also supporting Abersychan Pharmacy with coordinating community volunteers who are collecting family and neighbours’ prescriptions Helping residents with ESA and Universal Credit applications You can reach them on 01495 774453

Noddfa Church Abersychan food share service offers free quality food to those in need. At present they are only able to take orders over the phone or by direct message via their Face- book page. The service operates every Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday. To receive a food parcel, please call Pastor John Funnel on 01495 448902.

CoStar Partnership has emergency food parcels available for those in hardship during the crisis. CoStar is closed to normal activities but they are a distribution point for crisis food parcels for those economically affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

Please phone the Costar office on 01633 869227 for any crisis bag or other queries as they are operating with minimum staff and are not always able to pick up Facebook or Private Messages. Opening hours are 9.30am to 2.30pm, Monday to Friday at The Threepenny Bit Community Hall, Cwmbran, Greenmeadow NP44 4SX

/TorfaenVoluntaryAlliance www.tvawales.org.uk @TVATorfaen

FOOD PROGRAMMES AND GENERAL SUPPORT DURING THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK

Panteg House Employees' Club (Greenhill Rd,Pontypool) are distributing food packages across Torfaen, please call 01495 763605.

Victory Church foodbank in Blaenavon will continue to run every Thursday 12:30 - 2:30 at 16 Broad Street Blaenavon. Parcels will be exchanged quickly and safely. If you are deemed at risk or self-isolating we can also deliver to your home. 07746 229204 *Please note, resources are limited

Eastern Valley Foodbank Distribution Centres are closed but they will be distributing food parcels directly to homes as instructed by the voucher holding agencies. Donations are still being gratefully received at supermarket collection points. The need is likely to increase over the coming period and we are incredibly grateful for your continued support during this difficult time. For enquiries please email: [email protected] or call 01495 760605

Thornhill Community Centre (Leadon Court Cwmbran) are offering a food distribution centre for the most vulnerable in Torfaen.

If you know or identify any vulnerable people who may need urgent help please get in touch. Any- one can ask for help for individual’s, message via Facebook page or call Chris Campbell on 07734 929741 / Thornhill Management Board 07549973165

Trac2 are providing emergency food parcel delivery referrals and emergency DAF applications. Support is available over the phone or through the Trac2 Facebook messenger. Trac2 are able to support with most issues so please don't hesitate to call them on 01495 764078

Llanyrafon **Pop up Food Share*** There is a Food Share running for residents in Croesyceiliog & Llanyrafon at Woodland Road Social Centre, operating Monday to Friday from 11am until 12 noon.

/TorfaenVoluntaryAlliance www.tvawales.org.uk @TVATorfaen

Supermarkets

Tesco Stores are open 9 - 10am, Tuesday and Thursday for NHS workers and open 8 - 9am, Monday, Wednesday and Fridays to serve the elderly, disabled and vulnerable. Stores are currently operating at reduced hours.

Asda Stores are open 8am - 9am, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for NHS workers.The chain has also revealed it will be temporarily closing its 24 hour stores between 12am and 6am to re-stock.

Sainburys Open between 8 - 9am, Monday, Wednesday and Fridays to serve the eldery, disabled, vulnerable, NHS workers and Social workers. Stores are open 8am - 8pm, Monday - Saturday

Morrisons Opening hours for Morrisons vary across the UK. Visit www.groceries.morrisons.com

Lidl Normal trading hours apply, starting from 8am.

Aldi Monday to Saturday 8am - 8pm. Sunday 10am - 4pm.

Iceland Open to elderly shoppers between 8am - 9am everyday. NHS workers only for final hour of trading. Visit www.Iceland.co.uk for normal trading hours.

/TorfaenVoluntaryAlliance www.tvawales.org.uk @TVATorfaen

Banks

Santander - Open Monday to Friday 10am - 4pm

HSBC - Open Monday to Friday 10am - 2pm

Barclays - 9:30am - 4:30pm, this varies depending on the branch.

Lloyds Banking Group - Open Monday to Friday 10am - 2pm www.lloydsbank.com/help-guidance

Nationwide - Most branches are staying open during lockdown.

Halifax - Open Monday to Friday 10am - 2pm

Monmouthshire Building Society - Open Monday to Friday 9am - 1:30pm

Natwest - Open Monday to Friday 10am - 1pm

Post Office - Open Monday to Friday 9am - 3pm, Saturday 9am - 12:30pm

Principality Building Society - Open Monday to Friday 9:30am - 1:30pm Saturday 9:30am - 12pm

#TVACOVID19TIPS MANAGING MONEY Managing money is one of the biggest risks. What can you do to make sure you protect volunteers and people you are helping? Decide what the main risks are and what you will do to reduce those risks, and include them in your risk plan. Money cannot only be lost or stolen, it can also contaminate those handling it. Try to avoid handling any money if you can, as many local shops will allow the payment of goods over the phone by arrangement. You can reduce your risk by: Only allowing a small group of trusted individuals, coordinators or people with a current DBS check to handle money. Not sharing any bank or credit card security details and have very strict procedures in place if any cards are to be used for any transactions. For example, not exceeding the £30 contactless limit. Asking all volunteers to work in pairs when handling money or debit/credit card transactions and to text details to a group coordinator giving details of the person being supported, when they were given the money/card, and what for Confirming when a person supported received their goods, and take a photo of their receipt and record any change given.

/TorfaenVoluntaryAlliance www.tvawales.org.uk @TVATorfaen

CASH HANDLING ADVICE

One of the big challenges facing those in isolation is getting household supplies, e.g. grocery shopping. Where possible people are encouraged to ask trusted family, friends or neighbours to help. Where this isn’t possible volunteers have offered help. However, for your financial safety (or the financial safety of your loved ones), please follow these tips to guard against financial abuse, theft, etc.

• Payments (whether they be upfront or reimbursements) should be made through electronic exchange system wherever possible (e.g. bank transfers, card payments made over the phone etc.), so that they are traceable and separate from the act of delivery.

• Cash exchange should be avoided at all costs (to reduce opportunity for theft and also infection).

• Avoid giving someone your bank card and PIN, in order to protect both yourself and the volunteer supporting you.

• Volunteers should take photographs on mobile phones to share with the household (or the organisation they’re volunteering with) to create evidence of the purchases, costs and delivery.

• If the householder suffers from confusion or issues with phones, a nominated family member could receive texts with photos attached to safeguard against financial risks. Where the householder isn’t able to make electronic payments, perhaps a nominated family member could do so on their behalf.

• You may be able to phone a local shop to place an order and pay over the phone. Many smaller shops are able to take electronic payments. Local volunteers can then just pick up the shopping and deliver. Denbighshire has created a list of community resources, which includes local businesses that are able to carry out over-the-phone transactions or deliver.

/TorfaenVoluntaryAlliance www.tvawales.org.uk @TVATorfaen

HELP US TO SAFEGUARD OUR COMMUNITIES FROM ABUSE AND NEGLECT

The Gwent Safeguarding Boards are asking everyone within the region to look out for one another in order to help those who may be at risk of abuse and neglect. This is a message which applies at all times, but now more than ever, people at all ages need protection. We are currently experiencing unprecedented times as a result of Coronavirus, with social distanc- ing and self-isolation being one of the key messages and advice being provided by Government. Whilst this will undoubtedly help with the prevention of the spread of the virus, unfortunately, this will also mean that children, young people and adults at risk within Gwent may potentially be at an increased risk of abuse and neglect. Please be vigilant and look out for friends, families and neighbours and if you see any signs at all that makes you think that they may be experiencing any type of harm, report your concerns to your local safeguarding teams. What are the signs of abuse and neglect affecting childen?

What are the signs of abuse affecting adults?

How to report any signs of child abuse

How to report any signs of an adult at risk of abuse

Latest PPE Information https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-infection-prevention-and-control

Link to a statement made by the Health Minister on the new guidance: https://gov.wales/health-minister-responds-new-ppe-guidance

Do you want to help during the #coronavirus outbreak?

To register as a volunteer, click here #COVID19

/TorfaenVoluntaryAlliance www.tvawales.org.uk @TVATorfaen

VSE FUNDING

/TorfaenVoluntaryAlliance www.tvawales.org.uk @TVATorfaen

TCBC FUNDING

/TorfaenVoluntaryAlliance www.tvawales.org.uk @TVATorfaen

VOLUNTEERING

/TorfaenVoluntaryAlliance www.tvawales.org.uk @TVATorfaen

INFOENGINE

/TorfaenVoluntaryAlliance www.tvawales.org.uk @TVATorfaen

“Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless.” – Sherry Anderson

“The broadest, and maybe the most meaningful definition of volunteering: Doing more than you have to because you want to, in a cause you consider good. ” – Ivan Scheier

/TorfaenVoluntaryAlliance www.tvawales.org.uk @TVATorfaen

If you’d like your latest event, news or poster to be featured in the next bulletin, please email it to myself; [email protected].

We can also feature it on our website and across social media too. We can use jpg or png files. Or if you've got a press release, please feel free to send:

Patrick Downes Third Sector Development Officer IT Lead 01495 365618 +447713 367213 Mobile [email protected]

www.tvawales.org.uk Charity Registration No. 1097079 Company No. 4603713

/TorfaenVoluntaryAlliance www.tvawales.org.uk @TVATorfaen