COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACTION HERTFORDSHIRE

The funding will be used to run their weekly minibus service transporting isolated vulnerable and older residents to socialise visiting family members and health services. The project aims to reduce loneliness and build friendships and ....more

The funding will be used to run their weekly minibus service transporting isolated vulnerable and older residents to socialise visiting family members and health services. The project aims to reduce loneliness and build friendships and self-confidence.

‘Cost of Living uplift: £500 to help projects meet their rising costs and respond to increased demand 31/10/2022’

Grant to CDA Herts

Grant to CDA Herts

This project will provide play sessions for children and young people visiting relatives in prison in Hertfordshire. The sessions will result in reconnection with family, increased self-esteem and understanding of cultural and ethnic diversity.

Throughout the past 10 months of the Covid pandemic we have regularly liaised with our contacts within 80 Rural Support Networks (RSNs) and Covid Information Champions (CICs) covering 180 isolated villages & hamlets throughout rural Herts. RSNs ....more

Throughout the past 10 months of the Covid pandemic we have regularly liaised with our contacts within 80 Rural Support Networks (RSNs) and Covid Information Champions (CICs) covering 180 isolated villages & hamlets throughout rural Herts. RSNs primarily evolved last year through the initiative of local volunteers taking action in direct response to the Covid 19 crisis and the pressures it placed on many vulnerable / isolated people living in rural communities. The RSNs have developed into invaluable local touchstones and information conduits in the dissemination of the latest Covid advice and guidance re people having the vaccine, plus the ongoing promotion for people to continue in adopting safe & healthy social behaviours through the pandemic. Our original RSN related data was linked with ONS age / population LSOA stats, mapping & clustering areas with higher percentages of elderly / vulnerable people and whether an RSN was in existence, thus showing areas of potential need / isolated locations within the County where there appeared to be no or little intervention, support and ongoing communication / information re people having the vaccine. We are therefore seeking support funding to continue the regular dialogue we have with the existing RSNs through to next Spring. A grant will allow us to continue our provision of support & guidance, whilst also ensuring that the RSNs engagement is maintained re the passing on of correct & positive information about the vaccine to those within their respective rural communities who still have hesitancies and concerns in having the vaccine. Our regular support, guidance & information releases will focus on the factors that may possibly influence the process between someone’s intention in having the vaccine through to them actually being vaccinated and endeavour to help break down other communication factors such as accessible information (analogue, paper and digital) social media, multiple languages. The releases will also promote regular testing as well as uptake of vaccinations, plus counteracting any false information. We will promote that people still need to continue safe behaviour and practice, whilst reinforcing the message that the virus hasn't gone away even though many of the social restrictions have been recently lifted. Information releases will also detail the dates, location, time and vaccines available of accessible vaccine clinics happening within each of the RSNs respective areas. We would utilise our existing knowledge from projects & networks we have delivered & developed over the past years in alleviating loneliness, rural isolation and more specifically in combating the pressures brought on by Covid. As such, we will endeavour to ensure that local support for the vulnerable and isolating is at hand, to enable them to gain confidence in resuming normal life. For example, liaising with the re-opening of Village Halls as centres of community support in the provision of inclusive social prescribing type activities and sessions.

Our countywide survey told us there are 2052 vulnerable (205 CEVs) people living in isolated rural areas, whose lives rely on receiving help & assistance from their local Covid-19 Volunteer Support Group. The local coordinators of these groups ....more

Our countywide survey told us there are 2052 vulnerable (205 CEVs) people living in isolated rural areas, whose lives rely on receiving help & assistance from their local Covid-19 Volunteer Support Group. The local coordinators of these groups said that of the people they were supporting, 47% required digital help in doing everyday tasks online and assistance in using IT and smart equipment / devices in order to keep in touch with friends & family. We have therefore developed a pilot project to offer digital supported learning opportunities for vulnerable & elderly residents highlighted by the survey living within isolated rural communities of Hertfordshire.

Grant to CDA Herts

Grant to CDA Herts

COVID19 - This grant will fund a staff laptop and activities for children and young people visiting parents in prison who have had face-to-face contact ceased due to Covid-19. This funding will help improve their ability to understand their emotions.

Play sessions for children with a close relative in HMP The Mount. By taking part in sessions children will improve their relationships with their families, increase their confidence and become more tolerant towards others.

to fund a part-time Field Worker to work with Village Hubs and the Rural Loneliness forum to address rural isolation and loneliness in practical ways.

All the women participating in the project will be more confident and have a better understanding of areas such as the education system; potential for teenagers and women to develop their interests; womens health and how to become involved in their ....more

All the women participating in the project will be more confident and have a better understanding of areas such as the education system; potential for teenagers and women to develop their interests; womens health and how to become involved in their childrens schools either as a volunteer or paid employment. Also on the areas they have identified themselves. We will liaise with the childrens schools and other agencies to assess the opportunities to work paid or unpaid and what level of support will be needed for the women to achieve this fantastic opportunity which will build their confidence and work towards integrating with the local communities. In our experience, when the women have the opportunity, working in small groups, they will share and support each other to develop their language skills and encourage each other to participate more fully in activities in their areas. The issue for slow progress in some cases has been transport costs and some childcare support. The centre in Stevenage can provide child friendly space where the women will be close by as some have concerns about leaving children with non family and manage the informal language learning sessions with activities. The aim of group sessions is to enable women to communicate in English on certain topics, and learn more about the cultures of the host community and to manage the diversity. Our ESOL volunteer Coordinator has matched women with Volunteer Language Supporters / Befrienders and we would build on this network to develop the groups and consult with the women as to what type of activities they would benefit from. The impact of trained and supported women volunteers to support and organise the groups will be of mutual benefit to the women and we will feel confident to expand the project.

Grant to CDA Herts