Supporting your community

Cheltenham is proud to have a rich heritage of voluntary and community based action

We have seen in previous crises how local groups can take action to support more vulnerable members of the community.

The current Covid-19 pandemic has prompted many individuals and groups to consider how they can support people who might be self-isolating, or who might not have access to food or vital household provisions, or who are too worried to leave the house.

On this page, we will pull together some resources to help people who want to do more.

First things first

Always follow the latest government guidance
Always ensure the safety and wellbeing of yourself and any staff and/or volunteers
Always ensure that you are not infecting others
Always protect those most at risk through effective safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults.
Always be very careful with sensitive personal data so that it does not fall into the wrong hands.

Latest government guidance

Read the latest government guidance which covers topics such as social distancing, cleaning and guidance for employers.

The latest guidance on coronavirus symptoms and isolation times is on the NHS website.

Health and safety

The health and safety of yourself and volunteers is really important – you should not undertake activities that might increase your risk of exposure to the virus. Always follow the social distancing guidance and the dos and donts on the NHS website including being scrupulous about handwashing.

Not infecting others

It’s really important that well-intended community support does not increase the risk of infection to other people. Again please follow the social distancing guidance. Queercare have also developed some useful guidance on how to support others without spreading the infection

Safeguarding resources

The NSPCC have developed a useful safeguarding children’s online tool for community groups. Find local resources are available on the county council's website.

Mencap have some useful information about safeguarding adults. Local resources are available on the county concil's safeguarding website.