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.
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.
Data protection
There is some useful information on data protection for community groups from Resource Centre UK.
National resources for people interested in mutual aid
Covid-19 Mutual Aid UK is a very valuable website offering lots of information.
Local advice
Partners in the county have developed the following resources about helping neighbours out.
Local groups
Cheltenham Mutual Aid Covid-19 facebook public group
Leckhampton with Warden Hill Parish Council
Charlton Kings Parish Council
Friends of Charlton Kings (facebook public group)
Benhall Residents Association (facebook private group)
email BRAchair@outlook.com
The Reddings Resident (facebook public group)
Naunton Park Area (facebook private group)