Please treat this page as archived information. This page offered essential information during the early COVID-19 lockdown periods, and is no longer being actively updated.
We continue to offer support and information while most of our staff are working remotely. You can still contact individual staff by direct email. If you don't have these details, or for all general enquiries and concerns, contact us on 0115 934 8400, or email ncvs@nottinghamcvs.co.uk.
This page provides links to reliable sources of information, organisations and community groups who can support others during this emergency situation, and how you can help in Nottingham. This page will be updated regularly to explain how NCVS is responding to co-ordinate volunteer support, and to keep you informed as situations change quickly.
Want to volunteer?
NCVS is supporting the effort to link potential volunteers with people who require support in Nottingham's communities.
Earlier in the pandemic, we encouraged potential volunteers to sign up as a 'Coronavirus Response Volunteer'. Through this approach we grouped together a number of different roles, helping to link potential volunteers with local voluntary and community organisations that had asked us to promote specific volunteer opportunities in direct response to the pandemic. We emailed everyone who signed up with further instructions of how to help out.
You can still volunteer in similar roles - e.g. volunteer drivers, telephone befrienders, food preparation and provision, dog walkers - but you will now find these as individual opportunities. Search here, and you can register with our website to express interest in each role.
You can also search for many more volunteering opportunities not directly related to the coronavirus response.
If you require support to recruit volunteers or to identify a role most suited to you, please email volunteercentre@nottinghamcvs.co.uk.
Local charities appealing for urgent donations and supplies
We helped to compile a list of charities and community groups who provide support on the frontline, and need help to maintain their essential support.
By supporting the appeals listed here you can be sure your money, or other donations, will reach the most vulnerable and those truly in need. Please check that a specific appeal is still active as some information was collated at the beginning of the pandemic.
You can also support The Robin Hood Fund, a new fund which has been set up in Nottingham to help support the most vulnerable in the city during the COVID-19 crisis.
Latest support from Nottingham City Council
The council set up a Customer Hub support service that connects self-isolating people to community support groups and neighbourhood volunteer teams. It means people who perhaps don’t have established support networks can get essentials like food and medicines delivered to them by volunteers, or a visit or phone call to check they’re OK. The Customer Hub on 0115 915 5555 will be open 9am-5pm Monday to Friday or you can visit www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/coronavirus.
Resources for voluntary and community groups
We are all having to work differently at this time. Nottingham's Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector has had to adapt to new ways of working in order to continue to support the city's most vulnerable.
Below we provide links to trusted resources to keep you updated on the latest Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance, and to help address some of the challenges that charities and community organisations may be facing. Please check the date of the guidance on the external links below to ensure you are reading the very latest information.
If you have concerns or questions about Coronavirus (COVID-19), the best source of information can be found on the NHS website.
General Guidance for your organisation
Guidance from NCVO
The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) has made member-only resources free to everyone because of the current situation. Specific coronavirus resources include protecting your staff, volunteers and beneficiaries, contingency planning and financial planning.
Crisis Governance: support for trustees during the pandemic
NCVO has gathered together the latest guidance that trustees need to be aware of when making critical decisions over service provision, operations and sustainability.
Guidance from the Charity Commission
The Charity Commission has issued guidance to help with running your charity during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Managing financial difficulties in your charity caused by Coronavirus
Specific guidance from the Charity Commission about coronavirus (COVID-19) related financial difficulties in charities and how to work through them.
NAVCA VCSE Resources Hub
Guidance from National Association for Voluntary and Community Action (NAVCA) on areas including safeguarding, supporting a broad range of different sectors of the community, homeworking and funding.
Charity Digital COVID-19 Resource Hub
Resources to help get your team set up remotely, launch virtual fundraising campaigns, deliver your services online and more.
Changes to DBS checks in response to COVID-19
How DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) is supporting the fight against Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Data Protection
Guidance for organisations from the ICO
A link to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) Data Protection and Coronavirus information hub
Community Groups and COVID-19: what you need to know about Data Protection
A special message from the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)
Advice on involving and managing volunteers
Enabling safe and effective volunteering during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Government guidance from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS). Last updated on 8 January 2021, this guidance aims to help organisations and groups understand how to safely and effectively involve volunteers during the pandemic.
NCVO's Involving Volunteers page
A direct link to NCVO's guidance on involving and managing volunteers during the coronavirus outbreak.
COVID-19 Volunteering Support
A collection of short animations created by North Tyneside VODA to support volunteering during the COVID-19 emergency.
Volunteer Drivers and Motor Insurance in response to Coronavirus
Information which explains that volunteers who are helping their communities during the coronavirus outbreak do not need to contact their insurer to update their documents or extend their cover.
Safeguarding and DBS factsheet for voluntary community groups
Guidance from the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) specifically for those organising a community volunteer group, and for individuals wanting to assist those in their local community.
Information to support your clients and service users
Service updates from Nottingham's VCSE sector
Keep up to date with how Nottingham's voluntary and community organisations are responding and how services are adapting. The list of services is regularly updated by NCVS as we become aware of changes.
New Nottinghamshire Mental Health Helpline
Local people in mental health crisis who need immediate help can now receive support 24/7 by calling the new Nottinghamshire Foundation Trust Mental Health Helpline 0300 303 0165. The line is open to people of all ages who live in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. Further information is on the website at the link above.
COVID-19 information for older people
Ask Lion, the directory of support services and activities in Nottingham, has produced a page of information and resources specifically for older people.
Financial advice for individuals from Turn2Us
Turn2Us is a national charity providing financial support to help people get back on track. Their telephone helpline hours have been extended. Call for help and support with the Benefits Calculator or Grant Search tools on 0808 802 2000 Monday to Friday 8am to 6.30pm and Saturdays 9am to 1pm.
Working from home
Guidance from the NCSC
Advice from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to help organisations manage the cyber security challenges of increased home working.
Keep up to date through NCVS E-bulletins
View our E-bulletin Archive page for all bulletins issued in the last 18 months.
Would you like the latest information delivered direct to your inbox? Sign up here