Network email updates
Network Email updates 

May 18th 2020 In this email, a 4 minute read there are Volunteer stats; Community Kitchens; Food Aid and Supermarket food deliveries; masks & hand sanitiser; ID badges and more

Dear friend

As we enter week nine of the ‘new norm’, the role of this network continues to develop. You will be pleased to know we are now working closely with organisations, charities and the councils to ensure we can deliver the best response for people in Ryedale.

'Staying alert', implementing the best advice and practice and exercising appropriate judgement has been the ongoing message within this network. Undoubtedly there are some questions arising from last week’s announcement by the government and how this will impact our future helping.

We do not think things will change greatly in the short term as those that are already shielding and being helped are still likely to need assistance. There are slightly fewer requests being made as people feel more confident to go out and, no doubt, your capacity to assist will diminish somewhat as well as lock down eases and the changes this brings for you too.

Over the past few weeks, local organisers have provided statistics, and from the responses received over the past two weeks alone, over 1560 various help actions have taken place. The feedback from members of the public, local councils and other organisations is very positive and they are so grateful for the work you are all doing.

If there is one thing you can take away from this experience, I hope it is that you recognise the positive impacts of volunteering within the community and for yourself. I hope this will continue in some form or another into the future.

Community Kitchens

Since our last email to you, there have been more Community Kitchens set up with our help. Last week alone, over 350 traditional tasty meals were produced from the four kitchens in Malton, Pickering, Hovingham and the Ryedale District Council kitchen (link to article here). The Crowd-Funder( link here ) is here to help raise some funds to support these and other projects. A big thank you again to Natalie Stevens for running her second Dance Fit class earlier today raising over £150!

Food banks and Supermarket donations

Since this emergency began North Yorkshire County Council has provided us with a van allowing us to move food aid around the district. Supplies have been distributed to various charities such as the YMCA as well as the Food Bank and other food share schemes in the area. Morrisons in Malton also sent an extra pallet this week in the shape of kids books. With the help of the Community Support Organisation, about 100 bags of books are to be distributed to the young carer families in and around the area.


Supermarket Deliveries

Morrisons in Malton have launched a doorstep delivery service specifically for elderly or vulnerable customers. The process is simple, customers need to call 0345 611 6111 then press option 5. From 25th May they will launch a click and collect service for the Malton store, ideal for those who want to remain isolated but are able to drive to the store. Collections can be contact-free if requested.

We'll share updates from other supermarkets as and when we receive these.

Masks and Hand Sanitizer

To continue to help you provide support, we have some masks available for you from this week, thanks to the ‘ Ryedale Scrubs ’ Volunteers. There is also have some hand sanitiser available so if you’d like a mask or gel, please contact your coordinator or drop us a line.

ID Badges

We now have an agreed route with North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC) to get ID cards for volunteers. Please contact your coordinator for more info.

Mental Health Week

This week is Mental Health week and there is real concern that this pandemic is causing anxiety to many people during this restricted time. There are tips and advice on ' how to look after your mental health ' during the Coronavirus outbreak' plus more here.

Final thoughts...

This initiative to bring together volunteers across Ryedale, has enabled experienced and new volunteers alike to help within the local community and new friendships have formed. This network has brought people together at a time when isolation affected us all. We continue to have a key role in sharing and implementing best practice guidelines, information and knowledge to keep Ryedale as safe as possible.

The Ryedale Volunteer Network will keep evolving and assist in the recovery phase and beyond. We will identify and, with your help, we will respond to requests for assistance within the community. Please, do not underestimate your value in being part of this true community asset.

Finally, and we will keep saying it, Thank you!

Stay safe and stay in touch.  

Steve and the team

Ryedale  Volunteer Network

CROWD-FUNDER INFO. You can find the page here on this link.

Social media and web support:

We have a new Twitter page here: https://twitter.com/HelpRyedale

Our Facebook page is here https://www.facebook.com/Ryedale-Covid19-Help-Network

Our Facebook Group is here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

Our website is: https://www.rye-charter.org.uk/ryedale-our-community-and-coronavirus

The very nature of volunteering means that you partake at your discretion, and the nature of volunteering means ultimate responsibility lies within your power. With that in mind, here are some very useful links, advice and key info below to help you in your volunteering. Remember, if you feel uncomfortable in any volunteering situation then please hand that ‘client’ up the chain, particularly if you think they are an urgent case. You can contact the lead coordinator in your area or reply to this email and we will pass them on to the Community Support Organisation.

Stay alert, implement the best advice and practice possible and exercise appropriate judgement at all times.

Key info and advice

Email - April 6th 2020

Dear friend.

Firstly, I need to get some admin out of the way. We have added some key questions to the volunteer form to enhance our capabilities to provide support. This will be used to enable quicker matches of tasks and preferences and help us create a symbiotic relationship with the Community Support Organisation (C.S.O.). We are expecting an ‘official’ ID system to be in place for ALL volunteers very soon so your details will be needed to obtain ID passes for volunteers. 


General Update

Following regular discussions with the C.S.O., there will be moves this week to link this group as closely as possible with them. The first stage will be to connect the lead coordinators together with the C.S.O. as we will be picking up calls from them as well as supporting in our current neighbourhood areas.

As the "lock down" days roll on, we are witnessing the strength of community that makes Ryedale such a great place to live. Residents have come together to support each other in extraordinary ways, such as shopping, picking up medication and essentials and setting up delivery networks. We have even been offered the use of a plane to move in supplies if needed! 

As a consequence, some of you may not have been called upon yet which can be frustrating, but be happy in the knowledge that having you there to reach out to is very reassuring for so many people. 

We cannot emphasise enough how much it is appreciated that you have made yourself available to help, and I would like to share this feedback to you from the Community Support Organisation. ‘We are humbled by what you are achieving out there...it’s been a difficult couple of weeks figuring out where everyone fits together BUT the main ‘prize’ is that we have helped and supported people in need and those who are anxious…’

‘Stronger together in our combined skills and resources!’

The initial flurry of activity has put us all well ahead in providing support and in a very strong position to respond if the situation worsens in this area. Let's hope it doesn’t. Currently, within this network are 28 groups working in 31 towns and villages across Ryedale, with over 550 direct volunteers signed up directly and buddied up to their organisers in their local area. BBC Radio York, BBC TV and the local press have helped us spread the word as far and wide as possible.

Where possible we are working in a mutually beneficial way with other similar volunteer groups, parishes, town councils, businesses, charities and the local authority by sharing knowledge and support, sharing info and best practice to as many people as possible and offering strategic support to the C.S.O. 

As time goes on, it will more important that we protect the main asset of this community support network. THAT’S YOU! Never forget that without you, those in need could easily slip through the net.  

With that in mind, being a volunteer in any type of action can sometimes be stressful, and the very fact that this is a help network to support the community in a public health emergency may contribute to extra worry. Burnout can be a very common problem for volunteers under pressure so it is vital to be aware of the signs. This article has some very good advice on ‘Burnout’ prevention and recovery (click here).

The very nature of volunteering means that you partake at your discretion, and the nature of volunteering means ultimate responsibility lies within your power. With that in mind here are some very useful links, advice and key info to help you in your volunteering.

Key info and advice

• Here is the UK government information on Covid 19 (click here) 

• If you are using your own car to volunteer please make sure you have notified you car insurance as this may be a requirement. It should not cost any extra, if it does please let us know.


Remember, if you feel uncomfortable in any volunteering situation then please hand that ‘client’ up the chain, particularly if you think they are an urgent case. You can contact the lead coordinator in your area or reply to this email and we will pass them on to the Community Support Organisation.

• There is a hardship grant available for those who have been financially hit as a direct consequence of the COVID-19 outbreak. Again, please escalate this up the chain to your lead coordinator or reply to this email.

• There will be more specific training coming in the near future, including online webinars and frequently asked questions. We will be using an App called Zoom for some of this outreach, so we recommend downloading the app if you have not done so (info here) 

• North Yorkshire County Council have sent us shopping advice information for volunteers. This is an ongoing document and there is still guidance that needs to be formalised. We will update when we receive further info. You can download the advice by clicking here. 


• There is some really useful info about a Post Office card account (click here) for those without access to a bank account.


• There is some key info for local business support and individuals available on the Ryedale District Council website (click here) 

• You can also download the council’s RDC COVID-19 Information for residents leaflet from our website (click here). 

• The Government have launched a free Government Coronavirus Information Service on WhatsApp. Simply add 07860 064422 to your phone contacts and then message the word ‘hi’ in a WhatsApp message to get started. For more information, click here.

• We thank the Ryedale Community Charter for hosting our web presence. There are many more key links, advice and various leaflets available on the website (click here).

I think that about covers everything.

Thank you everybody PLEASE BE SAFE 

Steve, Jack and the entire team 

PS 


Social media:

We have a new Twitter page here: https://twitter.com/HelpRyedale 




19/April/2020 

In this email, which is a 3-minute read: Closer ties with the 'Official Response' - Job Opportunities for Community Help - Gathering Intelligence - What we are doing with the Crowd-Funder - Key Advice and Useful Links via our Website.


Dear Friend

Firstly, I'd like to say that we should all be proud of what we have collectively achieved as a part of the RYEDALE VOLUNTEER NETWORK, which is now recognised as a part of the 'official response' to those in need as a result of Covid-19.

We know that we have helped hundreds of people across the community in so many different ways, from shopping to picking up prescriptions, befriending or just being there. Friendships are forming and communities are coming together in so many ways, and a lot of that is down to you.

Last week, we started connecting your town/village co-ordinators with the Ryedale Community Support Organisation (RCSO). The introductory sessions that we've run so far have proved to be a great success with brilliant discussions, some really useful sharing of info and constructive feedback.

There are now 26 towns/villages who were able to participate in the introductory sessions, from small neighbourly support groups to large town networks all of whom are now benefiting from having the BEST possible advice and support from the RCSO's Claire Robinson and her excellent team. (LINK HERE to see how we fit)

Thank you to ALL coordinators who were able to dedicate their time to link in with the RCSO. This should give you all peace of mind that you are receiving the best support and advice available.

We want all of you to continue to feel empowered and carry on with the amazing work you are doing, but at the same time provide you with the best processes and procedures, along with a resilient support structure to protect you and keep safe your volunteers and residents. I'm confident that you are already clued up on the info as it's your feedback that has contributed and helped shape the advice. What all this means is that you have the reassurance and back up in place to ask advice and, more importantly, be able to pass on cases you are uncomfortable with or uncertain about.

Your co-ordinators are the perfect starting point for you, but if your area hasn't yet been connected up we are pleased to announce that we have some extra time slots for coordinators to join us on Monday. Each town/village organiser has the info in their inbox.

The local authority is recruiting for all sorts of roles focused on helping the community, particularly with Health and Social Care. You can apply to work for them whilst being furloughed. Please click this link here for more info.

Gathering Intel. As we have said above, we have already helped hundreds of people across the area, and the intelligence from the co-ordinators is invaluable. With that in mind, we ask that you continue to feedback to your co-ordinator. The authorities NEED to know exactly how much support is needed, and being provided, so we can ensure they provide the necessary support that is needed both now and into the future. We are doing them no favours in not telling them.

If you feel there is anything else, in any way, that will help the response then please let us know. For instance, we have passed on details to the RCSO of potential suppliers of PPE, the offer of a plane and much more. You are the eyes and ears on the ground in your area. -   

We have also launched a Crowd-Funder (link here) to raise some funds to help support projects such as community kitchens and other projects. I'm pleased to announce that we have broken the £1000.00 barrier today and owe a massive thanks to all that have donated. A big thank you to Natalie Stevens and those who participated in her initiative of a running a Dance Fit class earlier today, raising £230!

Some of the funds have been used to buy some hand sanitizer for volunteers in some areas. If you need some, then please reach out and we will try to get some to you. The Malton community kitchen is now up and running with the help of the Malton Cookery School. All being well, we will be kick starting another two supplies of much needed hot meals this week.

We are continually updating the website with the best current advice on helping, potential scams, businesses offering services and links to organisations that can help in various ways. You can find the page here on this link and there is also info on the Ryedale Community Charter who are currently hosting our web presence.

Finally, and at the risk of being repetitive, it is important for us to emphasise how much we value your support. It is our hope that we have created something that can have a long-lasting positive impact for the residents of Ryedale.

Many thanks to you, one and all.

Steve Mason, Jack Ashton and the Ryedale Volunteer Network team

PS.



Social media and web support:

We have a new Twitter page here: https://twitter.com/HelpRyedale



Update: 27 March 2020

In this email which is a 5 min read
RYEDALE VOLUNTEER NETWORK UPDATE
NORTH YORKSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL RESPONSE
THE NHS 'CALL TO ACTION

Dear ####

I am writing to you with an update of where we are now as things are starting to move quickly with the local authority response now kicking in.  

This Ryedale Volunteer Network will continue to give support, with individuals, villages and towns looking at their own communities and support mechanisms to maximise the support possible within safe guidelines.

Between us we have created a resilient network that is working and will be linked in with the district Community Support Organisation (CSO) that has been set up by the partner authorities, so that we can all work together to deliver the safest and best possible support.

I know many of you have been flat out, but we envisage things may get a little bit easier soon as communities are falling into a routine. As the CSO comes online, core services and support for those in particular need and the vulnerable will be prioritised so most of our work will be to support the community generally, and provide back up to the CSO when required.

Currently, we have over 430 volunteers on our database, in 24 towns and villages with organisers, covering large parts of Ryedale and a website with the latest links to advice hosted by the Ryedale Community charter (website here). We have already provided over 60 DBS checked volunteer details for the CSO to contact and build an enhanced response for the vulnerable and those in long term need.

It’s truly amazing what our united community has achieved together.

We have been in a moral dilemma though as to whether to distribute leaflets or not. As some of you will know, there is serious concern that we risk missing a lot of people in the area who are not confident using computers or the internet. Following many conversations with lots of people in various roles, we feel we must continue to try and reach as many people as possible. 
With that in mind, we have produced another leaflet available for distribution to your local community. If you choose to use these, please wash your hands before you distribute any and practise social separation. The leaflets have been designed as so 'a pile' can be left with delivery outlets and well as be used by volunteers in there community. 

The leaflets will be managed by local coordinators for each town or village, so we can ensure best practice and minimise the number of distributors required. Please read and adhere to the guidelines below:

- The NHS Volunteer guidelines are a great resource to refer to. (Click here for the advice.)

- The Government have also produced a 'Safeguarding Factsheet: Community volunteers during COVID-19 outbreak' (click here).

THE NORTH YORKSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL RESPONSE

North Yorkshire County Council have released a press release (click here). People needing help can contact the County Council’s customer service centre on 01609 780780 to be directed to a contact point in their area. 

If there is anyone who requires assistance that you feel you cant meet OR are the most vulnerable who need additional/ longer term support then PLEASE let us or the North Yorkshire County Council care line know. 

The NHS Volunteer scheme
The NHS is looking for thousands of volunteers to help up to 1.5 million people who've been asked to shield themselves from coronavirus. NHS Volunteer Responders is not intended to replace local groups like ours who are helping our vulnerable neighbours.

It is an additional service provided by the NHS. GPs, doctors, pharmacists, nurses, midwives, NHS 111 advisers and social care staff will all be able to request help for their at-risk patients via a call centre run by the Royal Voluntary Service (RVS). The RVS will match people who need help with volunteers who live near to them. (To sign up click here) 

Finally I would like to emphasise a thank you to all of you who have stepped up for Ryedale, each and every one of you is an inspiration to us and each other.

Please be safe and keep following the latest advice.

Best Regards

Steve, Jack and the RVD team

PS, Here is a link to the Ryedale Volunteer Network sign up form. If possible could you copy and paste this into any social media you are doing so we can contact as many volunteers as possible and share the latest info given to us.  

https://actionnetwork.org/forms/ryedale-volunteer-network

We also want to hear your about your stories, they will provide great feedback and sharing positives will help everyone. 

Thanks again

Re Prime Minister announcement - Ryedale Covid 19 Volunteer Network statement - March 24 2020

Following the latest announcements from PM Boris Johnson last night, we need to take some immediate actions to work within with the new restrictions on public movements.

The key messages that have come into force are that people should leave home only for the following reasons:

  • shopping for necessities, as infrequently as possible;
  • one form of exercise a day, such as running or cycling, alone or with household members;
  • for medical or care needs, for example to help a vulnerable person;
  • travelling to and from work, but only if you cannot work from home.

Therefore, we advise that all leaflet distribution should stop with immediate effect until we can get clarification from the authorities whether to proceed. You have all done an amazing job distributing more than 13,000 leaflets across the district. We have already been able to help numerous vulnerable people and those who are self-isolating.

Our other key actions - supporting vulnerable people with shopping, picking up prescriptions etc. fits into ‘to help a vulnerable person’ and the government has said that anyone leaving the house 'to provide care or help a vulnerable person' will be allowed to carry on.

With that in mind, volunteers should be able to offer support to those in need if they decide to do so, but must ensure that they follow the latest advice (click here) to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We will be taking further advice on the interpretation of the new restrictions today and how they affect our work. We will email again when we have further clarified our position with the local authorities.

Going forward we are working closely with the councils to assist them in supporting those who need help in our communities - more to follow on how this will work - but we are keen to continue to grow our network of volunteers. Please encourage friends, family and neighbours to join us. The current crisis could continue for several months so we need a strong base of volunteers to work with us.

It is truly a community asset.

The sign up form is in the link here:

https://actionnetwork.org/forms/join-the-ryedale-covid-19-network?source=direct_link

(Please copy and share it)

URGENT

We also need to know how many of you have a DBS certificate as this is particularly useful when supporting vulnerable people. Its not a necessity for most activities but by having this information, it allows for better safeguarding for vulnerable people. Please complete the following form in the link below to let us know if you have one:

https://actionnetwork.org/forms/volunteers-are-you-dbs-disclosure-and-barring-service-checked

Finally, many thanks to everyone for your ongoing support and actions - we have already made a huge difference to people in our community across Ryedale.

We will be in touch ASAP.

BE SAFE

Jack, Steve and the team

Here's our website for more info:

https://www.rye-charter.org.uk/ryedale-community-advice-links

Email update 23rd March 2020

Firstly, thank you for stepping up to help in this time of crisis. The situation is moving fast and the response across our area has been amazing. Over 10,000 help cards have been handed out across Ryedale by volunteers organised in the community offering support.

We would like to explain why we have asked you to sign up and also the benefit in encouraging others to do the same. We will be in a position to offer a resilient and safe network to help the community. We are building a well-connected communications stream to provide and share the best and most up to date info that we receive from the local authorities, support local business and support our local community (whilst we can feasibly can).

We are in direct conversation with Ryedale District Council (with some councillors advising and volunteering within this network), North Yorkshire County Council and the Local Resilience Forum.

With that in mind, you’ll be pleased to know that we have over 350 volunteers across Ryedale, many with their own extensive networks, so the value of this group is plain to see. In your hands, you have the community knowledge/intelligence that is needed to help support, protect and communicate essential services, which will be a huge asset to the authorities.

In the event of lock down, which is a scenario we have to plan for, we are in a position to offer this service to communicate with many people as possible with key messages and support information to make sure no one is forgotten.  

We have created these pages to provide info about recognised community group organisers contacts, volunteer sign ups, community advice and a directory that local businesses can sign up too.

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AS MANY VOLUNTEERS / BUSINESSES AS POSSIBLE TO SIGN UP TO RECEIVE UP TO DATE INFO.

Ryedale Volunteer Network - https://www.rye-charter.org.uk/ryedale-volunteer-network

Ryedale Community Advice - https://www.rye-charter.org.uk/ryedale-community-advice-links

Ryedale Open for Business - https://www.rye-charter.org.uk/ryedale-open-for-business---coronavirus

In the next few days we will be send to you key contact details, advice and links from trusted authorities for you to pass to your networks by any appropriate means and methods that work for your communities.

The community spirit is what bonds us together and makes us stronger, but we are being forced into isolation... please be safe, and thank you for your continued support.

Best regards

Jack, Steve and the Team


Please follow the current NHS advice here and respect those who are.

NHS ADVICE

Do

wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds

always wash your hands when you get home or into work

use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available

cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze

put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards

avoid close contact with people who have symptoms of coronavirus

only travel on public transport if you need to

work from home, if you can

avoid social activities, such as going to pubs, restaurants, theatres and cinemas

avoid events with large groups of people

use phone, online services , or apps to contact your GP surgery or other NHS services

Don't

do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean

do not have visitors to your home, including friends and family

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