The new Cheshire East Social Action Partnership was launched on 1st April 2020.
This includes a new website Social Action Partnership which provides initial information about the Social Action Partnership and the work we will undertake in developing a strong local social impact culture in Cheshire East, underpinned by a thriving Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector.
The Social Action Partnership has of course launched at a very difficult time in the midst of the current Covid-19 situation, and our immediate work programme has involved direct engagement in the Cheshire East People Helping People response for those in need of help.
We have quickly immersed ourselves into these developments, working with partners and VCFSE sector organisations, taking a lead role in developing a Virtual Volunteer Network across the 8 Cheshire East Care Communities areas. Each Care Communities area now has one or more established Volunteer Coordination Points which are offering support to individuals and families who may be impacted upon by Covid-19.
Each Volunteer Coordination Point is able to provide a single point of contact through which to channel support, advice and communications. We have provided guidelines to help ensure the safety of individuals and volunteers, and to access further advice and support. Examples of what Volunteer Coordination Points provide include:
- Links with food banks in their area and distribution for those in need
- Act as a volunteer hub for those who have offered their support to be linked to local need
- Volunteers who can offer advice and guidance, shop for essentials for vulnerable and self-isolating individuals, and conduct wellbeing phone calls
Several the Volunteer Coordination Points are Town and Parish Council’s, many of which were already developing a local response, but forming as a Network also helps to coordinate volunteers who have registered through People Helping People, and for wider support to be provided and best practice to be shared. We thank all of those involved.
The Social Action Partnership now looks forward to continuing to develop its links with the Cheshire East Town and Parish Council’s both through the current Covid-19 response, the recovery phase that will now follow, and beyond. Further information can be found on the CESAP website as detailed above.
Briefing Dated 1/5/20
Cheshire East Social Action Partnership
0330 123 3830
Cheshire East Social Action Partnership, Sandbach Enterprise Centre, Wesley Avenue, Sandbach, Cheshire CW11 1DG