Support Staffordshire

Great News for Good Neighbours during covid-19

Support Staffordshire has been awarded a grant of more than £65,000 to continue support for community groups who came to the rescue during the covid-19 pandemic.

More than 40 mutual aid groups have formed across the county in response to the crisis. They are all different, some cover a handful of streets whilst others are covering whole districts but one theme runs throughout all – supporting isolated and vulnerable individuals in the community through a variety of services including befriending, shopping, collecting prescriptions and running errands.

Support Staffordshire have been supporting the groups countywide from the start of the pandemic beginning with information, advice and guidance to enable them to operate safely and effectively.

The National Lottery funding will support the Covid Legacy Project - working closely with these groups to support them to transition to a Good Neighbour Scheme.

Good Neighbour Schemes are set up in local communities and are groups with a bank of volunteers who want to help their neighbours and other local people on a regular or occasional basis. The people who need support may include those who are elderly, infirm, disabled or anyone who is isolated for a whole variety of reasons and are often a vital lifeline. Support Staffordshire will assist new schemes with a dedicated toolkit, development advice and training to enable them to become a sustainable group.

For more information about the Good Neighbour Schemes in your area you can contact Support Staffordshire on 0300 777 1207 or email info@supportstaffo rdshire.org.uk

Pictured - Michelle Cliff, Senior Locality Officer from Support Staffordshire