CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) Are you a member of the public needing help? BCP Council has launched a dedicated helpline to support vulnerable people who need vital support while isolating at home during the coronavirus outbreak. Call 0300 123 7052 - open 8 am – 8 pm seven days a week or visit their website. How can I access food? Depending on your circumstances you may be struggling to get access to food. Whether you are self-isolating, extremely vulnerable, or struggling with money there is help and support available to you. BCP Council has lots of help and advice. For more go to BCP Council Volunteer Shopping cards If there is someone you trust who has offered to collect your shopping, numerous supermarkets have made volunteer cards available to reduce the use of cash and help minimise the risk of transference as well as eliminate the need to share card details during this pandemic. M&S - E-giftcard that can be printed or used on a smart phone. Asda - from £5-£150 receipts are sent electronically and can be used on a smart phone. Co-op - purchase or top up a gift card by calling 0800 029 4592. Aldi - Vouchers come in £5 or £10 denominations. There is a small wait as they post the vouchers free of charge. Christians Against Poverty Bournemouth Job Club The Christians Against Poverty Bournemouth Job Club will be going online at the beginning of July. This FREE offer includes the Steps to Employment course, one-on-one coaching and ongoing membership of the CAP Bournemouth Job Club online community. The eight course sessions will be delivered over four weeks on Mondays and Thursdays, starting at 11.00am. Applicants will be restricted to those with a BH postcode and participants to 16 per course, so early application is advised. This course is available to all, regardless of faith, age, gender, race, disability or sexual orientation. We will be running a second course on 10th August. For more information and an application form, please email Dick Dendle, the CAP Bournemouth Job Club Manager, at [email protected] Information and advice about the Covid-19 virus Public Health Dorset is keeping its website updated with the latest public advice around COVID-19. A useful guide about guarding mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic CAN’s support for the local community On these pages you’ll find information about: Local community action – what are the local voluntary and community sector delivering to support communities through the Covid-19 pandemic? Emergency funding for voluntary and community organisations. Volunteer - how to register as a Covid-19 community response volunteer. See below for details. Organisations needing a volunteer – register here Advice for new and existing groups – tap into our expert knowledge. See below for further details. Make a donation – support local voluntary and community groups. Financial guidance for community groups a guide to help people with online shopping, handling cash etc. Volunteer Would you like to offer to help during the Coronavirus crisis? Volunteering your time to help other people is a precious gift to those in need, vulnerable or simply require some assistance to get through this difficult time. Particularly, older or isolated people are at risk - your help could be a life-changing gift. But as with all activities, it is vital that individuals who volunteer their time understand that there must be considerations in place to ensure their and others safety. CAN have created this short guide to ensure you have all the basics covered. To put yourself forward to volunteer please register here. For information about how we store/use your personal information, please see our privacy policy. EDIT: Due to the high number of applications we have received, there may be a delay in matching you up with a role in your local community. We ask that you please bear with us! In the meantime, please do check on your neighbours to see if they need any help with collecting shopping, dog walking etc. Volunteering success We’re proud to share inspiring and positive stories of how the local community and voluntary sector have risen to the challenge of the coronavirus pandemic and worked tirelessly to help their local community. Read their stories here Need volunteers? If you are a local organisation, community group or business no matter how big or small needing volunteers during this crisis, please register your details here and we will be in touch within five working days. Advice for groups and organisations We want to encourage local community action. If you’re looking to set up a community group, please contact us as we can provide free expert advice and promote you too – please call 01202 466130 or email [email protected]. Our Senior Adviser Steve Place has put together some useful guidance on running your organisation during this time of crisis. 'Advice for your group’ Make a Donation If you wish to make a donation towards the local crisis response, please visit Dorset Community Foundation here. Financial guidance for community groups BCP Council, Dorset Council and Public Health Dorset have compiled a guide to help people with online shopping, handling cash etc. Financial guidance