New support for local communities most at risk from Covid

Near Neighbours is proud to be part of the Community Champions scheme, created by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. Designed to help local authorities and voluntary organisations engage isolated groups such as older people, disabled people, and ethnic minorities, who – according to the latest evidence – are more likely to suffer long-term impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Between January and March we are expanding our work to support those most at risk from Covid-19, through communicating accurate public health information, encouraging vaccine take up and more widely, engaging and supporting communities to tackle the disproportionate impact the pandemic has had on certain ethnic and social groups.

Building on our existing local networks in some of the most diverse and deprived areas in England, we will be expanding our support to include:

• Promoting the latest information about public health, personal safety and the vaccine, through key targeting of different faith and ethnic communities, encompassing different languages and cultural nuances.
• Launching a new small grants programme to support grassroots organisations.
• Community listening and feedback workshops.
• New programmes for local groups to boost digital inclusion, enhance youth and community leadership and strengthen financial resilience.

This increased programme of work has been created in collaboration with the Church Urban Fund and the Just Finance Foundation. Near Neighbours is dedicated to bringing people together, embracing difference, strengthening community spirit and belonging, and increasing collaboration across community organisations, faith groups and businesses to meet local needs effectively.