Multi-million pound boost to support volunteers and Wales’ most vulnerable
The Welsh Government recently (27 March 2020) announced an initial fund of £24 million to support Wales’ voluntary sector in response to the Coronavirus pandemic.
The funding will provide immediate support for Wales’ most vulnerable and help coordinate the thousands of willing volunteers wanting to help others during the current crisis.
A further £15 million will ensure people in Wales who not able to leave their home are able to get direct deliveries of food and other essential items to their door.
There are approximately 75,000 people in Wales identified as being at very high risk of severe illness from coronavirus. This week, each have been sent a letter from Wales’ Chief Medical Officer which includes clear advice to stay at home for 12 weeks – and a telephone number for their local council. This is the number they should ring if they need a home delivery of food and/or medicines and other essential items to their door.
The Welsh Government is also urging people to register their interest to volunteer safely during the coronavirus pandemic at Volunteering-wales.net. There are also opportunities for people who are self-isolating to get involved, for example taking part in phone and social media befriending schemes.
