Update from our Community Buildings Advisor – Keeping Halls in Berkshire Safe and Well with the ‘rule of 6’

From 14 September, whether indoors or outdoors people from different households must not meet in groups of more than 6. This limit does not apply to meetings of a single household group or support bubble which is more than 6 people. Community facilities following COVID-19 secure guidelines can host more than 6 people in total, but no one should visit or socialise in a group of greater than 6. Further information on social contact rules, social distancing and the exemptions that exist can be found on the guidance on meeting with others safely. These rules will not apply to workplaces or education settings, alongside other exemptions.

Rules in other venues and activities
Venues following COVID-19 secure guidelines will be able to continue to host more people in total – such as religious services in places of worship – but no one should visit in a group of greater than 6. When you visit one of these places, such as a pub, shop, leisure venue, restaurant or place of worship you should:

  • follow the limits on the number of other people you should meet with as a group – no more than six people unless you all live together (or are in the same support bubble)
  • avoid social interaction with anyone outside the group you are with, even if you see other people you kn
  • provide your contact details to the organiser so that you can be contacted if needed by the NHS Test and Trace programme

Our Community Buidings Advisor, Kate Meads, explains: “My understanding is that you can carry on as described above, but it seems sensible to reiterate to your hirers the need for social distancing and, more importantly, that they ensure that their attendee are in groups of less than 6 if it is necessary to be in groups at all. Hirers also need to understand that they must take names and telephone numbers of attendees for Track & Trace purposes and be able to notify the hirer if there are any positive Covid cases among their clients.”

Some useful guidance:

Safe use of multi-purpose community facilities

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-the-safe-use-of-multi-purpose-community-facilities/covid-19-guidance-for-the-safe-use-of-multi-purpose-community-facilitie

If you are involved with running a Community Building and would like to receive regular updates and support from Kate please contact Kate.Meads@ccberks.org.uk to learn more about our CBAS membership service.


Join the Countryside Clean up 19-20th September.

The Countryside Alliance is delighted to announce that the annual Countryside Clean-up has been rescheduled and will take place on 19 and 20 September, following its earlier postponement due to the coronavirus.

Building on from the success of this initiative over the past two years, the Countryside Alliance is urging all members and supporters to engage with this community event by taking
part in dedicated litter-picking sessions across the country over the two-day period. Whether this be conducted on your own, with your family or in a socially-distanced manner with
a larger group, we are encouraging everybody who respects the countryside to take part in this initiative to clean up the countryside.

Fly-tipping and littering in the countryside became one of the many negative side-effects of the pandemic, particularly when local waste recycling centres were shut, so the
Countryside Clean-up is more important than ever. “There are few things that annoy those living in rural areas as much as mindless littering and our supporters have always been keen to take practical steps to clean up their part of the countryside,” explained Tim Bonner, Chief Executive of the Countryside Alliance.

“Relying on one part of the community to clear up after another is not a satisfactory solution to littering and flytipping, however in previous years our supporters have cleaned up miles of roadside verges, footpaths and open spaces and I am sure the same will be true again this September.”

To register your litter-pick or for more information please visit https://www.countryside-alliance.org/support-us/events-2/countryside-clean-up-19th-20th-september


Job Opportunity to join our counterparts in Oxfordshire – Community Planning Officer

COMMUNITY PLANNING OFFICER

Community First Oxfordshire (CFO) requires a qualified Town Planner with a range of skills, a flexible approach and a creative mind. This is a busy, varied, and challenging role. The Community Planning Officer will: 1- manage CFO’s portfolio of Neighbourhood Planning commissions and actively seek new opportunities; and 2- research, develop and assist in the delivery of new, community-focused planning services.

2 year fixed term position. 28hrs per week £32-35,000 per annum pro rata. Deadline for application: 30 September 2020. For more information on the post and details on how to apply please visit: https://www.communityfirstoxon.org/were-recruiting-for-a-community-planning-officer/


New Training Opportunity for Practitioners in West Berkshire: Stop Loan Sharks Webinar – enhancing community safety, promoting safeguarding and ensuring financial well-being

Stop Loan Sharks Training – community safety, safeguarding, financial well-being

Please click above to reserve your place

About this Event

The purpose of loan shark training is to provide information and knowledge about the issue, how it relates to your work in West Berkshire (& beyond) and how we can help those who have borrowed from illegal lenders. The session will include key things to look out for as a sign that a friend, client or colleague may be involved with a loan shark and will show the impact that illegal lenders have on victims and communities and how we can work together to stop people falling into the clutches of criminals. Further information about Stop Loan Sharks from the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) can be found here.

Facilitated by CCB this webinar is for you if you work with clients that may be at risk of loan sharks or in a voluntary position that works with vulnerable community groups or individuals. Places are limited and will be booked on a first come, first served basis with priority for those working/living within the West Berkshire area.

Quotes from those that have taken part in this training session:

Now I’m better equipped to talk, help and advice people”

“The most informative training session we’ve had for ages”

“A real eye opener – I’m now fascinated by the subject”

“An amazing training session”


Free Online Training from Get Berkshire Active – Supporting the people around us to stay active through the crisis and beyond

Being active and supporting others to be active has never been more important, for both our physical health and mental wellbeing.


Get Berkshire Active are offering free online training sessions (1 hour) for community volunteers e.g. befrienders, helpers, navigators, etc. and volunteer co-ordinators, to enable and encourage others to be physically active through our everyday conversations. They cover the benefits of physical activity, guidelines, tips, key free resources, and positive conversation skills. Plus offer a digital resource pack following the session.

“I’ll take away how important conversations around keeping active are and the wider impact that can have. I will definitely be more conscious of having more open conversations with my clients.” – feedback from webinar attendee (Slough, 4th August).


To arrange a free session for your team contact Casey.Dunlop@GetBerkshireActive.org.