IMPACT REPORT - www.EssexCVS.org.uk www.volunteeressex.org - Maldon CVS
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COVID-19 RESPONSE
IMPACT
REPORT
www.EssexCVS.org.uk
www.volunteeressex.org
FOREWORD
It is a very real privilege to
INDEX introduce the Essex CVS and
Volunteer Essex Covid-19
INTRODUCTION3
Response Impact Report.
ECVS & VOLUNTEER CENTRE
RESPONSES4 The Essex CVSs work to ensure
OTHER TASKS UNDERTAKEN6 that the voluntary sector in their
locality get the support they
INDIVIDUAL CVS & need. During the pandemic
VE RESPONSES12 this mission has become
APPENDICES18 critical and those involved
have risen to the challenge
CONTACTS20 in quite exceptional ways.
In this report you will read
about the way in which the
individual CVSs have worked
both together and independently
on many fronts; making support
available to countless volunteer
groups so that they can provide
care to their communities.
Thank you very much indeed
for your wonderful work.
With very best wishes
Jenny Tolhurst
HM Lord-Lieutenant of Essex
2 Covid-19 Response Impact Report
INTRODUCTION Setting the context
This research and evaluation has focused on the
response of ECVS (Essex Association of Councils
for Voluntary Services) and VE (Volunteer Essex)
members to the Covid-19 pandemic, from the
initial mobilisation period in mid-March to 31 July
2020. It looks at the activities delivered and the action, in many instances prior to government requests
impact of the local response, its collaboration for collaboration and support. They knew that a local
with statutory partners and the support response was best in times of emergency, they also
provided to the wider voluntary and community knew that a lack of coordination and support across
sector, especially mutual aid, or hyper local the sector meant people might go without the help
groups, many of whom were newly formed. they need during a crisis. CVSs are that connection
between the hyper local and local district or borough
Each of the 11 CVS & VC areas individually have response, particularly during times of crisis.
acted in common but also in unique ways to
support their communities, using local knowledge 11 CVSs and their Volunteer Centres, 1 independent
and well-established networking skills to develop volunteer centre, 4 mutual aid groups, and 4 strategic
partnerships and carry out activities to support need. partners were spoken to and data gathered to provide a
common picture and share their different experiences.
CVSs were in many cases ‘first responders’ to the newly
emerging needs. Early on, they identified the need for
Covid-19 Response Impact Report 3
ECVS & VE RESPONSES TO COVID-19
CVSs (Councils for Voluntary Services) and VCs Bureaucracy and previous barriers were set aside
(Volunteer Centres) are the ‘go to’ organisations as all partners supported and protected Cat A
for Essex to ensure the voluntary and community and other vulnerable individuals and families.
sector and its staff and volunteers are supported,
safe and sustainable and that communities See Appendix 1 for individual CVS/
are active and resilient. The Covid-19 response VC data and responses.
exemplified the extent to which ECVS and VE were
already embedded in their local communities, It has to be recognised that the capacity of some
their understanding of localities and longstanding CVSs was stretched prior to the pandemic and
participation in strategic networks and partnerships. supporting the local effort with such small staff teams
has been challenging. CVS staff were seconded to
ECVS and VE began planning their response in mid- support projects and the frontline effort to support
March. In many cases this planning took place earlier those who were self-isolating where possible.
than the local statutory services planning and response.
Initially, the network shared ideas, using its knowledge, It is also important to acknowledge that the hugely
skills and various partners and local contacts for what time consuming response activity took place
an Essex-wide response might look like. This was then alongside the need to provide support, advice and
revised and adapted once local councils, additional information to member groups which found themselves
partners and the differing needs locally were agreed. in an unprecedented situation requiring them to
adapt to survive, identify funding to re-establish
Support hubs were set up. Some CVSs took control themselves online and ‘moth ball’ projects until the
of their local hubs, normally where resources crisis passes (in itself an unknown point in time).
and size enabled them to do so. Those CVSs with
less capacity still remained at the forefront of the
activity despite fewer staff and resources. ECVS
acknowledges that differences in size and resource
gave rise to different ways of delivering a response.
However, ECVS feels the response shows the
diversity of the network and its innovativeness.
In the districts, tasks were split between partners such
as the local authority manning the phones with the
CVS providing more operational and administrative
tasks and Volunteer Centres providing volunteer
recruitment, checking and induction support.
Coordination meetings initially took place weekly
and moved to fortnightly as processes and protocols
settled and on the ground delivery took over.
4 Covid-19 Response Impact Report
Overall CVS & VC data representing the ECVS & VE impact
2,254* 2,187*
Volunteers recruited Befriending requests
due to the crisis responded to
2,268* 53,504
Volunteers used Wellbeing
to support the calls made or
response responded to
8,918* 26,571
Prescriptions Other tasks
collected completed
15,098* 106,678*
Bespoke shopping Total number of ALL
requests completed tasks completed
* Response from 10 CVSs
Includes data reported for whole Hub activity rather than unique CVS/VC only roles within
that as in several cases the CVS was the Hub lead or had a main role within the partnership
Volunteering hours for tasks has been difficult to quantify especially as ad hoc arrangements
were made with the volunteers which were not counted in the totals above.
Where CVSs worked with neighbourhood support groups and relief charities such as
Foodbank, their volunteer and task numbers have not been included in the above.
Covid-19 Response Impact Report 5
OTHER TASKS UNDERTAKEN
There was a wide variety of other activities Organisational support provided mainly consisted of:
undertaken which ranged from answering general ● Safeguarding guidance as groups struggled to
council enquiries, relationship building and understand how to apply in this new way of working
cooperation with Essex Welfare Service (renamed ● Running emergency response groups
Essex Wellbeing Service). Teams provided safely Online training courses
emotional support, answered calls from the public ● On demand guidance
checking that the helpline was real and not a scam, ● Developing accessible and relevant training materials
dog walking and transport to appointments. ● Funding surgeries and emergency funding advice
● Promotion of services open and help available
Essex Connect Well social prescribing service, on social media during the pandemic
supported by the some of the CVS network, also ● Organisational support with digital resources created
played a vital role in the response whilst Frontline ● Governance advice and information
was used in West Essex for referrals. Paid workers ● Taking groups under CVS insurance umbrella
worked alongside GP and local authority services,
providing residents with an easy way to access a wide CVS communication with member groups was also valued
variety of support and services on their doorstep. throughout this period due to the considerable government
information being released as well as providing any other
Community Transport schemes in many areas were communications which benefitted their own membership.
temporarily paused or the number of hospital and This continued alongside undertaking whatever local support
health related trips were greatly reduced therefore was needed within the hub structures created locally.
the Community Transport volunteers themselves
diversified their roles and were used to support hospital ECVS worked with Essex County Council to offer
discharge, prescription services, or deliver food parcels ECC employee volunteers who were working
to Category A (shielding) individuals and families. from home and were being given time and
support to volunteer as bid writers to charitable
It was also recognised that ‘spirits’ needing lifting organisations impacted financially by Covid-19.
during the long lockdown period and several CVSs and
partners created or supported special ‘pick me ups’. For Volunteering
example, Community 360 delivered takeaway meals The crisis had a substantial impact on volunteering in
to the vulnerable and NHS staff, Maldon and District Essex voluntary and community sector organisations
CVS provided afternoon teas for VE Day and Easter with those volunteers aged 70+ and those with health
treats, and Rainbow Services (Harlow) supported its conditions needing to self-isolate with little notice or ability
residents with a grow your own project accompanied to plan. Many CVSs and VE projects were supported by
by very active social media interaction. Chelmsford large numbers of volunteers who were suddenly required
CVS also led on a Grow Your Own initiative in the city. to ‘shield’ leaving gaps in services if they remained open.
Volunteer Centres, as integral parts or partners of their
Support for VCSE CVS, supported their CVS partners to provide a seamless
organisations service to support the recruitment and selection of
All ECVS and VE members continued to provide, volunteers. For example, Volunteer Uttlesford, as an
where practicable, the core CVS infrastructure independent volunteer centre, worked very closely with CVS
services with many increasing the frequency of Uttlesford to support the volunteers who came forward.
e-communications to provide and share information
to partners and member organisations.
6 Covid-19 Response Impact Report
Volunteer Recruitment bins going out, hearing aid batteries, and taking
Managing demand for volunteers required good planning appliances to and from hospital for service. Requests
and systems. The request for volunteers to support the for training in managing and recruiting volunteers
response was overwhelming and some CVSs and VCs was also high on the agenda of help requested.
struggled to find the capacity to manage this, requiring
local arrangements and support from Hub partners. Organisations, who delivered community services using
In total across Hubs 2254 volunteers came forward to volunteers, found themselves in the difficult position of
offer their help. The CVSs and VCs had their own local having to close but many existing volunteers wanted
systems in place to support recruitment and although to continue to help in some way. This involvement also
these were unique to their areas there was a strong sense needed to be managed effectively to ensure those
of Essex-wide partnership and mutual support during volunteers continued to be available after the crisis calmed.
the initial set-up of Hubs which enabled the sharing
of advice, guidance, ideas, and support systems. Mutual aid groups had varying levels of expertise
and knowledge about volunteer management
● Brentwood set up their own Facebook group to and all CVSs recognised the need to ensure that
try and increase the number of volunteers to help efforts were made to ‘plug’ this gap. Chelmsford
support the 18 community hubs that they had CVS contacted every neighbourhood support
established to support the local effort. 450 local group to help them build capacity at pace.
residents joined this social media support group.
● Rayleigh, Rochford & District Association for Voluntary The Hubs needed to find new ways to train and support
Service stated that they used 60% of the volunteers volunteers which did not require intensive face-to-
that were recruited although some were unhappy at face sessions and through working together, and
not being used but this was simply down to demand. with fellow CVSs and VCs across England through the
● Community 360 brokered and placed 237 volunteers NAVCA network, flexible ways to ensure safety and
during the period which represented 59% of the good practice were applied in a very short time period,
total annual volunteers brokered for the whole for example online training and instructional videos.
of 2019/20 and demonstrates the huge increase
in demand to volunteer during this period. Maldon and District CVS have recruited a number of
’Legacy’ volunteers whose role is to provide support for
Volunteer Management those individuals who cannot be referred elsewhere and
The volunteers who came forward, however, were not continue to require support now that the crisis has abated.
necessarily ‘trained’ or had the required DBS clearance
to immediately help despite their willingness to do It is important to understand that volunteer management
so. This provided a challenge in itself. CVS Uttlesford is more than an online appeal and that proper support and
DBS checked 160 of its volunteers in a very short time management to ensure that volunteers are not only useful
period. Volunteer Uttlesford, the independent volunteer but also have a worthwhile experience is vital. A large number
bureau in the district, ensured that all volunteers were of the ECVS network reported that approximately 60% of
given a telephone induction and those volunteers volunteers who came forward intend to continue to volunteer
engaged in sensitive tasks were given guidance on beyond the current pandemic or in the future, if required.
safeguarding, lone working, health and safety.
61% of registered volunteers polled by CSVU said they
Volunteers undertook a variety of roles from would continue to volunteer for them afterwards. In a
shopping, collection and delivery of prescriptions, Maldon and District CVS survey, 94% felt that they had a
telephone friendship, dog walking, banking and positive volunteering experience with 92% saying that as
pension collection, IT support and tuition, wheelie a result they would recommend volunteering to others.
Covid-19 Response Impact Report 7
OTHER TASKS UNDERTAKEN
Mutual Aid Groups and their established, most notably the Colchester Anti Loo
response in each district Roll Brigade who have 9000 strong following.
Mutual aid groups founded in the Covid landscape
launched with many volunteers stepping forward to In one parish alone 450 ‘acts of kindness’ (shopping,
support residents, whilst others found themselves with prescription collections, befriending and so on)
their volunteer number reduced as long-time volunteers have been recorded. In one town over 1500 tasks
fell into the shielding or higher risk groups. From were carried out by just 10 dedicated volunteers.
grocery shopping and prescription collection, telephone
befriending and check-in chats to organisation emergency Community Embrace (UK) a mutual aid group based
food parcels or freshly cooked hot meals delivered in Harlow sees Rainbow Services as a central point for
to those in need, and acts of neighbourly kindness signposting to help and advice in its locality. During the
such as afternoon teams for birthdays and activities to pandemic, Rainbow Services provided an important
help lift spirits, these groups provided the hyper local point of contact and sent referrals for them to deal with.
response. Whilst it is not possible to quantity the numbers
accurately, neighbour to neighbour interactions of help Anthony Redfern from Great Chesterford mutual aid
were how most people have been able to respond. group felt that the hyper local approach worked well.
He believed that the close-knit community meant that
Voluntary Action Epping Forest reported 9 they knew villagers who could support the response.
new mutual aid groups being set up with as He did however acknowledge that he could approach
many as 87 being set up across 8 CVSs. CVS Uttlesford for help and support, if required. He
also realised that his own skills could be a valuable
Chelmsford CVS reported over 34 new volunteer resource in the future in the field of telecommunications
groups were also ready to help their neighbours. and online digital systems. Recognising this expertise
Thousands of local people, in a co-ordinated in the community is invaluable should there be a
effort, helped those isolated and vulnerable across reappearance of the virus or a future crisis and we
Chelmsford, its villages and South Woodham Ferrers. need to ‘bank’ this knowledge for any future crisis.
Mutual aid groups needed help with handling money
and payment guidance, safeguarding, how to support
volunteers, signposting, advice and information and Partnerships
promotion of wider services for local communities. All CVSs recognised the need for an improved
This was provided with the support of the CVS and collaborative approach. They have a wealth of
their teams. Mutual aid groups recognised the need knowledge about voluntary and community sector
for support in areas such as safeguarding and safe organisations within their locality, the services offered
working. Two such groups in Uttlesford knew that and knowledge of particular staff or roles who could
they could ask their local CVS for help, if required. help assist the response in the early stages. It was
vital that people were referred correctly, and that
The four mutual aid groups spoken to appreciate and there was an understanding of the local geography
acknowledge the support and the services offered by to help reduce waiting time and false starts.
the local CVS. John and Helen Wright from the Great
Dunmow Care for Your Neighbours Scheme and Antony 100s of partners were involved in the CVS response
Redfern from Great Chesterford Neighbours Group felt to the crisis. Basildon, Billericay, and Wickford CVS
that they were kept well informed and supported. reported a collaboration of 71 partners involved in their
hub and CVS Tendring working with approximately
Prominent Facebook support groups were 54. Community 360 worked with over 50+ partners
8 Covid-19 Response Impact Report
in their area. These included district councils, It has not been possible to provide cumulative and financial
parish councils, rotary and lions’ clubs, befriending calculations of the total response effort due to the differences
organisations such as Essex Befriends in Maldon, in data collection and interpretation of the activities
Citizens Advice services and the Salvation Army. completed, despite some CVS partners sharing a database.
Some data provided is for CVS activity only whilst other data
The existing good working relationship between West reflects the collaborative nature of the hub partnership.
Essex CCG and WECAN (West Essex Community Action Whilst shopping requests, wellbeing and befriending calls
Network – a partnership between Rainbow Services, may have slightly different interpretations, the total number
CVSU and VAEF) meant they were able to broker a of volunteers used to deliver the response is accurate and
good system for the collection of prescriptions by reflective of the overwhelming response by the public.
volunteers with the local pharmacies, an approach
that West Essex CCG found very useful. However, 2268 (data from 10 CVSs) volunteers were used to
Rayleigh, Rochford & District Association for Voluntary support the response. All of these volunteers needed to
Service felt that the local CCG was focussed more be checked, trained, and supported during a time of great
on medical rather than community needs. pressure which had an impact on CVS and VE resources
as the need to get the volunteers ‘up and running’ grew.
CVSs have always recognised the value of local In many cases this cost had to be covered by already
businesses and developed good working relationships limited resources. The value of this bank of volunteers
with them which proved useful in many areas, especially is incalculable as we go forwards into the Autumn and
around the supply of food. Voluntary Action Epping the threat of further lockdowns approaches. Many of
Forest developed a relationship with Ongar Dairy and these volunteers used their own vehicles and bore the
the relationship they built with a local businessman will costs of this activity which must also be acknowledged.
continue post-Covid as they review what is needed in their
district and how to continue some of their Covid activities. A number of CVSs report that relationships between
their local authority and its elected members have
Food Banks were important partners, but it was apparent been improved as a result of having a good experience
that the need was greater than the limited number of of working with CVS during the crisis. They feel that
visits allowed. Self-isolating individuals required food their knowledge of the local area and networks has
parcels and food support charities like Food4All and been invaluable. RRAVS confirm a heightened profile
3Food4U helped plug the gap. There were also huge with local elected members as well as the recognition
issues with storage for those CVSs leading the hubs of the size and the capacity of their organisation.
with local buildings being used to support the effort.
CVSs, like other charities, had to operate under
extraordinary pressure. Whilst the short-term focus
was on responding to the crisis, long-term goals to
Discussion and Next Steps strengthen connections across the sector and put
A massive 106,678 tasks (data from 9 CVSs) were in place sustainable ways of working to deliver a
completed across Essex by CVS volunteers. The value coordinated and effective response in times of future
of completing these tasks could be calculated as emergency are essential. As the health crisis lingers, the
£930,232, assuming one task per hour x National Living economic crisis tightens its grip we can expect the social
wage of £8.72 (shopping and prescription collection was crisis to build. This provides a financial challenge at a
a time consuming in the early stages of the response time when local authorities are struggling with budgets.
so this is a conservative estimate of the time taken).
Covid-19 Response Impact Report 9
OTHER TASKS UNDERTAKEN
The ECVS and VE network are moving ● Rainbow Services (Harlow) has continued a Hub
forward in this ‘new normal’: approach with the original partners of the Harlow
● Community 360 have secured funding to kick Community Hub, EWS, Community Agents, CAB,
start post Covid-19 projects within the community and additional smaller local groups as an ongoing
and maintain support for the sector. collective working together not only to plan for
● Training provision is to be moved online for any future Covid-19 related needs but more
the short/medium term. CVSs will have a major generally to work together to support the wider
role in supporting organisations to do this. needs of vulnerable communities in Harlow.
● VCSE surveys are to be completed to help ● Essex CVS’s and Volunteer Centres have been
shape future plans with statutory partners. involved in shaping and delivering the Voluntary
● There is a return to signposting to frontline and Community Sector Emergencies Partnership as
services on the ground to better support part of a joined up national response. Within Essex
the people who continue to need help. representatives from local infrastructure have taken
● Volunteers are being encouraged to transfer from on the role of Liaison Leads and Local Infrastructure
the Hub service to other organisations and projects Organisations to feedback intelligence and to
to retain their participation in volunteering. look for local solutions. https://vcsep.org.uk/
● Work is needed to understand how the ● Chelmsford CVS continues to support newly
remaining volunteers who stay with their formed mutual aid groups such as Danbury
local CVS will be managed going forward. Coronavirus Group who wish to offer longer term
● CVS Uttlesford have continued the District and more diverse support in their communities.
Hub in a responsive scaled back version and
continued to regularly attend the West Essex
CCG Covid 19 Working Group, which includes
district Councils and VCS partners. CONCLUSION
● Basildon, Billericay, and Wickford CVS want The voluntary and community sector really helped out
to improve networks such as Chief Officer during the crisis and there needs to be a recognition of
networks to help with any future pandemic. the role of CVS and VC in that work. There is a significant
● CVS Uttlesford have secured a Big Lottery Covid evidence base of the partners that CVSs worked with
Response Fund grant to support the Uttlesford district during the response. Recognition of the value of the CVS
communities respond to the effects of the Covid 19 as a seamless connector who can be strategic and deliver
crisis and develop their resilience to it moving forward. operationally with good grassroots connections is needed.
● Rayleigh, Rochford & District Association for Voluntary
Service want to support communities to identify gaps This report is not only for the ECVS and VE network
and then help them set up local groups themselves. itself to learn and reflect on what the network achieved
● Voluntary Action Epping Forest want to but also externally to wider partners and public
strengthen its partnerships with businesses to services to show the diverse nature of the CVS and
continue to support their local communities. its ability to innovate in times of crisis. They were
● Basildon, Billericay, and Wickford CVS are willing to respond to the pandemic and take a key
keen to identify how it will aid survival going role regardless of their capacity. There needs to be
forward of the small groups as well as the acknowledgement that they showed an ability to
network of hundreds of volunteers. support far beyond the actual size of organisation.
● Rainbow Services (Harlow), Harlow Volunteer
Centre and CVS Tendring have stepped Rainbow Services thinks that CVSs are a coordinating force
forward to pilot a new micro-volunteering for good. It believes that there is a role in their community
platform, Tribe, commissioned by ECC. to provide to those who need them and help them to
10 Covid-19 Response Impact Reportfill that gap or if not fill the gap themselves. It will be
important now to look at how to sustain through further RECOMMENDATIONS
information and training the small mutual aid groups that ● Celebrate the role of the infrastructure services
wish to continue beyond the current crisis, especially if and volunteering services within Essex, its
there is to be a second or even third wave of the virus. ability to coordinate and collaborate
● Develop a shared understanding of the problem
The past six months have been a rapid learning and a common agenda for addressing it
environment with new ways of working but also ● Understand what ECVS and VE can offer, both
thinking strategically and consideration has to be individually and collectively either as a whole or as
given to embedding some of the innovations resulting a part share, recognising both the advantages and
from the new ways of working, especially when the challenges that such a diverse network can bring
work is more person-centred, and accessible than ● Invest in regular communication between
that of statutory services and larger providers. key partners to share information and
address problems, despite the pressure’s
ECVS and VE will continue to face the challenge of organisations are working under
convincing public sector commissioners and funders of ● Continue to highlight the distinctive and important
the need for and the value of their work. This challenge role that both infrastructure and mutual aid groups
will be heightened by the pressures of the current play within an ecosystem of local service provision.
‘cost’ of the response to Covid. Efforts are focusing on ● Understand what the commissioners want and
unmet need – deferred treatment, late presentations, how it needs to be measured. There may be
and the long-term physical and mental health effects some hard-realistic decisions about whether it
of the crisis. Contracts are changing and the ECVS can be provided by the Essex CVS network.
contract is being reviewed which creates uncertainty.
The role of community organisations as “cogs of
connection” has been strengthened but they have
had to adapt at pace. They need support to meet
the challenges of the future. There is a substantial
role for the CVSs in their development.
Financial sustainability advice, funding surgeries on
a range of topics from grants searches, financial and
application support and meeting the needs of funders.
will become increasingly important now the crisis phase is
passing to voluntary and community sector organisations.
Volunteer Essex, Timebanking, Time Credits and the Social
Prescribing projects need to be part of the solution going
forward. There is, however, the question of sufficient long-
term funding to enable the provision of robust support.
Covid-19 Response Impact Report 11INDIVIDUAL CVS & VC RESPONSES
Basildon, Billericay, and Brentwood CVS (BCVS)
Wickford CVS (BBWCVS) BCVS, another small CVS, worked closely with
Brentwood Borough Council, who set up a triage
Basildon Council recognised that BBWCVS were system with the CVS providing the community
stretched, even before the crisis, but they remained support. In the first two weeks leading up to the
a central part of the local response and helped lockdown they identified who to talk to and how
develop the local delivery plan with Basildon best to organise a response. To support their
Council. BBWCVS feel that their strategic role within limited capacity, they set up 18 community hubs
the crisis and their local knowledge was important in localities to provide sufficient capacity to cover
and have recently taken over the delivery of the the district. They feel that their village connections
food parcels now that numbers are reducing. really helped with the response and overcome any
difficulty with trust and relationship building.
● Together with the local call centre staff team they
made 33892 calls to sheltered housing tenants ● Estimate that 540 volunteers were
● Contacted local suppliers and manufacturers recruited across the 18 hubs
to support the food delivery service ● Set up Facebook page to increase volunteer numbers
● Helped develop a collaboration of 71 organisations ● Participated in weekly Coronavirus
who could take referrals, where appropriate response planning meetings
● Helped Team NHS, who delivered food parcels and ● Posted in letterboxes the Brentwood Community
hamper packs for NHS staff, with organisational Directory to 30 flats full of useful telephone
structure and a branding legal request. numbers to help vulnerable local residents
● Membership survey sent out in July to learn
BBWCVS used the local scouting movement what help groups need to support their recovery
to provide 200+ volunteers to support the and any challenges they are facing.
community effort. The volunteers were already
DBS checked and provided a huge local resource. BCVS produced the Brentwood Community
News with contact details and information about
hyper local support groups across the Borough
together with health and wellbeing advice and
details about local services and charities.
12 Covid-19 Response Impact ReportCastle Point CVS (CAVS) Chelmsford Centre Supporting
CAVS were asked to oversee the Hub by Castle Point Voluntary Action
Council who felt their skills and knowledge of were Chelmsford CVS partnered with the City Council to
vital in these circumstances as well as their ability to set up the Chelmsford Community Resilience Hub
identify partners who could support the community & Helpline taking referrals and co-ordinating local
response. Castle Point Borough Council and CAVS volunteers. The CVS checked and signed up 176
worked together to establish a telephony system volunteers who were ready on day one of the March
which was then manned by CAVS volunteers. Lockdown to help with food, prescriptions, pet and other
essentials, making welfare calls and doorstep checks.
● Started planning 19 March 2020
● Weekly calls were made to those receiving ● The CVS responded to 461 enquiries from
food parcels to re-establish need and charities and people seeking guidance on how
provide any other support required to set up a neighbourhood support group
● On the ground support with parcel deliveries to Cat A ● Reached out to 34 groups who mobilised to help
shielded individuals and following up, if there was no their neighbours, offering support and guidance so
response at the door, with neighbours, where possible they could build capacity safely and at pace. They
● Support to VCS organisations continued with each mobilised between 10 and 200 volunteers!
information about health and fitness, grant ● Directed 100s of people offering help and in
sources, government enquiry routes need of help to their local Covid Support group
● 48% uplift in referrals and enquiries direct from ● An additional 147 volunteers placed in partner
families, supporting by the Family Mentoring team organisations, providing crucial support so local
● Hosted/managed funding for mutual aid groups so charities could continue to support people when
they could continue their work in the community their usual volunteers went into isolation.
● 24,645 interactions with local residents ● Collaborated with 8 GP Practices to support 72
since 25 March to 30 July people through CVS hosted Social Prescribers
● 23 referrals received from Essex Wellbeing ● Set up dedicated web pages (visited over 5,000 times
Service, via Castle Point Borough Council in 12 weeks) and issued a weekly E-bulletin packed
● Value of CAVS Volunteers = £109,125 with up-to-date guidance and funding resources
● Value of CAVS response = £270,500 ● Worked with existing Foodbank and networks
to enable swift and effective response
Due to connections and knowledge CAVS raised ● The City Council delivered over 1400
in excess of £42,000 to feed the local population bespoke shops to over 862 people and CVS
and to date has provided 814 food parcels which volunteers delivered an additional 205
equates to 17,094 meals. There has been no ● With the help of the Mayor of Chelmsford, a thank
statutory funding provided to date for this provision. you card and pin badge was presented to almost
500 CVS and mutual aid group volunteers
The approach to supporting people has been the
sum of many parts and relied on Chelmsford CVS
networks and relationships to reach those most
vulnerable and resolve many issues at a local level.
Covid-19 Response Impact Report 13INDIVIDUAL CVS & VE RESPONSES
Community 360 (C360) CVS Tendring (CVST)
C360 coordinated the Community Hub in The community hub was set up and run by Tendring
Colchester as a part of the One Colchester District Council and supported by CVST with
partnership. Strong links prior to Covid meant that contacts and links to local voluntary organisations
the Partnership already knew and trusted them providing support. This, together with the CVST
to become the delivery arm of the local effort. hosted Covid-19 virtual network, ensured there was
a co-ordinated local response to the pandemic.
● C360 operated a 7 day a week operation. This
required additional time from staff and volunteers to CVST took referrals from VCS and statutory sector
manage the demand for volunteering, establishing partners and processed them via the CVST Social
the food distribution centre and conducting calls to Prescribing Team. CVST worked with Essex Carers
Cat A residents. This has huge cost implications. Support and Age Concern to support carers
● 237 volunteers were placed in partner organisations and older people, utilising Tendring Community
in the Colchester and Braintree areas. A Transport to provide safe transport for medical
valuable resource when volunteers themselves and social activities to those most in need.
may have been required to self-isolate.
● Established a new welfare calls service supported ● Worked with 99 partners within the Hub
at its peak 365 clients with 60 trained volunteers ● Responded and supported 1,071
● Doubled its news and information services beneficiaries for COVID specific support
● Training provision moved online ● Took referrals from VCS and statutory sector partners
● Collaborated with 18 GP Practices to and processed via the Social Prescribing Team
support the community response in ● Provided 5,574 hours of welfare checks
Colchester and with 50+ partners to new and existing beneficiaries
● Launched the Essex Family Support Service ● Supplied 209 free food parcels paid for from
in partnership with Essex Child and Family donations from local supermarkets and CVST reserves
Wellbeing Service in April 2020 ● Volunteers delivered shopping on 180 occasions
● Collected and delivered 531 prescriptions
C360 delivered 1579 prescriptions, conducted ● Supported local voluntary and community sector
7085 wellbeing calls, and supported 393 groups by providing: Funding seminars with
new telephone befriending referrals for speakers from the Lottery; Essex Community
shielded and vulnerable residents Foundation; Colchester Catalyst Charity; the
Heritage Lottery and other grant making trusts
● Provided weekly funding and information
e-bulletins with information on local
voluntary action and best practice
● Led and hosted the virtual network ‘VCS Covid-19
Tendring Services’ group which provided vital support
to local VCS leaders and represented the sector
at strategic planning and partnership meetings
14 Covid-19 Response Impact ReportCVS Uttlesford (CVSU)
● Produced the Tendring directory of available services The Uttlesford response was agreed in good time, prior to
following lock down and the closure of many services lockdown within a partnership between CVSU, Uttlesford
such as access to PEE supplies, signposting support District Council Communities Team and Volunteer
● Supported member groups by co-ordinating and Uttlesford. All partners felt that it was a very effective and
in some cases supplying and sharing volunteers collegiate approach with strong coordination provided by
in response to demand arising from lockdown CVSU. The response process was agreed jointly, a district
hub phone number and email established, and a rota
Residents were supported with 200 Grow Your agreed between the partners one week prior to lock down.
Own gardening kits sent out on behalf of Abberton,
61 family activity packs sent out on behalf of ● Staff worked on a shift basis to ensure that the
Firstside and 79 residents encouraged to improve hub helpline was covered by partnership staff to
their health and fitness with a walking buddy receive incoming requests and outgoing tasks
● 3G ‘Sum Up’ machines were bought for
all volunteers undertaking shopping for
vulnerable households, making it much easier
for volunteers to purchase shopping
● A total of 287 new Volunteers were
recruited, inducted, and trained
● 160 volunteers were DBS checked to help
with the more sensitive areas of response
● CVSU donated their database to the
response hub, so that all real time activities
could be recorded and managed
● Worked well with West Essex CCG, Primary
Care Networks (PCNs) and Pharmacists
to support vulnerable individuals
● CVSU used Digital Buddies and its Inclusion
project to support those with no or poor IT skills
● Deployed 12 Facebook Portals to those
who were isolated by the Covid 19 crisis
helped them to connect better
● 61% of registered volunteers polled said they
would continue to volunteer post-Covid
Staff of CVSU report a deeper understanding of
Uttlesford and feel connected to its communities due to
the effective hyper local response and communication.
Hyper local coordinators linked in well with the hub and
were happy to take on tasks allocated from the Hub.
Covid-19 Response Impact Report 15INDIVIDUAL CVS & VE RESPONSES
Maldon and District Rainbow Services
CVS (MDCVS) (Harlow) (RS)
MDCVS set up their hub with a range of partners RS have good infrastructure and were able to provide
including Maldon District Council, The Salvation an organised and successful response which meant
Army, Churches Together in Maldon, Action for Family they played a leading role within their hub. They
Carers, Essex Befriends, Essex Child and Family were a founding partner with Harlow Council and
Wellbeing Service and Mid Essex CCG. A great deal other partners included MRCT (Foodbank), Harlow
of trust and good communication is required to Mutual Aid, Harlow VC and Community Embrace.
provide this level of inter-agency cooperation and They constantly refined ways of working to ensure a
this was recognised by Ben Page, Communities Lead seamless delivery. Challenges arose around managing
from Maldon District Council, who felt that MCVSs cash and financial systems to ensure that volunteers
willingness to collaborate was vital to the local effort. were not out of pocket and money was accounted
for in an appropriate manner. They worked hard to
● Asset based community development approach was ensure that they put the processes and protocols in
used to meet needs, using partners to respond to need place to resolve any problems and reduce risk. All
● MDCVS led on the provision of the telephone actions which require staff with good problem solving,
response line, recruiting, and checking organisational skills and financial knowledge.
volunteers, identifying local volunteer hub
coordinators for prescription pick-ups. ● 3335 tasks completed with over 500
● Developed volunteer processes and handbooks, hours of befriending support
producing regular volunteer updates and ● Bi-weekly meetings with key partners
overseeing all recruitment, supporting a network ● RS matched volunteers to referrals
of local coordinators and ensuring all requests which came in from Harlow Council and
for help were processed in a timely way allocated mutual aid for individuals
● MDCVS identified several independently organised ● Advice provided around safe operating
local mutual aid groups and each group was offered and management of volunteers
the opportunity to link with the wider district response ● Trialled the use of new Tribe volunteering
and access resources for their local provision app with Essex County Council
● Hosted 5 weekly meetings to communicate ● Took over the Community Hub response from mid/
with the network of partners undertaking end March, using the GoodSAM app for prescription
different roles, liaising with Operation Shield collections as people started to go back to work.
and responding to all issues as they arose
● 1600 requests for support were made with RS sent out 500 free grow your own packs to
over 900 households supported families across Harlow with various partners and
volunteers helping with the distribution. The
In Maldon, some households were given pamper packs included instructional videos for growing
packs on VE Day, carers were given gifts in Carers and caring for their plans together with ideas
Week and visits from the Easter Bunny with on how to use the produce in their cooking.
chocolate eggs were arranged. After 7 weeks of
shielding the eggs were greatly appreciated
16 Covid-19 Response Impact ReportRayleigh, Rochford & Voluntary Action Epping
District Association for Forest (VAEF)
Voluntary Service (RRAVS) Eight partners in hub including Epping Forest
Four main partners were involved in the local hub District Council, Loughton, Buckhurst Hill and
response - RRAVS, Rayleigh Megacentre, Rochford Chigwell Rotary Club, West Essex CCG, Compassion
District Council and Holy Trinity Church Rayleigh set up London, Food4All, Ongar Dairy and 3Food4U.
the Rochford District Community Response Hub and
helpline. The helpline ran out of the Megacentre, but ● 3877 wellbeing telephone calls
telephony meant that calls were routed to helpline staff’s to existing VAEF clients
homes to respond. RRAVS coordinated the local on the ● 197 additional tasks such as providing safe transport
ground volunteers with the vetting and induction done to medical appointments, signposting, advice etc
by Rayleigh District Council due to their smaller capacity. ● Good relationship with West Essex CCG meant
they were able to ask for help improve prescription
● 300 volunteers vetted within 2 weeks
collections and West Essex CCG report that they felt
● RRAVS took over volunteer coordination
that the collaborative approach was beneficial
from 31 May and they are now providing
● VAEF maintained phone contact with VAEF
the remaining on the ground support
clients and offered additional support to
● Connected with partners to support
other residents who lack support systems
them with governance and look at the
● Volunteer registration system set up
need and longevity for their group
for those with current DBS check
● Cat 1 vulnerable clients, senior clergy from a
local faith network phoned over 1200 residents
VAEF used its local knowledge and skills to identify
but over 80% were found to have support in place
local businesses to aid the response for food.
and the remainder were signposted to the hub or
It developed an excellent working relationship
other services
with Ongar Dairy and a local restaurateur
to help meet the demand for supplies.
RRAVS New Steps project used their 4 home-
based staff to provide 685 volunteer telephone
befriending hours as well as delivering
Easter eggs, shopping, and medication
Covid-19 Response Impact Report 1718
Questions BB&W BCVS CACVS Chelmsford C360 CVST CVSU M& RS(H) RRAVS VAEF Total
CVS & VU DCVS no of
resp
Hub data CVS data CVS data From CVS data Hub data Hub data Hub CVS data Hub
website
Simon Diane Janis Lorraine Tracy Sharon Clive Sarah Jemma Victoria Jacqui
Johnson Fairchild Gibson Jarivs / Ruding/ Alexander/ Emmett/ Troop Mindham Marzouki Foile
Appendix 1
Sally Tristan Jacqui Lizzie
Medd Essay Giffin Petrie
Covid-19 Response Impact Report
Number of volunteers recruited 2254 388 360 101 176 120 18 287 360 134 275 35 10
due to the crisis
What was your total volunteer resource, 2666 500 451 323 500 162 304 360 61 278 50 8
both new Covid Crisis volunteers plus
existing volunteers at your disposal
How many volunteers used in total 2268 388 70 271 323 372 63 290 360 61 167 50 10
APPENDICES
How many prescriptions collected 8918 800 228 678 1319 531 2538 389 146 500 1834 10
How many bespoke shopping 15498 1392 384 1679 438 180 1678 287 789 2534 7611 10
requests actioned
How many befriending 2187 1392 268 685 28 46 167 74 47 30 25 10
requests responded to
How many wellbeing calls responded to 53504 33892 8400 1805 365 5257 8 1200 3877 8
How many other tasks undertaken 26571 1061 13066 2200 6062 901 317 183 41 770 197 10
106678 38537 22346 7047 8212 6915 4708 2133 1023 3834 13544 10
Total number of tasks completed and any 70549 22346 3973 8262 6915 4868 1600 3335 5706 13544
measurement used to quantify these
How many partners worked with 213 71 43 50 54 20 6 4 8 6
your Hub, who were they?
How many mutual aid groups started 90 1 18 34 5 17 3 1 2 9 8
in addition to your district Hub
Data in pink not verified.Appendix 2
Methodology
The research was undertaken through online interviews with 10 CVSs, 4 mutual aid
groups, 2 strategic partners and 1 voluntary sector countywide partner.
● Mapping
● Stakeholder interviews
● Organisational studies
● Questions
● Research to provide additional national and local context at key points.
Participants
Contacts Organisation ABBREVIATIONS USED
Herty Adu-Twumwaa Community Embrace UK
Sophie Ede Hearing Help Essex
Clive Emmett CVS Uttlesford CVSU
Diane Fairchild Brentwood CVS BCVS
Jacqui Foile Voluntary Action Epping Forest VAEF
Fiona Gardiner Uttlesford District Council
Jacqui Giffin CVS Tendring CVST
Janice Gibson Castle Point CVS CAVS
Jemma Mindham Rainbow Services (Harlow) RS
Lizzie Petrie Volunteer Uttlesford VU
Lorraine Jarvis Chelmsford CVS
Sarah Troop Maldon and District CVS MDCVS
Simon Johnson Basildon, Billericay, and Wickford CVS BBWCVS
Tristan Easey Community 360 C360
Victoria Marzouki Rayleigh, Rochford, and District Association for Voluntary Service RRAVS
Ben Page Maldon District Council
Antony Redfern Great Chesterford Mutual Aid Group
Daryl Searle Mutual Aid Harlow Facebook Group
Jessica Steele West Essex CCG
John & Helen Wright Great Dunmow Care for your Neighbours
Covid-19 Response Impact Report 19Please contact us for more information:
Basildon, Billericay and Wickford Maldon and District CVS
Council for Voluntary Services E: admin@maldoncvs.org.uk
E: admin@bbwcvs.org.uk T: 01621 851891
T: 01268294781 www.maldoncvs.org.uk
www.bbwcvs.org.uk
Rainbow Services (Harlow)
Brentwood Council for E: info@rainbowservices.org.uk
Voluntary Service T: 01279 308150
E: enquiries@brentwoodcvs.org.uk www.rainbowservices.org.uk
T: 01277 222299
www.brentwoodcvs.org.uk Rayleigh Rochford and District
Association of Voluntary Services
Castle Point Association E: rravs@rravs.org.uk
of Voluntary Services T: 01268 772796
E: office@castlepointavs.org.uk www.rravs.org.uk
T: 01268 638416
www.castlepointavs.org.uk Southend Association
of Voluntary Services
Chelmsford Centre Supporting E: info@savs-southend.co.uk
Voluntary Action T: 01702 356000
E: info@chelmsfordcvs.org.uk www.savs-southend.org
T: 01245 351888
www.chelmsfordcvs.org.uk Thurrock CVS
T: 01375 389881
Community 360 www.thurrockcvs.org
E: information@ccvs.org
T: 01206 505250 Voluntary Action Epping Forest
www.ccvs.org E: admin@vaef.org.uk
T: 01992 564178
Council for Voluntary Service Uttlesford www.vaef.org.uk
E: infocvs@btconnect.com
T: 01371 878400 Volunteer Uttlesford
www.cvsu.org.uk E: volunteer@volunteeruttlesford.org.uk
T: 01799 510525/501524
Community Voluntary www.volunteeruttlesford.org.uk
DESIGN & PRINT: www.design-mill.co.uk
Services Tendring
E: admin@cvstendring.org.uk
T: 01255 425692
www.cvstendring.org.uk
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