Sunderland targeted Covid Champions programme supports local projects

In January 2021 the council secured funding to distribute to the Voluntary Community Sector and local charities to help support vulnerable communities through the pandemic. This includes groups that are harder to reach including those with disabilities, ethnic minorities, isolated young people, rough sleepers, LGBT+, veterans and asylum seekers. It will also be available to those within our most deprived communities.

The targeted Covid Champions programme aims to help build trust and empower at-risk groups to protect themselves and their families, by providing them with vital health information, help and support. It also aims is to reduce the impact of the virus on all communities, beyond just the target areas that will be supported through these projects.

There are a total number of 40 projects being funded across the city.

Four of the projects are being delivered by Grace House, Headway, Royal Sunderland and County Durham Society for the Blind and Bede College are among those that have joined forces to deliver information on COVID 19, testing, vaccination programme, prevention of transmission and any issues families may face.

These projects will help reach out to residents with disabilities, with the Royal Sunderland and County Durham Society for the Blind creating Talking Newsletters that are available in Braille and CD format to help allow everyone to know what information is being shared. Headway will be reaching out to those who may be lonely through social isolation, as well as helping to reduce anxiety surrounding the pandemic through workshops.

Grace House and Bede College are also reaching out to the families of those in their organisation, helping provide support and information that may be useful for their individual situations during the pandemic.

Other organisations are looking at helping people from African, Asian, European, Refugees & Asylum Seeker communities, as well as BAME young people. Groups involved include SBMEN, Friends of the Drop in (FODI), International Community Organisation of Sunderland (ICOS), New Horizons, Sunderland Bangladeshi International Centre (SBIC) and Young Asian Voices (YAV).

Fiona Brown, Executive Director of Neighbourhoods at Sunderland City Council, said: "The targeted Covid Champions is a brilliant programme that will benefit our communities a great deal. There is a lot of misinformation out there, and we know some communities are struggling to access information and support. Through the work of these volunteers, we can ensure that everyone in our city know everything they need to stay happy, healthy, and safe.

"Sunderland communities have proven they look out for each other over the last year, and people often prefer to hear information from the people they know and trust. The projects will not only help support this, but also help build on the work that has been provided throughout the pandemic to support our vulnerable residents."

The targeted Covid Champions programme will enhance the work of the council's recently formed Covid Champions Network where volunteers are signing up to help share key public health messages with their friends, family and community.

For more information visit www.sunderland.gov.uk and follow #communitysupport on social media