Mansfield District Council has been awarded funds from over £23 million of government funding which has been allocated to councils and voluntary groups across England.
The announcement, made today by Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick, will enable the council to initiate its Community Champions scheme.
The local bid, which has been awarded £187,929, aims to reach people via a network of recognised and trusted voices through a partnership with Mansfield CVS, business leaders and influencers.
The Community Champions will develop early discussions and communications with communities to understand appropriate ways to prevent and control COVID-19 including social isolation support, Test & Trace, social distancing, rumour dismantling and vaccine take up and transportation.
Councillor Marion Bradshaw, Portfolio Holder for Safer Communities, Housing and Wellbeing said, “I am thrilled that the council has received this vital funding to reach communities that require further support and guidance on a range of matters relating to Coronavirus. We are committed to engaging with and reaching as many people as possible who may be in at risk groups locally and helping them through the pandemic, and ultimately getting them vaccinated.”
Working closely with Mansfield CVS (Community and Voluntary Service), the Community Champions will be recruited from third sector organisations, local influencers and local business people to build trust and provide engaging and accurate communications and ultimately helping to save lives.
Steve Morris, Chief Executive Officer of Mansfield CVS says, “This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our community groups, VCS (Voluntary Community Sector) partners and leaders across the district. Most importantly this project will provide our residents to have ownership to shape, enable and empower new ways of thinking, through a range of community projects and initiatives. We cannot wait to get going.”
The funding is specifically targeted at local authority areas with plans to reach groups such as older people, disabled people, and people from ethnic minority backgrounds who, according to the latest evidence, are more likely to suffer long-term impacts from COVID-19.
Mansfield District Council has a track record in extending its work beyond current or usual services, none more so than in their work with communities enduring the humanitarian crisis inflicted by the pandemic, particularly in relation to fuel poverty. It has also lead the way in providing Local Area Testing sites and today has opened a vaccine centre at the old Wicks site in the town centre, accommodating people from Mansfield and the surrounding areas.