Coronavirus

Life ring with COVID-19 support written on it

Report finds smaller charities ‘showed up’ and ‘worked flexibly’ in response to the pandemic

24 February, 2021

A new report from Lloyds Bank Foundation has found that smaller charities in England and Wales (with an income of less than £1 million and either defined as small or medium-sized) ‘showed up’, ‘worked flexibly’ and ‘stuck around’ during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Digital inclusion graphic with hands reaching out from smartphones to connect

How Bristol is moving from digital exclusion to digital inclusion

9 February, 2021

With the coronavirus pandemic increasing the level of digital inequality across Bristol and beyond, Voscur recently organised and ran a series of digital inclusion meetings for community organisations, city partners and stakeholders working to address the key issue of people being excluded from digital technology.

Coronavirus Anxiety Workbook

There are lots of reasons that you, your staff and service users might experience high levels of anxiety during the coronavirus pandemic - health concerns, job insecurity, pre-existing mental or physical health conditions, worries for family and friends, housing situations, and so on.

Mental Health Support

Many organisations offer COVID-specific mental health services, from 24/7 helplines for immediate support to longer term services for individuals, families and communities. Others offer mental health services with no specific COVID-19 support, but adjustments have been made to follow local and national regulations - for example, face-to-face services are now delivered remotely over the phone or online.

COVID-19 vaccine - Dispelling the myths and misinformation

This event is your opportunity to ask local healthcare professionals about the COVID-19 vaccine.

There are many myths and pieces of misinformation circulating about the different vaccines (currently three vaccines have been approved), so it is important that you have the chance to get your questions answered by a qualified professional, rather than an unverified source of information.

The expert panel at this online event will include Dr Rajeka Lazarus, Consultant in Infectious Diseases at University Hospital Bristol & Weston.

Date/Time:

Tuesday, 26 January, 2021 - 19:00 to 20:30

Building with sign above door saying 'Take care of each other'

Blog: What is your organisation doing to support staff in lockdown?

22 January, 2021

Blog written by Polly Allen, Digital Marketing and Communications Officer at Voscur

As we settle into the third coronavirus lockdown, this is a good opportunity to review the support that employers are giving their staff, to help them balance their home life and working life.

North Bristol Food Bank soup cans in green crate

Who donates to food banks? YouGov profiles donors

13 January, 2021

YouGov has revealed detailed data about people who donate to food banks, based on its profiling research.

This helps build a picture of the average donor – their age, work status, location, and level of involvement with charitable organisations. As you might expect, food bank donors tend to be involved in charities or community groups.

Nearly two-thirds of youth organisations in England are at risk of closure

5 January, 2021

Almost two-thirds of England’s youth organisations are at risk of closure, according to new research from the charity UK Youth.

Whilst the coronavirus pandemic has left 1.5 million vulnerable young people in need of vital help, many of the groups that support them are at risk themselves. What’s more, 31% of youth organisations surveyed with an income of less than £250,000 said they might have to shut in the next six months.

VCSE sector news round-up: Small Charities Data hub, updated Charity Governance Code, and more

17 December, 2020

In the rush before the Christmas holidays and the end of the year, it can be hard for your organisation to keep up with voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector news.

That’s why we’ve summarised the key stories you need to know, whether you’re a charity, a voluntary group, or another organisation that works to improve society and community.

Small Charities Data launches as a digital hub

Coloured circular string lights on floor with black background

Voscur member news: Christmas and seasonal campaigns in Bristol

10 December, 2020

Updated 16/12/2020

We asked Voscur members and local organisations to send us details of their Christmas or seasonal campaigns. These ranged from products on sale to fundraising appeals and, of course, ongoing support running throughout the holidays into 2021.

At the end of a very challenging year for the city and the VCSE sector, we hope you will take the time to donate to these campaigns, or help promote them, to raise awareness.