Updated 28/07/2021
Covid 19/Community Safety Updates
This page will feature useful resources and updates regarding Covid 19 Resilience as we get them.
Locked Down, Locked Out?: Local Partnership Resilience in the Covid 19 pandemic – report on interim findings
This report presents interim findings from a research project on local partnership working and resilience in the Covid-19 pandemic and associated lockdown measures. This grant is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) as part of UK Research and Innovation’s (UKRI) rapid response to Covid-19. We are using a combination of an online survey and qualitative interviews to critically assess the key challenges to partnerships and how partnerships have adapted to them in the context of Covid-19.
Locked Up in Lockdown: Life on remand during the pandemic
A new report from Fair Trials paints a harrowing picture of life in custody in over the past 15 months. The report Locked up in Lockdown, Life on remand during the pandemic, includes individual accounts from 23 people who are or have recently been remanded in a prison awaiting trial during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Vaccine Inclusion: Reducing inequalities one step at a time
The report presents research carried out in February and Marcy 2021, presenting voluntary sector perspectives and evidence concerning both barriers and enablers to accessing the COVID-19 vaccine.
The key messages from the report are that our health system has a clear moral and human rights duty to those vulnerable groups who fall through the gaps of public service provision, to ensure that they are not failed by this crucially important public health intervention. Some of the key demographics highlighted within the research are at very high risk if they do contract COVID-19, including people who are homeless, prisoners, people living in poverty, people who abuse drugs and alcohol, black and ethnic minority groups, gypsy travellers, refugees and asylum seekers.
Download the report here.
Supporting Communities Safely – Scottish Community Development Centre
This advice has been produced by Scottish Community Development Centre (SCDC) and Public Health Scotland. It’s based on the best available knowledge and is updated regularly as other information becomes available.
It has been written for those without medical or scientific knowledge. It covers things like: promoting your service; making sure volunteers are safe and fit to provide services; getting help with complex care needs; keeping things you collect and deliver as free from the virus as possible and cooking and transporting hot meals. The resource now includes specific advice on restarting services safely. Please read these sections carefully if you are restarting your services or reviewing what you are doing already.
Download the resource here.
Community Councils Covid-19 responses
The Covid-19 pandemic has affected how community councils are operating but they are still carrying out great work helping their communities at this difficult time. We are hearing some great responses from CCs across the country and this section of the website aims to highlight lots of positive examples of the work CCs are doing to support the Covid-19 response.
Find out more here.
Re-territorialising the policing of cybercrime in the post-COVID-19 era: towards a new vision of local democratic cyber policing
The purpose of this study is to develop the theorisation of cybercrime in the context of the pandemic, and to sketch out a vision of how law enforcement might respond to a transformed landscape of online crime and offending.
Read the study in full here.
The Impact of Covid-19 on Household Food Security
This report is produced by the Food Foundation and presents data collected from seven rounds of nationally representative UK-wide surveys to monitor levels of food insecurity impacted by Covid-19. Surveying was undertaken between March 2020 and January 2021. Data referring to the current situation is from surveys conducted in January 2021.
Download the report here.
Social Action During the Coronavirus Pandemic
This research shows the ways communities came together during Covid-19. Local action requires wider systems and policies to tackle growing inequality so we can build forward better.
Read the report here.
Lessons to be learned from the pandemic response – Audit Scotland
The Scottish Government acted quickly to prevent the NHS from being overwhelmed by Covid-19, but it could have been better prepared to respond to the pandemic.
Staff across the NHS and Scottish Government took early action during the first wave in 2020, including increasing intensive care capacity and pausing non-urgent treatment. Service innovation, such as a huge rise in video consultations, also happened within weeks and it is important these are learned from. However, there is now a substantial backlog of patients, with NHS boards prioritising those in most urgent need. It will be hard to deal with this backlog alongside the financial and operational challenges already faced by boards.
Read the report here.
Marginalised Rural Communities Report
New national research has shown that 93% of people living in marginalised rural communities in Scotland believe the Covid-19 pandemic has had an impact on their mental health and wellbeing.
The report commissioned by Support in Mind Scotland (SiMS) and the National Rural Mental Health Forum focused specifically on LGBT+ people, young carers and refugees and asylum seekers. Among the key issues it highlights are the loss of face-to-face contact and lack of access to local support.
Long-standing rural challenges such as digital connectivity, transport and isolation have also worsened during the pandemic, the Marginalised Rural Communities Report has found.
Read the report here.
Voluntary Health Scotland (VHS) research on Equitable vaccination distribution
Voluntary Health Scotland (VHS) is conducting research to help ensure equitable distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine, among all those who need it and would like your help to complete this short survey.
The deadline for completion of the survey is: Friday 19th February
You can access the survey here.
Rainbow Responders Summary Report
The project ran from August to October 2020 with 6 part-time team members, all with the aim of improving the understanding of COVID-19 and lockdown and their e!ects on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Scotland.
Download the Summary Report here.
Scotland’s Wellbeing: The Impact of Covid 19
This report is produced by the National Performance Framework (NPF) and looks at the impact Covid 19 has had on Scotland’s wellbeing framework.
Download the report here.
Covid 19: Guiding Framework to support the delivery of Youthwork Services
Following the announcement of new Covid-19 restrictions by the Scottish Government yesterday, the guidance for the delivery of all youth work services in mainland Scotland and Skye has now been updated.
From Tuesday 5th January until at least Monday 1st February 2021, the preferred methods of delivery for all youth work services in mainland Scotland and Skye is online or through detached youth work.
Read the updated guidance here.
The impact of Covid 19 on people affected by trauma
A useful infographic summary from the Improvement Service of the impact of Covid 19 on people affected by trauma in Scotland.
Download here.
Covid 19 and Communities Listening Project: A shared response
This report considers how organisations and communities across the UK adapted and responded to the emergency phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Over this six month period the Carnegie UK Trust had over 80 conversations with people from 16 communities across the UK, focussing on how organisations and communities were adapting to meet the needs of the people around them, and the evolving relationships between the public sector, the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector, and communities.
The report reflects on what has been learnt during this time and outlines hopes and opportunities for ways of working, identifying how the public sector and communities can develop sustainable ways of working together to respond to the needs of local people.
Read the report here.
Guidance for students returning home
Students travelling home at the end of term will be able to take voluntary coronavirus (COVID-19) tests through their college or university from Monday 30th November.
Read the guidance here.
Coronavirus (Covid 19): guidance for festive period
Scottish Government Guidance on forming ‘bubbles’ over Christmas.
Read the guidance here.
Coronavirus (Covid 19): protests and demonstrations
Guidance for people organising and taking part in protests and demonstrations during the coronavirus pandemic.
Read the guidance here.
Coronavirus (Covid 19): mental health transition and recovery plan
This plan outlines our response to the mental health impacts of COVID-19. It addresses the challenges that the pandemic has had, and will continue to have, on the population’s mental health.
Learning from Lockdown: 12 Steps to Eliminate Digital Exclusion
Since the outbreak of Covid-19 the scale of digital exclusion in the UK has been exposed and exacerbated beyond previous understanding. While new initiatives have been rapidly and successfully delivered, substantially accelerating progress, there is still much more to be done to ensure no one in the UK is left digitally excluded.
The ‘Learning from Lockdown: 12 Steps to Eliminate Digital Exclusion’ report from the Carnegie Trust is a response to this challenge, setting out a series of 12 recommendations calling for ambitious action from policy makers, practitioners, academics and industry to tackle this issue. The recommendations build on our work on digital inclusion over the past decade, and particularly draw on learning and reflections from the coronavirus outbreak and lockdown period.
British Red Cross Report: Lonely and Left Behind
Plans to tackle loneliness this winter are being urged as polling reveals the issue has had a negative impact on the mental health of a third of people in Scotland.
This report offers the most detailed study yet of the impact coronavirus is having on people’s loneliness.
Download the report here.
Coronavirus (Covid 19): Justice Analytical Services Data Report September 2020
Fourth release of a monthly data report on how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the justice system in Scotland, including information from Police Scotland, Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, courts and prisons.
Coronavirus (Covid 19): Scotland’s Strategic Framework
This document sets out the Scottish Government’s strategic approach to suppress the virus to the lowest possible level and keep it there, while striving to return to a more normal life for as many people as possible.
Read the Framework here.
British Red Cross Resources on Anxiety and Loneliness
The British Red Cross is pleased to be able to share with you their latest resources aimed at those who may feel lonely or isolated as a result of Covid-19. This has been a really challenging couple of weeks and they hope that these can provide help and information to anyone who may be seeking advice or support at the current time.
As lockdown restrictions are increased for many of us, that may bring with it rising feelings of anxiety. Our latest resource explores how to identify anxiety, how it affects us, and ways to manage it. We also have the second episode of our podcast series The Kind Place which explores the subject of grief and bereavement with Dreane from Worcestershire and Carol from Newcastle. In this very emotional episode, they talk about how the loss of loved ones can spark feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Justice Analytical Services Covid 19 data report: August 2020
This pack provides information on the impact of COVID-19 on the Justice system during August 2020. Data has been gathered from a number
of different sources and may be subject to future revision.
Download the report here.
Report: Inclusion health principles and practice
An equalities and human rights to social and systems recovery and mitigating the impact of Covid 19 for marginalised and excluded people.
Download the report here.
Covid 19: Impact on communities and priorities for recovery – research
Evidence from consultation based research about changes to organisations’ work during the pandemic and the impact of the pandemic on a range of themes including economic security, social interactions and loneliness, community cohesion, safety, trust in government, and skills, learning and development.
Read the report here.
Coronavirus Impact on Wellbeing: Survey results
This report contains the findings from a telephone survey commissioned by Scottish Government to better understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people in Scotland.
Read the report here.
Covid 19: Early years resilience and impact survey (CEYRIS)
Public Health Scotland developed a survey to find out how children in Scotland aged 2–7 years have been affected by COVID-19. The survey covered the following themes: key behaviours; children’s play and learning, use of outdoor spaces and social interactions; and the experience of parents and carers during COVID-19 in Scotland.
Find out more here.
Co-production and responding to Covid 19
Community organisations and public services have faced unprecedented challenges as they have worked to respond to the covid-19 outbreak.
But how much has co-production been part of that response and what have we learned? Our recent online learning event brought more than 25 network members together to discuss these questions and share their examples, learning and ideas about the role of co-production in this emergency response – but also in how we build back better.
Read more here.
Online in Lockdown: Wellbeing, bullying, prejudice
Reporting the experiences of young people online during the national COVID-19 lockdown in Scotland.
Includes specific data which highlights the experiences of LGBT+ young people, and a breakdown by gender.
Read the report here.
Priorities for the ‘New Normal’: lessons in lockdown research
This virtual seminar and discussion hosted by Policy Scotland and Scotland’s Third Sector Research Forum in August 2020 focused on new evidence from third sector and academic research during the COVID-19 lockdown period in the UK.
The aims of the seminar were to highlight the range of research and evidence gathered in lockdown about specific communities at the sharp end of changes (e.g. those shielding, those living in poverty), organisations that have been addressing their needs in this period (and the needs of the organisations themselves), and to finally capture via small group discussion what actions should be taken forward by policy actors at various levels of government. As Scotland moves from the crisis period to a longer-term period of recovery, it is critical that we reflect on the lessons from the crisis period to inform action and investment in the longer term.
You can read more on this and view the seminar here.
Audit Scotland: Public Spending must adapt to Covid 19
Covid-19 will have significant consequences for public spending in Scotland now and well into the future, say auditors.
An Audit Scotland analysis of the financial implications of the pandemic – and the uncertainty it has brought – notes that more of the Scottish budget may need to be reprioritised to cover Covid-19 costs.
Read the full report here.
Covid 19 and Subjective Wellbeing: separating the effects of lockdown from the pandemic
Research from the Bennett Institute of Public Policy at the University of Cambridge.
Scholars, journalists, and policymakers have raised concerns that lockdown policies implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic may be damaging to mental health.
However, existing evidence for this claim is confounded by an inability to separate the mental health effects of lockdowns from those of the pandemic. We address this issue using one year of weekly mood surveys from Great Britain, together with weekly cross-country data from Google Trends. While we find a clear negative impact on mental health from the pandemic, lockdown measures are mostly associated with improvements
in subjective well-being. Multilevel models, which estimate the changing effects among demographics by survey week, suggest the largest relative gains occurred among lower socioeconomic status groups.
Download the research here.
Covid 19 Justice Analytical Services Data Report (June 2020)
First release of a monthly data report on how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the Justice System in Scotland, including information from Police Scotland, Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, courts and prisons.
Download here.
The Impact of Covid 19 on Serious Organised Crime in Scotland
A presentation by DI Ricky Hatton on horizon scanning for organisations around serious organised crime (SOC) and Covid 19.
Over recent months , scams and other acquisitive crime have significantly increased throughout the UK as a result of fraudsters using COVID-19 as a new theme for criminality. It is assessed that this area of fraud against the public sector is likely to increase as OCG’s look for opportunities to exploit demand for PPE, the business grant scheme and furlough payments.
The pandemic has been widely used as a propaganda tool by SOC. As SOC adapts, so will it evolve in line with societal changes and needs. A short to long term assessment of SOC in Scotland may be a useful way of considering what lies ahead and how best to prepare organisations for the impact of that.
View the presentation here.
‘Spend time with me: Children and young people’s experiences of Covid 19 and the justice system’ – Centre for Youth and Criminal Justice
This paper details the findings of a short piece of work to gather the views of children and young people who are currently in contact with youth justice services or with previous experience of the youth justice system on COVID-19, and of practitioners working within the youth justice system. In total, 48 responses were received from children and young people, with findings from another organisation who had undertaken their own research with a further 22 children questions incorporated where relevant. Thirty six responses were received from practitioners covering 19 local authority areas, with almost three quarters of respondents social work staff and the remainder from third sector organisations.
Click here to read the full report.
Equally Safe at Work: guidance on violence against women, work and Covid 19
As part of Equally Safe at Work, Close the Gap has developed guidance on VAW, COVID-19 and work in order to support local government employers. The guidance outlines how COVID-19 affects women’s experience of VAW, and how this relates to women’s employment. It also provides information on how to recognise signs of VAW when a victim-survivor is working from home or in the workplace, and sets out best practice for responding to and supporting employees disclosing or reporting VAW.
Download the guidance here.
Public Health Scotland: Covid 19 wider impacts on the healthcare system
The COVID-19 pandemic has wider impacts on individuals’ health, and their use of healthcare services, than those that occur as the direct result of infection. Public Health Scotland has published an information tool which provides an overview of changes in health and use of healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic in Scotland, drawing on a range of national data sources. You can access the COVID-19 wider impacts dashboard using the hyperlink below.
COVID-19 wider impacts on the health care system
Independent Advisory Group review on the use of new emergency police powers in Scotland
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is the biggest global challenge that humanity has faced for generations. In an effort to tackle the Coronavirus, police officers were given unprecedented new powers to stop the spread of the virus.
The three main powers the police were given were:
- To take someone home or take them to be tested if they were thought to be infectious.
- To close a wide range of non-essential businesses.
- To restrict people’s rights to move around in public or be part of a gathering.
The main task of the IAG is to examine the way Police Scotland has used its new powers and the impact this has had on people’s attitudes and behaviours.
Read more and how to contribute here.
Scotland’s Towns Partnership: Covid 19 Support for Towns and Improvement Districts
Scotland’s Towns Partnership has produced a new document for towns and improvement districts signposting to useful contacts, funds and organisations for support around Covid 19.
Download the document here.
Covid 19 and Alcohol: NHS Inform
NHS Inform has produced this webpage around Covid 19 and alcohol with information on how alcohol can affect your vulnerability to Covid 19, and general information and advice around safer drinking.
Covid 19: Wellbeing & Online Spaces Survey
This survey is exploring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and consequential closures of education establishments, on young people (12-24) in Scotland. No identifiable information is being collected in this survey and no IP addresses will be stored. This project is specifically concerned with emotional wellbeing, the availability of online services, and instances of online bullying behaviours and rates of prejudice (harmful opinions or attitudes against groups of people). All responses to this survey are entirely confidential. Where possible, if you are aged 12 to 15, please seek the consent of a parent, carer or guardian before completing this survey. Data collected from this survey will support the research and potential development of services and resources for young people and education establishments in the aftermath of and response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Take part in the Survey here.
Covid 19 Impact Surveys: Scottish Public Health Observatory
Public Health Scotland has compiled an overview of surveys, polls and qualitative studies which are expected to provide information on the impact of COVID-19 and pandemic response measures on the health and wellbeing of the population of Scotland.
The inclusion / exclusion criteria mean that studies are included only where:
(i) Information is being collected on the population of Scotland (including UK surveys with a smaller Scottish sample)
(ii) Findings are being (or are expected to be) made publicly available
(iii) The target population is the general population or a specific population subgroup (e.g. parents, or young people with lived experience of mental health problems); surveys of professional groups (e.g. teachers, NHS staff) are excluded
(iv) The study is confirmed as going ahead, i.e. studies at the planning or funding application stage are excluded
Read more here.
Pupil Equity Funding: National Operational Guidance
Guidance to help schools plan how they will most effectively spend their Pupil Equity Funding (PEF) allocation.
Download here.
Covid 19 Supplementary National Violence Against Women Guidance
Councils will get more support to deal with increased levels of domestic abuse and gender-based violence during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
New guidance developed in partnership with COSLA will help women and children continue to get the best support that they deserve.
The guidance signposts to local resources, and assists decision-makers in identifying women and children at risk as well as the short, medium and long term steps they can take to support their recovery and wellbeing.
The guidance is part of a range of measures introduced to tackle higher levels of abuse and violence, including a £1.5 million funding package for the women’s aid and rape crisis network. It will help to maximise the effective protection and provision of support for those experiencing gender-based violence, both during this immediate crisis period and in the longer term.
Download the new guidance here.
Improvement Service: Covid 19 Good Council Practice
The Improvement Service website is building a collection of case studies highlighting good practice being carried out in communities during Covid-19.
Find out more here.
New SCDC resource: Supporting Communities Safely
In towns and villages across Scotland, communities are fighting COVID 19. These pages provide advice on how to virus proof the fantastic things you are doing and reduce the risk of indirect spread. Please read them carefully if you are starting to provide support or reviewing what you are doing already.
Find out more here.
CLiCK launch new helpline for women who sell sex online
CLiCK has launched a new helpline that women who sell/exchange sex or images online can use to get in touch with a CLiCK Women’s Worker.
The Helpline number is 0300 124 5564 and is available during the following times:
- Tuesday: 3pm-5pm
- Wednesday: 11am-7pm
- Thursday: 6pm-9pm
- Saturday: 12pm-2pm
SafeTea resources on preventing burns and scolds
The SafeTea campaign ran from October 2019 to January 2020, but the prevention of burns and scolds is arguably all the more pressing an issue during the current crisis when we are spending much more time in the home and the risk to children of burns and scolds is greater.
You can still access information and resources to prevent burns and scolds at www.safetea.org.uk
SCSN Covid 19 Survey Results Briefing Paper Published
This briefing paper pulls together some of the statistics related to community safety that have been emerging over the last few weeks. In doing so we have been able to identify some notable trends with regards to support for lockdown measures, financial concern, mental health and wellbeing and community spirit. This is an ongoing and rapidly changing situation and we will continue to update this as new findings are identified. You can find part I of our Community Safety Partnerships survey here, and we will be sharing part II in due course.
Read the Briefing Paper in full here.
Connecting Scotland
The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, together with the Scottish Government, has launched a new programme, the Connecting Scotland Initiative, to connect up to 9,000 more people on low incomes who are considered clinically at high risk during Covid 19 so that they can access support services and stay in touch with loved ones.
For more information, click here.
New Covid Home Safety/Accident avoidance page for Parents
Parent Club have created a new webpage for parents with tips on how to stay accident free at home during the Covid 19 lockdown. Visit the webpage here.
Clear Your Head: new mental health website from Healthier Scotland
Clear Your Head is a new website that has been set up to provide people with useful practical advice on things which might help maintain or improve mental health during the Covid 19 crisis. You can visit the website here.
Emergency Hardship Fund for Sex Workers
Umbrella Lane, a charity for sex workers in Scotland, has set up an emergency hardship fund for sex workers based in Scotland during the Covid 19 crisis. Other organisations have set up similar funds and you can find out more by contacting Umbrella Lane.
Find out more here.
Drug, Alcohol and needle exchange service delivery changes
As a result of the rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic, many services have altered how they are delivered or are operating reduced hours.
This poses a risk to people who use drugs and those who support them due to confusion over where and how best to seek appropriate help or sterile injecting equipment during a time of change and uncertainty.
You can now stay up to date with local drug and alcohol treatment and pharmacy service changes during the pandemic thanks to a new online tool.
In an effort to centralise information across Scotland, Scottish Drugs Forum, Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs and We Are With You have collaborated to produce a single database which enables drug and alcohol services and pharmacies to submit weekly updates. The map also includes updates on local family support services for people who are affected by someone else’s substance use.
You can access the database here.
Crew Survey on Changes to Drug Markets
The drug charity Crew is currently conducting a survey to gather information on changes to drugs markets and/or drug and alcohol use during the Covid 19 outbreak.
You can take part in the survey here.
Coronavirus Framework to support gypsy/traveller communities
The Scottish Government has published a new Framework to help local authorities and their partners, including the NHS, in decision making in their local response to Covid 19 in relation to gypsy travellers.
Download the guidance here.
Community Organisations, Activists and the Coronavirus – Poverty Alliance Briefing
In a short space of time, the Coronavirus has impacted our society in almost every possible way. With one million people in Scotland already living in the grip of poverty, the social and economic impact of the current crisis has the potential to sweep even more people into poverty in the coming months. It is essential that every step is taken to prevent that from
happening, and to take action to help keep people afloat.
In response to the unfolding crisis, the Poverty Alliance has sought the perspectives of community organisations and activists from across the Poverty Alliance network.
This briefing, while only providing an initial snapshot view, details some of the immediate impacts on community organisations, as well as some of the key perspectives and concerns of community organisations and activists.
Download the full briefing paper here.
RIDDOR – Reporting Coronavirus
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued guidance on when and how organisations should report coronavirus incidents under RIDDOR (the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013).
A report must only be made under RIDDOR, relating to coronavirus, when:
- an unintended incident at work has led to someone’s possible or actual exposure to coronavirus. This must be reported as a dangerous occurrence
- a worker has been diagnosed as having COVID-19 and there is reasonable evidence that it was caused by exposure at work. This must be reported as a case of disease.
- a worker dies as a result of occupational exposure to coronavirus.
Find out more here.
Covid 19 Charity Wellbeing Fund launched
Third sector organisations across Scotland are being encouraged to apply for emergency funding to help cope with the effects of coronavirus (COVID-19).
More than 2000 charities, community and voluntary groups, and social enterprises are being offered immediate financial support from the £50 million Wellbeing Fund, which has been established to assist third sector organisations working with people impacted by the pandemic.
Find out more and apply here.
Support for those at High COVID-19 Risk
A new national helpline has been set up to provide essential assistance to those who don’t have a network of support but who are at high risk of contracting COVID-19. The service will offer help to those who do not have family or existing community support and cannot get online and who are over 70, disabled, require the support of mental health services, are pregnant or receive a flu jab for health reasons.
Police Scotland Guidance for Parents and Carers
Police Scotland have provided useful links, support and guidance for parents/carers to enhance the safety, security and awareness of their children or young people at a time when they will be spending more time online. You can access this guidance here.
YoungScot ‘LockdownLowdown’ Survey
YoungScot are currently running a survey to gain an insight into the main concerns or worries affecting young people during the Covid 19 crisis. You can access the survey here.
GCVS launch Glasgow Helps Website
The Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector has launched a new website for people in Glasgow who’re looking for help with food, medicine and a range of other kinds of crisis support. Visit the website here.
Fire Safety Covid 19 Checklist
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has produced a flyer with advice and safety information particularly relevant during the Covid 19 crisis. View the flyer here.
Co-operating in a crisis: a webconference series for local authorities
The European Forum for Urban Security is offering a series of virtual meetings on the subjects that concern local authorities in managing the coronavirus crisis. These themed meetings will take place every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon. You can find out more and take part in these meetings here.
NHS Guidance for those working in community settings
Working in people’s homes, care homes general practices and other community settings can be a daunting step at the best of times, and this can feel magnified just now due to these unusual and unpredictable circumstances we find ourselves living and working in.
Like many people working across health and social care at present, you may be feeling anxious and out of your depth; keen to do your best to protect patients and families within new, emerging ways of working, but worrying about your own wider family’s health and ensuring care for them too.
Within this section you will find resources to support practice in the community relative to COVID-19. You can decide to work through the resources in their entirety or focus on specific sections. Some key areas have been highlighted but you should try and tailor your learning to your specific need.
RoSPA Accident Information Hub
RoSPA has developed a new information hub, where everyone who is affected by social distancing measures – whatever their age and circumstances – can find information that is relevant to them. Please do point your (audiences/users/members/partners) to this webpage for help with accident prevention.
Scotland Cares Campaign
A new ‘Scotland Cares’ campaign has been launched to encourage people to volunteer during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
While the most important ask for the public remains to stay at home and follow the essential public health guidance, people who are healthy and not at risk can volunteer to provide practical or emotional help to those most in need.
Those wanting to volunteer to support their communities have three options which are signposted from the Ready Scotland website here.
NHS Inform Covid 19 advice and information
Find all of the information you need on Covid 19, including symptoms, advice on self isolation, shielding, caring for your symptoms, looking after loved ones with symptoms and much more. Visit NHS Inform Covid 19 page here.
Ready Scotland: Advice and information for the public on Covid 19
Ready Scotland have added a webpage to their site with advice on a range of different topics, including helping neighbours, friends and family, how to volunteer, advice for community groups, sensible shopping and advice for businesses.
Covid 19 and people with alcohol related problems: recommendations for services
Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems has put together this guidance for those working with people with alcohol related problems during the Covid 19 epidemic.
It provides recommendations for Alcohol and Drug Partnerships (ADPs), Commissioners, Alcohol Service Managers, Community Services and Mutual Aid and Support Groups, to enable them to reduce risks and ensure continued support for people with alcohol-related problems in the context of COVID-19.
Download guidance here.
New webpage on mental health and self-isolation for gay/bi men
SX Scotland has produced a new webpage with advice for gay and bi-sexual men who have sex with me on dealing with mental health problems during this period of self/social-isolation.
Guidance on Contingency Planning for People Who Use Drugs and Covid 19
The Scottish Drugs Forum has produced guidance on contingency planning for people who use drugs (PWUD). The guidance is for anyone working with PWUD but in particular those working on opioid substitution therapy & those working with people attending services to obtain injecting drug equipment.
SBRC Webinars for Business Resilience re Covid 19
The Scottish Business Resilience Centre has begun running webinars to unite businesses across Scotland in responding to issues raised by Covid 19. Read more and get links for updates on future webinars here.
Trading Standards Scams Resources
The National Trading Standards (NTS) Scams Team has produced some helpful materials to help promote scams awareness around coronavirus (COVID-19) scams at this difficult time. Today the team has released a press release around criminals exploiting fears about coronavirus to prey on members of the public, particularly older and vulnerable people who are isolated from family and friends. There will also be media around this today on Sky and BBC, with your help the team would appreciate as much support as possible. Click here to access all resources and links.
COVID-19 Justice Information Hub
The Criminal Justice Voluntary Sector Forum have produced a hub of relevant guidance, legislation, resources and information about changes to current processes in order to support the Scottish justice sector. It will be updated daily as far as possible.
SCDC Advice for Organisations to work digitally
As the coronavirus situation develops, community organisations are having to change how they deliver their services and support their communities, especially those most vulnerable.
SCDC can help by offering advice about different tools (we’ve linked to good lists below), resources and ways of working that suit your group.
Find out more here.
Trading Standards ScamShare newsletter
Trading Standards Scotland have created a new regular bulletin to share information about the most recently reported scams across Scotland. This is in the context of a noted increase in scams since the Covid 19 outbreak.
Covid 19 and the production of statistics and social research
Statisticians and researchers within The Scottish Government and other public bodies collect, analyse and publish official statistics and research reports to help government, business and the public make informed decisions.
The coronavirus illness (COVID-19) is a significant challenge to us all, and we are working with colleagues across the Government Statistical Service and Government Social Research profession, to ensure that Scotland along with the UK as a whole has the vital information needed to respond to the immediate and longer term impacts of this pandemic on our society and economy.
This means we will need to change our usual operations, to ensure we are able to support the government’s response to this crisis as well as providing the necessary information when it is needed the most.
We also need to consider what it is right and appropriate for us to be asking data providers and respondents to supply to us at this time, given the pressures on key areas and staff. We will be making urgent decisions around which data collections can be paused, or in some cases cancelled.
The changes to our work, and data collections and research activity, will mean that the production of some statistics and planned research outputs will need to be suspended. It could also affect the quality of some of our other statistics, in terms of accuracy, or the level of detail available, such as less commentary or fewer breakdowns. There will be new outputs related to COVID-19.
Given that some statistics and research outputs will be even more important during this period, whereas others less so, decisions will be made on a case by case basis, prioritising what is relevant to the current situation, and we will be open and transparent about decisions made and the potential effects on our statistics and research. Throughout this process, we will remain guided by the Code of Practice for Statistics in publishing official statistics, that are of public value, are high quality and can be trusted,as well as the Government Social Research Code and publication protocol.
The latest information on our planned outputs or postponements will continue to be available on our release calendar.
The Office for Statistics Regulation have also issued a statement about their approach to regulating our statistical work at this time.
Competitions and Markets Authority: Report unfair business practices
The Competitions and Markets Authority has issued a form which you can use to report a business you think is acting unfairly during the Covid 19 outbreak. For more information or to report a business, click here.
Charities and Coronavirus: update from the charity regulator (OSCR)
There are many sources of information about Coronavirus. All charities should read the guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19) from the Scottish Government. The guidance includes advice for non-healthcare settings, including tips that apply to people working in hospitality settings, leisure facilities, entertainment venues and premises used by community groups. NHS inform will give you the latest public health advice.
SCVO Coronavirus Community Assistance Directory website launched
The SCVO has launched a new website where you can search for or offer support in your local community. Information on the site is provided by users and not verified, so please report any inaccurate posting.
Communities Channel Scotland sets up dedicated Covid 19 webpage
Communities Channel Scotland has set up this dedicated webpage which will provide regular updates on support and sharing of ideas on community responses to the outbreak.
Scottish Government launches £350million fund to support responses to Coronavirus
An additional £350 million will go to those most affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell has announced.
The funding will be made available to councils, charities, businesses and community groups and designed to be flexible, cutting down on red tape to enable them to respond swiftly and according to local need for people impacted economically or through reduced contact with society, including anyone struggling to access food.
For more information on the funding and to apply, please contact SocialJusticeMailbox@gov.scot