Leeds volunteers and charities must 'find extraordinary ways of cooperating'

It includes a volunteering programme, advice on neighbourly action, and new ways of linking up people in need with those who can give support.

Third Sector Leeds (TSL), a forum for voluntary and community organisations, is playing a leading role.

Writing to forum members, chairman Chris Hollins said: "These are extraordinary times, and we need to find extraordinary ways of cooperating with each-other. Normal tasks and duties may have to be put aside whilst the crisis lasts. We will need to work closely with the statutory agencies that may have statutory responsibilities with specific aspects of the crisis.

"The overall message is that we can respond at different levels. If we are to make the most effective use of the resources available to us, we all need to respond in a coordinated way."

One of the first steps is the creation of the Community Care Volunteering scheme, which was announced this week.

It will bring together everyone who is able to help with tasks such as shopping deliveries, preparing meals or making check-in phone calls to people who are self-isolating.

More than 2,000 people have signed up to the scheme, which is being run by Leeds City Council and Voluntary Action Leeds.

Work is also under way to create a contact centre open every day, set up online volunteer inductions and ensure the usual DBS background checks can be completed for safeguarding reasons.

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Meanwhile, the council is working on creating a dedicated online presence for each council ward to help coordinate support in every neighbourhood.

Mr Hollins said: "In the third sector many of us will find ways of diverting our energies to the consequences of this crisis, from supporting our staff, many of who will be working part-time and may have caring responsibilities, to joining with the efforts of other agencies.

"Major funders such as the National Lottery Community Fund have already announced that they will be showing flexibility and supporting funded organisations to re-deploy resources to respond to the pandemic.

"The reality is that for many individuals, especially those on low incomes, Covid-19 is already hitting hard. Food banks are seeing reduction in donations of food, and we could be strengthening the messages out there for everyone to resist hoarding.

"It is at times like this that our collective responsibilities, not just for our families, but for our neighbours and our communities come to the forefront. It is in times of crisis that third sector organisations can show their flexibility, and show what can be done."

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