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The Story of the Keeping in Touch Newsletters

During the worst of the COVID-19 Pandemic, GRCC were able to provide newsletters which outlined details of new grants and financial aid to help VCSE organisations.

During the early stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic, GRCC put together newsletters with details of new grants becoming available to help voluntary and community sector organisations deal with the financial consequences of the coronavirus pandemic. There were three issues of the aptly named Keeping in Touch, or KIT for short, all during April when the pandemic was at its peak.

The first one was published on the 1st April and aimed to look at the early grants and financial aid available to VCSE organisations. The situation was changing daily and GRCC felt it was vital to provide the information to support those who needed it and so a week later, the second issue was available providing even more opportunities and providing the support that many needed in these troubling times. KIT 3 was published towards the end of April and was able to bring many more grant opportunities that had arisen in just a few weeks since lockdown commenced as well as reminding community buildings of the Legionella risk.

Angela Gilbert, Community Development Team Manager at GRCC, said, “Keeping the voluntary and community sector informed is a key strand to our work. We know there are significant challenges for VCS organisations, particularly in relation to funding, and being able to support them with timely and relevant information is what we do”. Liane James, who is part of the Community Development Team at GRCC, added, “With the situation changing so quickly, we were pleased to be able to help some organisations look for sources of funding as many organisations were changing their services to me the needs of COVID-19”.

Whilst the focus is rightfully on the unbelievable job the NHS has done as well as the monumental effort that communities put into helping each other, KIT was a great success for the VCSE organisations in need and GRCC feels proud to have been able to contribute just a little during the worst of the pandemic. Whilst we are through the worst of it, GRCC will continue to provide support for VCSE organisations and so don't hesitate to get in touch.

The KIT Newsletters are still available to view on our COVID-19 Support page which also provides a lot of other support information should you need it.

Posted by Jonny Gilder on June 24th 2020

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Gloucestershire Rural Community Council
Community House
15 College Green
Gloucester GL1 2LZ

T: 01452 528491

GRCC is a registered charity (number 1054282) and a Limited Company (number 3181755).

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"You have provided me with much encouragement, guidance and invaluable advice in the past 18 months; your input and support has been invaluable, something I very much appreciate, thank you."

"Thank you so much for all the support and advice that GRCC has provided."

"Your resource was highlighted to us by the Scottish Council of Voluntary Organisations, as an excellent example of sharing expertise/resources.  My huge thanks for this work, which has made it far easier for us to address policy needs here!"

"With my other Parish Councillor hat on - can I just say how incredible GRCC have been in supporting the parish in the last few months - we couldn't have got half as far as we have without you."

"GRCC has made learning iPad skills fun and easy. Just by sitting at my side and showing me the basics, Matthew has encouraged me and this in turn has made me want to learn more and more.  Thank you GRCC, you got me started."

"Thank you so much for your time yesterday, I found it really helpful and supportive. You have a fantastic depth of knowledge and experience, and it was great to have an ‘external view’ and insight.   I will put all the ideas into practice and will let you know how I get on."  (Glos Charity CEO)

"Thank you so much for your email yesterday...it really cheered me up. My Mum always said kindness costs nothing, and you and your colleagues have been so generous, and it was not expected... I understand you will be closing the case, but I would like to say, you have been a marvellous help to me." (Part of a thank you message from a Social Prescribing client).

"Could I please thank you both for making me so welcome at the Cheltenham and Cotswolds Know Your Patch meetings.  They are really well set up and organised, such a great forum to connect with people and services across the county to link in and work together. "  

"My social prescriber has been truly warm, understanding, helpful, non-judgemental and has even made me laugh despite my current situation. I have very much enjoyed our conversations. I'd strongly encourage anyone to try the service.”

I would like to thank Laura at GRCC for the provision of a number of Job Clubs in and around our communities.  I have witnessed first-hand the positive impact that Laura has had on our customers and the communities that we serve. It has been great to work in partnership with GRCC, and I look forward to working closely over the coming months and years.  (Feedback from Bromford Housing for our ESHO job clubs.)

I was looking for a job after taking a long career break. Laura played a crucial role in helping me navigate my return to work....  Laura's unwavering support during our weekly meetings kept me motivated to keep applying. Finally, I landed a job as a Business Administrator for a reputable organization. I am immensely grateful to Laura and the Job Club.   (Feedback for our ESHO job clubs from a client).

"Quite some years ago now ... I undertook skilled (Surface Water Catchment) Flood Warden training. That training was one of the most valuable educational experiences of my life.  ... This email is intended to express my appreciation, for the unique skills that GRCC Officers gave me."

Dear Cara (GRCC's Affordable Housing Manager) - I just wanted to drop you a line to thank you very much for attending last night's meeting at our Parish Council.  The Councillors and some audience members who stayed to the end of the meeting expressed how good it was – appreciating how thorough and clear the talk was and in particular how well you answered the many varied questions and knew the subject so well.  We hope you achieved what you had hoped for from the meeting too and look forward to working with you.

"Lauren Woods, who was with the The North Cotswolds Community Wellbeing Services, supported me to solve some problems - they boiled down to digital challenges.  Recently she has joined Tewkesbury Borough as their Digital & Technology Navigator.  I could write a screed on how useful she was...   I am glad she hasn't left the organisation...  You have an asset there."

"Good afternoon Cara [GRCC's Affordable Housing Manager]Many thanks for giving of your time last night to present the GRCC’s survey on housing need. Your presentation was well received and certainly contributed to a successful meeting on which we hope the PC can build in future."

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