Volunteering and community support
Volunteering
The volunteer hub, which is being managed by West Sussex County Council, is now up and running. This will co-ordinate support for vulnerable people without any support networks and those wanting to volunteer. You can request support for vulnerable people from West Sussex County Council (opens new window). Those who have support networks in place - such as friends, family and neighbours should continue using the support they have. This means that we can focus our efforts on those most in need.
Advice and support for charities and community organisations
Support is available for local community groups and organisations from local charity Voluntary Action Arun and Chichester (VAAC) (opens new window). They continue to offer 1-1 support to member organisations remotely during this period and are also producing a range of helpful, tailored local information.
There are many national sources of information and advice that might be helpful depending on the type of organisation you are. Some of the more generalist sources include:
The Government has provided advice for charities (opens new window) who are struggling to provide their services as a result of the coronavirus. There is also funding information (opens new window) The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (opens new window) may also be relevant to some charities.
Support with fundraising
Listed below are some examples of funding opportunities (accurate at the time collating) that indicate the range of sources that might be available to support local organisations. Some funders have changed the focus of their support in response to the current issues that communities are facing. Voluntary Action Arun and Chichester (VAAC) (opens new window) are continuing to provide local groups with fundraising advice and their regular funding news bulletin which will include the most up to date information. They will endeavour to keep up-to-date with developments including when there are more details of the recently announced national funding support for frontline charities.
- Sussex Community Foundation (SCF) (opens new window) - The Community Foundation that covers Chichester. SCF has set up a Sussex Crisis Fund to support the community and voluntary sector in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Emergency grants of up to £5,000 are being offered to those immediately able to respond to the crisis and organisations with critical funding needs.
- The National Lottery Community Fund (opens new window)
- Arts Council England (opens new window)
- CAF (opens new window)
- Sport England (opens new window)
- Heritage Emergency Fund (opens new window)
- Hall and Woodhouse Community Chest (opens new window)
- Chichester District Council grant programme
Contact us
For further information and advice email community@chichester.gov.uk Alternatively, you can phone us on: 01243 534749