Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Community, voluntary sector and faith groups

Community and voluntary organisations have played a major part in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic throughout the city, for example:

  • managing the network of food banks and food distribution outlets
  • providing their support services online
  • reaching out to communities and individuals who became isolated and fearful during the lockdown

Help is available to community and voluntary organisations so they can continue to support the city’s residents.

Work safely with current guidelines

Outdoor and indoor gatherings or events, organised by a charity or similar organisation can now take place.

You must:

  • take reasonable steps to limit the risk of transmission
  • complete a risk assessment

Symptom-free testing

You should test regularly to protect those you are working with. You can order test kits online, pick them up from most pharmacies and some other sites, or book a supervised appointment. Find out more about symptom-free testing in Brighton & Hove.

Volunteers

Find out how to safely and effectively involve volunteers.

Vaccinations

All adults can now get their vaccination. Find out more about the vaccination programme in Sussex.

Practical guidance and advice 

The government has produced guidance about: 

Find more support from the National Council for Voluntary Organisations.

Local organisations which provide community support

Community Works

Community Works is the local service funded by Brighton & Hove City Council to provide advice and support, learning and networking opportunities and the Volunteer Centre.

They offer:

  • training on a range of topics including HR, fundraising and volunteer coordination
  • one to one email, telephone or virtual advice
  • access to trusted and experienced consultants and Pro Bono expertise, enabling senior leaders to set aside time for planning reflection and managing risk
  • a range of networks to support organisations in sharing best practice and partnership working
  • volunteer brokerage and good practice guidance in volunteer coordination

For more information please visit the Community Works website or send an email to info@bhcommunityworks.org.uk.

The Resource Centre

The Resource Centre provides a range of services for community groups and voluntary sector organisations including:

  • low cost printing - email your artwork and collect your printing from the doorstep
  • general enquiry line open 4 mornings a week for any local group

Information for groups on a wide range of issues, including:

Advice and support for Resource Centre member groups, including:

  • help with fundraising
  • examinations of accounts
  • flexible support with planning projects, developing policies, computer skills, and many other issues

For more information go to the Resource Centre website, send an email to info@resourcecentre.org.uk or phone 01273 606 160.

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 10am to 1pm. Please leave a message outside these hours and someone will get back to you.

Find more community support

Search for local organisations that can provide support with everything from food and shopping to money advice and loneliness.

Guidance on faith settings and places of worship

Get the latest guidance for the safe use of places of worship on GOV.UK. 

Find out more from:

Community Engagement and Tenant and Leaseholder meetings

Community Engagement and Tenant and Leaseholder meetings are beginning to start up again.

Most of these will be online meetings and will be advertised though the website and the Community Engagement Facebook page.

How to report a hate incident

There have been some reports of discrimination directed against our international communities. We will never accept discrimination in any form against one community or another.

Hate incidents can be reported to the Community Safety Team at Brighton & Hove City Council:

Hate incidents can also be reported to the police. Visit the Sussex Police website for details or call 101 (or 999 in an emergency).