As our magnificent sector rises to the challenges posed by Coronavirus, SCVS has restructured to make sure we’re able to meet the needs arising across the County.

Like many of you, this week we took the decision to completely close our offices on Walter Road, but over the last three weeks we have been busy putting the right tools in place to make sure that we are able to continue our work remotely.

This means that while you can’t pop in to see us, you can contact us 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday by email, or by phone – all of our staff contact details are available by clicking here. We can also use video conferencing if you urgently need a meeting with one of the team, however, we have had to prioritise what we are able to offer (more information below).

The SCVS Team has restructured to make sure that we:

• can help individuals in need of support and signposting,
• match the wonderful new volunteers offering to help with where they are needed most,
• map the hundreds of new support services that are arising and
• make sure new and existing groups have the tools and resources they need to operate safely (click here to see the resources we’ve added so far)

We are using the GP ‘Cluster’ boundaries to help coordinate this work (see map) with key contacts and a team for each area:

• City Team - covers the City Centre, SA1 - Email: [email protected] - Danielle Lock (07946 535304)
• Cwmtawe Team – covers Clydach, Llansamlet and Morriston Email: [email protected] - Amy Meredith-Davies (07538 105287)
• Penderi Team – covers Brynhyfryd, Fforestfach, Manselton, Blaenymaes -Email: [email protected] - Danielle Lock (07946 535304)
• Llwchwr Team – covers Gowerton, Gorseinon, Penclawdd, Garnswllt and Pontarddulais -Email: [email protected] - Amy Meredith-Davies (07538 105287)
• Bay Team– covers Uplands, Sketty, West Cross, Mumbles, Killay, Gower and the University - Email: [email protected] - Emma Crocker (07943 189233)

On the front page of the SCVS website, you can find our Coronavirus microsite as the banner – this is our key source of information on how we can help the sector and individuals at this time, with dedicated information for organisations (new and existing), individuals needing support, and potential volunteers.

You can find it here: www.scvs.org.uk/coronavirus

What service changes are there at SCVS?

Given the scale of the challenges facing SCVS, and the sector; we have had to review what we are able to offer in order to focus our resources in the best way possible.

Our key priority at this time is issues arising as a result of the coronavirus – for individuals, the sector, volunteers and the community.

This means that general development enquiries, funding searches, or general volunteering questions will have to be put on hold; as will job vacancy promotion, etc.

We have cancelled all face to face training until 31^st July 2020 (to be reviewed as the situation progresses). We will not be sending out our usual monthly ebulletin to the sector, but will be using our ebulletin distribution list (alongside our new coronavirus mailing list) to make sure you have the information you need at this challenging time.

SCVS Membership will be rolled over – so if you were an SCVS member in 2019-20, your membership now runs until 31^st March 2021.

This is an unprecedented period for the sector, so we hope you understand the need to change the focus of the organisation at this time.

What are we asking of the sector?

You are on the front-line of support for communities in Swansea, so please:

If you haven’t already, let us know of any changes or additional provision you’re providing in response the situation we all face – either email the area lead mentioned earlier, or if you operate Swansea wide, please email: [email protected]

Do you need volunteers to support any extra provision you’ve put in place? We have individuals contacting us everyday wanting to help – please email [email protected] to speak with our volunteering team about linking in

Has your group stopped operating during the crisis, and if so, do you have volunteers that may wish to help in other ways? Existing volunteers are a vital resource at this time, so if you could please ask them to sign up at: https://swansea.volunteering-wales.net/vk/volunteers/my_opportunities_info_ur.htm?pID=10155764 – our volunteering team can then match them up with one of the many opportunities in the County. You can find information we’ve put together for prospective volunteers here – www.scvs.org.uk/coronavirus-vols  

Finally…

The tremendous community spirit of the people of Swansea at this truly difficult time is making us even more proud to support community effort in the County! These are difficult times for us all, but the resilience and dedication of Swansea’s third sector means that we are very well placed to emerge even stronger on the other side.

If there is anything your organisation needs in relation to the current situation that we haven’t mentioned here, please get in touch – [email protected]

Thank you.

Visit the SCVS Coronavirus microsite