As the UK emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic ‘Build Back Better’ has become the mantra, this report highlights the need to Build Back Fairer. It was the principles of fairness and the need to do things differently that animated the concrete recommendations set out in the Marmot Review 10 Years On Report, just before the pandemic hit with such devastating intensity.

Inequalities in mortality from COVID-19 and rising health inequalities as a result of social and economic impacts, have made such action even more important. This report urges that the Government learns the lessons of the pandemic, and prioritises greater equity and health.

The NHS Covid-19 vaccination programme is now being rolled out. The first person in Greater Manchester to receive the vaccine was Salford Royal volunteer, Ted Jones.

Your group's members or the people you support may have questions about the vaccination and how the appointment system will work. This NHS Salford CCG webpage is full of information to help answer common queries. It explains that people will be contacted about vaccination - they are asked not to call their GP. Please share this information, especially with older and more vulnerable people, to help keep them informed and to protect them against vaccine scams. 

Salford Foodbank provides a vital service for local families and individuals, delivering food parcels to over 6,000 families already this year and demand is set to increase over the coming months. Media City based Carbon Creative have transformed a shed at ‘Box on the Docks’ into a striking Salford Food Bank collection box to support local families in need.

‘The Food Gift Box’ is now complete and ready to accept donations. The box has been fitted with cleverly designed donation drop off holes, to separate out donations allowing for easy sorting by the foodbank team. Find out more on the Food Gift Box website.

Church Action on Poverty's brand new Speaking Truth to Power programme kicks off in January.

They are looking to recruit 24 individuals with lived experience of poverty (or a close ally working with people who have lived experience) to speak truth to power locally and nationally.

If this sounds like an opportunity you might like to get involved in, you can find further details of how to apply here applications close on Friday 22 January 2021.

Charity Digital have brought together everything you might need on Cyber Security and Digital Fundraising on their digital hubs to help you stay on top of the latest developments.

Each hub is split into four sections to help you find the resources and information you are looking for. 

The digital hubs are updated weekly and contain expert advice, podcasts and webinars. There is also a forum where you can learn from your peers and also engage with the Charity Digital team.

To mark Census 2021 in England and Wales, a competition has launched to find the nation’s unsung community heroes.

22 people, one for each census that has taken place to date, will have their community spirit and efforts commemorated with a unique purple plaque.

The iconic purple plaques, in the brand colour of Census 2021, can be placed in or on the winner’s home, place of work or a community-building depending on their preference and permissions.

Self-isolation is when you do not leave your home because you have or might have coronavirus. It is vital to self-isolate properly and for the correct length of time to stop the spread of the virus to other people. Guidance is available from the NHS here.

Support is available for those who self-isolate, they may be eligible for financial help from the Test and Trace support payment and can get practical help such as shopping and prescription collection via the Spirit of Salford helpline. 

Please help to raise awareness and share the self-isolation guidance and support available with the people you work with and support.

The AJ Bell Stadium in Eccles have nine office tables, all in very good condition available to go to a good cause for free.

If your VCSE organisation or group could make use of the tables, please get in touch with the stadium directly. Email Nic or Ruth. The tables are available for collection until the 22nd December 2020.

This latest video from Salford Signed is about interpreter choices and explains deaf / Deaf people's right to a fully qualified registered BSL interpreter for healthcare access. 

Salford Signed is a YouTube channel designed to be fully accessible to the d/Deaf community in Salford and is a platform to share information on services across the city and to share experiences of accessing healthcare.

It has been announced that Greater Manchester will remain in Tier 3 Very High restrictions. 

You can remind your members or beneficiaries of what this means by sharing this graphic, which outlines what people can and can't do under the measures.

Help to protect our communities by sharing this graphic and other key coronavirus messages across your social media channels.

Voluntary organisations working in the criminal justice system with an annual income under £250,000 can apply now for grant funding to support their vital work through the winter from Clinks.

This round of funding includes some quite specific eligibility criteria so please do read the guidelines. The deadline for applications is 9am on Monday 4th January 2021.

The government is inviting local organisations to form partnerships and bid for a share of the funding to better support those who experience multiple disadvantages including homelessness, substance misuse, mental health issues, domestic abuse, and contact with the criminal justice system.

The deadline for Expressions of Interest is 21 January 2021.

The Local Connections Fund is a new £4 million fund to help charities and community groups in England that are working to reduce loneliness by helping them build connections across their communities. Grants from the first round of funding will strengthen and develop small and micro organisations that connect communities together and reduce loneliness. This programme does not open until 5 January 2021.

Coronavirus is like nothing we’ve experienced in our lifetime. Yet the city of Salford has responded. This response has been a real team effort with organisations across the city joining up to do the best that we can. To enable Salford City Council to continue supporting our communities and deliver essential services, they are now looking to build capacity to help with the rollout of targeted testing and vaccination. There are four testing / vaccination roles - follow the links below for more information and to apply:

• Operative
  
• Mobilisation Officer
• Team Leader
• Support Officer

The office of National Statistics is looking for a community advisor to work with the Haredi Jewish community in Salford for #Census2021.

In the field team for Census 2021, you’ll meet people from all walks of life and gain valuable experience. What’s more, you’ll be part of something that’s vital to us all. The information you’ll collect will help with decisions on planning and funding services in your community.

The closing date is 8 January 2021.