National Lottery funding to deliver continued Covid support in Peterborough

During the pandemic PCVS - which provides support to help charities, community groups, volunteers and residents in Peterborough - has heard about the challenges which are being faced, including food distribution, mental health, isolation/loneliness, domestic abuse, debt and poverty and digital inclusion.

In response, PCVS set up various online forums to bring together a network of people across the city to work collaboratively to resolve these issues and meet imminent needs.

A year later, these forums run regularly and continue to support more than 90 local groups.

By securing National Lottery funding, this allows PCVS to both facilitate and continually develop the forums and address any gaps in needs.

Currently, PCVS facilitates the following forums which are chaired by partner organisations: food partnership, mental health, disability, debt and poverty, women, culture, youth and funding.

Iveta Suna, coordinator for the Latvian Community Association in the UK, recently attended the funding forum. She said: “What an amazing idea to provide support and share ideas amongst community leaders on where and how to apply for funding.

“Funding is so important to improve the lives of residents in Peterborough. For example, in my community we successfully secured funding for walking poles which has encouraged and motivated people to go out for walks - becoming more active has had a huge beneficial impact on our mental and physical health.

“It is vital that we have the continued support provided by the funding forum as it increases our chances of securing the funds we need to make a real difference to people’s lives.”

Sarah Woodbine is PCVS’ communities forums and training coordinator who facilitates the domestic abuse forum.

She said: “During these difficult times cases of domestic abuse have sadly increased. Our domestic abuse forum enables us to work collaboratively and create and harness essential relationships with key partners.

“For example, through our forum we have forged a strong relationship with the Cambridgeshire Domestic Abuse & Sexual Violence Partnership which has given us the opportunity to highlight the need for an independent domestic violence adviser in the community who is fluent in Lithuanian. We are happy to report that they agreed and have successfully recruited one.

“This proves the power in networks and working collaboratively in identifying needs and making positive changes, helping those who are most vulnerable.”

Anyone seeking more information should email: [email protected].