Letter to the VCFSE sector from GM Deputy Mayor

Greater Manchester’s Deputy Mayor Beverley Hughes has written a letter to the VCFSE community, thanking them for their dedication in supporting communities throughout the pandemic and reassuring them that they are able to continue vital community support services during the lockdown.

“I would like to begin by thanking all of you for your efforts throughout the pandemic. Thousands of people across Greater Manchester rely on the support of volunteers, charities and community groups and your work has been invaluable to our communities.

While many of our residents need help from the VCSE sector right now, many local people are stepping up to volunteer themselves, supporting their neighbours and communities, something which is a real credit to the spirit of Greater Manchester.

The rollout of Covid-19 vaccines across the city-region has been outstanding so far, and that has only been possible thanks to people selflessly giving up their time to volunteer. This is just one example of the ways people are helping us to respond to and recover from the pandemic.

I also wanted to write to reassure you that your important work can, and should, continue while we are in lockdown. VCSE organisations which are choosing to continue to operate are not only permitted to do so but in Greater Manchester we are actively encouraging them to do so.

I want you to know you have the full support of Greater Manchester Police and myself to carry on your work and go about your business in our communities without fear of being fined while out during the lockdown. We all know how important your efforts are and the last thing we want is for you to be hesitant to carry them out.

There is national guidance to help organisations and groups understand how to safely and effectively involve volunteers during the pandemic which can be found here

You can also contact your local volunteer centre if you require further support or advice here

Once again, thank you for all your efforts throughout the pandemic. Your organisations, groups and all the volunteers have been nothing short of an essential part of our response to Covid-19 here in Greater Manchester and your continued efforts will be crucial in helping our many GMCA, Broadhurst House, 56 Oxford Street, Manchester, M1 6EU communities through this incredibly difficult winter.

Whether you have been providing food, medicine, support or even friendship – we cannot thank you enough.”

Read Beverley’s letter in full here