Information around volunteering and safeguarding

We've had an amazing community response to the COVID-19 outbreak, with huge numbers of people willing to volunteer to help out in their local community.

The government has published useful guidance for those who are offering support and those requesting support. This can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-how-to-help-safely--2/coronavirus-how-to-help-safely

We've also produced a handy information sheet around Informal Volunteering (pdf)

Newcastle City Council has shared

safeguarding guidance for adults self isolating
a general adult safeguarding poster
a quick reference fact sheet around safeguarding
information on making a 'good' safeguarding adults referral

You can visit their main safeguarding page at https://www.newcastle.gov.uk/services/care-and-support/adults/report-suspected-adult-abuse-and-neglect/safeguarding-adults-and

Changes to DBS ID checking guidelines

New guidance allows:

ID documents to be viewed over video link
scanned images to be used in advance of the DBS check being submitted

Read the updated guidance at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/covid-19-changes-to-dbs-id-checking-guidelines

Local contact information

If you live in Newcastle and would like to offer or request support you can do so using the Citylife Line website or by calling 0191 277 8000
If you live in Gateshead and would like to offer or request support you can do so through the Gateshead Council website or by calling 0191 433 3000

Here's several useful short videos that cover what you need to know about safeguarding and volunteering: