Cost of living support
Colchester City Council is providing support for residents facing the cost of living crisis.
Date issued: 19 August 2020
Since lockdown restrictions began to ease in May, One Colchester partners have been working hard to ensure the most vulnerable residents in Colchester continue to receive the support they need, which has involved providing:
- 566 community transport trips
- 4308 welfare and befriending phone calls
- 1024 prescription pick-ups
Since May, partners have also carried out a wide range of activities to support the borough’s recovery and enable residents to return to aspects of their daily lives in a safe way. These activities have included:
- Providing 5,254 hours of High Visibility Patrol Police in the town centre
- Holding 53 Colchester Market days providing outdoor shopping
- Re-opening 71 playgrounds across the borough for young families
- Supplying 150 households with planting starter kits to grow their own food
- Hosting daily online poetry which has had over 90,750 views
- Had 1000+ people engage with inspiring new research at Essex Explores lectures.
As the situation around the pandemic changes, the partnership is also keeping its easy-to-read information pack updated for residents. The digital Community Response Pack contains useful links, advice and guidance on all aspects of life that COVID-19 is affecting. From community resources, local Facebook support groups, social distancing guidance plus wellbeing and mental health support and much more.
This short video highlights examples of the ways in which the One Colchester partnership has supported the borough’s recovery from the Covid-19 outbreak so far.
Pam Donnelly, Chair of the One Colchester Partnership, said: “Whilst lockdown restrictions have eased over the past few months, the virus hasn’t gone away and the One Colchester Partnership has done a fantastic job of balancing providing ongoing support to the most vulnerable residents, whilst also supporting the borough’s recovery in a safe manner.
“I’m so pleased and proud of the way in which volunteers, organisations and charities have adapted to this changing situation and continue to support the people of Colchester during this difficult time.”
Several measures have also been put in place to support local businesses recovering from the impact of Covid-19. This includes Colchester Borough Council providing and additional £20,000 to the Colchester Business Enterprise Agency (Colbea) to help support local businesses recovering from Covid-19.
The funding follows an initial £9,450 that the council awarded Colbea in April, allowing the agency to provide support through email, telephone and fully-funded 1:1 business advice sessions. In June alone, 147 local businesses contacted Colbea – a rise of 61% over the same time last year.
Councillor Mark Cory, Leader of Colchester Borough Council, said: “I continue to be impressed with the amazing efforts and achievements of our residents, volunteers, local organisations and charities since the outbreak of Covid-19. I applaud their ongoing dedication and hard work to support our communities and on behalf of the borough, would like to thank them all.”
Colchester Borough Council, the voluntary sector, police, health, education and the business community along with many others make up the One Colchester partnership and are committed to close collaboration in support of our communities.
Keep up to date with the latest news at www.colchester.gov.uk/coronavirus
Stay Alert, Control the Virus, Save Lives
Page last reviewed: 19 August 2020