Since the beginning of the pandemic Durham County Council and County Durham CCG have supported communities to stay up to date with the latest coronavirus information and guidance.
This has included the Covid Community Champion programme which was launched by Cllr Lucy Hovvels at the Health and Wellbeing Board meeting on Tuesday 24 November 2020.
The programme aims to builds upon the work of the voluntary and community sector (VCS) by encouraging and supporting people to become trusted voices in their local area so that they can help us pass on important information and guidance needed to keep communities safe.
Cllr Hovvels said: “Anybody can become a Covid Community Champion. You don’t need to belong to any clubs or groups or have children in school – if you’re in touch with your friends, family, people in your community or workplace we would like your help.”
The Covid Champion programme is crucial as it aims to ensure local communities have the correct information quickly, to keep residents safe and to reduce the infection rate, whilst also enabling a greater connection of people within our communities.
Durham County Council are keen to recruit champions and work with partner organisations such as town and parish councillors, faith groups, Covid Mutual Aid Groups, schools, leisure centres, businesses involved in the Better Health at Work Award and VCS organisations.
As well as individuals from the NHS and the emergency services.
If you’re interested in joining the Covid Community Champions Programme or want to find out more visit the website.