CNI Network - statement on CoronaVirus (17th March 2020)
In light of the latest Government advice around coronavirus, CNI Network suggest that our local projects monitor latest guidelines so that a local decision can be made around patrols in the weekends ahead.
Whilst we know that our teams and volunteers work tirelessly for the benefit of those who are or could become vulnerable, we need to look after our teams, especially those in the higher risk categories.
Those projects that work with those who are homeless / addicted we suggest you read the latest Government guidelines then liaise with the local authority and other charities / organisations to form a coordinated local response. CNI Network will post on our Facebook page and cninetwork.org/coronavirus any other helpful guidelines or articles we see in relation to work within this community group.
We realise this is a very difficult time for those who work within the leisure industries and as CNI Network and our local teams we are praying for these businesses and want to stand with them in support as much as we can. Please do use social media to promote those businesses you work with within your town or city, especially following this current situation as business and leisure is rebuilt.
This is a time to mobilise those who can to help those who are at risk - we suggest that volunteers move engagement to a local level. Join your local WhatsApp group / Facebook community page and offer support to those who are isolated either as a result of infection or guidelines.
We are working with the music festival organisers where Festival Angels teams are set to work from May onwards. We will post updates on social media and in regular newsletters.
Do pray! That peace and hope will replace fear and panic. For those who are affected directly and families. For those who continue to serve on the frontline. For the most vulnerable in our communities. For an end to the spread of coronavirus and for a cure to be found.
This is a time for the church to be the agent of change in our communities. To be the good news that makes a difference as the Kingdom of God becomes a reality in a time of crisis. Thank you for your part in this movement!
Paul Blakey MBE, Stuart Robertshaw, Olivia Shaw, Martin Rowley - CNI Network
In light of the latest Government advice around coronavirus, CNI Network suggest that our local projects monitor latest guidelines so that a local decision can be made around patrols in the weekends ahead.
Whilst we know that our teams and volunteers work tirelessly for the benefit of those who are or could become vulnerable, we need to look after our teams, especially those in the higher risk categories.
Those projects that work with those who are homeless / addicted we suggest you read the latest Government guidelines then liaise with the local authority and other charities / organisations to form a coordinated local response. CNI Network will post on our Facebook page and cninetwork.org/coronavirus any other helpful guidelines or articles we see in relation to work within this community group.
We realise this is a very difficult time for those who work within the leisure industries and as CNI Network and our local teams we are praying for these businesses and want to stand with them in support as much as we can. Please do use social media to promote those businesses you work with within your town or city, especially following this current situation as business and leisure is rebuilt.
This is a time to mobilise those who can to help those who are at risk - we suggest that volunteers move engagement to a local level. Join your local WhatsApp group / Facebook community page and offer support to those who are isolated either as a result of infection or guidelines.
We are working with the music festival organisers where Festival Angels teams are set to work from May onwards. We will post updates on social media and in regular newsletters.
Do pray! That peace and hope will replace fear and panic. For those who are affected directly and families. For those who continue to serve on the frontline. For the most vulnerable in our communities. For an end to the spread of coronavirus and for a cure to be found.
This is a time for the church to be the agent of change in our communities. To be the good news that makes a difference as the Kingdom of God becomes a reality in a time of crisis. Thank you for your part in this movement!
Paul Blakey MBE, Stuart Robertshaw, Olivia Shaw, Martin Rowley - CNI Network
CoronaVirus - CNI Network will be posting updates of information and articles that are appropriate to our local projects (and similar groups) on our Facebook Page - facebook.com/cninetwork (you do not need a Facebook account to view - there is also a feed onto the Home page of cninetwork.org).
We recognise that guidelines will change daily. The current situation will have an impact on vulnerable people such as rough sleepers and those with addictions as well as the wider night-time economy - we have posted articles around these areas to better equip our local projects and volunteers.
We have had several calls and emails about patrols in relation to coronavirus. Follow the NHS / Government guidelines in particular around washing hands regularly whilst on patrol. Volunteers who are in the higher risk group may be best not volunteering until the threat has passed. If you run a safe place drop in keep it clean with antiseptic spray. Try not to be in close contact with people if at all possible and if you are wash hands afterwards. Stock up on gloves and antibacterial hand gel.
CNI Network is encouraging prayer - for the current global situation; for peace and hope over fear; for those affected directly with coronavirus; for a cure; for an end to the spread; for businesses affected by loss of income; for those making national / international decisions on behalf of nations; for those who are vulnerable in any way...
Thank you to each and every one of our volunteers as we step out to love others and our communities.
We recognise that guidelines will change daily. The current situation will have an impact on vulnerable people such as rough sleepers and those with addictions as well as the wider night-time economy - we have posted articles around these areas to better equip our local projects and volunteers.
We have had several calls and emails about patrols in relation to coronavirus. Follow the NHS / Government guidelines in particular around washing hands regularly whilst on patrol. Volunteers who are in the higher risk group may be best not volunteering until the threat has passed. If you run a safe place drop in keep it clean with antiseptic spray. Try not to be in close contact with people if at all possible and if you are wash hands afterwards. Stock up on gloves and antibacterial hand gel.
CNI Network is encouraging prayer - for the current global situation; for peace and hope over fear; for those affected directly with coronavirus; for a cure; for an end to the spread; for businesses affected by loss of income; for those making national / international decisions on behalf of nations; for those who are vulnerable in any way...
Thank you to each and every one of our volunteers as we step out to love others and our communities.
Some useful links:
NHS Advice
NCVO - your organisation and coronavirus
Advice for Night-Time Economy
Small Charities Coalition coronavirus updates
Government Advice for Rough Sleepers
Christian Police Association CoronaVirus Help
Cinnamon Network - advice and links
How to Protect your Mental Health
NHS Volunteers
Government Guidelines on Volunteering
Interview with DCC Devon and Cornwall Police Paul Netherton
Rough Sleepers and Drug Users (Guardian article)
Ireland to close down Pubs and Clubs (this could well be on the plans for other countries)
NHS Advice
NCVO - your organisation and coronavirus
Advice for Night-Time Economy
Small Charities Coalition coronavirus updates
Government Advice for Rough Sleepers
Christian Police Association CoronaVirus Help
Cinnamon Network - advice and links
How to Protect your Mental Health
NHS Volunteers
Government Guidelines on Volunteering
Interview with DCC Devon and Cornwall Police Paul Netherton
Rough Sleepers and Drug Users (Guardian article)
Ireland to close down Pubs and Clubs (this could well be on the plans for other countries)
This is a great idea from our friends at ROC - CoronaKindness - cards to deliver around neighbourhoods to help and support those who are vulnerable.
#ClapForOurCarers was a great moment and no doubt they will be planning more...
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Community Angels Ideas from within CNI Network:
Paul's Video - 19th March 2020
Guildford Street Angels / Guildford Community Angels have directed volunteers to the local voluntary organisation, to offer support over the telephone, to vulnerable adults who are self isolating, and / or already isolated at home.
ROCK Street Chaplains, Dundee and NI have put out the following ideas:
1. If you have any prayer requests fire them on.
2. If you go into isolation and need anything and we can help let us know.
3. Sometimes the news can get us down or we just feel low. Well if you can't chat to anyone come on
Facebook and we can chat.
I (Andy the coordinator) was in Newcastle yesterday and just called into some of the cafes. Staff are worried and concerned about a lot of things like many. I said I'd pray for them and call in again if they were open. If you can call in and tell them ur a Street Chaplain / Street Angel / Festival Angel, etc and have a chat. People are very very open to talk at the minute.
Hull Street Angels Trinity were featured on Making a Difference (BBC Local Radio stations - they will feature your local projects work during this time) - see the video here.
A prayer at this time...
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Father God we thank you that you are good and loving and that you are a life-giver who loves each and every one of us.
We thank you that you have called us to partner with you towards seeing your Kingdom come and your will be done on earth, in the here and now, as it is in heaven. Right now we come against this evil and life-destroying coronavirus. We pray for those who are seeking a cure - for drugs to be found and for this to be made available worldwide. We pray for the families of those who have died and for all those who are affected, we pray healing. We pray for sense and wisdom to replace fear and indifference. We pray for those in governments and those advising governments. For the right steps to be taken to prevent further unnecessary spread and for wisdom in all they do. We stand with those in our communities who are vulnerable. We thank you that people are rising up to ensure that all in our communities are supported and cared for. We thank you for the opportunities in these days for your church to be the light in the darkness, to be bringers of hope and the comfort that your Holy Spirit gives. We pray for nations beyond this virus - for businesses, employment, economics, health systems and education to be restored. We seek the peace and prosperity of places and nations. Through all this Lord we thank you that, even though we don't understand or comprehend all that is going on, you are ultimately in control. We stand against this evil of coronavirus and Satan who seeks to destroy and steal. Lord help us be a people who bring your life, love, hope and joy and not ones who give in to the fear and panic that the enemy desires. Matthew 5:13-16 “Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. Amen! |
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