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 regularly. 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.

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... We are putting together Prayers of Hope on this page.

We are also looking at ways volunteers / local projects can be equipped to meet needs in communities beyond the current coronavirus lockdown (recognising the night-time economy won't be up and running for some time) - see this page for details of beyond coronavirus including a Sample Co-Vid19 Policy document for use by our local projects. 

We are also holding / promoting regular online training, get togethers and prayer gatherings - sign up to our newsletter or follow us on Facebook for updates. 

​Thank you to each and every one of our volunteers as we step out to love others and our communities.

Some useful links:

General:

NHS Advice

​NHS Volunteers

Practical Support:

YourNeighbour.org - If you need help during this time we are here for you. YourNeighbour will connect you to a church nearby, who can help with a friendly phone call, shopping, prescriptions, advice or pastoral support.

Government Advice for Rough Sleepers

Free Train Travel for people fleeing domestic abuse - If you are unable to speak in an emergency situation and wish to contact the emergency services dialling 999 on a mobile and pressing 55 will mean the operator will transfer your call to the police - see more details here.

Charity / Christian / Night Time Economy Advice:

​NCVO - your organisation and coronavirus

Advice for Night-Time Economy

Small Charities Coalition coronavirus updates

Christian Police Association CoronaVirus Help

Evangelical Alliance Coronavirus Hub

Cinnamon Network - advice and links (including funding and training sessions)
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Cinnamon Network Zoom Discussion around Funding

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland resources

​Charity Commission - guidance for charity sector

​​Government Guidelines on Volunteering

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. ​

Mental Health:

How to Protect your Mental Health

Lockdown's heavy toll on Italian mental health

Kooth is an online counselling and emotional health and wellbeing platform for children and young people aged 10-25 years, accessible through mobile, tablet and desktop and free at the point of use - www.kooth.com

Gateway Church Kendal - video how to deal with mental health during lockdown

Government advice to protect mental health

Articles:

​Interview with DCC Devon and Cornwall Police Paul Netherton

Rough Sleepers and Drug Users (Guardian article)

CNI Network Resources:

This lockdown is an opportunity to share CNI Network's Alcohol and Safety pack with young people - we have produced a new young person's version - see here

​Local projects beyond lockdown ideas

CNI Network have received a box of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) from Samaritan's Purse to help fast-track our local projects to get back out into communities - email paul@cninetwork.org.uk for details. We also have 1kg tubs of hot chocolate and tubs of sweets that are unable to be used by Festival Angels available.

Training:

Zero Suicide Alliance - free training

Vulnerability Training - tools to working with vulnerable people (online course)

Free training course (3 consecutive sessions) available online as and when there is demand to help you support people through bereavement in these difficult times, when grief is more complicated and traumatic.  Some Street Angel projects are currently providing listening services by phone, and when we get back out on the streets, we expect people will need to talk about their experiences during lockdown, including sadly, bereavement.  Led by Frances Novillo, Lead Chaplain of Watford Town Centre Chaplaincy (including Watford Street Angels), based on training she received from Professor Stephen Regel of the Centre for Trauma, Resilience, and Growth in Nottingham.  To register or find out more, please email frances@watfordtcc.org 

Praxis Centre for Hope and Activism - masterclasses on turning faith into action

Red Cross Training for Coronavirus Volunteers 

Sarah Leonard (a Christian evangelist) shares her struggle with depression and suicidal thoughts and how faith helped her overcome.

In support of Mental Health Awareness Week, St John Ambulance has collated some resources which will help start conversations about mental health both in and out of the workplace whether it is with your colleagues, volunteers, clients or with family and friends:

• Book in on one of their free online mental health modules (you will need to register for access): An introduction to wellbeing, and Mental health first aid
• Take the Mental health in the workplace quiz to test your knowledge of the effects of mental health at work
• Watch the new series of mental health webinars which St John Ambulance is hosting
• Have a look at their wellbeing self-assessment tool which can help you understand what may be causing your stress as well as suggest steps you can take to improve your overall wellbeing.  ​

These webinars were all recorded and available to watch:
​

• Charity Fraud: COVID-19 and charity fraud webinar recording by Fraud Advisory Panel and Charity Commission
• Cyber security: Keeping your charity secure during COVID-19 webinar recording by National Cyber Security Centre
• Managing charity finances: How to manage Charity Finances in a positive and practical way recording by Stone King and RSM (register to view)
• Recovery plan: Surviving and recovering for charities webinar recording by CAF
• Volunteering: Involving volunteers during the pandemic - what you need to know recording by NCVO 
• Volunteering: How to involve and safeguard volunteers during Coronavirus recording by NCVO

​Our CEO Paul Blakey is able to offer free support for local projects on social media - email paul@cninetwork.org.uk

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A prayer at this time...

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! ​

Christian Police Association - praying for police officers
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Some great prayer insight from Acting Police Inspector Marie Reavey - #FaithAndPoliceTogether


CNI Network Prayers of Hope