PANDEMIC INFLUENZA – SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION FOR THE VOLUNTARY AND COMMUNITY SECTOR

As part of the Government’s flu pandemic preparations we are providing supplementary information to voluntary and community organisations. There is also a letter from Prof Lindsey Davies, National Director of Pandemic Influenza Preparedness.

The guidance refers to key information relevant to the sector including:

• Protecting you organisation
• Planning for the continuity of core activities
• Planning to cope with an increased demand for some services

Supplementary Information for Third Sector Organisations (PDF)

Third Sector Information Covering Letter (PDF)

PANDEMIC INFLUENZA – SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION FOR FAITH COMMUNITIES

As part of the Government’s flu pandemic preparations we are providing supplementary information to the local faith communities. This is accompanied by a letter from Prof Lindsey Davies, National Director of Pandemic Influenza Preparedness.

The guidance refers to key information relevant to the sector including:

• How pandemic influenza plans might affect faith communities
• Protecting your faith community
• Planning for the continuity of core activities
• Planning to cope with an increased demand for some services

As part of the preparation for the flu pandemic a visit was made to the regional Alconbury Mortuary near Huntingdon. There is an Information for Families and Friends sheet providing brief details of where it is, why it has been set up and what families can expect should they need to visit.

Faith and Flu Guidance (PDF)

Faith Guidance (doc)

Information for Families and Friends (PDF)

It also states that any voluntary and community organisation wanting to assist with the pandemic should contact their local Authority’s Emergency Planning Office. Organisations in Bedfordshire and Luton should contact Mark Conway, Emergency Planning Officer at Central Bedfordshire Council via email mark.conway@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk or telephone 0300 300 4439.

Emergency Volunteer Leaflet (PDF)

The leaflet entitled Disasters and Emergencies – how you can help in Bedfordshire provides further information. It also provides brief information about becoming a volunteer to assist with tasks and activities during an emergency, the support a volunteer would receive while doing so and who to contact. Individuals wishing to volunteer their help solely for the period of emergency should also contact Mark Conway, Emergency Planning Officer at Central Bedfordshire Council, as above.

In addition we have included website links taking you to the relevant pages on the Department of Health website and the Cabinet Office website, which provide further information that you may draw upon:

Department of Health

Cabinet Office

Directgov

This information has been supplied by the Bedfordshire and Luton Emergency Volunteers Executive Committee (BLEVEC). The role of BLEVEC is to co-ordinate local co-operation between local authorities, voluntary organisations and community groups, during disaster and emergency situations.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS CURRENT GUIDANCE AND THAT DUE TO THE NATURE OF THE OUTBREAK THIS MIGHT CHANGE.