Guidance and Application Process
What is the Fund?
As the coronavirus vaccination roll-out continues, not everyone is coming forward to receive their vaccine, either first or follow up injections. There are various reasons related to vaccine confidence, complacency and accessibility but it is something which we want to help tackle in our community. Thurrock CVS have received funding from the Mid & South Essex Health and Care Partnership to be used specifically to increase vaccine take up amongst groups and residents living in areas where it is lowest. This document lays out guidance for Vaccine take up Engagement Fund applicants and the panel assessing applications to it.
The purpose of the fund is to be response and engage with individuals and communities to increase conversations and communication on the vaccine programme. The panel will meet every two weeks and will remain open until the budget has been allocated; as this is a rolling programme the Thurrock CVS website will let people know when the funds have expired. Applications can be made at any time and will be considered on a bi-weekly basis.
Each project can apply for funding between; £50 to £2,000. Please see criteria below for further information.
APPENDIX 1
Criteria for Awarding Funds
Projects will be most likely to receive a fund if they are able to;
- Enable positive conversations and communications within communities to share reliable, trusted sources of information to promote uptake of COVID 19 vaccinations.
- Provide opportunities to work with communities to explore barriers to individuals not receiving first or second jabs and to co-produce solutions
- Support communities to help vaccination clinics to become more accessible
We are also welcoming applications from groups that are able to particularly support:
- Residents in wards where vaccine uptake is lowest. These are: Aveley and Uplands, Ockendon, Belhus, West Thurrock and South Stifford, Grays Riverside, Tilbury St Chads and Tilbury Riverside and Thurrock Park.
- Ethnic minority groups: Caribbean, African, Eastern European, Traveller, Pakistani or British Pakistani, Bangladeshi or British Bangladeshi, Chinese, White other, Black other, Mixed Other, Indian and British Indian
- Those with ill mental health
- Those with learning difficulties
- Deprived communities (people accessing welfare)
- Street communities
We would want to see projects or activities that:
- Show maximum community benefit for the amount invested.
- Are community led and funding engages existing and new people.
- Must be inclusive and aim to involve where possible different people from across the community.
What projects are not likely to be funded?
- Projects that promote any faith or political belief system (faith projects supporting the wider community can be supported)
- Projects that are not focused on the common good of the community, but are driven by self-interest.
- Projects that do not bring people together.
- Projects that require ongoing funding.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding is available?
Projects can apply for up to £2000.00.
Where does the decision making responsibility for Vaccine Take Up Engagement Fund for Thurrock reside?
The decision making responsibility resides with the initiating group which includes representatives from Thurrock CVS, Thurrock Council and Public Health. The Group will meet regularly to consider applications. Members of the public are welcome to join the Group and take part in decisions about bids they do not have a direct interest in.
How will funds be administered?
Funds will be paid by bank transfer. Please let us know if your group does not have a bank account by contacting Viv Nunn 01375-389843 for alternative arrangements.
What will successful applicants be required to monitor?
Any group that receives vaccine engagement funding will be required to report the following information to the panel within 8 weeks of the award.
- Budget
- How you engaged – giving examples
- Information and barriers you received from individuals about the vaccine programme.
- Communities and areas you engaged with
When should I apply?
The purpose of this funding is to allocate monies to groups that are already working in their communities to increase information shared and dispelling myths around the vaccine programme. Therefore the fund is responsive and open until the funds are spent.
If you have an idea of how to engage with your community to increase vaccine take up, please apply asap, the panel will meet every two weeks. Monies will be paid to successful applicants within one week of being approved by the panel.
Applicants should have an idea of how to work with your existing membership or new individuals to have conversation and share information around the vaccine rollout programme.
Please return your completed application form to:
Thurrock CVS
The Beehive
West St
Grays
Essex
RM17 6XP
Or email to info@thurrockcvs.org.uk