28 Mar 2024
Most restrictions have been lifted, yet cases of COVID-19 are on the rise. With winter approaching, we should continue to follow health and safety measures to keep all community members safe and comfortable.
In-person activity
As well as continuing to follow essential public health advice (hands, face, space and fresh air), Climate Action Groups should always follow official public health legislation.
Across and within each nation – England, Wales and Northern Ireland – laws and guidelines vary. Please refer to the relevant governmental and local authority websites to find out about restrictions. As we move into winter, COVID-19 cases will likely rise. Please be mindful of your group and community by prioritising health advice such as social distancing, hand sanitiser, wearing masks, or where possible, holding online meetings and events.
Before organising any in-person gathering or event:
- Consider more vulnerable people in your group and your community and plan activities that are inclusive, making every effort to enable them to participate. We suggest you continue to hold some of your group meetings online for example, so that those who can’t meet in person can stay involved.
- COVID-19 should be addressed in your regular risk assessment for any event where members of your group will interact with the public.
- Our COVID-19 risk assessment template is available to use for in-person events. Please send your completed assessment to your groups relevant staff contact.
- During these times of hardship, you may apply to our Climate Action Group Grant fund to cover the costs of lateral flow tests for your group.
If you're planning on attending an in-person event:
- We encourage you to take a lateral flow test beforehand even if you do not have COVID-19 symptoms to ensure you are not infectious.
- If possible, wear a mask at all times during the event.
- Do not attend any in-person event if you feel unwell or receive a positive lateral flow test result.
- Third-party events may have their own COVID-19 measures and guidance. Make sure to check these before attending.
How to talk about the crisis
We’re living in unprecedented times. While we want to continue as much as possible to campaign on climate, we must be sensitive in how we do that – and how we communicate it.
It’s been noted how in some places measures put in place to limit the spread of the virus have resulted in a reduction in emissions, increased air quality, and in some cases, the ability of nature to return to spaces.
However, it’s incredibly important that we do not celebrate these as so-called "benefits" of the pandemic.
Read our coronavirus messaging guide.
Digital campaigning resources
Coronavirus will change how we campaign. We’re working to provide you with the tools, resources and support you need so that you can continue to hold meetings and plan campaigning work if you feel able to do so.
To start, we’ve gathered a list of some free tools to help you make the shift to campaigning online.
Read our guide to free digital campaigning tools.
Solidarity
Now is an opportunity to show solidarity with other people and groups in our communities.
Read our guide on supporting your community during the pandemic.
Mental health
We know it’s a scary and challenging time. It’s important than you take precautions to look after yourselves and each other.
For mental health support, reach out to your GP, or contact Samaritans on 116 123.
Extra support
If you are worried about losing money from venues that you’d previously booked please get in touch to see if we can support you with this.
And if you have any questions or a suggestion on how we can support you, please email [email protected]
