Over the last few months Rainbow Services (Harlow) on behalf of the network of local infrastructure organisations across Essex, has been working with the national VCS Emergency Partnership to assist with establishing, developing and managing the 'Request Help as a Local Organisation' service across Essex. Rainbow Services (Harlow) is working as a Local Liaison Lead for parts of Essex, including Harlow.
The service has now launched and organisations can use an online form to request support when local support organisations are unable to find the solutions required.
What is the 'Request Help as a Local Organsiation' service?
If you are a Harlow organisation and you need extra support, we recommend that you firstly approach Rainbow Services (
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) for support and we will work with partners to see if we can find local solutions. However, we know there are times when there is not enough local capacity to provide the support required. At this point, local organisations can make a request for support from the new Voluntary and Community Sector Emergencies Partnership ‘Request help as a local organisation’ service. We will escalate the need on your behalf to see if any organisation in the regional network can help. Needs that still cannot be met are escalated to a national level, where trends inform requirements for improved local resource and infrastructure supply. For example, more personal protective equipment (PPE) in care homes or priority delivery slots for high risk citizens. The data will help understand and anticipate unmet needs across the country, and help match supply with demand. For more information go to www.vcsep.org.uk .Types of support available could include:
- Transportation or delivery including medicine
- Personal Protective Equipment
- Financial support and advice
- Specialist training
- Guidance
- Mental health support and wellbeing
- Volunteers