Members of the city's Learning Communities Partnership have been busy tackling misinformation about Covid-19 and a lack of understanding of some of the restrictions which have been put in place to prevent the spread of the virus.
More than 300 children entered an art competition organised by YMCA to help develop a poster encouraging people to stay safe over the Christmas holidays, while TLC produced Covid safety kits containing face coverings donated by Wolverhampton Wanderers and hand gel provided by Let's Sanify which were distributed to community groups.
Access to Business created an animated video which was shared by organisations across the city, Wolverhampton Interfaith recorded messages in 12 languages containing key information about coronavirus and the lockdown measures which were broadcast on local radio, while Wolverhampton Equality and Diversity Partnership and Aspiring Futures delivered a series of workshops for local people and organisations.
John Denley, Wolverhampton's Director of Public Health, said: “With there being so many myths and misinformation out there about Covid-19, it is vital that our communities are able to access to the facts and get the advice and guidance they need, when they need it.
"I have been impressed with how quickly Learning Communities Partnership activities were developed, which had a significant impact on reducing the number of Covid-19 cases in the areas which have been targeted."
The success of the project helped secure additional funding from the Government last month to recruit a network of Community Champions to encourage take up of the Covid-19 vaccine and testing and to encourage residents to stay safe.
Anyone over the age of 18 who lives or works in Wolverhampton can volunteer to become a Community Champion. They do not need formal qualifications but must be passionate about making sure their local community receives up to date information.
For more information, and to sign up to become a Community Champion visit Community Champions. The Learning Communities Partnership will be working with the City of Wolverhampton Council to recruit and co-ordinate the Community Champion network and carry out more targeted activities in communities.
The latest information and guidance around coronavirus is available at GOV.UK and on the council’s own coronavirus pages. Information about the vaccine can be found at Covid-19 Vaccine. Further details of the lockdown restrictions currently in place, and the answers to frequently asked questions, are available at COVID Alert.
