New investment to support people from Black communities and those with disabilities in Wellingborough

Support Northamptonshire is excited to launch the Community Champions Programme in Wellingborough to help people from Black communities and those with disabilities.

Funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) through North Northamptonshire Council, Community Champions is aimed at supporting communities adversely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

For Wellingborough, the Community Champions Programme aims to support people from Black (Asian, African-Caribbean and African) communities and those with disabilities (people with physical disabilities, learning disabilities and long term medical conditions).

Partners are currently recruiting Community Champions from local communities with the aim to accelerate the offering of helpful Covid-19 advice, guidance and vaccination information to the community to ensure that people remain safe, healthy and happy.

Community Champions will provide practical help to enable IT access, access to food and other provisions as well as encouraging people to take part in events and activities that contribute positively to physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

The Community Champions Programme’s ultimate objective is to save lives by communicating the most accurate and up-to-date Covid-19 health information and building trust with local people and communities.

Pratima Dattani, from Support Northamptonshire, said: “Black communities and disabled people have experienced higher number of deaths through Covid-19, greater hospital admissions and more people have needed greater reassurance to take vaccinations.

"The combination of community-led support and a varied programme of creative sessions and practical help will offer these communities the support they need to live safe, healthy and happy lives.”

Gill Chapman, community support manager from North Northamptonshire Council, said: “We are fortunate to have been supported by MHCLG to lead a Community Champions scheme in Wellingborough.

"This will support some of the communities most impacted by Covid-19 and offer reassurance and guidance as we now move through a period of recovery.”

Partners include Wellingborough District Hindu Association, Indian Hindu Welfare Organisation, Pravasi Mandal, United African Association, Teamwork Trust and Made with Many.

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