You will all now be aware of last night’s announcement from Government limiting our ability to go out? We had already pre-empted this scenario so had decided to close all BRAG offices with immediate effect yesterday afternoon. Take comfort that most of our staff will still be working but will now do so remotely. Despite some challenges we will still be delivering our services where possible albeit they may be a little different. Clients can be assured that we are still here for them and we are coming up with innovative solutions to allow us to continue to support you.
Clearly, these are unprecedented times, daily changes on a global scale are taking place and we accept that we must do our bit to save lives. We at BRAG understand how worrying this can be for organisations, businesses and individuals alike. Take comfort that there is support available, here we have compiled a list of support that we have found, this will be updated regularly during these uncertain times as more resources become available. Clearly some of the schemes are still being worked out and it may take a few days for the detail to be available
Information about the new government restrictions
Here you will find the full breakdown of what the effective lockdown means, what is and isn’t permitted.
https://www.gov.scot/news/effective-lockdown-to-be-introduced/
£350 million fund to support welfare and wellbeing
This Scottish Government funding will be made available to councils, charities, businesses and community groups and is designed to be flexible, cutting down on red tape to enable them to respond swiftly and according to local need for people impacted economically or through reduced contact with society, including anyone struggling to access food.
https://www.gov.scot/news/helping-communities-affected-by-covid-19/
Third Sector funding information
Here you will find updated information on the third sector resilience fund
https://scvo.org/support/coronavirus/funding/for-organisations/third-sector-resilience-fund
Fife Voluntary Action
FVA have compiled a Pandemic Information and response page which provides information and resources for organisations concerned about the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. You can also pledge support or request it here.
https://www.fva.org/pandemic.asp
Scottish Government pledge funding for businesses
The £2.2 billion package of support for business supersedes the £320 million package announced on 14 March and includes an additional £1.9 billion of increased support following the Chancellor’s announcement on 17 March.
https://www.gov.scot/news/gbp-2-2-billion-for-business/
NHS Inform
This is the portal where you can keep up to date with the latest guidance about COVID-19 from NHS Scotland and the Scottish Government, including social distancing and stay at home advice.
https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19
Coronavirus in Scotland
Keep updated with the Scottish Government’s Coronavirus information and advice, latest news articles, statistics and support available.
https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/
MOT due after 30th March
New government guidelines and extensions to some vehicle MOT renewal dates.
Fife Council Benefits and money advice
Here you will find some online tools to help with advice from Fife Council during the Current Crisis.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/health-and-social-care2/coronavirus-covid-19/money-advice
OFGEN household energy advice
Here you can find updated information and questions and answers regarding your domestic energy supply during the crisis.
https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-covid-19-and-your-energy-supply
DWP Coronavirus Support
Here you will find updated information about benefits from DWP.
Be safe everyone, stay home and try and continue working if you can do so remotely. For those that cannot work, read more, listen to music, do more of what you love and remember we are still here.