Teamwork Trust is a key player in a new scheme to deliver better Covid-19 advice and vaccination information to Wellingborough’s disabled community.

The Covid Community Champions Programme – funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), and North Northamptonshire Council – is being managed by Support Northamptonshire and is aimed at the local communities most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Leading on the element that focuses on people with long-term medical conditions, and physical, sensory and learning disabilities, Teamwork Trust will be recruiting a team of Community Champions to provide practical help and access to IT, food and other provisions. They will also encourage people to take part in events and activities to improve their general physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

Vickie Bell, Head of Development at Teamwork Trust said: “We’re very proud to be playing a part in such an important project. We know that people with disabilities are more at risk from Covid, and we have already been working with local GP surgeries and vaccination centres to make sure adults with learning disabilities don’t miss out on their Covid jab.

"The Covid Community Champions project goes even further than that, and means we can now help the wider disabled community too, building trust and communicating accurate information in a way that people will understand.”

Other local providers - Wellingborough District Hindu Association, Indian Hindu Welfare Organisation, Pravasi Mandal, United African Association – will lead on elements to target Asian, African-Caribbean and African communities in Wellingborough. Made With Many will be supporting the marketing and communications.

Pratima Dattani, from Support Northamptonshire, commented: “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.”

For more information on Covid Community Champions contact Teamwork Trust on 07377803710 or email [email protected]