First Minister Mark Drakeford announced that multi-purpose community centres including community centres, village halls, church halls and other community centres could reopen from 30 July. However, Welsh Government announced changes in the regulations on 7 August and the national guidance is currently being updated. Welsh Government have advised authorities that the regulations on social gathering will still prevent certain activities from taking place.
In the meantime, to support and provide advice for groups preparing to reopen their community venues in Ceredigion, a multi-agency panel has been set up to ensure the safe and proportionate reopening of facilities. The panel has been created under Ceredigion’s Public Services Board Sub Group; Understanding our Communities. Leading on the development of the group is Ceredigion Association of Voluntary Organisations (CAVO) and Ceredigion County Council in partnership with Heddlu Dyfed Powys Police and Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service. The panel includes representation from Health & Safety, Environmental Health and Community Safety.
The panel will hold a series of briefing sessions for individuals, groups or organisations responsible for multi-purpose community centres focusing on buildings, people and activities. The panel has also created a resource pack to aid the safe reopening of community venues. The resource pack will be published and shared once final Welsh Government Guidance is made available.
Although community venues do not need the Local Authority’s approval to reopen, the Welsh Government are strongly encouraging those managing centres to inform the local authority if they plan on reopening any community facilities. The panel set up can support and advise community facilities on aspects such as facilities management, health and safety and risk assessments. The panel is strongly encouraging anyone responsible for community facilities to seek advice to ensure that arrangements are safe, secure and that compliance is in-line with national guidance. The panel has been set up to help and support groups and facilities.
Questions or information requests about briefing sessions or the resource pack can be submitted to the group which meets on a weekly basis via CAVO on gen@cavo.org.uk or by phone on 01570 423232.
26/08/2020