Bassetlaw council gets £169,400 for Covid community information campaign to boost vaccine take-up

It is one of 60 authorities and voluntary groups to share a £23million Government funding pot intended to convey crucial messages to hard-to-reach communities and those most at risk.

Council leader Simon Greaves said: “We are delighted to have secured this funding into Bassetlaw. It will help us to reach communities that require further support and guidance on a range of matters relating to coronavirus.

"We are committed to engaging with and reaching as many people as possible who may be in at-risk groups locally and helping them through the pandemic, and ultimately getting them vaccinated.”

The ‘community champions’ scheme was set up to build trust in public health measures to address the pandemic by communicating accurate information and boost vaccine take-up, ultimately helping to save lives.

Working with Bassetlaw Community and Voluntary Service, the district council will target groups such as disabled people and people from ethnic minority backgrounds who are more likely to suffer long-term impacts and poor outcomes from COVID-19.

Community champions will be recruited from within those demographics to act as messengers.

Catherine Burn, chief executive of Bassetlaw CVS said: “It is absolutely essential that all members of our community receive and understand the health messages and that we address any concerns about vaccination.”

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