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<p>My Department continues to work closely with and local agencies, including the
local voluntary and community sector (VCS), to manage the COVID-19 pandemic.</p><p>The
local voluntary and community sector, and volunteers, are essential partners for many
local support services – both in ‘normal’ times and even more so in the COVID-19 response.</p><p>Local
Resilience Forums (LRFs) and local authorities have well established structures in
place to work with the voluntary and community sector and, in response to COVID-19,
are working alongside VCS partners and are coordinating volunteer support. This includes
volunteer hubs or centres in some areas.</p><p>To support local engagement of the
VCS, Government has provided support and guidance on partnership working, as well
as announcing a £750 million support package to assist VCS organisations. The NHS
Volunteer Responders are also open to referrals from local authorities and LRFs.</p>
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