CAF Gas CIC Awards & Recognitions: Community Service Innovation

We are incredibly proud to have received an award and recognition for the work we did in our community. The award was given at this year’s Third Sector Awards and was for Covid-19: Best Service Delivery Innovation.

The award was presented on the 15th September this year because we’ve also won a bronze at the veterans awards and been a finalist at the national diversity awards “delivered a unique and effective service innovation in the face of social distancing rules and increased pandemic demand.”

What did we do?

CAFgas CIC and Nanny Biscuit exist to champion good physical and mental health in the community and reduce isolation and loneliness. With the onset of Covid 19 and its restrictions, the team of volunteers at the charity reached out to the most vulnerable in the community to great effect.

How did we do this?

Using social media and a 15,000 leaflet drop, over 200 volunteers offered their services. We then formed teams who went door-to-door, delivering emergency shopping to those who were isolated or shielded. Vulnerable families were also looked after with subsidized food parcels that were packed by the team in a ‘pop up’ food warehouse in a disused community center.

Other initiatives undertaken by the team at Nanny Biscuit included an errand service and a Call Buddies service for people who needed someone to talk to. Four Community Concerts were held outside care homes to entertain the elderly. Celebrities and Olympians got involved in a national event entitled a Grand Week in Wales, which set out to challenge individuals in lockdown with worthwhile tasks to improve mental and physical health.

Why did we win?

Their outstanding effort meant that over 46,000 meals were delivered in partnership with Moneysupermarket to the most vulnerable in the Covid lockdown. This was made possible through collaboration with local organisations such as social services, food banks, businesses and social services. The Grand Week in Wales initiative meant that 4,500 relay miles were covered using home fitness machines, walking or running.

What did the judges say?

“Clearly a passionate and creative team who have demonstrated the value of ‘knowing your neighbourhood’ and, through a strong network and human kindness, have delivered significant community support.”