*Face-to-face delivery is currently postponed*
People Express is adhering to the current national lockdown and our office is currently closed. With the new government road map announcement, we are confident that face-to-face delivery of our projects will begin soon.
We will continue to keep in contact with all community groups and project participants during this time, and will design a timetable for each project safely returning.
Staff
Project delivery staff (Julie Batten and Kalila Storey) continue to work full time from home, with 1 to 2 days per week at our office base for work that can not be competed online. The best way to contact them is via email or mobile phone (see contact section).
Julie Goodwin (Finance Office) is currently working from home and is contactable by email.
Board
Trustees have set up a COVID-19 sub-group that has overseen all preparations for reopening the office, monitoring the well-being of staff and restarting project delivery. Board meetings are currently being help via ZOOM.
The Old Pressing Shop (office base)
The downstairs office and upstairs workshop space are being used for pre-booked meetings only and remain closed to the public. The building has been risk assessed and contagion prevention measures put in place, including;
Face to Face Project Delivery
People Express is regularly checking Government Guidelines and risk assessing all delivery on a project by project basis. We are planning face to face delivery of the projects which we feel would not have the impact, benefit or quality of arts experience if they were transferred online. However, we are including online meetings, training and workshops where this is possible.
We recognise the contribution and value of our work, particularly for young people, in reducing isolation, addressing issues around low confidence and self-esteem and supporting new social groups and peer support networks. It is important to us to continue to provide as many opportunities as can for young people and communities at risk of exclusion to have fun, feel connected and continue taking part in the arts and creative activity.
Here is an example of how we have adapted one of our projects, Passport to Music, so that we can safely go ahead within Government guidelines;
Anxiety and Isolation
People Express is aware that the impact of COVID-19 is causing additional stress and anxiety. We would like to highlight these online resources:
www.qwell.io (online wellbeing and mental health support)
www.kooth.com (online counselling for young people)
