Information taken from the NFYFC Website:

NFYFC has collated this information to help YFC members concerned about the impact of Coronavirus on their club activities. Keeping the YFC community safe is our priority.

All the latest updates and advice are available on the Government website  (https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus)

YFC Club and County meetings and events

Following recent changes to Covid regulations in England and in Wales, the Covid guidance, information and templates for YFCs have been updated. A summary is available below. 

Advice for YFCs in England and Wales 

All events and activities – England & Wales

A risk assessment must be undertaken and it should identify the measures needed to reduce the risks from coronavirus (COVID-19) so far as is reasonably practicable. 

YFC Club meeting and activities in England & Wales (not social events)

 

  • Weekly club meeting, activities, training and similar can continue in England  –general weekly club and county activities can be held indoors or outdoors without limitations on group size (except for any measures usually in place such as venue capacity and general safety).
  • Face coverings are no longer compulsory, although masks may be worn by choice.
  • Covid Passes/negative Rapid Lateral Flow tests are not a requirement for these events; however some event and activity organisers may wish to have a Covid Pass as a condition of entry.  From 1 April 2022, test kits will no longer be available free of charge.
  • Those with symptoms of Covid, or a positive test result, are no longer legally required to self-isolate in England only.
    • Government now advises (not regulates) to stay at home if you can and avoid contact with other people.
  • No longer required to take daily tests or be legally required to self-isolate following contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

 

YFC social events in England & Wales

 

  • Social events can continue/resume, if carefully and well planned.
  • Covid Passes/negative Rapid Lateral Flow tests are not a requirement for these events; however some event and activity organisers may wish to have a Covid Pass as a condition of entry.  From 1 April 2022, test kits will no longer be available free of charge.

 

General advice from Governments 

 

  • Get vaccinated and get the booster dose 
  • When indoors, let fresh air in. Meeting outdoors is safer
  • Whilst testing remains available free of charge, Get tested and advised isolate if you can (no longer a legal requirement).

 

The YFC community is reminded that robust Covid Aware plans and Risk Assessments that include assessment of the Covid risks must be in place for all activities.  Planning records and Risk Assessments remain an essential part in hosting any YFC activity and the need to take steps to reduce the risk of community transmission of Covid form a key part of this. 

Download the Covid Aware guidance here. 

Supporting your community – YFC Rural Support

All YFCs in England and Wales can continue to assist community groups with their Covid-19 response. It is likely that vulnerable people will require assistance again during the winter months if they choose to shield or take extra care to protect themselves.  

We are aware many YFC clubs have supported their local communities during the pandemic. As clubs start to meet and plan activities, we would encourage you to look at Covid-19 Mutual Aid for ways to support existing local groups too and ensure you follow social distancing guidelines.You can find out more about Covid19 Mutual Aid UK here and find a group near to you. 

If you’re taking part in a local community support group – with or without your YFC – you could be part of the Farming Help database that is supporting the farming community during the Covid-19 outbreak. The Helpline (03000 111 999), operated by FCN, is open 7am - 11pm every day of the year.

FCN is also helping the farming community to build personal and business resilience during this challenging time. Its FarmWell website and FarmWell Wales website provides a wealth of information and guidance around topics such as Brexit, Covid-19, mental health, faith and spirituality and much more.

Mental health

We understand the impact social distancing restrictions have had on YFC members – especially as so many already live in isolated areas and rely on their weekly club meetings to socialise with others.

To help YFC members look after their mental wellbeing during these uncertain times, NFYFC created Take Time resources, sponsored by Tama. There are seven steps to follow with practical advice and tips to help you to take time away from the pressures you may be under. All of these resources are available online here. 

NFYFC has also relaunched the Rural+ training module for clubs, which has been developed with The Farming Community Network and The DPJ Foundation. The course is now available for YFCs to deliver online and in person through a YFC Trainer. Please contact your County to make arrangements. Find out more about Rural+ here. 

If you feel that you are having a mental health crisis, emergency or breakdown, you need to seek immediate expert advice and assessment. You can call your GP, ring the Samaritans on 116 123 or the Farming Help number on 03000 111 999. You can also follow the links under the ‘Urgent Help’ section here. 

The NHS also suggests viewing the Every Mind Matters website if you are having to self-isolate and are feeling lonely.