Covid-19 challenges to be met by one and all

Today (Thursday), all being well the F&D Battalion Council will meet to look at the opportunities and challenges which face all the local companies as they seek their own individual ways of starting activities for the session ahead. It may be ‘virtual’, face-to-face or outdoor depending on the numbers involved, age groups and constraints in place due to meeting places involved. Lately I’ve been indicating moving forward step at a time as lockdown restrictions seemed to be easing but as I write, the government has just announced more restrictive social meeting criteria. John Sharp, BB director for Scotland immediately following this has indicated that Youth Link Scotland has confirmed that what was the existing guidance for the youth work sector, published the week before, is unaffected by the new rules. Companies in Scotland may therefore continue to plan and operate in line with our existing guidance at boys-brigade.org.uk/operating-stages and following specific Scottish Government guidance for the youth sector recently published. He emphasises before resuming face-to-face activities, it is obviously important to remember that companies must be ‘Covid-ready’ as part of our Framework and have local approval. Information can be found at boys-brigade.org.uk/ourframework. Jonathan Eales, national CEO, indicates our aim at all times must continue to be on a safe return to face-to-face activities and there can be no ‘one size fits all’ approach. Each company must do what is right for its circumstances. If planning has begun for virtual sessions or outdoor activities, he encourages these approaches to be pursued carefully considering only if/when it may be right or possible to begin indoors. An uncertain and confusing time for all of us but in line with our faith we pray that by everyone following the guidance we may seek to advance Christ’s Kingdom amongst those in our charge.