U3A Vall Del Pop – Moving out of lockdown

The Vall del Pop U3A prides itself on not only providing its members with opportunities of learning new activities, on providing occasions for trips to places of interest, but in facilitating new friendships and a sense of belonging. Obviously, by the nature of our organisation, many of us are in the ‘vulnerable’ category in respect to Covid-19, and we will be cautious in starting to resume the new ‘normality’ which is now in place.

Our Committee are aware of these concerns, whilst recognising the benefit to members' mental health that getting out of the isolation of lockdown and meeting friends will bring.

In recognition that some group activities can now start to resume our Committee have put some thought into guidance/ suggestions which could be offered to Groups with respect to Covid-19 precautions. Their intention is simply to help identify the legal requirements, and predominately to make some observations that might help reassure group members that appropriate procedures are being adopted, which will work along with your own common sense adaptations which will suit your particular needs, to enable a sensible re-start to our group activities .

Legal requirements - Unless these have been relaxed:

1. Wearing of masks inside buildings or elsewhere where social distancing cannot be maintained.

2. Social distancing 1.5 metres. currently

3. Hand sanitisers should be made available.

Group leaders need to identify responsibility in respect of cleaning of facilities, such as toilets, any equipment, including any other utilised equipment, tables, chairs - which will depend upon the venue for your group and, if this is in a bar or public building (when these finally re-open) – ascertain what the proprietor will do, and what you are expected to do.

Wider U3A suggestions

Inspection of membership cards: Consider visual inspection without handling, or with the Group Leader wearing gloves (which should be disposed of after the meeting to avoid any possible spreading

guidelines/ the virus).

Members signing register: Consider Group Leader (helper) signing the members in, rather than the individual member – this avoids multi use of pens.

If meetings are in private venuesmembers should be asked to bring their own refreshments.

Collection of money: It would probably be useful to ask members to have the correct money and Group Leader to provide a tin/container into which this can be placed without handling the money. How the Group Leader deals with the money thereafter is left up to your discretion – there is no easy answer.

Group events: if larger sums of money are to be paid fortickets / meals. Again, you should ask for the exact amount (perhaps in an envelope ) Also hand tickets over in envelopes.

Most importantly, know who has attended any group event. Whilst it is everyone’s sincere hope that no cases of Covid-19 are experienced, Group leaders should have a record of who attended any event, to assist with tracing in the worst-case scenario where a member does test positive.

Things will get better and with support to each other we will get through this pandemic and adjust to the new ‘normality’ with stronger friendships and concern for each other after this experience.

For further information on U3A Vall del Pop see the website www.u3avalldelpop.com