FOLLOWING yesterday's announcements from the government regarding Covid-19, NFYFC has updated its guidance for members.

For the foreseeable future (estimated 12 weeks), YFC club meetings and activities should be cancelled, they advise.

They are calling on the YFC community to play its part in helping to manage the crisis.

NFYFC has collated the following information to help YFC members concerned about the impact of Coronavirus on their club activities:

Weekly meetings

The government has advised against meeting in pubs, bars and restaurants for the foreseeable future and the YFC community should remain mindful of this and cease non-essential contact.

Larger club events

The government’s advice is to cease non-essential contact and stop all unnecessary travel. Large club events planned for at least the next 12 weeks should be postponed or cancelled.

Running the club

We recommend that the Club Management Committees can run the charity in the interim and communicate with members via email, social media groups and conference or video calls if required.

We are calling on YFC clubs to consider how the club and its members can support and help the local community, mindful of keeping non-essential contact to a minimum.

Some clubs have already joined forces with other community groups to run errands, collect groceries and other essential supplies for the vulnerable or those that live alone in their village/town/community. Other clubs have set up community Facebook groups and are coordinating support. Think about ways your YFC could offer support during this critical time.

County Fed meetings and Area/Wales meetings

The government’s advice is to cease non-essential contact and stop all unnecessary travel. For the foreseeable future (estimated 12 weeks) county meetings and activities should be cancelled.

Running the county federation/Area

The county management team/Area team can run the charity in the interim and communicate with members via email, social media groups and conference or video calls if required.

Show and Rally, Field Day and competition day type events

The government’s advice is to cease non-essential contact and stop all unnecessary travel. Show Days, Rally Days, Field Days Competition Days and other events that are planned to take place in the next 12 weeks should be postponed or cancelled.

In practical terms we believe this to mean that in many cases cancellation is a more realistic outcome than postponement as no one knows when it will be considered safe to reschedule public events.

Mental health

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

It's a good idea to use other ways to remain in contact with your YFC. Club officers should have the contact details of their members and could consider setting up a group on social media as a way for all members to stay in contact.

If you’re feeling anxious and would like to talk to someone confidentially, the Farming Community Network is available to call or email for more support.

FCN is available from 7am until 11pm on 03000 111 999 or email help@fcn.org.uk.

Stay up to date with the NFYFC advice at: http://www.nfyfc.org.uk/YFCCovid19?fbclid=IwAR1EcnxqS8dlAhsuUpFx_2td8bBpr6BV6Euwe-gGBO1mtXdZxH1TwRcl0VY

READ MORE: Coronavirus: 'Avoid non-essential contact, don't go to pubs, theatres and restaurants'