Case studies

Libraries faced an unprecedented demand for their services during lockdown. Libraries Connected estimate that libraries made 5 million additional digital loans and loaned 3.5 million more e-books than usual in this period.

Knowing that residents in lockdown would be facing isolation, loneliness and a lack of opportunity to engage in cultural activities, Barnsley Museums sought to continue their programmes in new and innovative ways.

The digital bootcamp supported over 20 organisations to build on their digital marketing and business skills, which in turn helped them to connect to their members and communities, develop their digital business and access guidance and funding.

“We have set about establishing a resilient relationship between council and sector, one built on understanding, respect and dialogue. We are able to respond to change, adversity and opportunity with confidence."

"Slung Low responded rapidly to the crisis facing the local community. They provided a vital lifeline to residents of Holbeck and Beeston."

The projects aim to support residents of East Lindsey who may be experiencing isolation, living in poor health or living with dementia. During lockdown the Trust had to find new ways to continue these projects and ensure some of the district’s most vulnerable residents were supported through the pandemic.

Festival Bridge is one of ten Bridge Organisations working nationally with investment from Arts Council England and the Department for Education. The aim of Bridge Organisations is to connect the cultural sector and the education sector so that children & young people can have access to great arts and cultural opportunities.

FEAST invests in community and artist-led projects and events that break new ground. Its specific purpose is to generate arts and cultural activity in towns, villages and parishes across Cornwall in a way that is highly visible to the public.

Social care settings in Gateshead, both council-operated and private, could not access essential PPE as the COVID-19 emergency developed. The library service responded by developing the production of PPE visors. In total 7,500 visors were produced by the library service in 8 weeks.

On the 18th March, leisure facilities in Nottingham closed their doors. This left large numbers of staff in Nottingham unable to continue in their roles as pool attendants and gym instructors. It also meant that thousands of members could not visit services which were longer available and that buildings were suddenly empty.