Local organisations have been reminded about the permitted and intended use of community centres during the lockdown period in Wales, as the country heads into it's first week of restrictions.

The new COVID-19 'firebreak' regulations came into force in Wales on Friday and will remain in place until Monday 9th November.

During this time, community centres may only be open to provide essential voluntary services, or to provide public services upon the request of the Welsh Ministers or a local authority.

Essential voluntary services are deemed to be foodbanks and other emergency provision, similar to the activities undertaken in March when the national lockdown was in force.

The guidance confirms: "Essential means if the service was not provided during the period of the ‘firebreak’ a significant harm would result for the recipient.

"If the delivery of the voluntary service can be delayed until after the ‘firebreak’ period without significant harm it should be postponed. If the voluntary service can reasonably be delivered from home this approach should be taken.”

If you are delivering an essential voluntary service you are not required to seek permission from your local authority.

More detailed information can be found at https://wcva.cymru/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Guidance-for-Community-Centres-reopening-in-Wales.pdf