Help debunk Covid conspiracies in Northamptonshire...and get a grant of up to £500 to reach people in your community

Volunteers to help debunk conspiracy theories about Covid-19 are being offered up to £500 to help share trusted information across Northamptonshire.

The scheme has been launched in the face of "misinformation and conspiracy theories" that can be found on social media and online.

Northamptonshire County Council is now recruiting "Covid Community Ambassadors". You need to be over 18 and either living or working in the county. The position is voluntary but you can also apply for grants of up to £500 in order to develop ways of spreading messages in your community.

Lucy Wight, director of health in Northamptonshire, said: “The aim is to recruit volunteers from various backgrounds and communities in the county and equip them to be able to share up to date information in relation to COVID-19 and on how to protect themselves and others against the virus.

“Reflecting the diversity of the county, they will be a trusted source of information on current COVID-19 guidance, able to dispel the myths and rumours surrounding the virus, testing, the vaccine and anything else COVID-related.

“Nothing compares to hearing information from family, friends and trusted people within your community and we will work with Ambassadors to understand the barriers people experience in accessing information and complying with guidelines, as well as making sure everyone knows what they need to do to in the coming days, weeks and months ahead.”

Councillor Matt Golby, leader of Northamptonshire County Council said: “Without unified action, it may take us a much longer time to manage the pandemic within the county and the country as a whole."

To find out more information and to sign up to become a COVID Community Ambassador, visit : www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/CovidCommunityAmbassadorsIf you have any questions, please email us at: [email protected]