Distance Aware Project

See below how to get your badges

ROTARY SUPPORT FOR THE COVID-19 DISTANCE AWARE PROJECT

Members of the Public Image team recently met with Dr. Helen Iliff and our District has been asked to help support and promote a new national initiative to enable individuals and organisations to politely prompt ongoing distancing and respect of individual social space.

Background
On 21st March social shielding came into force across the UK to protect the most vulnerable in our society. This was lifted in Wales on 16th August and Dr Helen Illiff a Bevan Exemplar, Core Anaesthetic Trainee at Cwm Morgannwg University Health Board was one of those socially shielding.
She realised the need for a “polite prompt” to others to maintain a respectful distance as lockdown started to ease. Working with Baroness Finlay, her idea for a Distance Aware symbol, showing a protective shield is now being rolled out across Wales and other parts of the UK and has been endorsed by both the Welsh and UK Governments. Read more on the Bevan Commission website

Our Support
We are able to supply Rotary branded badges to all clubs who would like to support this initiative in their local area. Badges are £12.00 for 50 including p & p to one address. An order form link is below.

Rotary Masks and Distance Aware Badge Order Form 

You may choose to donate a badge to people who have been shielding:-
e.g. to Carers :: by leaving a small supply in your local chemist; health centre; or church.
Several clubs also support their local Coffee and Chat groups who may welcome a supply.
As schools start to reopen, teachers may also welcome being able to wear a badge which will act as a reminder to pupils about social distancing.
Members of your own club may have been shielding so could appreciate receiving this badge. No doubt you and your members have great ideas of your own of how you would use the badges in your community and help promote your Club..
If you prefer not to give away the badges, you could suggest a donation of 50p per badge which would give your Club a small profit.

Publicity
The Public Image team will be promoting the Rotary branded badges on our social media sites and district website. We are also able to personalize Distance Aware posters with your Club name which will be emailed to you to download. You will be able to give to businesses in your area to support them in their continuing efforts to remind the public of social distancing.
Thanks go to Megan Hopkins, Cardiff East Rotary, who brought this initiative to our attention.

Maggie Hughes
Public Image Team Lead