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During these unprecedented times, we want to keep you up-to-date with the current news and advice.
As a result, this newsletter contains news from Coventry City Council, public health guidance, national advice around COVID-19 and information about local community groups and partners who are offering local support to people who are affected.
There are national and local links to help you get the information you need.
Remember to keep checking our website for the latest information.
In this issue:
A Message from Cllr Kamran Caan, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Sport
Cllr Kamran Caan has recorded a video message, urging caution and asking residents to keep following social distancing guidelines.
In his message, Cllr Caan talks of the importance of following national advice, while reiterating that the NHS is still open for those with non-COVID-19 ailments.
He also thanks Council staff, NHS staff, Police staff and other key workers for keeping the city moving during this time of crisis.
Watch the video on the Council's Youtube channel
Unsung heroes
Staff from all around the Council are going above and beyond to ensure that the most vulnerable continue to get the support they need during these uncertain times. We wanted to share with you a few heartwarming examples of this.
Staff at the Eric Williams House - The staff have been working hard to ensure not only that the residents are safe from harm but are kept as active as possible during the lockdown. Quite a challenge with so many residents in one building but the team have risen to the challenge. Using their hidden talents like sewing and singing, they have been creative in ways they never have before. Read the full story...
Loz Hutt- Loz Hutt, a carpenter in the Repairs and Maintenance Service, has not only been a hero at work - he's also learned some dance moves to cheer up and inspire others. He's taken part in the Blinding Lights Challenge to show his support for keyworkers. Watch Loz's video here...
Support for Coventry businesses
If you run a business in the city, the current COVID-19 situation is likely to be very concerning.
A wide range of advice and support can be found on our website, including advice on fraud prevention, details about available grants and much more.
Support for Coventry residents
The COVID-19 situation is unlike anything that many of us have ever experienced and is throwing up many challenges for us all.
If you or someone you know needs financial support and advice, please direct them to our website.
There is also a range of support available on our website for people who are self-isolating or struggling to cope during the COVID-19 emergency
However, if you need help in finding the right support, then call 08085 834333.
Severn Trent’s £24,000 support for city food hubs
Severn Trent has generously made a financial donation to help support the network of food hubs set up across the city which are offering vital support to residents during the COVID-19 outbreak.
The Council’s Community Resilience Team got in touch with Severn Trent to see if they could offer some support to local charities and churches who are providing invaluable services, from increasing foodbank provision, feeding the homeless, to providing a food parcel home delivery service.
These groups are also taking referrals from partner organisations who identify vulnerable people requesting help and support.
After information was shared on these measures being put into place, Severn Trent made the decision to make a donation.
Severn Trent gave a total of £24,000 across the 12 organisations helping people in their community in response to the pandemic. Read the full story...
Any local groups who are currently supporting people around this COVID-19 crisis and want to offer additional support should e-mail: communityresilience@coventry.gov.uk or any business who wishes to make a financial donation to the hundreds of community ventures taking part across the city can also get in touch at the above email address.
COVID-19 and domestic abuse – don’t suffer in silence
Don’t be afraid to talk to someone if you are suffering from domestic abuse.
That is the message from West Midlands Police which is urging people not to suffer in silence during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The ongoing restrictions mean some people may feel trapped at home in a violent or abusive relationship and isolated from support while others who have not previously been victims could find themselves subject to domestic abuse.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, you don’t need to stay at home. Police response and support services remain available at this time.
The force is committed to tackling domestic abuse and their officers are continuing to be proactive every day by arresting perpetrators and supporting victims.
They can be reached by calling 0800 408 1552 or emailing DVSW@refuge.org.uk but always call 999 in an emergency.
Find out more...
Coventry Foodbank - Donations still needed
During this difficult time, Coventry Foodbank are continuing to support people in financial hardship by providing emergency food parcels and toiletries across the city.
Due to the high demand, they are continuing to ask members of the public to help, by kindly donating tinned items of food and toiletries when they are out shopping.
If you are able to donate food whilst shopping, you can still do this at a number of supermarkets in the city at the foodbanks regular collection points. By making a donation – however small – it will help to keep the foodbank stocked up and supplying communities all across Coventry.
To see the full list of required items and donation points, please visit their website.
A network of 10 Emergency Food Hubs have been set up across the city in the past few days to offer vital support to residents during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Residents who are struggling financially and do not have any existing support from neighbours, family or friends can access the service, by contacting Coventry City Council on 08085 834 333 or visiting Emergency Food Network.
Celebrate VE Day
Coventry will join a celebration to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day next week – honouring and remembering those who gave so much to end war in Europe.
The planned celebration for the city has had to be cancelled because of social distancing guidelines, but people around Coventry are still, being asked to celebrate the historic event’s anniversary.
Even though we are in lockdown, there are ways to join in.
People can download the ‘Great British Bunting’ pack from the BBC, which can be coloured in and put up in windows. You can decorate it with images of whatever inspires you – from wartime heroes, to the Home Front and pictures of peace.
The Government have also developed a new website which has lots of ways people can join in the celebration.
The city’s Business Improvement District (BID) team is linking up with city centre businesses to provide afternoon teas that can be delivered to people’s front doors so they can join in on the day safely from their own homes and gardens.
Read more...
City honours Polish community
The city of Coventry has sent its thanks to the people of Poland as they prepare for a weekend of remembrance and celebration.
This weekend will see Poland mark Polish Diaspora and Poles Abroad Day on Saturday (2 May) and Constitution day on Sunday (3 May).
The aim is to celebrate and promote Polish history, culture, and heritage and to emphasise the positive contribution made by nearly one million Poles living in the United Kingdom.
The major events planned have had to be cancelled because of social distancing guidelines, but Polish people in Coventry will still be marking the event at home with family, remembering those who gave so much and celebrating the role they play in Britain today.
To help the city pay tribute, the Polish flag will be flying outside the Council House throughout the weekend.
Read more about the celebrations...
Keeping yourself occupied
Not many of us are used to spending so much time within the confines of our own home. On top of this many of you will be combining home working with looking after children and trying to keep them occupied. Here are a few things we thought might be of interest to you, or worth mentioning to people you know who may be struggling with how to manage staying at home:
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The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum is the perfect place to delve into Coventry’s history and engage with art and culture. And now this is all available to you – online! You can now view the eleventh Coventry Open, an inspiring exhibition showcasing a wide range of talent from the West Midlands and Warwickshire.
- Staff from the Belgrade Theatre are still finding unique and entertaining ways to captivate their audiences. Head over to their Facebook page for live story-time performances, reading groups, quiz games and more
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#KeepCoventryMoving - Coventry Sport are sharing physical activity ideas, tips and tricks on Facebook and Twitter for all ages and abilities.
What to do if you feel unwell, or live with someone who is unwell
Stay at home if you have either:
- A high temperature – you feel hot to touch on your chest or back
- A new, continuous cough – this means you've started coughing repeatedly
Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you're staying at home.
Testing for coronavirus is not needed if you're staying at home.
How long you need to stay at home/self isolate
- If you have symptoms, stay at home for 7 days
- If you live with other people, they should stay at home for 14 days from the day the first person got symptoms
- If you live with someone who is 70 or over, has a long-term condition, is pregnant or has a weakened immune system, try to find somewhere else for them to stay for 14 days.
- If you have to stay at home together, try to keep away from each other as much as possible.
You can find more information and advice about coronavirus on the NHS website. The page is being updated regularly and is the best place to go for the latest health information.
Self-isolation guidance and social distancing in other languages.
There's a great animation on Twitter to remind us all about the need for social distancing.
Updates from the Government
For latest national updates and wider advice on coronavirus, please visit the Government website.
You can receive free and impartial advice on a range of matters from organisations including:
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Consumer rights: Free consumer protection advice from the Government on issues including contracts, goods and services
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Employee rights: Free advice on worker’s rights from the Government
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Money Advice Service: Free and impartial money advice from an organisation set up by the Government
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Citizens Advice Service: Free advice on a range of topics including debt, money and finances; law and court and consumer rights
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Shelter: Free advice on issues such as housing, homelessness, eviction, repairs and repossession
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