Friday 17 April 2020
There are great many decisions being made at a national level, which change rapidly and have a profound effect on the delivery of local services and how we all keep safe and well in Devon. Alongside our local Members, and through engagement with Devon’s MPs and government, we are doing all we can to make sure the region’s voice is heard and that our concerns are discussed at the highest level.
The effective supply and distribution of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to those working on the frontline is an ongoing issue. We are continuing to work alongside our public sector colleagues to lobby for a sustainable supply to help ensure that we can carry on delivering vital services, and all frontline staff and residents are kept as safe as possible. The government announcement that testing will be prioritised for everyone in social care settings is a positive development, and we hope the plans and process for the roll-out are clarified very soon.
 In this update:
- Plumbers, hairdressers, builders and estate agents answer the call to help
- Every Mind Matters, now more than ever
- Mill Water School keep us smiling
- Free online training from Learn Devon
- Business advice for those not able to open
 Over 1,300 answer call to help the vulnerable
Thirteen hundred people so far, including vets, plumbers, soldiers, hairdressers, builders, students, artists and estate agents have answered the call to help care for Devon's most vulnerable resident's.
It follows an urgent countywide appeal to recruit new Healthcare Assistants, who are vital in supporting social care providers and the NHS during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The registrations have come from people aged 16 to 65, some former health care professionals and others with little or no experience at all in health or care.
But despite their varying backgrounds they all want to do their bit to help people and the NHS.
 Every Mind Matters
The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak means that for the time being, life has changed dramatically. We’ll all be experiencing highs and lows and it’s perfectly normal to miss loved ones, get frustrated, feel anxious or stressed.
 Devon Coronavirus Emergency Helpline
Keeping Devon’s most vulnerable residents safe remains our top priority. Anyone who is isolated and urgently needs essential food, medicine, care or social support, and doesn’t have any family, friends, neighbours or community to help them, can contact the Devon Coronavirus Emergency Helpline on 0345 155 1011
 Urgent appeal for community equipment
If you've got any community equipment you no longer need, please can you return it? We urgently need commodes, walking frames, shower stools, and raised toilet seats, as increased demand during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak means these items are in danger of being in short supply.
Please contact Millbrook Care on 0330 124 4491 to arrange a free contactless collection.
 NHS Health at Home
The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak means you should only leave your home if it's essential, but it's still easy to get NHS help using your smartphone, tablet or computer.
If you need an NHS service, try to do it online first (unless it's a serious or life threatening emergency or you have been advised to attend an existing appointment for ongoing treatment).
If you cannot get what you need online or do not have internet access, you could ask a friend or family member to help you, or speak to your GP surgery on the phone.
The NHS Health at Home website has information about contacting your GP, ordering repeat prescriptions, managing your wellbeing and existing conditions, all without leaving your home.
 Mill Water School keeping us smiling
Staff, pupils and parents at Mill Water School in East Budleigh have created a collaborative music video with Honiton Makaton Sing and Sign Choir to keep everyone smiling and feeling connected during the coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown. You can enjoy watching it on their website.
 Free advice for businesses currently unable to open
Many businesses, like restaurants, are currently unable to open - but could offer an alternative, like an online delivery service.
Our Trading Standards team offer advice on how a business can ensure it takes the correct legal and regulatory steps, and until the end of July that advice is free.
Thank you to holiday accommodation providers
Hotels, campsites and guesthouses are the backbone of Devon’s tourist economy, and we want to thank them for staying closed over last weekend.
There are more than 5,000 accommodation providers in the area and because the Easter weekend is usually the start of the peak tourist season, staying closed was a difficult step. But by staying closed they helped stem the spread of coronavirus and saved lives.
 Temporary bus timetables
Information on all bus services which are still running in Devon, including temporary timetables, can be found on the Travel Devon website.
Stagecoach buses have introduced reduced timetables, largely based on a Sunday timetable, with additional earlier and later journeys. Also, details of the routes where no services are operating or where there are limited sections of routes are noted.
To plan your journey, you can contact Traveline on 08712002233 or visit the Traveline website.
And don't forget, if you're a key worker you can use our 'Key Cars' service to get a lift to work for a subsidised flat fare.
 Free online training from Learn Devon
Learn Devon, who provide our adult community learning courses, has launched a new range of free support to people who may have been made redundant or are seeking work, and people who just want to improve their digital skills. That could include volunteers supporting the pandemic response, and people who are self-isolating, and businesses generally.
The training will include online courses and tutor-led learning to enable people to look after their mental health. Enrolment is now open, and the free online training will start on Friday 1 May.
To find out more, please visit the Learn Devon website or phone 0345 155 1014.
September primary school places
If you are happy with the school place offered, you don't have to do anything else other than confirm that you want the place. Usually you would confirm that with the school, but because right now schools are only open for children of key workers and the most vulnerable pupils, we're asking you not to contact your allocated school just yet. The school will contact you directly to discuss the admission and transition arrangements.
|
