6 November 2020
Public: coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for Devon on our website
Please pass this onto district, borough, parish and town councillors as appropriate. The bulletin can be shared as a link by clicking the 'View it as a Web page' link at the top.
Do it for Devon
Stick with us and keep following the guidance to keep everyone safe and well.
We need the support of local residents and visitors to keep following the guidelines with social distancing, washing hands and hand sanitising, wearing a face covering in enclosed spaces, avoiding busy places and keeping gatherings to groups of up to six people.
Director of Public Health Devon calls for one more big effort to stop the second wave of coronavirus
Devon Councils are ready to support the most clinically vulnerable throughout the national lockdown
With the latest lockdown, the ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’ have been written to by Government again this week, and councils have put in place a support programme for those that need additional help to comply with new lockdown guidance.
Priority supermarket slots are available to speed up deliveries for people who otherwise would not be able to go to the shops to buy food over the next few weeks, as Government-provided food parcels, given to around 7,000 clinically extremely vulnerable people in Devon last time, do not feature in the national support package this time.
The Government letter also asks recipients to let them know if they need any specific additional support in order for them to follow the national lockdown guidance for the duration of the lockdown.
Those without family support networks can contact NHS Volunteer Responders, or any of the community groups set up across Devon offering support to local residents, or District Councils, which can signpost to support to help them over the latest lockdown period.
 Remembrance Sunday services
Remembrance Sunday services - (8 November)
Exeter will stream a virtual Remembrance Sunday Service on Sunday morning, beginning at 10.45am
The Service will be streamed on Facebook for people to watch and will include the laying of wreaths by various dignitaries, which have been filmed in advance.
Watch our 'virtual' Remembrance flag raising at County Hall - Wednesday 11 November
This year’s Remembrance flag raising ceremony will be done slightly differently in order to comply with current Government guidance regarding COVID-19.
You are therefore invited to join the Chairman and Chief Executive for a ‘virtual’ Remembrance flag raising ceremony and two minute silence which will be live streamed from the Bellair flag pole, County Hall at 10.45am on Wednesday 11 November.
This is an opportunity for us to honour and reflect upon the sacrifices made by our Armed Service personnel in the World Wars and in other conflicts around the globe, past and current, including those who have been traumatised and injured. We will pay tribute to their dedication in the service of our country and acknowledge the contribution of civilians, family and friends, who have also been affected in various ways by the ravages of conflict.
Please follow this link to watch the ceremony, the event will start at approximately 10.45am via Facebook Live. If you are carrying out essential work in County Hall on the day and would like to join the event, please join via the live stream and not in person.
If you are not on Facebook, you can still watch the ceremony.
Statement on antisemitism
The Equality and Human Rights Commission's investigation into antisemitism within the Labour Party highlights the importance of addressing racism and the reputational consequences of not doing so.
Caroline Waters, Interim Chair said:
"While this investigation considered discrimination and harassment in one political party, such matters are by no means an issue for the Labour Party alone. Most political parties are considered associations under the Equality Act 2010. This means that, by law, they must not discriminate against, harass or victimise members, associates, guests, or those wanting to become members, on the basis of a number of protected characteristics, including race and religion.
But, more than that, politicians on all sides have a responsibility to set standards for our public life and to lead the way in challenging racism in all its forms. What politicians say and do matters. Their words and actions send a message about what is acceptable and what is not.
The recommendations in this report provide a foundation to assist all politicians and political leaders in adhering to equality law, while still protecting freedom of expression and engaging in the robust and wide-ranging debate that is a core part of living in a democratic society."
Members are reminded of our Acceptable Behaviour policy supporting guidance which includes a statement on antisemitism.
Black History Month
Did you miss any of the Black History Month activities in October? Don’t worry – there are still plenty of opportunities to find out about Devon’s multicultural history – all from the comfort of your home!
A great source of information is the Global Centre in Exeter / Devon Development Education who have been running a project called Telling our Stories Finding Our Roots. Read about Exeter’s Chinese community, the Black GIs, Exeter's mediaeval Jewish community and many more.
Children's services update
Commissioner’s report on way forward for Children’s Services in Devon
As mentioned in the last update, Eleanor Brazil completed her assignment as Devon Children’s Services Commissioner. Eleanor’s report included recommendations for us and a couple of recommendations to the minister, including continuation of her support for the next six months. Eleanor’s recommendations have been endorsed by the minister, here is a copy of Eleanor’s full report and the Minister’s letter.
Recruitment for Chief Officer for Children's Services
Shortlisting has taken place for the role of Chief Officer for Children’s Services with interviews scheduled for W/C 16 November. We will keep you updated!
Recent debates about Free School Meals
Recent national debates have sparked significant interest relating to Free School Meals over the past couple of weeks and many of you were being contacted directly by members of the public. In light of this, we have provided a report which will be going to Children’s Scrutiny on Tuesday 10 November. It is attached for your information.
Childcare Sufficiency Report
Our Annual Childcare Sufficiency Report and Annual Summary is going to Cabinet on Wednesday 11 November, please find attached a copy of the Cabinet report for your information.
Schools return after half term
93.5% of pupils attended schools on Monday 2 November. 26 schools have pupils or bubbles still isolating but the overall number of children isolating has dropped to just over 500. National comparative data is not available for this week but just before half term it was 86.2%.
Second lockdown and Children’s Services
Children in school and continued stable and relatively low rates of infection mean that Children’s Services can enter the second lockdown on a largely business as usual basis. We have robust Business Continuity Plans which we can invoke as and when we need to. Throughout the pandemic, staff in Children’s Services have been resilient and resolute in their focus on doing what’s right for children and families, especially for the most vulnerable, and that will continue. We know that you all appreciate everything that staff in Children’s Services do. In the context of the short days and long nights, now is the time to give them a lift when you have an opportunity, by letting them know how much you appreciate them. It makes such a difference.
A thank you to Members
Cllr Leadbetter wants to thank Members for their continued involvement in health and wellbeing across Devon, and the importance of this has been reiterated in recent months.
At the most recent Health and Wellbeing Board we received an update on the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy and how the COVID-19 period has intensified the priorities of the strategy, particularly inequalities. There was also a discussion on Health and Wellbeing Board Champions and many thanks to Councillors Scott and MacGregor who have agreed to be the mental health champions and to advocate for work this in area and promote within their networks
Sign up to the Provider Engagement Network (PEN) newsletter
As of October 2020 the PEN newsletter is published weekly and contains news from the adult health and social care sector.
It is simple to sign up to receive the newsletter and back copies can be found on the PEN website.
Safeguarding adults in Devon
Nationally and locally there was a drop in the number of safeguarding concerns during lockdown, followed by an increase as we moved out of lockdown. The largest increase in concerns being in self neglect, neglect and acts of omission and domestic abuse, then followed by physical and psychological abuse.
Despite the rise in safeguarding concerns there hasn’t been the same rise in safeguarding enquires. This is positive news and signals that awareness of safeguarding and how to report concerns is rising. To further support this, we are shortly launching an awareness campaign to increase the public level of awareness of the signs of abuse. We want to encourage individuals affected, friends, family and neighbours to report any safeguarding concerns they have.
Supporting carers
Unpaid carers across Devon do an incredible amount of work and this has only increased during the COVID-19 period, with recent research suggesting that nearly two-thirds of unpaid carers have not been able to take any breaks at all in the last six months.
In response to this, alongside NHS Devon CCG we have made grants of between £1,000 and £15,000 available to care providers, personal assistants, and carers themselves who can develop and provide innovative opportunities that will give other carers a break, during COVID-19 and beyond. Please promote this within your networks to highlight that this funding is available.
Support for families in Devon
 The impact of the coronavirus pandemic is continuing to put a huge financial strain on some families. Employment situations are changing rapidly and for some their income now no longer covers what they need or they have lost their jobs completely.
Help is available. If you know someone who is worrying about money and how to pay for basic household essentials, please encourage them to apply for extra assistance through funding that we have made available via District Council’s hardship funds.
You can find out more about what support is available in Devon, including how to apply for financial help, where to find foodbanks and community larders, free meals during the school holidays and what to do if you’re on a low income and need to self-isolate, by visiting devon.cc/support.
Be on the look-out for potential scammers
We're advising everyone to stay alert to possible scams associated with the coronavirus pandemic following a report of someone visiting homes claiming to be from the national Test and Trace programme.
The visitor told a North Devon resident that his household had been linked as a contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case in Exeter, and that therefore he needed to self-isolate. He then offered the gentleman a food parcel for £20. He had no identification, and was driving a small dark car.
Dr Virginia Pearson, Director of Public Health Devon, said:
“This is a scam, and I thank the member of the public for bringing it immediately to our attention.
“I want to remind people to be on their guard, and not be taken in by scams like this.
“The NHS Test and Trace programme publishes details of how they inform people, and importantly what they will never do or ask a person to do. I encourage people to familiarise themselves with the information so that they do not fall foul of would-be scammers.”
Information about the NHS Test and Trace programme and how it works, is available on the Government's website.
If you are contacted by an individual or a company that you suspect is a scam, you can report it to Action Fraud.
For consumer advice about how to prevent being scammed, visit Devon, Somerset and Torbay Trading Standards’ website
When to wear a face covering
In line with the national guidance, face coverings are not mandatory when working in Devon County Council offices but are recommended if you are in enclosed spaces and coming into contact with people you do not normally meet. We therefore advise you to wear a face covering whenever a two metre distance can’t be maintained. Please see advice on when and how to safely wear face coverings.
Improve your wellbeing with the Mindfulness Challenge
The impact of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic on people’s mental health in Devon may currently be difficult to determine, but to help you look after your own wellbeing during the national lockdown, Learn Devon is launching its “Mindfulness Challenge”.
The five-day challenge, which launches on Monday 16 November, features a series of short videos that provide an opportunity to take 20 minutes a day to ensure that mindfulness – training techniques for your mind and wellbeing – is part of your daily routine.
Each day will focus on different techniques to help with focus, concentration, relaxation, coping with anxiety, as well as stretches for desk workers and more.
Those who sign up for the challenge will receive an email each morning at 6am with a link to the day’s video which they can watch on-demand, in their own time. The email will also include further tips to improve wellbeing in everyday life.
Don’t be bored this autumn!
Learn Devon runs free tutor-lead online art and craft courses and workshops all throughout the autumn/winter months. From drawing, painting and bookbinding, to festive workshops, they have something for everyone.
Browse their art and craft courses and enrol.
Libraries Unlimited open for Choose & Collect across Devon and Torbay
Following the Government’s announcement of a national lockdown, Libraries Unlimited has confirmed that libraries in Devon and Torbay will be open for the free Choose & Collect service.
The Devon Mobile Library service will offer the Choose & Collect service and the Home Library service will continue to run during the national lockdown.
 And... help Libraries Unlimited get a mobile library on the road!
We have recently funded a second-hand van for Libraries Unlimited, and they now need the community to help cover the costs of fitting out the vehicle. Money is being raised through a Crowdfunder so please spread the word and support if you can!
By pulling together across the Council, with our partners and our communities, we are doing everything we can to help us all through this incredibly difficult time. Thank you to you and your community and stay safe and well.
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