Coronavirus update: 4 May 2020

The coronavirus pandemic is presenting very challenging circumstances for people living through domestic abuse and we want victims of domestic abuse know they are not alone.

We are encouraging everyone to show their support and solidarity for victims of abuse during these difficult times by drawing a heart on the palm of the hand and sharing this on your social media using the hashtag #YouAreNotAlone

Please mention @LBofHounslow  on Twitter and/or Facebook and we will share your pictures on our social media channels in one big collage!  Let’s stand together and remind those affected by abuse that we are here and there is no excuse for abuse!

Remember our message to anyone facing domestic abuse is really simple:

We are still here and we are still able to help you.

If you are not safe at home, social isolation does not mean that you cannot leave.

Our specialist domestic and sexual violence service for Hounslow is still open (they can be contacted on 07810 031780 (Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) and we have developed new ways of working to support anyone experiencing domestic abuse during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Download and/or share our safety card  with friends, family members, neighbours and colleagues and for more support and advice please visit www.hounslow.gov.uk/dvinfo

Anyone in immediate risk of danger call 999. If it is not safe to speak then you should use the silent solutions service by dialling 999 and press 55 and the police will know this is related to a domestic incident and will be able to help you.

Safe spaces in Boots Pharmacies

Boots pharmacies now offer safe places where anyone suffering domestic abuse can use the pharmacy consultation rooms to contact specialist abuse services for support and advice. The access to support services in Boots Pharmacies include:

• 24-hour National domestic abuse helpline: 0808 2000 247  
• Men’s advice line: 0808 801 032 
• Signposting to download free mobile app Bright Sky, which provides support and information to anyone who may be in an abusive relationship or those concerned about someone they know. 

How to access safe spaces in Boots pharmacies Simply go into any Boots store and ask at the healthcare counter to use their consultation room. Once inside, all the specialist domestic abuse support information will be available to make any calls in a safe and confidential environment.

GPs in Hounslow are still there for you during this pandemic. GP services remain open and if anyone requires a consultation with a doctor or nurse, please don’t delay contacting your doctor.

It has been noted that during this pandemic fewer patients have been consulting their doctor or nurse for their usual health issues or new physical or mental health problems and this is concerning doctors as there may be people out there who need medical advice and whose conditions may worsen if they don't get it. 

GPs are now consulting with their patients in many different ways including by telephone, video and email but also face to face if this is needed. So, if anyone requires medical advice about anything including the coronavirus don't be afraid to contact your surgery online or by telephone.

The NHS 111 online website continues to be a very useful resource and point of contact especially when your GP’s surgery is closed.  Only call 111 if you are unable to get help online. In an emergency, dial 999.

It is important to follow any guidance your practice has in place to keep you safe and continue to follow the government's guidance to prevent the virus spreading. The NHS has also published information about how to access health advice at home.

The government has issued an update on its guidance to provide answers to common questions asked in relation to the cancellation of GCSEs, AS and A levels due to the coronavirus outbreak. Read the full report here.

Bereavement is one of the toughest things any of us will ever go through. The current isolation and social distancing measures in place in response to the coronavirus pandemic can make the situation particularly difficult. People are not able to be with their loved ones to offer comfort and support in person, and limits on who is able to attend funerals often means difficult choices have to be made, making it an even more challenging time for those most affected.  To offer support, we have put together some resources and guides on how to cope with a loved one's death and where to go for more information and advice. Find all the information and support you need to cope with bereavement here.

Baby Café Hounslow continues to offer feeding support in Hounslow. To receive telephone support from your local infant feeding counsellor, please contact the Health Visiting team on 0208 9733490, or find more information here.”

NCT is running its Infant Feeding Line 0300 330 0700 (choose option 1) The line is open every day from 8am to midnight. It is staffed by a breastfeeding counsellor who can support you if you have any questions or concerns about breastfeeding, formula milk or solids.

National Breastfeeding Helpline: 0300 100 0212  Help and support 365 days per year 9.30am - 9.30pm

La Leche League Helpline: Staffed by trained volunteer breastfeeding counsellors who can support mums with questions about breastfeeding by phone. Call 0845 120 2918. Open 8am - 1pm  

The Breastfeeding Network Helpline: Trained volunteers offering telephone support

Telephone: 0300 100 0212 / Helpline (Bengali/Sylheti): 0844 856 4003

Baby Buddy App:  a useful resource with infant feeding films. Download from apple store, google play or web app  

Hounslow Highways has started the planting of 144 trees across the borough in support of the Cleaner Greener Hounslow campaign.

Each tree represents an employee of the borough’s highways maintenance service provider and will be added to the 11,400 they already manage throughout the borough.

The tree-related work is being programmed along with safety work being carried out by their arboriculture teams, with completion due in coming weeks.

The first of the 144 trees were planted at The Grove, Isleworth on Wednesday 29 by Councillor Steve Curran, Leader of the Council.

University College London is running a study into the psychological and social effects of Covid-19 in the UK.

The results are being used to understand the effects of the virus and social distancing measures on mental health and loneliness in the UK and to inform government advice and decisions.

The research team is looking for adults in the UK who are happy to take part and spread the word about the study. Participation involves answering a 10-minute online survey now and then answering a shorter follow-up survey once a week whilst social isolation measures are in place. For more information and to take part, please click on the link below. 

The coronavirus pandemic has massively increased PPE equipment demand.  A crowdfunding initiative set up by the Osterley and Wyke Green Residents Association (OWGRA) and Hounslow Watch Neighborhood Association seeks to raise funds to help provide front line staff working in healthcare settings in the borough with protective visors. This initiative has successfully delivered 1,545 visors to Hounslow NHS staff and continue to receive requests from across the NHS in Hounslow.

These visors are vital to protect front line staff treating patients with the virus and will also help to keep others safe by decreasing the risk of transmission to others.

Please donate what you can to help our front-line medical staff in Hounslow in these challenging times. This is your opportunity to play your part in this crisis by helping to keep our front-line medical staff safe and to say thank you to them in a tangible way. OWGRA will manage the funds received and use any donations directly in the production of these visors.

You can find out more and donate here.