 In recognition of the fact that the Government is set to release revised guidelines on the re-opening of Household Waste and Recycling Centres, we have already started discussions with the East London Waste Authority, who manage these sites across east London, to look at how the Gerpins Lane site in Rainham can be safely opened as soon possible.
This follows the reintroduction of garden waste collections at the start of this week. I know this move was widely welcomed. There have been some staff absences among the waste collection teams due to COVID-19 sickness and self-isolation, but am pleased to hear that any backlogs in those collections should be resolved this week.
I'd like to remind parents and carers that the NHS has put measures in place to enable safe access to services such as accident and emergency services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
New guidance to help you to identify signs and symptoms of childhood illness and injury, and decide which service to use, is included in an article in this bulletin.
If you want to contact me directly, please email me.
Please stay safe.
Cllr Damian White
Leader, Havering Council
Despite advice to stay at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important to remember that the NHS remains open for business, including for childhood illnesses and injuries.
NHS staff have worked hard to put in place measures that enable you and your family to access care safely.
As a parent or carer, when your child is ill or injured it can be difficult to decide if, or when, to call your child’s GP, use NHS 111, dial 999 or go to A&E.
Now there is some new guidance around childhood illnesses and injuries, and COVID-19, put together by local NHS clinicians.
This NHS guidance for parents will help you to recognise different signs and symptoms and to know what action to take in the event of your child displaying them.
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Havering Council has teamed up with local mental health charity Havering Mind to launch a new free telephone support line to provide trauma and bereavement counselling to those affected by the Coronavirus crisis.
Counselling is available to any Havering resident or Havering carer over 18 years of age, who has been affected by a bereavement or trauma relating to COVID-19.
To access this free service which is available seven days a week from 9am to 7pm, Monday to Friday and 10am to 1pm at weekends, email help@haveringmind.org.uk or telephone 01708 457040.
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There is a crowdfunding campaign running to support our Havering community organisations, so they can continue to help our vulnerable residents during the coronavirus crisis.
If you would like to donate, please click the donate button below.
Small charities, not-for-profit organisations, social enterprises or unregistered charity groups can apply for a Havering Heroes grant by email.
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A new online learning platform to help boost the nation’s skills while people are staying at home has launched this week.
Free courses are available through a new online platform hosted on the GOV.UK website, called ‘The Skills Toolkit’.
This platform gives you access to free, high-quality digital and numeracy courses to help build up your skills, and could help boost your job prospects.
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Recycling initiative, Every Can Counts, is running a national competition for kids (and big kids) to design their own can and drink and be in with the chance to win a Nintendo Switch.
Aiming to raise awareness of recycling, the competition could be used as a fun home-schooling activity during the current lockdown.
To enter, download a can template from the Every Can Counts website, design your drink, and email your design to: everycancounts@alupro.co.uk.
The closing date for entries is Friday 8 May 2020.
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 Following the success of last week’s Youtube streaming of the show Nunsense, Romford’s Brookside Theatre hope to surpass viewing figures with their latest digital offering.
Tonight they are releasing their archive production of their adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s comedy, The Canterville Ghost.
First performed at the theatre in October 2019, it tells the tale of a modern family who arrive from America having inherited an old Gothic mansion, which just so happens to be haunted by the tortured spirit of their ancestor, Sir Simon de Canterville.
The play will be available from 7pm tonight until Wednesday 6 May.
Anyone wanting to make a donation and view the performances should visit the theatre’s website.
If you visit one of Havering's parks as part of your daily exercise routine please follow these simple guidelines.
• keep moving and don't block paths
• don't congregate in groups
• keep a 2 metre distance at all times from anyone not living with you in your household
• don't use any play areas, tennis courts, outdoor exercise areas or benches
• don't use parks for picnics or sunbathing.
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 Havering Council is running a free-to-call helpline for residents with urgent emergency food or medicine needs because of coronavirus.
The helpline - 0800 368 5201 - is for you if you are already vulnerable and have no means of getting more food or medicine.
You can call between 8.30am and 6pm on weekdays and 11am and 4pm at the weekend. Alternatively, email: covid19support@havering.gov.uk.
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