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Welcome to the latest version of our newsletter.
As we move into autumn with the nights closing in and the continued need to keep people you meet with to a minimum, people are likely to spend more time indoors alone, which may increase feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Please remember the Peterborough Hub is available to support - the team can arrange for someone to drop by for a chat or a regular telephone call.
If you need to arrange for a COVID-19 test, then the team can provide you with details of local test centres and guidance around self-isolation.
A new test and trace self-isolation support payment has been launched for Peterborough residents. You may be eligible if you have lost income as a result of not being able to work.
Again, please contact the hub for further information on how to access and criteria.
PETERBOROUGH HUB TELEPHONE NUMBER: 01733 747474
You can watch my recent Vlog here.
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Hubs Volunteers Thanked
An event to celebrate and thank hundreds of individuals and groups in Peterborough who selflessly have given their time to support the most vulnerable people in the city took place last week.
When the pandemic hit back in March, we set up a dedicated help line and co-ordination hub. The hub have worked with a huge number of volunteers, voluntary, community, parish and faith sector groups to make sure people who needed help and support got it - this included things like hot meals, food parcels, delivery of medication, house maintenance, befriending, on line youth clubs, transport.
Read more about the hub volunteer event here.
You can watch a montage of clips from the hub team and volunteers in two videos on Peterborough City Council's YouTube channel.
To contact the hub visit our coronavirus webpage or call 01733 747474 - a response will be provided within 48 hours of contact made.
Have you downloaded the NHS COVID19 app yet?
The new NHS COVID-19 app, now available to download for free in England and Wales, is the fastest way to see if you're at risk from coronavirus. The faster you know, the quicker you can alert and protect your loved ones and community. For more information, watch this video.
The app has a number of tools to protect you, including contact tracing, local area alerts and venue check-in. It uses proven technology from Apple and Google, designed to protect every user’s privacy.
For more information about the app, how to install it and how to use it, and how data is collected, visit the common questions on the NHS website.
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Amazing Peterborough Chaplains: doing their best in challenging times
Steven Pettican, Chief Executive Officer of the Lighthouse Project, reports on Peterborough Chaplains.
Twice a year Peterborough Chaplains from a range of different settings join together for encouragement, learning and prayer. October saw the Peterborough Forum join together to share challenges and good news stories on the work these kind people are doing in the city. Whether it be prison, the football club, on the streets, the hospital or the colleges, chaplains provide a listening ear and a level of stability in ever changing lives.
Mental health concerns with people in Peterborough were highlighted, challenging changes in working practices discussed and commendations for the work given by Local Authority representatives.
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One good news story of the work that is being done was shared by Carlo, a City Centre Chaplain (pictured on the right - before COVID-19!). The team had to stand down their work down during lockdown and had to change their thinking very quickly. Weekly prayer activities were the mainstay of their activity over the last months. But now, within restrictions they are trying to do what they have always done in Peterborough, reaching out and listening to folks in the city centre, knowing that in times of trouble people will turn to them for support and prayer.
Carlo told us:
“When you enter the Draper's you are immediately met by smiley happy people who quickly explain how things work and take down your track and trace details then take you to your table where all service is by a waiter, or an App and drinks etc are brought to your table. Throughout the premises are gel stations and tables are screened off, ensuring separation. You are requested to not wander about, but if you do need to move (ie to use the toilet or a coffee machine) there is a clear one-way system in operation. All is explained firmly and politely. In reality it is a very friendly and safe environment - probably safer than being at home! All this from staff who are worried about their jobs and finances as so many are now, yet they quietly serve and make you welcome. It's not called the hospitality sector for nothing and they do it well. I am really impressed with the effort and level of detail to clients wellbeing. Great work!"
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The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough communities are being urged by celebrities and university students to ‘Cancel COVID’
The #CancelCOVID campaign aims to promote social distancing and hygiene messages to people aged 18-30, and to remind them it is important, now more than ever, to follow the rules to prevent a second wave of coronavirus.
The Cancel COVID campaign, led by Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council, will see posters displayed at bus stops alongside social media and video updates from local advocates and some celebrity ‘guests’ to promote ways young people can play their part in reducing the spread of coronavirus. The campaign highlights the importance of:
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Washing hands regularly with soap and warm water, or using hand sanitiser
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Keeping distance – staying at least two metres away from those you don’t live with, or where this really isn’t possible, one metre apart whilst taking extra precautions such as wearing a face covering
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Wearing a face covering when travelling on public transport and in shops, supermarkets and libraries, and when moving between classes or lectures at school or college
Callum Sullivan, Men's President at Cambridge University Boat Club said: "As elite rowers, the team must keep fit and healthy so that we can continue to train hard for the Boat Race 2021. With so many students now arriving in Cambridge to start their studies, it's very important that we all follow the rules and wash our hands regularly, keep two metres apart, and wear face coverings. I strongly support Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Councils new campaign, and really hope others do their bit to help get life back to normal and #CancelCOVID."
Rural North West Peterborough Good Neighbours Scheme
The Rural North West Peterborough Good Neighbours Scheme is planned to officially launch on 3 November 2020. Cate Harding, who will be running the scheme is working very closely with the local authority and residents in the villages who are supporting those who are vulnerable and in need of support since the outbreak of the COVID19 pandemic.
The scheme is looking for volunteers. They recognise that the offer of support by the scheme will be limited for the foreseeable future, as volunteers will not be permitted into people’s homes and any offer of support will need to be in accordance with social distancing requirements. Shielding and/or limitations to normal ways of life is resulting in mental health issues and telephone befriending is therefore something they would like to actively encourage if you are able to support the scheme. Please note that for the protection of volunteers and clients, it is a condition of their insurance that all volunteers have an DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service)
Any enquiries should be directed to Cate Harding, Scheme Coordinator: Tel 07735810139 or email: goodneighboursrnwp@gmail.com
You can also complete the volunteer application form here.
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Businesses urged to play their part in Test and Trace or risk a fine
Businesses which are now required by law to ask customers for their contact details for Test and Trace purposes have been urged to play their part in beating coronavirus by Director of Public Health for Peterborough, Dr Liz Robin.
Dr Robin has sent a letter to businesses across the city to which the new guidance applies - including venues offering food and drink, cinemas, sporting venues, hairdressers and barbers shops - reminding them of the information they need to collect and record and warning that they risk a fine if they fail to do so.
Previously, venues were advised to ask customers for their contact details, but the government announced last week that it would become mandatory for them to do so from Friday 18 September 2020.
If anyone who had visited there had tested positive for coronavirus, the data collected by venues would be used by NHS Test and Trace, so that all contacts could be identified.
Caring Together ’Inside news for carers’ newsletter
COVID-19 Back to Education bursary fund
Caring Together are able to offer a support fund for young carers and young adult carers to help reduce the educational impact of COVID-19.
The funding means Caring Together can provide swift support to young carers and young adult carers, helping to reduce the impact that the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has had on their education and to support their successful transition back into education post-lockdown.
Help to reduce stress if you look after someone with dementia
If you are a carer, particularly if you look after someone with dementia, then you may be interested in two online groups. The Mindfulness with Dementia group is a four-part course that is there to help you feel less stressed and more in control of your emotions and mental wellbeing. The Enerchi group is an exercise class that uses mindful movements taken from practices like QiGong and Tai Chi, the session helps you reconnect, re-energise, and recharge your body and mind.
Both courses are run fortnightly at 2pm on Tuesdays so one of them is available each week. If you want to register or for more information please email hubs@caringtogether.org or call 0345 241 0954.
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More support for people with dementia
You can find out what support is available from the Dementia Resource Centre in Peterborough on their Activity Calendar.
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Help spot children and young people who are being exploited by county lines criminals
Police are urging the people of Cambridgeshire to look closer in order to spot children and young people who are being exploited by county lines criminals.
Together with The Children’s Society, the force is raising awareness of how to identify victims and report concerns.
Blind and partially sighted people in England can be guided by people outside their household
RNIB have put together some guidance on how blind and partially sighted people can be guided safely during social distancing. Find out more on the RNIB website.
Stroke Association 12 week exercise based recovery
Working with the charity ‘A Stroke of Luck’, who specialise in exercise-based recovery for stroke survivors, the Stroke Association has produced a stroke-specific 12-week programme of short videos.
The videos aim to help people who have had a stroke be more active at home.
You can catch up on the programme by visiting the Stroke Assocation’s YouTube channel.
Children and young people COVID-19 virtual exhibition
The first ‘Covid Creativity’ virtual art exhibition has given children and young people who work with social workers across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough the chance to show off their artistic talents.
The Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council Participation Teams premiered the exhibition on 2 September 2020. 56 entries from 32 young people between the ages of 6 to 23 were featured in the exhibition. You can watch it on YouTube.
A range of pieces were featured in the exhibition, from photography, drawings and even haikus.
Read some of the fantastic comments here.
October activities
CP Learning Trust and Cross Keys Homes are putting on a range of events and courses throughout October 2020.
You can find out more on this flyer.
You can find out more on Cross Keys Homes Facebook page.
CPL courses include How to make a Macrame Feather Keyring and how to make a Scented Water Bead Room Refresher.
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Show respect this Bonfire Night
Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service is joining forces with local authority partners and emergency services to help keep people safe this bonfire and fireworks season.
With many organised events cancelled across the county, emergency services are preparing for a busier night than usual. There is an emerging concern that more people will plan displays and bonfires to celebrate in their own gardens, which could pose significant risk for those who choose to use them. Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service are asking everyone to show respect this Bonfire Night. Read more on Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service website.
Nominations open for 'Neighbour of the Year' 2020 award
Do you have a lovely neighbour who is always around to lend a helping hand? Then perhaps they could be deserving of the ‘Neighbour of the Year’ award for 2020.
Co-op Insurance and Neighbourhood Watch are inviting members of public to nominate a neighbour that goes above and beyond for the community for their third edition of this award.
This award will celebrate someone aged 18-24 who has gone above and beyond to help enhance their community and has brought people, young and old, together.
In addition to the Neighbour of the Year Award, this year a brand-new category, Co-op’s Young Neighbour of the Year, has also been introduced.
The nominations for all awards are now open and will be ongoing until October 27.
Click here to be taken to the nomination form, where you can share your stories of great neighbourly activities and acts of kindness.
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Project Catalyst
Project Catalyst is a new Care Network project, covering Cambridgeshire and Peterborough with the aim of helping improve the confidence and resilience of people and communities emerging from lockdown. They can support people who may have been shielding or who may be anxious about getting back out and about in their community, helping to boost their confidence and independence.
Volunteers can accompany individuals to go out for a walk, take their first trip to the local shops, get back to a group or social activity or to take their first steps in attending a group. This short-term intervention aims to build good supportive relationships in communities, so that people are encouraged to do more social activities independently moving forward.
They can also support local communities by encouraging any small group formed through lockdown or as a result of re-emerging, to help sustain activities and support the wellbeing of local people. If you have a small community led group that was established pre-lockdown, but find you are struggling to re-emerge back out into this changed world, Project Catalyst can support through guidance, support with governance, finding venues or helping with promotion.
For both new and existing groups, they have a small pot of funding that may be assist with initial costs such as PPE, insurance or publicity.
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 A new website H.A.Y. Peterborough! How Are You? is under development. The website brings together everything in the local community that is good for mental wellbeing.
Have a look at the website here. Still lots more work to do so keep checking it out!
If you would like to share details of an activity that boosts mental wellbeing to be included on the site, you can contact the team via https://bit.ly/3aIt0pj or by email on HowAreYou@cpft.nhs.uk.
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