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Following the Government's announcement on Saturday 31 October advising the country will enter into another lockdown from Thursday 5 November, I wanted to use this opportunity to remind you that the local Peterborough Hub remains open and available to offer support to anyone struggling to cope. Please contact the hub on 01733 747474 (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm) to arrange to speak to a member of the hub team. Please do not suffer in silence.
You can find further information on the Government's guidance.
Additional local information can be found on Peterborough City Council's website www.peterborough.gov.uk and on the Peterborough Information Network.
We are monitoring infection data on a daily basis and we are aware that cases are increasing in Peterborough, including hospital admissions. I urge you all to please remember 'Hands, Face, Space'. If we all follow this guidance, rates will reduce.
- Hands - wash your hands regularly and for 20 seconds
- Face - wear a face covering in indoor settings where social distancing may be difficult and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet
- Space - stay 2 metres apart from people you do not live with where possible, or 1 metre with extra precautions in place (such as wearing face coverings or increasing ventilation indoors).
If you are experiencing symptoms and wish to book a test, please visit www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or call 119.
I would like to thank the many local voluntary, community and faith organisations, alongside the public and private sector, who have worked hard to ensure vulnerable people are supported throughout this pandemic. As we move through this second lockdown and into Christmas, your continued support is so crucial to ensure those who need support can get it, when they need it.
We also need to keep our workforces, including volunteers, safe and would remind everyone to promote the Government's current workplace guidance through all of your networks. It has taken the great effort of all of our communities to keep our rates of infection down to the point where Peterborough is just above the regional average.
If we want to avoid further and future lockdowns we must keep our contacts with others to a minimum to prevent community transmission. This is so important.
Finally, I would like to congratulate the Peterborough Foodbank who received a card from the Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Mrs Julie Spence OBE QPM, thanking Foodbank staff and volunteers for their contribution to the city during lockdown. The Lord-Lieutenant wrote that Peterborough Foodbank has been a much needed lifeline for many people. Further information is contained in the newsletter.
Watch my recent Vlog!
Wendi Ogle-Welbourn
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COVID-19 testing centre
A local testing site in the centre of Peterborough is now available to help people access a test for COVID-19.
The additional site next to Gladstone Park Community Centre follows a bid made by Peterborough City Council to the Department for Health and Social Care to bolster the city's testing capacity for COVID-19.
It will be in place for at least the next three months and is being funded and operated by the Department for Health and Social Care.
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Peterborough Foodbank receives commendation
Peterborough Foodbank was honoured to receive a card from the Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Mrs Julie Spence OBE QPM thanking Foodbank staff and volunteers for their contribution to the county during lockdown. The Lord-Lieutenant wrote that Peterborough Foodbank has been a much needed lifeline for many people.
Since lockdown started, 80 local residents have volunteered at Foodbank to ensure that families adversely affected by COVID-19 continue to be able to access emergency food support. Many of the volunteers were on furlough from their jobs and volunteered to use their time away from work to serve the community.
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Also since lockdown started, more than 7,000 people have been supported by Peterborough Foodbank.
Sharon Keogh, Chairperson of the Peterborough Foodbank Project Board said “we are very grateful to the Lord-Lieutenant for taking the time to thank the team. This is well deserved recognition and praise for a fantastic team of staff and volunteers who have faithfully served the city during the pandemic and ensured that many families have received the support they need.”
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Are you self isolating? Find out if you can apply for a £500 payment |
Peterborough residents can now apply for the new Test and Trace self-isolation support payment of £500 if they lose income as a result of not being able to work.
The government recently announced the new payment aimed at helping make up for any lost income people face due to having to stay at home and self-isolate and tasked local authorities to have this in place by 12 October, with payments backdated to 28 September.
You will be eligible for the self-isolation support payment if you meet all the following criteria:
- You have been asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace because you have tested positive for coronavirus or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive
- You are employed or self-employed
- You cannot work from home and will lose income as a result
- You are claiming at least one of the following benefits: Universal Credit, Working Tax Credits, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Pension Credit or Housing Benefit
Read more about the self isolation payment.
Your care during COVID-19 highlights the health and care struggles of some of the most disadvantaged in our communities across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough and it has lessons for all organisations planning and delivering care in our area.
The survey ran from May to August 2020 and aimed to find out how changes to health and care services were affecting people.
A wide range of people were consulted, particularly those most likely to be affected who included carers, older people, people with disabilities and those not online. What you said has already helped shape local NHS winter and recovery plans.
All local organisations, both statutory and voluntary, would like to a say a big thank you to everyone who participated in the survey.
Cross Keys Homes Good Neighbour Reward
Cross Keys Homes (CKH) has announced a new scheme to celebrate the good neighbours who have supported one another throughout the coronavirus crisis.
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 The housing association is asking people to nominate residents of Cross Keys Homes to receive a ‘Good Neighbour Reward’ as a small token of thanks for the difference they’ve made.
The rewards are designed to recognise some of the small acts of kindness that have impacted on individuals, from helping with home schooling to delivering food during periods of self-isolation.
CKH intend to reward as many residents as possible, with twelve lucky winners receiving a luxury festive hamper, just in time for Christmas. CKH contractors, Mears, have sponsored the scheme to help make it possible to recognise the little things that have made a big difference this year.
As well as dishing out individual rewards, for each unique nomination the organisation receives they’ll be making a £1 donation to charity. The money raised will be split between The Trussell Trust, Little Miracles and The Garden House who are all working to support people throughout the ongoing crisis.
CKH residents who have gone the extra mile, can be nominated for a Good Neighbour Reward online by visiting the CKH website.
The closing date for nominations is Wednesday 18 November 2020.
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 Carers UK have recently published a report on care during the pandemic.
Read the report.
 Age UK have published a a report on the impact of COVID-19 to date on older people’s mental and physical health.
Read the report.
Peterborough Guide to Independent Living
The new edition of the Peterborough Guide to Independent Living is now available. If you are thinking that you might need a bit more support, there is a lot of excellent support available in Peterborough.
This Guide will help you think about the options available and help you make the choices that are right for you.
You’ll find out about local activities, transport, equipment and adaptations, home support, and much more.
You can ask for a hard copy to be posted to you by calling 01733 747474 or you can view and download an electronic copy.
Fire and Rescue Update
Real People, Real Stories
The Samaritans have compiled some real stories from men who have been through tough times, encouraging other men to seek help.
Find out more.
How are You Peterborough? (HAY) website
A new website has recently been launched called ‘How are You Peterborough?’
It aims to bring together everything in the local community that is good for mental wellbeing.
From a friendly ‘how are you’, to activity groups and much more – it’s all taking care of our mental wellbeing.
Whilst there is much to do to add content to represent the brilliant diversity of mental health care across the city, initial responses have been very positive.
 Although the Dementia Resource Centre will remain closed until further notice, due to the COVID – 19, they are still able to offer two ‘virtual’ services on Fridays.
'Singing for the Brain' from 10am to 11am and 'Open Minds' - an open discussion group for people with dementia from 3.15pm to 4.15pm.
It is an opportunity to discuss anything that affects people living with dementia.
 Virtual Buddying Scheme
The Sense Buddying service, that matches a disabled person with a volunteer, is now also available online, with buddies socialising over phone, videocall or letter.
The volunteer buddies are matched with people based on their communication style, hobbies and interests, with a focus on growing friendships.
Virtual Buddying is available for individuals of all ages with additional communication or sensory needs.
Find out more on the Sense Connect website.
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Message from Sandi Burns, CEO of Disability Peterborough
"With the new lockdown that came into force Thursday, I wanted to reach out and let you know that we will do whatever it takes to support as many physically disabled people that we can in Peterborough.
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Lockdowns can be a frightening and lonely experience, if you or anyone you know, would benefit from a weekly wellbeing call then please let us know, either call us on 01733 265551 or email us at info@disabilitypeterborough.org
Our advice line is open on the same telephone number so if you have any problems, issues, or general queries our fully trained and experienced advisors are ready to take your call. Our specialist benefit workers are also still providing a full service, so please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Our Handyperson service is still operational to help you with any household needs such as changing lightbulbs or doing small repairs. The service is free of charge and is carried out in a COVID-19 safe manner.
We can also offer help with shopping and medications if you feel unsafe leaving your house. The NHS are recommending having a small supply of paracetamol and ibuprofen handy in case of illness. If you don’t have any in and find it difficult to get out or order online, then again just give us a ring and we will do our best to help.
We know that boredom can be a problem and we have a good supply of jigsaws that we can deliver along with puzzle books etc.
Please remember we are only a phone call or email away and are ready to respond to any requests for help either big or small and we will do our absolute best to support you. Stay safe".
CarerSmart
CarerSmart is a club from Carers Trust, the UK’s largest carers charity, and is open to carers, people with care needs and staff and volunteers across the Carers Trust network.
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Some of the offers include:
- Cash back on shopping from numerous high street retailers
- best rates from energy providers
- reductions on insurance renewal
- discounts on holidays and travel arrangements
For more information, please visit www.carersmart.org.
British Red Cross - tackling loneliness: support for people feeling lonely
British Red Cross have created a website with lots of resources to help you build confidence and cope with loneliness.
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At times, life can feel overwhelming. It can be hard to know where to look for advice or how to reach out to others for support. Follow the links to find tools to connect with others, build confidence and learn new coping skills. Resources will be updated regularly so there will always be opportunities to learn something new, too.
Make connections
Build coping skills
Visit the digital classroom
Find out more on British Red Cross webpages.
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LEAP
LEAP (Local Energy Advice Partnership) is a completely free service and aims to tackle fuel poverty
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The new scheme will be run as free telephone advice calls which cover the same areas as the home visits used to. The services offered by LEAP are:
- Help you switch energy supplier for cheaper electric and gas and advice on Warm Homes Discount
- Refer you for insulation measures such as loft, cavity wall, external wall installs.
- Provide energy saving and debt advice.
- Post out easy measures such as 5 x LED light bulbs, radiator reflector panels and draught proofing.
If you are eligible, LEAP can also refer you on for:
- Emergency boiler repairs and replacement boilers
- First time central heating installation
- Free replacement white goods – fridges, freezers, washing machines, electric cookers
- Install Free Google Nest thermostats
There is also the potential for a short follow up visit if you are unable to fit the easy measures yourself or need further help.
Find out whether you are eligible on the LEAP website.
To access Leap visit: www.applyforleap.org.uk
Tel: 0800 060 7567
Email: support@applyforleap.org.uk
Home Energy Advice Event Friday 27 November, 11am-12.30pm
Would you like to cut your household bills and keep your home warm for less? Join this free event for energy saving advice, information on how to switch and save, the Warm Homes Discount, details on grant support and free services available from Age UK Cambridgeshire and Peterborough and PECT. Register for this free online event.
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School Streets Scheme
School Streets is an exciting opportunity which promotes a safer and cleaner car-free environment around the school gate.
The scheme involves temporarily closing the road outside a school at drop off and pick up times to create a pedestrian and cycling (or scooting) friendly area. This not only means that families are able to maintain social distancing but it also encourages parents and children to leave the car at home and travel more sustainably on the school run.
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Any Peterborough primary or secondary school can apply or be nominated to have a school street. There are only two requirements: the council must assess the area’s suitability and the school community has to commit to offer volunteers who will put out and take down the signs and cones each day. All equipment, training and support is provided for free by the council’s Travelchoice and Road Safety teams.
Peterborough City Council also organise the required temporary traffic regulation order which is put in place for 18 months.
The has been great feedback from the initial schools trialling this scheme. If you are a school governor, PTA member or part of a school community that you think could benefit from this scheme, please get in touch with Rebecca Presland by emailing Rebecca.Presland@peterborough.gov.uk
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COVID-19 marshals set for Peterborough hotspots
Following a successful bid for government funding to help continue raising awareness of COVID-19 restrictions locally, Peterborough City Council is recruiting a team of seven new marshals.
Three marshals are already in post with a further five being currently recruited and the group are due to be on the streets in November. They will be deployed into hotspot areas and offer advice to the public, making them aware of restrictions such as social distancing and face mask wearing.
Marshals are not being granted any specific powers but as our marshals will be council officers, they will have access to local authority legislation. For example, the council has the power to deal with businesses who fail to follow COVID-19 compliance measures.
The marshals will work very closely with the police to report breaches and to request action either at the time or retrospectively. The marshals do not have the power to deal with breaches outside businesses – such as people on the streets or in their homes, these instances would be police matters.
The council marshals will also be supported by volunteer marshals for specific events where it is appropriate, for example these volunteers were used for the reopening of shops back in the summer.
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