Coronavirus (COVID-19) update - Easing of lockdown measures (what you can and can't do) | What's open in Southampton | Foster care fortnight | Community Hub and much more...

Visit the Gov.uk website for guidance on what you can and can't do, following this week's announcement about the easing of lockdown measures in England.

It covers public spaces, outdoor activities and exercise, vulnerable groups, going to work, using public transport and other areas. The government has published staying safe outside your home, for guidance on what the new rules will mean, it sets out key FAQs to help you with these changes.

It was International Nurses' Day this week and we said a big thank you to all our Nurses, who give so much, not only during these difficult times, but always – our true unsung heroes.

Redbridge ward Councillor Sally Spicer (pictured), who also works in the Emergency Department at University Hospital stands next to Banksy's ‘Painting for Saints’, which was unveiled last week as a thank you to all who work with and for the NHS at the hospital.

There's also an incredible tribute to the University Hospital nurses from The Virtual Youth Orchestra, a large group of young musicians from around the world who are part of the Southampton-based Showcase Music School initiative. Watch it here. Nurses from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS CCG’s have recorded a message to mark the day, you can watch it here.

It's Foster Care Fortnight at the moment. With foster carers going above and beyond as some of the true unsung heroes of the Covid-19 outbreak, we're using all our channels - from social media to adverts at bus stops - to recognise the hardwork and dedication of our foster carers and those who support them, while also emphasising that more are still urgently needed ... now more than ever.

Councillor Darren Paffey, Cabinet Member for Aspiration, Children and Lifelong Learning, has recorded a special video message for our foster carers which you can view here. Ahead of Foster Care Fortnight, we also recorded an interview with Michelle, one of our amazing foster carers, in which she talks about her life-changing fostering journey.

Children in Southampton still need foster carers and, with some existing carers needing to shield or self-isolate, there has never been a more important time for you, your friends, or family to consider becoming a foster carer. Our foster carers receive an allowance, training and 24/7 support. Do please share the word and encourage people to visit www.southampton.gov.uk/fostering to make an initial enquiry.

From next week, anyone will be able to watch local democracy in action when the first council meetings are streamed live on the internet.

Our Democratic Services team have been working with IT colleagues to make council meetings that would normally be held in person possible while adhering to social distancing guidelines.

We’re pleased to say arrangements have been made for people to “live stream” the meetings online from any location to allow both councillors and members of the public to participate virtually.

Starting with Cabinet on Tuesday, the meetings can be viewed live via our website. Everyone is welcome to join us, but please remember unless you’ve submitted a comment or question in advance you won’t be able to participate in the meetings.

You will need to download the Microsoft Teams app to your PC or mobile device before the meeting starts – we’ve put together some easy-to-follow instructions to help you get set up. All meeting details, including agendas, papers and links to the live broadcasts, can be accessed here.

We’re celebrating acts of kindness for Mental Health Awareness Week (18-22 May), as it is so important to our mental health. Research shows that being kind to ourselves and others can help improve our emotional wellbeing. It is a vital way in which we can support those who are in mental health need, including those feeling anxious, lonely or with low mood. Kindness brings us together with benefits for everyone. 

Visit our website to read more, there's links to lots of useful resources and info and contact details for our Community Support Hub.

While those aged 70 and over can be fit and healthy, there is more risk of Coronavirus having serious impact on your health as you get older.

If you are over 70, or have certain underlying health conditions, you must continue to stay at home as much as possible. Remember though: you can leave home for any medical need. You should keep going to usual appointments, unless you’re told not to. And if you’re advised to go to hospital, it’s important that you go.

If someone you live with has Coronavirus symptoms or you are clinically extremely vulnerable then you should not leave your house except for medical needs.

What support is available for me at home?

If you are self-isolating, and you don’t have friends or family to support you, there is help available.

• Community Support Hub (Council): we can provide urgent food parcels, link you to support in your area and help with concerns on things like council tax or rent. Call 023 8083 4800 or get in touch online
• Age UK (0800 678 1602) can direct you to local services who can help you, for example, with shopping or running errands
• Silver Line (0800 470 80 90) is a free, 24 hour confidential helpline for older people offering information, friendship and advice

More advice on Staying well at home is on our website.

In response to the coronavirus situation we’ve set up a Community Support Hub with a dedicated helpline to ensure the most vulnerable people across the city have access to the support they need. Watch this video to see how we’ve been helping people with urgent food supplies, social contact and medicine prescriptions.

If you’re unable to rely on family and friends for help, contact our dedicated helpline on 023 8083 4800 or visit southampton.gov.uk/needhelp and we’ll direct you to the support you need.