 (Photo by Abi Marshall-Smith)
We're looking forward to a busy summer season in the South Hams.
In this newsletter, you'll find plenty of information to keep in mind when you're out and about in the South Hams this summer, to make the most of your time here and to stay safe during what could be a very sunny summer!
Have a great summer holidays!
With the emergence of the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 variants, COVID-19 is spreading rapidly across the country once more.
As with other variants, the risk of serious illness remains highest for people who are elderly or who have significant underlying health problems.
Vaccines are still the best line of defence, as they cut the risk of severe illness against the other major COVID variants.
Consider taking the following steps to help slow the spread of the virus:
For the latest information on coronavirus, visit: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
As we enter the busy summer period, where thousands flock to enjoy the summer in the South Hams, the emergency services are asking people to really think about how they use them and only contact them in genuine emergencies.
The NHS Devon CCG, South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust and Devon and Cornwall Police are all urging people to consider which service they need before reaching out.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is also running social media on preventative measures to avoid fires happening in the first place; offering advice like not taking barbecues or lighting campfires in the countryside, take care when wild swimming and not leaving litter behind that could ignite in direct sunlight or high temperatures.
For more information on using the appropriate health services this summer, visit: nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/nhs-services/
For information from Devon and Cornwall Police on who to contact, visit: www.dc.police.uk/who-to-contact
Throughout July, the country has seen record temperatures set during an unprecedented heatwave.
Should the sweltering heat return this summer, the UK Health Security Agency has issued some advice on how to cope:
 Look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated. Older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk.
Close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors.
Use cool spaces if going outdoors.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children, vulnerable adults, or animals.
Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest
For more advice on how to cope in hot weather, visit the NHS website.
The hot weather means that lots of us will want to be in and around the water this summer.
We are running a Summer Safe campaign on social media with the following water safety advice:
- Check the weather forecast and tide timetable
- Let someone know where you are
- If wild swimming, stay visible and wear a bright swimming cap
- Wear a correctly fitted life jacket or buoyancy aid
- Take a mobile phone in a waterproof bag
- If you are in a motorboat, use a kill cord and keep to the speed limits
- On coastal walks, keep to the footpaths and beware of loose rocks
- Please do not tombstone!
- Call 999 for the Coastguard if you or someone else is in danger
Want to stay fit this summer, or looking for things to do with the children? Our four leisure centres are open for business over the summer, offering a great range of classes, swim sessions and activities.
Our centres at Totnes, Ivybridge, Kingsbridge and Dartmouth are offering a great range of offers this summer - find out more on our websites:
We know that many people will want to enjoy themselves outside this summer - and there is so much to do across the district. We've been contributing funds to help keep a wide range of outdoor sports facilities tip top! Among the projects we've supported recently are...
- £14,938 to Blackawton Playing Fields Committee for tennis court resurfacing in 2021, with painting work on the courts completed this year
- £197,500 towards recent improvement projects at Modbury's Recreation Ground
- £8,855 to Salcombe Tennis Club to carry out access path improvements in 2022
- £36,000 to Totnes Community Tennis Club for resurfacing and upgraded floodlighting
The Council also provided funding for court resurfacing at South Devon Tennis Centre in Ivybridge in 2019, which was paid for through the Council's lease arrangement with the centre.
Find out more about the outdoor spaces and parks in the district by visiting our website.
While it's very important to take time to enjoy the area, we know that the cost of living is a concern for many - however, support is available. Millions of people on means-tested benefits will receive the first of two cost of living instalments totalling £650 from 14 July, as part of a £37 billion government package to help families with cost of living pressures.
The first £326 instalment for qualifying low-income households in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland started to be sent out by people's usual payment method from 14 July, continuing to the end of the month. For those eligible, the rest will follow in a second instalment in the autumn.
For more information on the payments, visit: www.gov.uk/guidance/cost-of-living-payment
Our online support directory is available, providing information on other support: www.southhams.gov.uk/support-directory
Bearing all of this in mind, above everything else, we're asking people to respect, protect and enjoy the South Hams this summer.
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Respect other people – consider the community and others enjoying the outdoors.
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Protect the natural environment – leave no trace of your visit, take your litter home and don’t camp or have fires/barbecues as they can lead to devastating wildfires.
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Enjoy the outdoors – plan ahead, check what facilities are open, follow advice and local signs and have a great time.
Visit our My Place webpage to find out more about what's going on in the South Hams this summer.
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