 Fraud is the most commonly experienced crime in the UK costing billions of pounds every year. The impact of fraud can be devastating both emotionally and financially – ranging from personal losses to devastating consequences for charities and businesses.
The Police want to ensure you are equipped with the tools to be able to recognise a fraudulent crime when it is happening and that you are able to protect yourself and/or your business from becoming a victim of fraud. Information and tips are available here.
Test and Trace Scam
NHS Test and Trace Scam Alert
Police have warned the public to be aware of potential scammers as the NHS Test and Trace system is rolled out across the country. It means that anyone who tests positive for coronavirus will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace and required to share information about their recent interactions. People identified as having been in close contact with someone who has tested positive will then also be contacted, and will be told they must stay at home for 14 days, even if they do not have symptoms.
If NHS Test and Trace calls you by phone, the service will be using a single phone number which is: 0300 0135 000. The only website the service will ask you to visit is: https://contact-tracing.phe.gov.uk.
Users will need to sign into the official NHS test and trace website and enter their full name and date of birth to confirm their identity.
Contact tracers will never ask you any of the following:
- To dial a premium rate number (for example, those starting 09 or 087)
- To make any form of payment
- For any details about your bank account
- For your social media identities or login details, or those of your contacts
- For any passwords or PINs, or ask you to set up any passwords or PINs over the phone
- To purchase a product
- To download any software to your device or ask you to hand over control of your PC, smartphone or tablet
- To access any website that does not belong to the Government or NHS.
Anyone who has been subject to a scam can contact action fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via the website.
Childline review
The NSPCC is carrying out a review of Childline. As part of this work is has launced a survey for those involved in supporting children.
If you work in an 'operational' role (for example, in social services, police, health, child protection, a children's charity or in an educational setting), please complete this survey.
If you work in a 'strategic' or commissioning role (for example, in central or local government, for one of the children's commissioners, for a health provider, law enforcement, or children's charity), please complete this survey.
Update from Childline Because of the coronavirus, we've had to make some changes to how Childline works. For now, you can only speak to a Childline counsellor online or on the phone from 9am – midnight. The number to call is: Call 0800 1111.
They also have a very useful website, developed with young people.
Watchet Street Fairs Postponed to 2021
Watchet Street Fairs had been hoping it might be possible to start the wonderful street fairs later this summer, prompted by news the lockdown is being gradually eased. Although outdoor markets will be permitted to re-start from 1 June, after taking advice it has been confirmed that street fairs are classed as an ‘outdoor event’. Such larger scale events, whether indoors or out, are still prohibited.
Although this situation may ease further over the summer, it was decided to postpone re-starting the events until the 2021 season, like many other large scale Watchet events such as Carnival, Summertime Festival, and 1940s Festival. Although sorry to have had to take this decision they believe it is in the best interests of protecting everyone’s health and wellbeing, and look forward to seeing people in 2021.
Guidance on What You Can and Can’t Do
The further easing of coronavirus restrictions came into force recently. You can find out more here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do
Up to £15 million Citizens Advice Support Package Announced - posters
The Government will release up to £15m to support the Citizens Advice service during COVID-19 pandemic. The local Citizens Advice centres are encouraging people to make contact with them if they have concerns about their situation as early action is the best course. Please reassure people help is available. A new website has been launched for accessing the Citizens Advice centres in Somerset.
 Handy Apps for Daily Life and Wellbeing - Free activities and Courses
Founded in 1903, the Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) is a charity dedicated to bringing high-quality, professional education into the heart of communities. They deliver friendly, accessible and enjoyable courses for adults from all walks of life. They have a fun range of exciting FREE activities to keep people entertained during these uncertain times. To learn more visit their website.
Network Rail - Temporary Road Closure: Station Road, Taunton
The Order to close Station Road, Taunton, will enable Network Rail to carry out detailed examination works of the undercarriage to the railway bridge.
The Order becomes effective on 18 June 2020 and will remain in force for
Eighteen months. The works are expected to commence on 23rd June 2020 and
last for 3 days.
For information about the works being carried out contact Network Rail
Infrastructure Ltd on (01132) 775360. Please click here to view the above road closure
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