Monday deadline for tree strategy feedback
The opportunity to comment on the Council's Tree Strategy 2021 – 2026, The right tree in the right place, has attracted a spectrum of views and we are hoping for more comments before the short on-line survey closes on Monday. If you haven't taken part, why not take a few minutes to give us your views now.
Caution, jabs and regular testing the key
Amongst the pingdemic headlines of the past week, we’ve seen falling covid-19 rates and Government announcements re daily contact testing pilots and the easing of quarantine restrictions for people entering England..
Understandable optimism over these positive steps to getting back to normal has been coupled with calls to continue to be cautious and rates beginning to increase again.
The Government's new slogan Let's keep life moving replaces the 'hands, face, space fresh air' messaging of recent months.
 The Government wants everyone to follow practices to help keep them safe such as wearing face coverings, social distancing, taking regular COVID-19 tests and making sure enclosed spaces are well ventilated.
The two most important actions that we can all take to make sure we support efforts to control the virus are vaccinations and regular testing.
"There have been changes recently that might have bearing on those figures, such as schools closing for summer and the good weather which allows us to spend more time with others outside rather than inside.
“The next few weeks will give us a better sense of whether this is an indication of a longer term decline, particularly following the lifting of restrictions.
“We do know however that rates are still high, and that the pandemic is not yet over. Current case rates in Devon remain higher than at any previous point in the pandemic, when lockdowns and further restrictions were in place.”
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Pregnant women urged to get NHS COVID jab
England’s top midwife is urging expectant mums to get the COVID-19 vaccine after new data shows the overwhelming majority of pregnant women hospitalised with the virus have not had a jab.
The new figures reveal that no pregnant women with both doses of the vaccine had been admitted to hospital.
Since May, just three women had been admitted after having their first vaccine. In contrast, almost all (98%) pregnant women admitted to hospital with COVID-19 had not been jabbed.
The call is being supported by The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the Royal College of Midwives
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What do you think of childcare in Devon?
Devon County Council is wanting to hear from parents about their experiences of childcare so it can make sure that there are enough high quality childcare places at the times and in the areas that families need them.
Whether you use childcare or not, Devon wants to hear about your experiences and the type of childcare you use via an online survey which runs until 13 August. You can access the survey by scanning the QR code above with your smart phone or click this link to complete this survey
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World breastfeeding week
Sunday sees the start of World Breastfeeding Week (1 – 7 August) which aims to “inform, anchor, engage and galvanise action on breastfeeding & related issues”
Mothers can find support and answers to their frequently asked questions on the NHS Start4Life and confidential breastfeeding information and support is available from the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212, 9:30am to 9:30pm
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Local plan consultation deadline draws near
With consultation closing at noon on Monday week (9 August) time is running out to comment on the site options for jobs and housing.
Already we have received more than 1700 responses but the more feedback we receive the more our Local Plan will be able to reflect the views of our communities while meeting our statutory responsibilities.
We're especially keen to increase responses from the 18 - 25 age group given the impact on them of the Local Plan over the next 20 years. If you know of someone in this age bracket please encourage them to participate at teignbridge.gov.uk/localplanreview
Throughout the consultation we have focused on different aspects of the Local Plan site options with the latest being the need to find a site for a new secondary school in Newton Abbot. All the feature articles looking at the different elements are on our website, including the latest secondary school site options.
Paper copies of the consultation documentation can be viewed at libraries, town and parish council offices and at Forde House.
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Help to get healthy this summer
Have you put on weight over the past few months and would like some help to get back into shape?
If so, you are not alone. A nationwide survey has revealed that over four in 10 people in the South West say they have put on weight since the first lockdown. Unhealthy eating habits, like snacking and comfort eating, were seen as the main contributor to weight gain during the pandemic for almost half of those who reported gaining weight.
If working towards a healthier weight, why not take a look at Public Health England's latest Better Health campaign which is highlighting a variety of NHS endorsed apps to help people introduce changes to help them to eat better and get active this summer, including the newly updated NHS Weight Loss Plan app.
Visit nhs.uk/betterhealth for free tools and support (scroll down to find the apps below) to start leading a healthier lifestyle.
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Lottery funding for village halls
Devon Communities Together is highlighting to Village Halls that they may be eligible for small grant funding from the The National Lottery Community Fund.
The grant funding of between £200-£2,500 is aimed at bringing people together in safe and secure ways, making people aware of what services are available to reduce loneliness and to build lasting connections.
It's aimed at small organisations in England with income around the £50-£70k and the closing date for applications is 6 August.
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