As we move closer towards the beginning of summer and with greater opportunities to meet with friends and family in open areas such as our parks or in private gardens – whilst socially distancing - it's important that we don't become complacent in our fight against COVID-19.

The fight against this disease is something we all share; it is our fight, and we continue to tackle it together as a community. Exercise remains an important part of our lives and I encourage everyone to continue to make it a priority, whilst following the latest guidance to prioritise both their safety and the safety of others.

I urge everyone to please keep following the latest guidance and take up opportunities to meet others safely, whilst keeping an eye on both our physical and mental health.

This week is National Carers Week and the theme is ‘Making Caring Visible’ which is especially important right now. It is normal and okay for those with caring responsibilities to be feeling worried or anxious, especially during this difficult time. It is important that they are supported and able to look after their physical and mental wellbeing.

Information and advice is available for carers, including young carers. Carers UK provides a range of support and information for carers including: guidance about Covid-19, how to look after their mental health and stay active and how to connect with other carers (virtually) over a cup of tea via their Care for a Cuppa online chats resource.

The Carers Trust has information about the coronavirus for young carers and young adult carers with a link to support for adult carers. YAC Book, an online community for young adult carers has some great tips on being kind to yourself during the lockdown.

If you or someone you know is a carer and is finding things difficult at the moment that is okay. You can speak to your GP who will be able to provide support as needed. Alternatively, Thurrock MIND are still open if you need them. They can be contacted by telephone on 01375 391 411 or by email. Existing service users can still contact the team for continued support.

Dental practices have been able to reopen as of 8 June; some may not open at all and those that do will be operating in a different way to ensure patients can visit their surgeries safely.

It is recommended that patients call their local practice who will be able to advise them accordingly. 

8 to 14 June is also Diabetes Week, organised by Diabetes UK. They provide excellent resources for ideas and advice on managing diabetes, eating healthily, and coping with the extra stress of COVID19 measures. Stress can affect blood sugar levels, which is important particularly for those with Type 1 diabetes, but it could also make it tricky for those with Type 2 diabetes to manage their condition. While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all way of eating for everyone with diabetes, the range of general and condition-specific healthy eating tips from Diabetes UK can help you manage your blood glucose (sugar), blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and reduce the risk of diabetes complications.

You can also get regular food tips and advice arriving straight in your inbox with Diabetes UK’s monthly Enjoy Food newsletter. As well as having an effect on eating patterns, the COVID19 pandemic has also led to an increase in problem drinking for some. For information about how alcohol affects your blood sugars, get the facts (and support if you need it) here: Alcohol and Diabetes.

If you are concerned about your alcohol intake free specialist advice or support is available from Inclusion Visions Thurrock. Drop them a line for free on 0300 3031018 or visit their website.”

Always call your GP if you have any concerns about managing your diabetes.

Getting a good night’s sleep is really important for health and wellbeing. It gives our bodies time to recover and our brains time to process information. Feeling worried or anxious can affect sleep, particularly at the moment. Every Mind Matters have some top tips for a good night’s sleep which can be found here. 

MIND also have some useful resources about how to cope with sleep problems. If you are experiencing an on-going problem with sleeping, you should speak to your GP about this, who will be able to provide support and advice as needed.

We recognise that isolation can cause anxiety and other mental health challenges for those who have experienced sexual violence and abuse, and worsen the suffering of those who are currently experiencing or feel at risk of sexual violence and abuse.

Put simply, rape and other sexual assaults are sexual acts carried out without the consent of one of the people involved. Consent means making an active decision to say yes, assuming consent is not enough.

Signs of sexual violence can include:

• Bruising, visible on upper arms and marks on the neck
• Unusual difficulty in walking or sitting
• Pregnancy in a woman who is unable to consent to sexual intercourse
• The uncharacteristic use of explicit sexual language or significant changes in sexual behaviour or attitude
• Incontinence not related to any medical diagnosis
• Self-harming
• Poor concentration, withdrawal, sleep disturbance
• Excessive fear/apprehension of, or withdrawal from, relationships
• Fear of receiving help with personal care
• Reluctance to be alone with a particular person

Thurrock Sexual Health Services remain open. If you feel you have been a victim of sexual violence, you are experiencing heightened anxiety due to having survived previous sexual violence and abuse or you have concerns for a family member, friend or someone in your community please contact:

SERICC ISVA – 01375 380609

South Essex Rape and Incest Crisis Centre (SERICC) provides specialist, free services in South East Essex areas. SERICC is a confidential service and independent from social services, the police and other official agencies. SERICC provides specialist services to any individual who has or who is experiencing any form of sexual violence at any time in their life. You can also phone if you are worried about your child, someone else in your family, or someone you know.

Synergy - 0300 003 7777 

The Synergy Essex website will provide information for anyone who has been sexually abused or raped, or who has been affected by sexual violence at any time in their lives. If you feel you are in immediate danger call 999.

This past week has seen preparations get underway for some new changes to our local area. This includes plans for some non-essential retail shops in high streets across the borough and shopping centres to reopen from Monday 15 June. Many shops and businesses, including non-essential retailers, will open whilst ensuring they follow the guidance and ensure social distancing can take place at all times.

The council continues to engage with businesses on the use of the Reopening High Streets Safely Fund which will support introducing a range of safety measures to kick-start our local economy, get people back to work and get customers back in our many shops. This government funding of more than £155K will see new signage, street markings and temporary barriers put in place to ensure businesses can begin trading swiftly and safely.

If you are involved in one of the businesses preparing to reopen soon please take a moment to tell us what you think should be put in place in line with the government's guidance. This form can also be used to report any issues you would like to report to us after opening.

As always, please remember to stay alert, control the virus and save lives.