A Test and Trace Support Payment scheme has been introduced to assist people on low incomes who are required to self-isolate.
Individuals who are required to self-isolate and who meet the benefits-linked eligibility criteria will be entitled to £500. In order to be eligible for this new £500 payment:
- You must have been asked to self-isolate by the NHS Test and Trace Service.
- You must either be employed or self-employed.
- You cannot work from home and will lose income as a result.
- You are claiming at least one of the following benefits: Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Income Support, Pension Credit or Housing Benefit.
Find out more and apply for the scheme here.
We regret to announce that the Newbury Michaelmas Fair will not be going ahead next week due to Covid-19 risks. While a disappointment, with infections on the rise nationally it's important that we do everything we can to protect public health and safety and save lives.
This year's annual event had originally been scheduled to take place at Goldwell Park, Newbury on 14th to 18th October (Thursday to Saturday), but has now been cancelled.
Future events on West Berkshire Council land and properties are being kept under constant review in line with Government guidance as it is issued.
This year with Covid-19 in circulation, it’s more important than ever that those with a long term health condition are vaccinated in order to protect them from flu. It is also important to note that this year, people who live someone who’s at high risk from coronavirus (on the NHS shielded patient list) are also eligible for a FREE flu jab on the NHS. If you are on the NHS Shielded Patient List you should have already received correspondence from your GP Surgery regarding booking your free flu vaccine.
You can have flu without any symptoms and pass it on to family, friends and people you support, many of whom may be at increased risk from flu. If you're at higher risk from coronavirus, you're also more at risk of problems from flu.
The list of who is eligible for the free flu vaccine is on the NHS website here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/flu-influenza-vaccine/
In order to book your free flu vaccine, please speak to your local GP/Pharmacy and state you are eligible for a free flu vaccine.
Please note that currently there are issues with vaccine supply nationally and some pharmacies are prioritising certain NHS eligible groups first i.e. those who are over 65. Therefore, it may be quicker for you to book your flu vaccine appointment via your GP.
Don’t put it off. Protect yourself, protect your family, and protect those you care for.
Tomorrow is World Mental Health Day.
Now, more than ever, Every Mind Matters. This year we've all been experiencing highs and lows and it's perfectly normal to get frustrated and feel anxious or stressed. Mental health directly affects our overall health and wellbeing, impacting our quality of life.
We want everyone to be more aware of their mental health and to help you to discover simple steps to look after your mental health and wellbeing.
The Every Mind Matters website offers advice for helping others who may be struggling with their mental health, although you can find some information on the West Berkshire Directory.
Here are our five top tips for staying well:
- talk about your worries
- keep a regular routine and set goals
- manage your media and information intake
- do things you enjoy and try something new
- look after your body - our physical health has a big impact on how we feel.
To find out more about this - including where to go for help - visit our Every Mind Matters webpage
With the West Berkshire green bond closing on 15 October, there’s not much time left to invest and help our area to build back better and greener. Read how the bond has helped energise the council’s green agenda.
We’ve also had some good coverage in the local media. More than £100,000 has been invested in the last week and we’re now in touching distance of the £1 million target. With a minimum investment of just £5 and a low-risk annual return of 1.2% for five years, this is something anyone can get involved in. Don’t miss out.
*Capital at risk
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