Good afternoon all
I was reminded the other day that it’s been just over 12 months since the UK recorded its first case of Covid-19. It’s been a tough year and it’s hard to look back with a positive eye. That said, I was asked to do some shopping for an elderly person in my neighbourhood recently, and it was just what I needed. Delivering the shopping and having a short (masked & distanced) chat on the doorstep reminded me of the positives. Community support is both positive and essential, so thank you to everyone for the excellent work that you are all doing every day to support those in your own neighbourhoods.
At the foot of this email you will find information about a new survey designed to encourage community-based groups and organisations to highlight key local issues and opportunities for the future. Please make sure you feedback your thoughts and ideas. https://www.shropshire.gov.uk/get-involved/salc-community-survey/
Vaccinations
New cases in Shropshire are slowly going down and it’s great to see Shropshire’s vaccination rollout continue to gather pace. Over 120, 000 people across the region – many of them our friends and loved ones – have now received their jab. This is good news, but it’s still important to follow the guidelines.
For the latest news and guidelines on vaccinations, testing and staying safe, go to: https://www.shropshire.gov.uk/coronavirus/information-for-the-public/ If you should know anyone who is a little hesitant about the vaccination, please encourage them to look at the Frequently asked questions (FAQs) and documents such as Public Health England’s , ‘Covid-19 vaccination – A guide for adults’. They will then be able to make a confident and informed decision about vaccination.
Test and Trace Support Payment
If someone is told by NHS Test and Trace Service to stay at home and self-isolate, they may be able to get a £500 Test and Trace Support Payment. For the qualifying conditions and to apply see here: https://www.shropshire.gov.uk/benefits/what-help-can-i-claim-from-the-council/covid-test-and-trace-support-payments/
Sometimes, this may not be enough to address all problems and not everyone will qualify, however, eligible for this or not, we urge people to think about applying for other discretionary help as well.
For more vulnerable households either affected financially by Covid or just struggling to meet essential bills over lockdown and over winter, there are Hardship Funds that can help with a wide range of needs. These grants are open to anyone in difficulty and it’s not necessary for benefits to be in payment. This money is for Shropshire householders, especially those low-paid working families with children whose finances may have suffered due to the long term impact of Covid.
It is easy to apply over the phone; an adviser will complete the paperwork and a specialist will look to see how residents might be supported and if any further information is needed. So, if someone you know, is having difficulty meeting essential outgoings, please call 0345 678 9078.
People can also access these grants and a range of other Covid related support through Shropshire Council web pages: https://www.shropshire.gov.uk/coronavirus/information-for-the-public/ or via the Covid-19 helpline on 0345 678 9028.
Unpaid carers
Information and support for unpaid adult carers in Shropshire is now being delivered by the new Shropshire Carers team within Shropshire Council. Carers and professionals needing information or support can contact the team on 01743 341995 or email the Shropshire Carers inbox [email protected] People who call will be able to speak to a trained carer advisor.
Armed Forces Outreach
The Armed Forces Outreach is designed to provide help and support to all military personnel, veterans and their families. Working with service charities and organisations the outreach can ensure that current and former military personnel have access to the right support. The outreach has close links with businesses, charities and organisations across Shropshire, many of whom have signed the Armed Forces Covenant to demonstrate their support. To find out more, contact
Armed Forces Outreach Support Coordinator – [email protected] / 07990 085 656 / 01743 255 931
Wise and Well Club https://www.shropshire-rcc.org.uk/individuals/wise-and-well
The Wise and Well Club is free and open to people in Shropshire aged 65 to 95. A fortnightly newsletter includes information and advice on fitness and wellbeing, plus activities for members to try out in the comfort of their own homes.
Libraries and census support
Households across Shropshire will soon be asked to take part in the Census 2021. It will be the first census run predominantly online, with households receiving a letter with a unique access code, allowing them to complete the questionnaire on their computers, phones or tablets.
Shropshire Libraries will be offering support in completing forms digitally with over the phone guidance in completing forms and form filling on behalf of the person, virtual guidance via Microsoft Teams and one to one support depending on restrictions. Paper forms will be available for those people that are unable to complete the census online. More news will be available soon.
Here’s an important message from Catriona at Signal.
Signal is the only charity in Shropshire that supports people who are Deaf, have hearing loss and experience tinnitus. They are working hard to improve inclusivity of service, information and approach for Deaf and hard of hearing people within the county.
Since March, they have adapted services and responded to the needs of the community. They have worked with the Community Reassurance Team, to ensure that people who are Deaf and use British Sign Language (BSL) are able to access community support.
Signal has also been approached by Roger Belham, Census Engagement Manager Shropshire, to provide support and advice about how to engage and facilitate people whose first language is BSL, with regards to the Census.
Signal work closely with SaTH, in particular their Audiology department, and also with Shropshire Council’s Sensory Inclusion Service.
In addition, they currently offer the following services:
- Advocacy service for anyone who is Deaf, has hearing loss or experiences tinnitus (qualified Advocates have BSL skills which is absent in any other advocacy service across the county)
- Outreach support for Deaf BSL users
- Tinnitus Support Groups (currently twice a month and delivered virtually using Zoom). Tinnitus has now been recognised as a symptom of long-covid and the increase in demand for support and attendance to groups has already started to demonstrate this fact.
- Deaf Awareness Training
- British Sign Language Courses
- And when restrictions allow, social and educational experiences for Deaf BSL users
Surveys
Two surveys have been launched this week to help gather the views from community groups, town councils and parish councils about responses to the coronavirus pandemic.
Organised by Shropshire Association of Local Councils (SALC) in partnership with Shropshire Council and Telford and Wrekin Council, the surveys are being conducted to learn more about:
- How local communities have responded to the coronavirus pandemic
- Any concerns or issues currently being faced, or identified community concerns for the future
- Organisational support needs
- How local partnerships are benefitting local people
- Examples of good practice
- Ideas, suggestions and opportunities for the future.
The pandemic has emphasised the importance of the work of community groups, community organisations and local councils. Communities across Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin responded quickly to establish pandemic responses and continue to ensure community members most in need of support receive information and assistance.
Councillor David Beechey who represents Albrighton Parish Council, and Donington and Boscobel, and who proposed the survey, said, “We know that there has been considerable co-operation between local councils and volunteers during the pandemic to support residents in their areas, and thought it would be useful to conduct this survey to identify examples of good practice in the hope that any knowledge gained might encourage their extended adoption in the future.”
You can find the community survey here: https://www.shropshire.gov.uk/get-involved/salc-community-survey/ (Once connected simply click on ‘How to get involved’).
Please feedback your experiences and ideas.
If you no longer wish to receive these updates, then please let me know by replying to this email.
Stay safe
Best wishes & kind regards
Stewart
Community Reassurance Team
Shropshire Council
Telephone no: 01743 257705