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Updated: Government Coronavirus FAQs
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Message From: The Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Board (DASVB)
Sent on behalf of:
Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Board (DASVB) Chair Dr Gavin Thompson, Director of Policy and Commissioning, Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Norfolk and Deputy Chair T/D/Superintendent Andrew Coller, Safeguarding and Investigations Command, Norfolk Constabulary
We would like to draw your attention to two new free live chat facilities which are now available to those seeking assistance and support from online resources.
Domestic Abuse
The Pandora Project, which offers advice, support and information to adults and children affected by domestic abuse, working across West and North Norfolk, have launched a new on line live chat service to support victims of domestic abuse.
The service is currently available Monday to Friday, 1-3pm with 3 operators working simultaneously to offer advice and support around domestic abuse issues.
All Victims of Crime
Victim Support launched its new Live Chat service on the 24th April 20. This 24/7 online support service will be available to all victims of crime in England and Wales. This will meet the support needs for all victims of crime such as those impacted by Hate Crime, Scams & Fraud and Domestic Abuse. Visit www.victimsupport.org.uk/live-chat for more information.
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Virtual VE Day
Borough Council newsletter on the how to celebrate VE day and share it in the virtual world with the wider community.
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Healthwatch Norfolk Survey
Share your experience of accessing information, care and support during COVID-19
Healthwatch Norfolk are encouraging people to share their experience of using health and social care services since the outbreak of COVID-19, so that constructive and supportive information can be passed on to service leaders.
The spread of the virus has led to unprecedented changes to the way patients and service users receive care: pharmacies are struggling to keep up with demand for medication; many GP appointments have been postponed or conducted remotely; and strict protocols have been implemented in hospitals and care homes to prevent infection.
Healthwatch Norfolk Chief Executive, Alex Stewart said: “For all of us that use local services it is an unusual time, where we have had to adapt to necessary changes quickly.
“It is crucial we do everything we can to enable staff to do their jobs safely and effectively, but it is equally important that we learn from this experience and that public opinion is listened to.
“Whether you have personally used services or look after someone else that does, this is an opportunity for you to have your say.”
The survey is an opportunity for you to have your say about anything relating to care and support since the outbreak of the virus, but Healthwatch Norfolk are particularly interested in hearing about:
- Quality of local information and advice about coronavirus
- Your experience of urgent and emergency care
- Experience of health and social care routine appointments
- Communication from NHS Trusts, councils and charities
- Managing your mental and physical health at home
- Advice for individuals and families in self-isolation
- Caring for someone in isolation
- Access to dentistry in Norfolk
- Positive experiences and messages of support for health and social care staff
As emergency plans to support Norfolk’s population are rolled out across the county, Healthwatch argue that listening to the public is pivotal to ensuring that the health and wellbeing needs of people are met.
Mr Stewart reinforced Healthwatch’s ability to relay public praise and concerns at this time:
“We have direct links to the public agencies providing front-line services in response to COVID-19, including local authorities, hospitals, GPs, pharmacies and care homes. Our recommendations are taken seriously by service leaders, so every response to our survey will be acknowledged and listened to intently.”
The organisation will provide regular updates to leaders so that real-time feedback can be used to positively impact the way services are being delivered.
To take part in the survey, visit www.healthwatchnorfolk.co.uk/hwn-covid-19-survey/ or contact Healthwatch Norfolk directly on 01953 856029 to share your experience with a member of the team.
Survey: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/hwncovid19-survey/
HWN landing page: https://healthwatchnorfolk.co.uk/hwn-covid-19-survey/
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Parish Council Update
From Neil Matthew, Chair of Boughton Parish Council
As I write this, just after Easter, we are in our fourth week of ‘lockdown’ due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a worrying time for us all. I know that people in our village have been rallying round, offering help with shopping and collecting medicines. This is just the kind of public-spirited response we need. As a community we are stronger if we work together.The Parish Council is working with the Borough and County Councils, and other Parish Councils as part of a co-ordinated response and we will continue to do so. As part of this, we have setup a new local telephone number for residents to use to contact the Parish Council, to report issues, request guidance or seek help. We may be able to help with IT issues (setting up PCs and tablets for video calling family members), bicycle maintenance (if you’re getting your bike out for the first time in years) and other items, subject to keeping everyone safe of course.We have setup online banking for the Parish Council and have access to a contactless credit/debit card machine. If you run out of cash and need to reimburse a volunteer for some reason we can help by handling the transaction and transferring funds electronically. Just call us.Parish Council direct line: 01366 683017Parish Council e-mail: boughtonpc@gmail.comParish Council website: https://boughtonparishcouncil.norfolkparishes.gov.ukParish Council Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/boughtonpc/The lockdown has meant that the Parish Council business is pretty severely curtailed. Physical meetings are not possible. Our speed sign is delayed indefinitely as the manufacturer has closed down and the Safety Camera Partnership (who need to approve the sign) have postponed their meetings. Work on Boughton Fen has been officially suspended.In the village, councillors continue to stay in touch by e-mail and we are looking at ways that we can hold our meetings by video. New legislation has been passed to allow us to do this, and while there is now no legal need to hold an Annual Parish Meeting, we intend to try a virtual meeting on the date scheduled: Tuesday 5th May at 7pm. If you would like to attend this meeting by video, please get in touch so we can arrange the conference link and joining instructions to be sent to you.Finally, the weather at least does seem to be smiling on us, and I expect that many of us are enjoying our gardens during this quarantine. No doubt when we next have an Open Gardens it’ll be the best ever!Keep Safe.Neil Matthewchair.boughtonpc@gmail.com -
COVID19 Message and Info
Update 10th April
The Pope may not be broadcasting his Easter Message in the same way as usual but the Borough Council and Chief Constable are sending theirs!
STAY AT HOME – SAVE LIVES!
and while you do here is some info on what is happening and suggestions on what to do…
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Easter Weekend – A note from the Borough Council
Easter weekend is on its way, and according to the forecast the weather will be dry and sunny. This is an opportunity for everyone to relax but remember lock-down restrictions still apply, requiring us all to stay at home. It is vital you do not meet up with family or friends.
The guidance on restrictions have been issued by the Government on the advice of UK public health professionals.
Cllr Stuart Dark, Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk Cabinet Member for Emergency Planning / Covid-19 Response, said: “It important that everyone takes note of the guidance we have been given. This is an unprecedented civil emergency, the like of which we have never seen before. Many lives have already been lost and many more are at stake if we do not follow the simple rules”
He urged people not to be tempted to take a drive out to the coast or a beauty spot. He added: “It is not appropriate to drive up to the coast and say you were doing your shopping and your exercise while you were there. The guidance is clear, you must stay in your local area to take your daily exercise including walking, jogging or a bike ride, and if you need to shop, you should do this as infrequently as possible and as locally as possible.”
Residents were also reminded not to take the nice weather or the long weekend as an opportunity to BBQ, picnic or sunbath in public spaces. These activities can be enjoyed in your own garden but only with members of your own household who live with you. People are also reminded to be respectful of their neighbours when it comes to music and BBQ smoke. Everyone is feeling the pressure of being cooped up, so it is important to be mindful of those around you.
The council is also urging people not to travel to second homes for weekends and holidays in case they spread the disease and put extra pressure on local hospital and ambulance services. Households should all stay where they have been isolating and not be tempted to move between homes.
The message from Matt Hancock, Health Secretary, is: “It is an instruction and not a request to stay at home this weekend”.
Cllr Stuart Dark said: “I want to thank the many, many residents and their families who have abided by the guidance so far to protect their neighbours, communities and relatives, and I thank those businesses who have had to take the difficult decision to close to protect their staff and the wider public.
“It would be remiss of me not to also thank all the hardworking key workers and volunteers who are keeping the country running with care, food supplies, finance and other support during these extremely difficult times.
“Any of you who know or have seen items in the press or on social media from our local Queen Elizabeth hospital or from NHS staff further afield will know how hard our NHS colleagues are working to literally save lives. As well as applauding the efforts of them and all carers on Thursday at 8pm, you can now really help them in a meaningful way by resisting the urge to go out or have family and friends round. Please continue your commitment to stay home and help us all help each other”.
“Everyone has a role to play in this, and staying at home if at all possible is a crucial part of this.
“We are all missing our friends and family at the moment but please don’t be tempted to meet up, not at home, not in your garden and not in public spaces. You can spread the virus even if you don’t have symptoms and you might not know you have it. You must behave as if you do have the virus and act accordingly. Please follow government advice to stay home, protect the NHS and save lives.”
Anyone tempted to visit the beautiful sites around Norfolk during the Easter weekend, is being asked to do it virtually via the Love West Norfolk website.
Cllr Dark added: “There’s lots to see and do, so people can plan a trip in the future to our outstanding county and we look forward to welcoming them in person once it is safe to do so. Until then share photos, messages and memories virtually.”