Boughton Parish Council

It is clear that we are now suffering an explosion in the amount of dog mess around the village, and many small black bags being discarded. There is no excuse for this. If you are walking your dog, please follow the rule “Bag It, Bin It”. If there is no dog waste bin available, you may use normal litter bins or your own black bin. Not having a suitable bag is not a reasonable excuse. Whilst rare, contact with dog excrement can cause toxocariasis. There is no need for this anti-social behaviour. It is an offence not to clean up after your dog, and the penalty is a maximum fine of £1000.

Data from the Office of National Statistics show that between 1st March and 17th April there were 3 COVID-19 deaths of people from our village group (an area including Boughton, from Hilgay to Fincham), 3 from Downham Market and 14 from King’s Lynn.

An interactive map showing deaths across the country can be found here.

Cllr Stuart Dark (Cabinet Member Emergency Planning/Covid 19 response) of King’s Lynn Borough Council is urging all of us to continue to observe government guidelines. He says:

“The guidance issued by public health is being reviewed on or around the 7th May, until then it remains exactly the same; ‘stay home, protect the NHS and save lives’ in light of this very real, current threat – there has been no easing or partial lifting of it.”

He urges communities and particularly those restless after weeks of lockdown or keen to move forward to continue to observe the guidelines

“so that we continue to see the great public support and high levels of compliance we have had and so that places and activities can be opened in a controlled way at the appropriate time with adequate  ‘social distancing’ in place, for the safety of all.“

Check the government guidance at www.gov.uk here

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do

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 24^th 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.

Borough Council newsletter on the how to celebrate VE day and share it in the virtual world with the wider community.

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/