9:42 p.m.
Dear Milton Covid-19 group volunteers,
Firstly, a quick update on things in Milton. We now have over 170
volunteers, and have handled around 75 requests for help - some as
one-offs, and many as ongoing help. Following the advice we have been
given, we are only matching up requests for prescription collection with
DBS-checked volunteers, but other requests (groceries, dog walking, etc.)
will be matched with the nearest available volunteer.
If you are offering ongoing support, please do *let us know if you would
like to take a break*, as we do have other volunteers available who have
not yet been matched up with requests for help. We are all doing what we
can, and there is no shame in sharing the load with others.
Secondly, South Cambs District Council have sent out their latest updates
and links for local Covid-19 volunteer groups:
- Do remember the importance of *caring for your own mental health *as
well as that of those around you– the national Every Mind Matters
<https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/> campaign spearheaded by
the young royals has some excellent tips. You may wish to share our
Facebook
<https://www.facebook.com/SouthCambridgeshireDistrictCouncil/photos/pb.153049928086525.-2207520000../2944906628900827/>
or Twitter
<https://twitter.com/SouthCambs/status/1252256537063677952?s=20> posts
in your community.
- [image: image.png]
Also, do *seek urgent care *for longer-term physical or mental health
concerns that may naturally deteriorate over time, as usual. The sooner
people seek help, the better their outcomes. Please feel free to share our
Facebook
<https://www.facebook.com/SouthCambridgeshireDistrictCouncil/photos/pb.153049928086525.-2207520000../2944737938917696/>
or Twitter
<https://twitter.com/SouthCambs/status/1252234204378624001?s=20> posts
to raise awareness.
- Guidance from Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Safeguarding Adults and
Children Board:
- ‘If you see something, say something’ – a one page PDF is attached
with information on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults
- There are many ways that the current emergency can put strain on
households, and council officers are keen to provide support as
needed. If
you have *any concerns about a friend or neighbour*, please get in
touch via safeguarding(a)allsaintsmilton.org.uk or call Linda Henderson
on 07801 156157. All information will be handled sensitively,
within local
authority reporting structures to access the appropriate source
of support.
- The fire service have published guidelines (attached) about fire
safety in the home - all the more important as people are spending much
more time at home than usual!
- The Police service is asking residents to be considerate and not have
bonfires (again, feel free to share our Facebook
<https://www.facebook.com/SouthCambridgeshireDistrictCouncil/videos/631047740809646/>
or Twitter
<https://twitter.com/SouthCambs/status/1252593991260024837?s=20> posts
on this element), and to encourage residents to be aware of ‘Distraction
burglaries
<https://www.scambs.gov.uk/coronavirus/support-for-residents/#A15>’.
- You can view all current FAQs
<https://www.scambs.gov.uk/coronavirus/advice-for-communities/frequently-asked-questions/>
on the South Cambs website. Updates in the attached FAQ document include:
- Support for unpaid carers who may be struggling to cope
- Updates on working with pharmacies, including how volunteers can
collect residents’ prescriptions from hospitals, and how
residents can pay
online for prescriptions
- Support for carers with a focus on caring for those with learning
disabilities / autism
- Support for residents seeking supermarket vouchers. A fact sheet is
also attached to this email
- Some guidance for people who are bereaved
Finally, don't forget that a lot of information is available via the
website for the Milton support group:
https://www.milton.org.uk/milton-covid-19-support-group/
Thanks,
Mary-Ann
