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 campaign spearheaded by the young royals has some excellent tips. You may wish to share our Facebook or Twitter posts in your community.
  • 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 or Twitter 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@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 or Twitter posts on this element), and to encourage residents to be aware of ‘Distraction burglaries’.
  • You can view all current FAQs 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