Dear Milton Covid-19 support group volunteers, There have been a lot of questions and information flying around in the last week or so, so I'll try to highlight the most useful parts! *Webpage* The "home page" for this group is here: https://www.milton.org.uk/milton-covid-19-support-group/ We've added links to: * the volunteer information document (*will be updated as new guidance is published*) * the web page for adding new volunteers or requesting help * useful external links (SCDC <https://www.scambs.gov.uk/your-council-and-democracy/parish-councils/coronavirus-advice-for-communities/> guidance, NHS, government, etc.) *If you spot a link which might be useful to add to this page, please me know.* *Opening Hours* *Post Office*: currently open Mon - Fri, 9am-2pm only. *Milton Tesco*: currently open 6am-10pm Mon-Sat, 10am-4pm Sun. Mon, Weds & Fri 9-10am is priority time for more vulnerable or elderly residents. On Sundays, NHS staff can start shopping from 9am (tills open at 10am). *Note*: Reports suggest that other nearby supermarkets are less busy and often better stocked than Milton Tesco - e.g. Arbury Budgens, Aldi, etc. *FAQs* What's happening about the food waste trial in the Rowans? - It's continuing, despite the lack of green bin collection. See https://www.scambs.gov.uk/foodwastetrial Can I deliver newspapers to my neighbours? - Some vulnerable people may insist on going to the shops daily themselves for their newspaper if it is not delivered, putting themselves at higher risk. Others will be happy to try out online newspapers. You need to do what you think is best in the situation you find yourself in, while encouraging everyone to stay home as much as possible. How can I shop for others when supermarkets are limiting how many items I can buy? - SCDC have created a template letter that you can take with you - see attached. Should I sign up to the NHS volunteering scheme separately? - At this point, the NHS volunteering scheme is separate from mutual support groups. If you are in a position to help the NHS directly, please do! What's happening about government food parcels for vulnerable people? - See the SCDC pages linked above. This scheme is getting underway, and local support groups like this one will be asked to help at some point. When we know more, we will let you know. *Offers* We have offers from various volunteers of: - Hand sanitiser - A thermometer - Feminine hygiene products & incontinence pads - DVDs, jigsaws - Free B&B rooms (no breakfast!) for anyone who needs to be away from others/closer to a relative If you know someone who could make use of any of these, please let me know, and I'll put you in touch with the person offering. Or if you have *anything to offer *which could be of use, let me know, and we'll send it round in the next update. Please observe social distancing guidelines, minimise any contact and wipe any surfaces with a soap solution when borrowing/lending things. *Funding* There is a fund available to cover emerging issues in the community, affecting older people (aged 60 and over) and other vulnerable people (high risk, pre-existing medical conditions), as a result of the continuing threat of Covid-19. This will include; the need for self-isolation, financial hardship, potential for hunger, lack of shelter, further exacerbation of health issues, loneliness and isolation of these people. For details, see https://www.cambscf.org.uk/cambridgeshire-coronavirus-community-fund.html. If you know of a need in Milton that could be helped by this fund, please let me know, and we'll see what's possible. *Posters* If you would like to put up posters in your local area reminding people of the latest guidance, you can download them from: https://campaignresources.phe.gov.uk/resources/campaigns/101-coronavirus-/r… ...and finally, if *anyone in your household starts showing any possible symptoms *(fever, new persistent cough, you *MUST NOT* continue to help other households - instead, email covidmilton(a)gmail.com and we will find someone else to cover instead. Thanks, Mary-Ann -- Covid19volunteers mailing list Covid19volunteers(a)lists.milton.org.uk https://lists.milton.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/covid19volunteers