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Author Topic: Covid19 Information Updates  (Read 19384 times)

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Malcolm Allan

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Re: Covid19 Information Updates
« Reply #33 on: July 04, 2020, 12:42:28 PM »
Here’s an update on some Council services that are coming out of lockdown restrictions:

Bowling Greens will be open from today (4th July) for members.
Playgrounds will be open in a phased way (to allow inspection and cleaning) as follows
Monday 6th July: Alexandra, Bruntwood, Bramhall, Marple Memorial, Torkington, Woodbank
All others Friday 17th July

Registrars Department at the Town hall; already open to the public for pre-booked appointments. Death registration is by phone

Fred Perry House Council office and enquiry point: open from Monday 6th July

Some bigger Libraries from Monday 13th July (including Marple but not High Lane). They will have extra measures in place and will be doing secure borrowing and IT provision, with an order and collect book borrowing service and bookable IT slots. Book return will be possible too. There will be no facility to browse the shelves, and a phased approach to normal book borrowing. Home library services to those housebound, starts again on Monday 6th July

ALSO NOTE: a nationwide clap for key workers and NHS will take place tomorrow Sunday 5th July at 5.00pm which coincides with the 72nd anniversary of the NHS

Malcolm Allan

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Re: Covid19 Information Updates
« Reply #32 on: June 14, 2020, 07:29:33 PM »
Here is some general information about the pandemic that might be of interest.

•   The Council will be launching ‘One Stockport’, a new borough wide campaign that builds on the resilience and support communities have demonstrated, and aims to create positivity across the whole borough. ‘One Stockport’ message will be around from Monday – in the press, on posters, on lampposts, on social media – to ask people to continue supporting each other to stay safe.
•   Alongside the campaign the council will be working to ensure sufficient space is available for both pedestrian movement and to allow residents to queue outside premises in a comfortable and safe manner, working with local businesses over the coming weeks, to help us all adapt to living with covid.
•   As a consequence of needing social distancing in the re-opening of shops in particular, the council are likely to introduce a 20mph speed limit in district centres such as Marple – on the basis this helps and encourages pedestrians and cyclists.
•   If you have to travel by public transport from Monday 15 June, you must wear a face covering. It will be your responsibility to provide this and can be a simple scarf or bandana. There are exemptions for children under the age of 11 and students travelling on dedicated school bus services, people who have trouble breathing, carers and anyone whose condition means they are unable to wear a face covering.
•   To enable more social distancing on Metrolink the frequency of trams is being increased to every 10 minutes from Monday 22 June.
•   Metrolink are also installing hand sanitiser dispensers at bus stations and interchanges and at busy Metrolink stops
•   Whilst the North West region has one of the highest infection rate (cases per 100,000 people) within the 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester, Stockport and Salford have the lowest rate. Tameside and Bury have the highest.
•   The economic impact of covid has been and will be significant:
o   71% of Stockport businesses responding to a GM survey say they have decreased sales.
o   29% report cash flow issues.
o   56% have furloughed staff with 60% of those furloughing more than half of their workforce. HMRC data shows that 33,700 people in Stockport are currently furloughed.
o   19% report having enough cash to survive for 3 months.
o   Out of work benefit claimants increased by 68% since February
Meanwhile the Council have:
•   Paid out c£58 million business grants to 5,033 qualifying businesses, 92% of those identified as eligible.
•   Got under way the discretionary grant scheme around 400 extra businesses with a further £3.2 million.
•   Set up the Stockport Business Recovery website which has nearly 2,000 visits per week,
•   Set up Stockport Jobs Match – 5,200 visits, 205 vacancies, 50+ businesses using it.
•   Prior to the pandemic the council customarily had 200 staff working from home on any particular day. During the pandemic it became 2000.

Malcolm Allan

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Re: Covid19 Information Updates
« Reply #31 on: June 14, 2020, 01:45:38 PM »
Two items related to the pandemic:

Reading Challenge
This popular summer event is still going ahead, even though our libraries have closed. It runs from 15th June to 31st August. You can find details on the website below. If you follow up you will need to create an account (or use a previously created one if you’ve entered before). This year is about “the silly squad”. Marple Schools have been previous winners of the challenge!
Summerreadingchallenge.org.uk

Help returning to work
If you are worried about this and you are about to or have recently returned to work, guidance is on this web site;
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/help-and-support-for-returning-to-work

Malcolm Allan

  • Guest
Re: Covid19 Information Updates
« Reply #30 on: June 06, 2020, 08:59:31 AM »
Recycling Centres
As from today, Saturday, there is no restriction at the tip on car number plates. The odds/even allocation no longer applies. You will still need to take evidence of living in the area.

Malcolm Allan

  • Guest
Re: Covid19 Information Updates
« Reply #29 on: May 29, 2020, 07:30:39 PM »
Pandemic News  items

1.Rose Hill Tip
Some of you will have seen the tip is re-opening tomorrow (Saturday 30th). Bredbury will also be extending its hours from weekends only, to 7 days. Details are on the Council web site but not under “recycling Centres”! The best place to find this is under “news”. Details are:

Rose Hill: open 9am to 6pm on Saturday 30th May then from Sunday 8am to 6pm every day.

Bredbury: open every day 8am to 6pm

You can take:
  • General waste (including small bulky items)
  • Cardboard
  • Garden waste (excluding soil)
  • Wood and timber
  • Scrap metal
  • Rubble
Recycling Centre Rules are
  • Only 1 person allowed out of the vehicle
  • Keep 2 metres apart at all times.
  • Cars and small vans only - No transit type vans and vehicles with trailers
  • No pedestrian access
  • Staff will not be able to help unload your vehicle
  • Please take proof of address with you such as your council tax bill, gas or electric bill to show you live in one of the 9 councils in Greater Manchester. You can show your bill on your mobile phone.
  • Trade waste is not allowed.
  • Please note a traffic management system by number plate will be in place. This is based on odd and even number plates and works on a rota system by day.
On that last point, personally I think it’s confusing how they’ve done it so please look at the web page. As a quick guide, Saturday is even, Sunday is odd numbers.

2. Testing
There is a section on the Stockport Council web site about getting tested for the virus. If you’re eligible for a test you should mail testing@stockport.gov.uk after which you will be sent a request form for completion, which will lead to you being given a booking slot. Full details are on https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-getting-tested

Malcolm Allan

  • Guest
Re: Covid19 Information Updates
« Reply #28 on: May 26, 2020, 02:01:56 PM »
Here’s a couple of initiatives around the pandemic

Together in One Voice - virtual choir event
 
Together In One Voice is a community led event for the whole of Greater Manchester in which residents are invited to join together in song, from their windows and doorsteps on Thursday 28th May at 7.30pm.
 
The event will be captured under social distancing guidelines with drones, street cameras and residents’ own films and edited together to produce a show for national release on the evening of Sunday 31st May.
 
The YouTube Live event with Manchester International Festival will feature songs and artists from Greater Manchester’s musical heritage, past and present, with a few special guest appearances. The event will promote community spirit and encourage everyone to take care of their mental health in the weeks and months ahead.
 
Choir Director Dan McDwyer has been running online choir rehearsals in recent days to promote well being through song.

Remember Me
 
The coronavirus pandemic has cost tens of thousands of lives across the UK, lives which people want to honour and remember. St Paul’s Cathedral has launched Remember Me, an online book of remembrance for all those in the UK who have died as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. People of any faith, or none, are invited to contribute to Remember Me. 
                                                                         
Family, friends or carers of those who have died can submit, free of charge, the name, photograph and a short message in honour of a deceased person via the Remember Me website (http://www.rememberme2020.uk). The initiative is being supported by HRH The Prince of Wales and it is intended that there will be a physical Remember Me memorial at St Paul’s Cathedral.


Malcolm Allan

  • Guest
Re: Covid19 Information Updates
« Reply #27 on: May 22, 2020, 04:26:28 PM »
It’s Mental Health Awareness week this week, which is very pertinent in current times.

Each year the week has a different theme and this year it’s “kindness” which I think is both a welcome reminder, and has been practiced by so many local residents and help groups round here.
From the publicity:

“Research tells us that kindness and our mental health are deeply connected –kindness is an antidote to isolation and creates a sense of belonging. It can help to reduce stress, brings a fresh perspective and deepens friendships. Being kind to yourself is also important – it can prevent shame from corroding our sense of identity and help boost our self-esteem.  Kindness can even improve our feelings of confidence and optimism.
We know that one act of kindness can lead to many more. This type of community action can help us to inspire others as we discover our connections to each other and extend kindness to ourselves.”

“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” The 14th Dalai Lama

Malcolm Allan

  • Guest
Re: Covid19 Information Updates
« Reply #26 on: May 17, 2020, 07:37:04 PM »
Some bits of extra information:

BUSINESS GRANTS
There is a new grant which will be open on the Stockport Council website at 5.00pm on Monday 18th. This has more discretion involved and is intended for those businesses who have been unable to get a grant so far for various reasons.

Meanwhile so far Stockport has issued 4,720 business grants totalling £54.36m and covering 84% of all businesses eligible. If you haven't heard yet they are working hard to clear the last applications which probably involve some complications.

HELPLINE
The Council telephone helpline, by 14th May, had taken 3,239 calls and made 943 calls out to the vulnerable residents including welfare calls to our most vulnerable.

NEW GUIDANCE
People probably know that the main government web site has been updated quite a bit lately with the new advice. It’s worth another look and there is, for example, some practical advice on face masks – what to use and how to make one!

Malcolm Allan

  • Guest
Re: Covid19 Information Updates
« Reply #25 on: May 15, 2020, 06:56:38 PM »
Some news items for the pandemic

Recycling Centres –
The two that are open will now take more than just black bags. You can take:
•   Garden waste (excluding soil)
•   Cardboard
•   Wood
•   Small bulky items as general waste

Fundraising
A new fundraising website has been launched to support Stockport Voluntary groups. Under the banner “Keep Stockport Caring” this will distribute money raised around local voluntary and community groups to ensure they can continue to provide vital services

DigitalIt’s worth looking at a YouTube video “Mable’s Story” about a 91 year old in Woodley who has just learnt some valuable new computer skills

SENDFor parents with SEND children, there is a new hub offering support and advice to such families. This can be reached on 0161-217-6046 Mon-Fri 9-5, Saturdays and Bank Holidays 10-4

Malcolm Allan

  • Guest
Re: Covid19 Information Updates
« Reply #24 on: May 09, 2020, 06:42:22 PM »
Something on Funding for community groups

Stockport Council are urging local community groups to take up the offer of financial support from Forever Manchester and the National Lottery Community Fund to support their response to the impact of COVID-19.

These unprecedented times are having an impact on voluntary and social sector organisations across Greater Manchester and grassroots community groups have been responding superbly well, coming together with selflessness and enthusiasm to help those most affected.

Forever Manchester is working with the UK Community Foundations to raise money to fund and support community activity across Greater Manchester and are offering awards of up to £5,000 for community groups in the city region. More information and details on how to apply for funding on the Forever Manchester website here: https://forevermanchester.com/community-support-fund/

Local community groups can also apply for support from the National Lottery Community Fund. This Fund helps to distribute money to fund a wide range and projects and activities. They are currently prioritising their funding for organisations that are supporting people who are at high risk from COVID-19 and organisations supporting communities most likely to face increased demand and challenges because of COVID-19. It is £310m of government funding across the country, targeted at organisations responding to the COVID-19 emergency. Voluntary organisations, social enterprises and community groups can find more information and details on how to apply for the National Lottery Community Fund on their website: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/

The Council is working with Sector 3 and Stockport Homes to help local organisations write their funding bid for community projects. More information can be found at: https://www.stockport.gov.uk/stockport-local-fund-community-support/support-applying-for-coronavirus-funding

Malcolm Allan

  • Guest
Re: Covid19 Information Updates
« Reply #23 on: May 08, 2020, 12:11:37 PM »
Green Bins
Just in case people haven’t seen this yet, the Council are starting to collect green bins again. This starts on Monday 11th. The green bin will be collected fortnightly, on the same day your black bin is collected. Please could people tell their neighbours who aren’t on social media?

Malcolm Allan

  • Guest
Re: Covid19 Information Updates
« Reply #22 on: May 05, 2020, 08:32:25 PM »
Some data from Stockport Council and more help:

For the week 20-26 April

616 business grants were issued taking total support to £46.3m
463 emergency food parcels were delivered all within 24 hours of referral
54,508 emergency items of PPE were delivered to Social Workers and Care Workers
114 schools were open for children of key workers and vulnerable children

In the first month of lock down
The council’s job match scheme 113 jobs were advertised by 37 employers, 311 registrations of those wanting work and 1258 CVs sent to employers as a result.
The site is at https://www.stockport-jobsmatch.co.uk/

There is a government online platform for those wishing to improve their skills called “The skills toolkit” giving access to free courses on specifically numeracy and digital skills
https://theskillstoolkit.campaign.gov.uk/

Malcolm Allan

  • Guest
Re: Covid19 Information Updates
« Reply #21 on: May 05, 2020, 08:31:35 PM »
I've had some technical problems and been unable to do two posts lately so here's a catch up. Sorry for the volume!

Some more information:
I’ve posted before the contacts where you can get help with computer (“digital”) skills. This has recently been improved, and the “digiknow” scheme that preceded the pandemic is now offering new ways to help residents to get online.

Telephone support is now available for anyone who has access to smartphone, tablet or computer, but needs help getting online for the first time or doing things online. Anyone needing support can call the new helpline on 07537 127 095 and leave their name, number and a brief description of their need and a volunteer Digital Champion will get back to them.

For those that are already online but would like to improve their digital skills or confidence, or if they would like to help others in their household to get online and improve their skills, there are some new Council web pages to help at: https://www.stockport.gov.uk/digiknow.

Business Loans
For small businesses who need further help, the Government has launched an additional scheme for them to be able to access a new fast-track finance, providing loans with a 100% government-backed guarantee for lenders. The scheme starts next week on Monday 4 May, and is called the "Bounce Back Loans Scheme" This is an addition to the existing package of support available to the smallest businesses affected by the pandemic, providing loans of up to £50,000. The scheme has been designed to that firms can get finance in a matter of days.

The government will provide lenders with a 100% guarantee for the loan and pay any fees and interest for the first 12 months. No repayments will be due during the first 12 months. Firms will be able to access these loans through a network of accredited lenders. More information is at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-a-coronavirus-bounce-back-loan


Malcolm Allan

  • Guest
Re: Covid19 Information Updates
« Reply #20 on: May 05, 2020, 12:32:24 PM »
Some more information for people on mental health and emotional wellbeing
 
The council and health bodies launched three new emotional wellbeing and mental health services a few weeks ago. These expand the support available to residents and complement other local services at what is a particularly stressful time:
  • Access to the Big White Wall for anyone in Stockport over the age of 16
  • the Making Space helpline for anyone in Stockport over the age of 18
  • An Emotional Wellbeing Hub which provides information, advice, and guidance for anyone up to the age of 25 with emotional wellbeing and mental health concerns.
  • Since the Big White Wall was launched on 14th April 2020, there have been:
  • 70 Registrations
  • 1681 Page Views
  • 226 Logins
As there are now a number of support offers available to residents, there is an easy reference guide to the support available.
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/mental-wellbeing-support-coronavirus/self-help-advice-and-resources-coronavirus

Malcolm Allan

  • Guest
Re: Covid19 Information Updates
« Reply #19 on: April 27, 2020, 02:12:03 PM »
Here’s some help for those wanting to stay active:

Greater Manchester Authority have a site that includes ideas for both adults and children, inside and outdoors. The web site is www.Greatersport.co.uk

There are also twitter feeds available:

#keep.GMMoving
#thatcounts
#StayInWorkOut
#GMWalking

though I haven’t checked any of these myself.