Covid19 Information Updates

[Malcolm Allan]

Some more information:
I know some people are still having problems with bins. The advice is still as it was. With their current reduced capacity, the crews will continue to collect any rounds they are unable to do on subsequent days so residents are advised to leave their bins out for collection on the next possible working day if our crews aren’t able to get to them on their allocated day. Please note that collections will not take place on Saturday or Sunday.


Remote education resources
 
It is tough for many parents with kids at home that are trying to support them with their tasks for school. The Oak National Academy is an initiative launched this week to support home based learning. This brand-new enterprise has been created by 40 teachers from some of the leading schools across England, backed by government grant funding. It will provide 180 video lessons each week, across a broad range of subjects from maths to art to languages, for every year group from Reception through to Year 10. The BBC has also launched its own education package across TV and online:
 
Oak national academy: https://www.thenational.academy
BBC’s education package: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize

[Malcolm Allan]

Latest Update :

The Government have issued guidance to parents (and schools) about schooling at home. This includes guidance on whether children will be best placed at a school or in a home setting, guidance for parents faced with how to school children at home and so on. This page below gets access to a whole range of papers.

https://www.gov.uk/government/latest?departments%5B%5D=department-for-education
Meanwhile, a number of council employees have had to be redeployed in the present situation. We heard before about library staff manning help lines.  The museum staff are on an emergency shopping team for those residents who can’t get out of the house or access other services. Highways and street lighting teams have been delivering food parcels to schools.

The dedicated helpline for the most vulnerable has helped 1,700 callers.  This covers those:

• over 70
• self-isolating
• who received a letter from the Government advising them to stay at home as they are at high risk
• who are medically vulnerable
• experiencing food poverty or financial hardship

This is also for those residents who don’t have a network of family and friends they can call upon. Support can be accessed on 0161-217-6046 Monday to Friday 9-5 and Saturday 10-4. The system works on a “call back” at busy times.

[Malcolm Allan]

Some additional updates:

SCHOOL ADMISSIONS
..are still being handled as normal. The council have processed all applications and parents should now know what place they have been offered for their children. The vast majority of the 3595 applications will have been offered their first or second preference.

TRANSPORT FOR KEY WORKERS
Sustrans have created a system for key workers to find offers on bikes and repair services in the area. This has been launched today, Friday https://www.sustrans.org.uk/campaigns/cycles-for-key-workers

Domestic abuse is worrying aspect of the current lockdown. Many support services remain active:
The Prevention Alliance continues to operate specialist key workers for those wanting support and can be contacted on 0161-474-1042 Mon-Fri 9-4.30
Stockport Women’s Centre have on line services and can be also be contacted by phone 0161-355-4455 Mon-Fri 9.30-4.30
Greater Manchester Victims services can be reached on 0161-200-1950

[Malcolm Allan]

Some more information on help available:

Stockport Council and Stockport NHS Clinical Commissioning Group have this week launched three new emotional health and wellbeing services. The new services will expand the range of support available to Stockport residents at a particularly stressful and isolating time. The three new services are:

• The Big White Wall - http://www.bigwhitewall.com/, which offers 24/7 anonymous support via a digital emotional wellbeing and mental health service, offers peer support for anyone over the age of 16 as well as support from trained clinicians alongside a range of helpful tools and resources.
• The establishment of the new 24/7 mental health helpline and (currently virtual) safe haven for anyone over the age of 18 in Stockport (0800 138 7276), commissioned by Stockport NHS CCG and provided by the charity Making Space;
• An Emotional Wellbeing Hub which provides information, advice, and guidance for anyone up to the age of 25 for emotional wellbeing and mental health concerns. Access to this is through the Multi-Agency Safeguarding and Support Hub (MASSH) - 0161 217 6028 - 8.30am-5pm Mon - Thurs 8.30am-4.30pm on Friday.

[Malcolm Allan]

Covid 19 Help: A couple of additional sources of help.
 
For those living with cancer who are unsure about how the measures affect them and how to keep safe, you can go to the cancer research web site for advice and contacts: www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer

For those with money problems, there is the Stockport Credit Union, essentially a community organisation, authorised and regulated with the financial conduct authority, but a sound lender to those in debt and also a source of advice. It is also a location for savers who will be helping indirectly, those in financial need. Web site: www.stockportcu.com

[Malcolm Allan]

Sorry this is a bit long but at the bottom is some advice on avoiding scams and keeping healthy:

Stockport Council phone numbers

Coronavirus Helpline - 0161 217 6046
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm and Saturdays and bank holidays, 10am to 4pm
Practical help (including local support if you are isolated and feel alone) for vulnerable people who do not have a network of family and friends to call upon for support.

Adult Social Care Referrals – 0161 217 6029
Monday to Friday 8am to 4:30pm or you can email adultsocialcare@stockport.gov.uk
For calls relating to older people who are at risk and need immediate help or people with mental health problems in times of crisis. Please ensure you have the person’s consent if you are phoning for someone else.

Adult Social Care emergency help (out of normal office hours) – 0161 718 2118
Monday to Thursday, 4:30pm to 8:30am Friday 4pm to Monday 8:30am (with 24 hours cover on bank holidays).

Useful web pages and email addresses
www.gov.uk/coronavirus all government advice and guidance in relation to coronavirus
www.nhs.uk/coronavirus advice and guidance about how to look after yourself and others
https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19 Check your symptoms if you think you might have COVID-19
www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus Information, advice and support about council services and local help
www.stockport.gov.uk/adult-social-care Information and support with adult social care

Help getting online.
For those not confident accessing information online, the Coronavirus helpline on 0161 217 6046 will direct you to a network of Digiknow champions, who are trained to help. You will need a laptop, smart phone or tablet which can access the internet. There is also help at www.stockport.gov.uk/doing-things-online

Beware of scams
Fraudsters are exploiting the spread of COVID-19 to facilitate various types of fraud and cyber crime.
Here are some do’s and don’ts to help you stay safe:

• Don’t click on the links or attachments in suspicious emails.
• Don’t answer unsolicited messages or calls that ask for your personal or financial details.
• Do some research before making purchases online - or ask a friend or family member for advice before completing the purchase.
• Do use a credit card for online purchases (if you have one) - most major credit card providers insure online purchases.

Maintaining your mental and physical health
There are some simple things you can do that can help you to stay physically and mentally well:

• Stay in regular touch with family and friends by phone and talk to them about how you are feeling
• Find ways to stay active at home and try to avoid sitting still for long periods of time
• Spend time doing things you enjoy such as reading, cooking, indoor hobbies
• Try to eat healthy, well balanced meals and drink enough water so you stay hydrated
• Avoid smoking, alcohol and drugs
• If you are feeling anxious or worried, try to limit the amount of time you spend watching, reading or listening to media coverage – it may help to check the news at set times or just a couple of times a day

[Malcolm Allan]

Two posts today, this first is to give people an update on what the council are up to.

Business Grants. To make sure they use time best, staff are working on processing claims during the day, and payments are being made in the evenings or overnight. So far as at 8.00pm last night, 969 claims had been paid making a total of £13.29m and more were done last night. Please ask for help making a grant application if you need it.

The coronavirus helpline for those in most need is staffed by 35 people, including library staff who have been transferred. In the week 30th March to 5th April, 427 calls were dealt with. In addition, 634 calls were made by the council to people on the “shielded” or vulnerable list.

The over 70s are all receiving a leaflet from the Council which was posted today. This gives all sorts of useful numbers and contacts and some advice. My next post will repeat much of that, as it’s useful for us all.

[Malcolm Allan]

Update information: Less gloomy than yesterday, I hope!

TfGM are automatically renewing any disabled passes due up soon, and will renew for one year. No action necessary.

For those eligible for Free School Meals, support will continue throughout what would have been the Easter school holidays

HELPLINE
Stockport Council’s helpline is being well-used on 0161-217-6046. To clarify this is dedicated to those at most risk:

•   Over 70 and self-isolating
•   Received a letter from the Government saying you are at high risk (the 1.5 million people)
•   Medically vulnerable according to Government Criteria

The number is available Monday-Friday 9-5 and Saturdays and bank Holidays 10-4

BUSINESS
The first grants from the council have been paid, with more in the pipeline. You can still apply on https://www.stockport.gov.uk/start/small-business-grant-funding

STOCKPORT HOMES
Tenants can find support and guidance on the normal web page: www.stockporthomes.org

HOMELESS
Local people are very caring about the areas homeless. I can confirm the Council is working with rough sleepers and all have an offer of overnight sleeping accommodation in hotels, which includes nobody having to share a room in temporary provision. 

GENERAL
The Council website is being regularly updated and includes advice on such things as money, food poverty support, SEND, mental health and mutual aid networks. http://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus

[Malcolm Allan]

Update: Some further information to help:

Royal Mail has a useful web site (just go to “Royal mail”). Any mail for collection will be held for longer now – 30 days.

These must be especially difficult times for people living with dementia and their carers. Stockport Councils’ specialist group are offering a telephone helpline for these people. The helpline will provide advice about supporting people with dementia at this difficult time. The number is 0799 077 7175 open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9am to 1pm, and Thursdays from 3pm to 6.30pm. e-mail: stockportdementiacaretraining@nhs.net

Some difficult messages now:

It’s very sad to say some people are seeking to scam others over the virus. Please be extra vigilant, for example never give bank details out over the internet. No government agency will email or phone you about debts to be paid or extra cash you’re due. All bona fide callers will gladly show you ID. Those that won’t are not genuine. Tell those who maybe aren’t as computer savvy as yourself to be cautious.

These times are also a period when tensions can lead to domestic abuse. There is a lot of help (and you may be able to help those affected by this by directing them to relevant agencies):
 
Children: Speak to the Multi-Agency Safeguarding and Support Hub (MASSH) for immediate support and signposting to relevant services. Call:

• Monday to Thursday from 8:30 am to 5pm: 0161 217 6028
• Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm: 0161 217 6028
• Evening, overnight and weekends: 0161 718 2118

Adults: If you have a safeguarding concern in relation to a vulnerable adult call our Adult Social Care team:

• Monday to Thursday from 8:30am to 5pm: 0161 217 6029
• Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm: 0161 217 6029
• Evening, overnight and weekends: 0161 718 2118

You can also email: adultsocialcare@stockport.gov.uk

[Malcolm Allan]

Update

Again here are some random things people might find helpful

I've picked up the same thing as admin below, so here is a bit more detail and alternatives. Some people depend on getting their hearing aid batteries from the library. Libraries are closed and here are two other options. One is to call Stepping Hill audiology on 0161-419-4183 (audiology@stockport.nhs.uk). Alternatively there is a charity who will assist, called Walthew House on 0161-480-2162 and admin@walthewhouse.org.uk

Anyone who is regarded as “extremely vulnerable” ( the 1.5 million as announced by the Government), should by now have received their letter. These were sent on 30th March. Stockport Council and the Area NHS are jointly following up with another letter detailing all the assistance locally. Strictly for these people there is a dedicated helpline on 0161-217-6046, open 9-5 Monday to Friday and 10-4 Saturday. This is only for these people (who should be in strict isolation at home) or their carers. Food parcels are ready for those of them who need them and will come via the council on request.

Healthwatch Stockport has, at the end of last weekend assisted over 150 local people with active support, etc. This is just to say this support is now up and running and can be accessed.
They have a website giving “top tips” for those helping the vulnerable or even just collecting shopping or medicines.  https://www.healthwatchstockport.co.uk/news/2020-03-20/coronavirus-covid-19-downloads-top-tips-and-updates

[Malcolm Allan]

Updates

Just a couple of things that might help people:

Stockport Libraries have suspended all fines for overdue books and there’s no need to renew (even on line). This will be reviewed on 1st July. Any returns due back from 1st February, including if you have had a written reminder, will have the need for renewals suspended and no fines applied.
 
For those of you, employees or employers, who may be covered by the 80% payment for furlough (Job Retention Scheme) full details are now on the government web site (usual site via gov.uk.coronavirus) including how to calculate if you have variable earnings and the cut off for who it applies to.   There is still no portal for applications but you can ensure you are doing the right things to get covered – or checking that your employer is!

[Malcolm Allan]

UPDATE
To add to Admin's post below, people will have seen the change in bin collections we forewarned may happen. The reason for this is a shortage of staff to do the collection runs. It’s worth bearing in mind that not anyone can drive a bin wagon. It’s an HGV and tricky at the best of times. Once there is a shortage of drivers beyond normal absence levels, it is difficult to replace them, and currently impossible to qualify. The same shortage applies to the staff in the teams.
 
For those who haven’t seen the Stockport Web Site, and to summarise the post below, in brief, the changes only apply to blue and green bins. Black and brown will be collected as normal, exactly as per your local household schedule

Blue Bins: From 6th April will be collected every 4 weeks (rather than every two weeks currently).

Green Bins: No further collection until further notice. Future food waste to be put in black bins.

We are told this will be kept under review, and we have made the Council aware the green bins are full in many cases locally, after people have been occupied stuck in at home in their gardens. This doesn’t affect everyone across the Borough as some homes don’t have gardens and others rarely use the green bins.
 
OTHER UPDATES
Just to note some banks (maybe all) are increasing the contactless limit from £30 to £45. This may take a few days for payment machines to be adjusted but will help many, and keep physical contact to the minimum.

Those who have volunteered with the NHS – this scheme will start from 31st March and build up so don’t worry if you are not contacted for a while yet.

[Malcolm Allan]

Latest update news:

PARKING
All Stockport MBC parking charges are being suspended, right across the Borough. There should be signs up on pay meters now to explain this and I certainly saw some in Marple today. That does mean free parking on Council run car parks.

TfGM
have their adjusted timetables and other information (remember this is different to Northern Trains) on: https://tfgm.com/coronavirus

VOLUNTEERS
For any regular blood donors, it is OK to give blood while this is on and you are not at any greater risk. There is an appeal out for blood donors and you can arrange to give via the web site: https://blood.co.uk
Travelling to give blood is approved as essential travel

SELF-EMPLOYED
people will have heard about the measures announced yesterday. For information go to: https://businesssupport.gov.uk
The 80% assistance is called the Self-employment Income Support Scheme. If this doesn’t help, people may be eligible for council tax relief and business interruption help.

[Malcolm Allan]

A further update on general information and help:

For those who would like to add to the huge number of volunteers to help the NHS, in response to the Government request, the web site is: https://www.goodsamapp.org/NHS

It is an easy registration process but you will need ID of some kind to hand when you apply.

News from the council

The Stockport Local Fund is open for local Voluntary Organisations to request some funding assistance. Grants of between £200 and £1000 will be available aimed at those people most affected by the pandemic, including older people, children and families and people on low incomes. Groups can apply for anything they need to support people during the crisis, including things like food parcels, running costs, emergency supplies, transport etc. To apply contact: www.stockport.gov.uk/supportfund

There is a Stockport scheme to provide an online portal where employers needing extra staff as a result of the virus, can be matched to individuals seeking employment opportunities due to their circumstances in the current situation. The website is: www.stockport-jobsmatch.co.uk

Waste collections are being maintained, but staff is reduced like everywhere else due to illness and self-isolation. There may be reduced collections but not for now. If that happens, priority will be to maintain black bin collections. The highways programme has been suspended for now so workers can be redirected to frontline work. All inquests have been cancelled up to 17th April.

[Malcolm Allan]

Some more general information.

Advance train tickets will be eligible for a full refund from the ticket issuing organisation (I posted something about season ticket refunds in a previous message)
There is a new “emergency” train timetable available on
https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/key-worker-timetables

There is a list of the types of shop that are OK to stay open. The best version I’ve seen of this is on the BBC web site:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-52011915

Free school Meals
•   A meal will be provided to all pupils and staff who remain in school and require a meal
•   A free school meal will be provide to all pupils who are entitled to one under the benefits system, which will take the form of a packed lunch or grab bag.
Schools should be contacted in the second case and bear in mind collection may be from a location other than the school

Volunteering

Stockport council are acting as a first point of contact for volunteers and should be contacted at: neighbourhoods@stockport.gov.uk

Stockport council buildings are in general closed to the public but the office for registration of births and deaths remains open in the Town Hall and SEND child care remains open.
Greater Manchester Waste Authority have closed all domestic tips including the local ones.