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You can also read this online at citizen..gov.uk 2 NEWS www.slough.gov.uk Spring 2021

You can also read this online at http://citizen.slough.gov.uk/ Slough’s priorities We are not alone We have a new Five Year Plan, where our vision is growing a place doesn’t work alone. of opportunity and ambition. As one member of the Slough Wellbeing Board we team up with other local Our priority outcomes - putting people first agencies including the police, as well as • Our children and young people will have the best start in life and voluntary sector groups to provide local services to you and make Slough a better opportunities to give them positive lives. place to live, work and visit. • Our people will become healthier and will manage their own health, You can find out more about how we work care and support needs. with our partners on pages 8, 10 and 15. • Slough will be an attractive place where people choose to live, work and visit. MyCouncil: 01753 475111 • Our residents will have access to good quality homes. • Slough will attract, retain and grow businesses and investment to provide jobs and opportunities for our residents. Citizen is produced by

Baylis and Stoke James Swindlehurst (Lab) Haymill & Lynch Hill Slough Borough Council Fiza A Matloob (Lab) 01753 532441 Paul Kelly (Con) Observatory House, 07984 209529 [email protected] 07947 435812 25 Windsor Road, Slough, SL1 2EL [email protected] Cippenham Meadows [email protected] For more information call Mohammed Nazir (Lab) Natasa Pantelic (Lab) Wayne Strutton (Con) 07958 794007 07745 398001 07580 361884 Communications on 01753 875568 or [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] email [email protected] Sunyia Sarfraz (Lab) Dilbagh Singh Parmar (Lab) Anna S Wright (Con) While every care is taken with submitted 07593 572028 07929 115379 01628 664929 / 07706 445629 material, no responsibility can be taken for [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] material lost or damaged. The views Britwell & Northborough Satpal S Parmar (Lab) Langley Kedermister expressed in Citizen do not necessarily Rob Anderson (Lab) 01753 535278 / 07944 843543 Preston Brooker (Lab) reflect official Slough Borough Council policy. 01753 531649 [email protected] 07791 913555 [email protected] with [email protected] Martin Carter (Lab) Avtar K Cheema (Lab) Michael J Holledge (Lab) 07856 723037 07533 060322 01628 541590 / 07795 975740 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Pavitar K Mann (Lab) Dexter J Smith (Con) Harpreet K. Cheema 07832 345887 01753 683542 / 07785 723764 07380 558258 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Central Elliman Langley St Mary’s Safdar Ali (Lab) Arvind S Dhaliwal (Lab) Zaffar Ajaib (Lab) 07904 963639 07920 485142 07887 921992 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Shafiq A Chaudhry (Lab) Sabia Hussain (Lab) Harjinder Kaur Minhas (Lab) 01753 575766 / 07855 955250 07967 822124 07455 994766 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Christine Hulme (Lab) Naveeda Qaseem (Lab) Ted Plenty (Lab) 07563 244730 07852 404038 07534 682295 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Chalvey Farnham Upton Ruqayah Begum (Lab) Maroof Mohammad (Lab) Balvinder Singh Bains (Lab) 07926 080300 07539 569038 07723 618402 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Atiq Sandhu (Lab) Mohammed Rasib (Lab) Jina Basra (Lab) 07931 797161 07877 551239 07305 545603

Find your ward councillor 2020-2021 councillor ward your Find [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Mohammed Sharif (Lab) Waqas Sabah (Lab) Rajinder S Sandhu (Ind) 07984 260582 07846 391279 07956 839126 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Cippenham Green Foxborough Wexham Lea Roger F Davis (Lab) Madhuri Bedi (Lab) Haqeeq A Dar (Lab) 01753 875005 07980 493314 07800 587851 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Nora Holledge (Lab) Harjinder Gahir (Lab) 01753 875005 07599 551661 [email protected] [email protected] Spring 2021 www.slough.gov.uk NEWS 3 Welcome back

The last few editions of Citizen latest on the opening of the town were replaced by specialist centre’s two new hotels below. These magazines containing public projects combined will provide health advice and reporting on hundreds of local jobs and help shape the council’s actions in response Slough’s economic recovery in the to the Covid-19 pandemic - so months and years ahead. Citizen is back after a fairly Slough was the first place in the UK to lengthy break. complete vaccination of all care home residents and workers, and our mass Citizen’s 2020 ‘staycation’ means vaccination centre is now up and Council Leader, there’s plenty to update you on now, in running at the Salt Hill Activity Centre Councillor James Swindlehurst our first edition of 2021 - a year when, as we work to vaccinate all residents in hopefully, we will begin putting the vulnerable categories and then extend financial pressures arising from our pandemic behind us. vaccination to our wider population. response to Covid-19, make this a difficult budget year for local The council has worked hard to keep Updates on the work of our One Slough government. See page 6 and 7 for our major corporate projects on track, voluntary partnership can be found on details on Slough’s 2021-22 budget. despite diverting significant resources page 10, from Adult Social Care on to dealing with the consequences of page 8 and 16, and details on the 2021 I hope 2021 will bring better times for the pandemic - learn about Census on page 4. us all and the roll out of the vaccine will redevelopment plans for the former help us rediscover more normality. In Montem Leisure site and the council’s Prolonged reductions in local the meantime, the virus remains very acquisition of part of the former Akzo- authorities’ income due to the serious so please, obey government Nobel/ICI paints to provide hundreds lockdowns and wider economic guidance, follow public health advice, of new social and affordable homes for restrictions, coupled with the demand look after yourselves and your loved ones local people on page 15, and get the pressures in Adult Social Care and and help our community to stay safe. Slough’s new hotels open A double decker hotel in the heart of town by Gerry Anderson. The Slough opened its doors at the Residence Inn’s 92 suites are designed beginning of February. with longer-staying guests in mind. The Moxy and Residence Inn form part A team of 25 local people have been of a wider residential, retail and leisure employed to operate the hotel. hub built on the former Slough library The development has been built with site at the junction of Bath Road and investment from the council and Windsor Road. delivered through Slough Urban The dual brand hotels opened, within Renewal (SUR), a property partnership properties. As well as guests enjoying coronavirus guidelines, after being between the council and Morgan the facilities, Slough residents can take constructed and fitted out three Sindall. advantage of the modern meeting and months ahead of schedule by Morgan event rooms. Cllr James Swindlehurst, council leader Sindall. and cabinet member for regeneration Next door is Novus Apartments which The Moxy incorporates Thunderbirds and strategy, said: “The council chose are on the market as a collection of 64 graphics in it décor and 152 rooms in to involve itself with this development studio, one and two bedroom honour of the programme filmed in the knowing it would be a long term asset apartments. to the town in terms of creating Andy Howell, general manager for SUR, employment for our residents, adding said: “It is testament to the whole team much needed hotel capacity, and that we were able to adapt quickly, delivering a secure revenue stream implementing new measures to enable back to the council from its lease that construction works on the site to will help sustain local services in the continue safely, throughout the future. The development also includes pandemic. As a result we are delighted much needed new housing.” both hotel and the new homes are Cycas Hospitality will be operating both ready early.” 4 NEWS www.slough.gov.uk Spring 2021

SUNDAY 21 MARCH 2021

Census 2021 will be the first The questions and how the form has The census asks questions about digital-first survey. been completed have evolved every 10 individuals, their household, homes, years as priorities and the information employment, and religious beliefs. This The 220-year-old survey of all sought change. year how homes are heated and household information will have to be sexuality will be new questions asked. completed on 21 March, providing a The data collected helps central and detailed snapshot of UK society on a local government, health authorities, All information is anonymised and the single day. and many other voluntary and actual census records are kept secure charitable organisations to target their for 100 years. The information will be With its roots dating back to the resources more effectively and to plan statistically analysed and the results Doomsday Books in 1086 and The services such as housing, education, published two years later. Hundred Rolls instigated by King health and transport. Edward I in 1279, the modern census The census is overseen by the Office for was first completed in 1801. Businesses use the information to National Statistics (ONS), and is an evaluate whether a new store would be independent, non-ministerial agency The estimate survey is that 75 per cent used in a local community, whereas that reports directly to Parliament. It of all households in and Wales voluntary organisations can rely on has a strict security regime that follows will submit information online through census information to assist their government standards. This includes an electronic questionnaire, making it a communities and funding. Academics physical and IT security measures to first. Paper forms will still be available use the information in research and it protect your information, covering for those who want them. has proved invaluable for those people, processes and technology. The researching family history. statistics will not show who revealed the information. How to fill in the census Every household will be sent a letter with a unique code to be inputted into the census 2021 website on Sunday 21 March. This is a compulsory survey to be completed by people living in the country on that day. If a printed version is required it can be requested. Residents who do not fill in the questionnaire will be followed up by the ONS reminding them of their responsibility and they could be prosecuted for not taking part. Spring 2021 www.slough.gov.uk NEWS 5

History of the Census

Evidence of population counting exists in Egyptian times and is rooted in Britain with the Doomsday Book in 1086 and then again in 1279 with the Hundred Rolls. There was widespread opposition to an official census until the end of the 18th century, with the first official census following in March 1801. Information was collected from every household by the Overseers of the Poor, aided by constables, tithingmen, headboroughs and other officers of the peace. The first official head count revealed Great Britain's population was nine million. Previous estimates had varied between eight and 11 million; today it is almost 67 million. Information about every person in the land was processed by an army of clerks using Timeline of Census nothing more than pens and paper. 1801: A total of 8.87 million population 1931: Questions on education, Technology made census taking recorded and an estimated unrecorded dependencies, orphans and number of simpler in 1911, when punch cards, half million of military personnel, houses owned were introduced. mechanical sorting and counting seaman and convicts adding up to 9.2 Broadcast on BBC radio for the first machines were introduced. Computers million people time educating people in how to fill out were first used in the 1961 census. the forms 1821: Half the population was under 20 As a government document people are 1941: Cancelled due to Second World 1831: First time classification of asked to fill it in accurately but people War have added false information which employment was asked 1951: Significant due to absence of has led to Suffragette Emily Wilding 1841: Considered the first modern 1941 census. Population 50 million and Davidson listed as a resident of the census with 16 million population and questions about outside toilets were House of Commons and one occupant most of the workforce was in domestic included. Women were asked to be was described as Peter Tabby with an service occupation as a mouser! honest about their age 1891: Question was introduced about 1961: Computers used for the first time the number of rooms in each to evaluate answers and first time household in response to concerns publicised on television about overcrowding. First time women census takers were employed 1971: Data was specific areas as small as 1km square 1901: Eight out of 10 men were employed compared to a third of 1991: 90 per cent of population lived in women urban areas compared to 16 per cent in 1831. 1911: Technology used for the first time with punch cards compared to pencil 2001: Religion questions asked for the and paper first time 1921: Only time census has been 2011: Questions included second postponed for two months due to address, intention to stay in the strikes of coalminers, railwaymen and country, national identity and 16 per transport workers cent of questionnaires completed online. 6 NEWS www.slough.gov.uk Spring 2021 Council budget 2021-22 An update from Council Leader, Councillor James Swindlehurst

As the Citizen is being put to print the adult social care sector; but until the Colnbrook we will work with the NHS to council is finalising its revenue budget government brings forward national return community health provision to for the coming municipal year. plans, Slough, like the vast majority of the village in the hub we plan to open councils, is left with no option but to at Wheelwright’s Place. Prolonged reductions in the council’s levy the precept. income due to the lockdowns and We know residents want to see wider economic restrictions, coupled Council Tax will rise by 1.99%, a rise of improvements to the town centre and with the demand pressures in adult about 42p per week at a Band B rate - with the confirmation of British Lands’ social care and financial pressures this has been a difficult budget to close continuing commitment to the arising from our response to Covid-19, but the revenue this raises enables the redevelopment of the Queensmere make this a difficult budget year for the council to continue delivering the same shopping centre, the council will be council and for wider local level of service to residents. growing a dedicated planning team to government. The political leadership of support the design negotiations and In the coming year all our libraries will the council has worked hard to avoid the processing of this major planning remain open, as will our community any noticeable cuts in services but application expected to be submitted and children’s centres. We have given the extra demand on adult social in the Autumn of next year. retained our popular weekly bin care services we have had to take a collections, we have funded food The council will be submitting its own number of difficult decisions. programmes to stop our children going application for the total redevelopment Government has said the financial hungry and we have kept our of the former Thames Valley University burden placed on adult social care discretionary local welfare provision to site, with a housing-led mixed use budgets across the country as a result help residents in need. scheme which will also be home to of rising demand and the effects of elements of our new cultural strategy With the rising levels of service Covid should be covered through the for the town centre - designed to demand covered by this budget the levy of a precept charge on local breathe new life into our early evening council will still be undertaking a taxpayers - as a result a further 3% and weekend economy. number of major projects to improve charge will be added to council tax the place we all call home. This year we We are delivering further regeneration bills. will begin work in Langley which will schemes in the year ahead. You can The Local Government Association, become home to Langley Library and a read elsewhere in the Citizen details of representing English councils, has host of community health facilities, we the council’s major regeneration lobbied for a nationally-resourced will also open the newly built schemes on the former Montem solution to the funding problem in the community hub in Chalvey. In Leisure Centre site and the former ICI

A vision for High Street East Town centre redevelopment plan Spring 2021 www.slough.gov.uk NEWS 7

Capital Budget expenditure - pennies in the pound Expenditure 2p 8p 15p 42p

33p

21 Adult Social Care and Communities Children, Learning and Skills Town centre redevelopment plan - land uses Place and Development Paints/Akzo Nobel site (p15). We will unemployment in Slough given the Corporate also be bringing forward plans for number of our residents who were Capital Assets redevelopment of the Stoke Wharf site - working in these sectors. With this in including more than £500,000 worth of mind the council is developing improvements to Bowyer Recreation construction and health and social care Income Ground and for the conversion of our academies to help provide residents former headquarters at St Martin’s with the skills needed to take roles in Place. These schemes combined will these growing areas. We will be 23p deliver upwards of 600 social and opening a Skills and Jobs Hub in our affordable homes for Slough residents new headquarters at 25 Windsor Road 53p on our housing waiting lists. to help residents gain the skills and 24p qualifications required to take Restrictions on retail and aviation advantage of the opportunities the caused by Covid have led to rising town’s regeneration is creating.

Council Tax Business Rates Government Grants

At the time of publication, we were still working on the revenue budget, therefore the above could change.

Cllr Natasa Pantelic in the library Cllr Rob Anderson with an electric bin lorry 8 HEALTH, CARE AND SUPPORT www.slough.gov.uk Spring 2021 Local heroes wanted Since the beginning of the Covid pandemic, a spotlight has been shone on the amazing work of social care staff throughout our communities.

Local authorities and adult social care transferrable skills and experience learning disabilities or mental health providers have worked together to from other industries who are wanting problems. These job opportunities are ensure that despite all the challenges, to make a positive career change. in different settings, including there is a really strong local workforce supporting people in residential care or Unlike other sectors that have been hit to help those most in need to stay safe. to remain living in their own homes. by the pandemic, there continue to be Some of these positions offer very There are always great opportunities in lots of job opportunities within adult flexible hours and suit people who may the adult social care sector, whether for social care in . These include not want to work nine-to-five. young people starting out in their supporting older people who may be careers or for those with valuable frail or have dementia, or people with

Jon Bethany Stephen Jon, who spent Bethany has Stephen, almost 20 years been a previously a as a nightclub Community chef, is now a manager, Care Worker for Support trained to three months Assistance become a and her role Teacher Community enables working full Care Worker residents to time in a school after Covid hit. stay in their and as a bank own homes. staff member Jon has drawn on his personal with a care agency, working with experiences of looking after his dad, She said: “I absolutely love being able people with learning disabilities. who has Parkinson’s and terminal to care for people and enable them to cancer, in his new role. stay in their own homes. Seeing them He said: “What I love about my role is smile when you arrive knowing how knowing I help to make a difference to He said: “Coming out of my comfort much it means to them to see a other people's lives and supporting zone has helped me to see we can help friendly face is just so rewarding! them to achieve their goals. As a carer people in ways that I couldn’t see you need to have a lot of patience and before. Not only physically, but by “On a typical day, I perform a variety of understanding towards the people being there for someone when they care tasks that cater to each client. you're caring for as sometimes they need it the most. It’s about accepting Ranging from having a cheerful have a bad day just like we all do. They different environments and providing conversation while making a cuppa or may also process things more slowly dignity, choice and respect to people at assisting with personal hygiene, I know and need more time to fully all times. each task is equally important and understand what's happening around makes an incredible difference! The “There aren’t many male care workers them.” support and training I received from out there, but it’s a good job that can day one has made sure I feel safe and a lead to further opportunities if that’s valued member of the team.” what you’re looking for. “For me it’s important to ensure that the people I care for feel relaxed, Care focused virtual job fairs are happy and comfortable, while keeping as much of their independence as run regularly by Jobcentre Plus. possible.” For more information email [email protected] and mention ‘care virtual job fair’ in the subject line. Spring 2021 www.slough.gov.uk HEALTH, CARE AND SUPPORT 9

Abi Rikwan matter your past work experience. We are seeking staff that can really respect Abi used to Rikwan has been working as a Support and value each person needing care work in Care Assistant while studying at and support, seeing them as a unique customer university. individual and supporting them to live service, but Rikwan said: “I decided to start in the asfulfilling lives as possible.” after seeing the caring profession when I was 18, after compassion Tony Johnston, managing partner at caring for disabled members of my and care from Oxford House Care, said: “Adult social family. I found it a very rewarding and staff looking care is an industry where young fulfilling job where everyday is a after her mum people can forge a fantastic career, different experience. I’ve been working who has early with training, support and amazing as a support care assistant for the past onset dementia, she decided to experience from day one. Many of our five years, alongside my university become a care worker. service users especially gel with studies. younger members of the team who are After starting as a care assistant for a “In a typical day I will speak to service so full of energy and enthusiasm. care company, she excelled and users, make sure they are happy, help became the training manager, before “However, we welcome people from all provide medication and food and becoming a registered manager backgrounds, with all kinds of ensure they have a high quality of life. responsible for the operational day-to- experience. Care can be To excel in this role you must be a day management of the service. transformational for people and it's patient and caring individual who wonderful to see the impact you can Abi said: “I wanted to make a genuinely wants the best for those make on people’s lives. Very few difference, and hopefully I have done around you and to help those less careers offer this kind of motivation that with the support of such a great, fortunate.” and reward.” compassionate, caring and dedicated ------team. I have been very fortunate within the industry and would advise While social care can be seen as doing Find out more anyone who wants a change or wants a set of tasks for other people, it’s Visit Berkshire Opportunities at to make even the smallest difference to actually about creating a relationship www.berkshireopportunities.co.uk, a someone’s life; this is the industry to and helping them to feel empowered website delivered by Thames Valley be in. It’s by far the most rewarding job to do more for themselves, as well as Berkshire LEP, to find out about live job I have ever had.” be respected and valued as individuals. vacancies, apprenticeships, Further Education and Post 16 courses and People interested in a career in social training opportunities, as well as local care need to be sensitive to the career path options, including adult individual’s needs, as well as social care opportunities. empowering them and respecting their personal dignity, culture and identity. Berkshire Opportunities is a free service helping local job seekers, Sally Kitson, the council’s strategy and students and residents to make partnership manager, said: “The informed career decisions, and it was practical skills can all be learned, and designed to deal with challenges there is lots of training on offer, no brought about by the Covid pandemic.

Slough Borough Council is working in partnership with Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead, Jobcentre and Berkshire Opportunities on this campaign. 10 HEALTH, CARE AND SUPPORT www.slough.gov.uk Spring 2021 Support from a caring community

Hundreds of volunteers have been As well as the need for food parcels helping the community and prescription, other needs have throughout the pandemic. surfaced. The One Slough initiative began in Domestic violence, unemployment and March 2020 as a partnership between poverty have increased in the town and as a result several projects, funded voluntary, faith and business sectors, from donations received by Slough with Slough Borough Council, to Giving, have been established. The black, Asian and minority ethnic support individuals and communities in (BAME) community was identified early Slough. One Slough members realised that on as being at a higher risk of with unemployment comes a lot of contracting Covid-19, so An incredible 600 volunteers are part other personal issues to deal with, so communication was key to keep the of the effort, and 12,273 food parcels devised a four-week Wellbeing and numbers down. and 708 prescriptions have been Employment Programme, to help delivered by volunteers to the people to regain their confidence, as Working with local group Apna Virsa, vulnerable. well as providing them with the One Slough engaged with local BAME community leaders, producing The One Slough group have a weekly practical skills to find a new job. messaging specifically for them. online call to identify the ever- One Slough groups have also set up changing needs of the community and Facebook support groups for those One Slough Community Champions are work out the logistics of delivering looking for work, as well as those helping to spread trusted information, essential services to residents. facing domestic abuse problems. provided by Public Health Slough, to all residents to pass onto their family and Jamie Green, One Slough Co-Chair said: Another practical solution is the One friends. “With the Covid-19 vaccine, there is an Slough Furniture Project, where end to the risk of loss of life and donated furniture is given to families One Slough was recognised nationally livelihoods in sight. One Slough is who are facing eviction and forced as an exemplary model of partnership currently supporting the NHS with house moves. working and it will continue while volunteers at the vaccination centres to The volunteer Wellbeing Friend Covid-19 impacts residents’ lives. help the town get vaccinated and get initiative, where informal social Visit https://oneslough.org.uk for tested. The volunteers have been keen telephone calls support residents who myth busting infographics and a FAQ and enthusiastic and have told us how are elderly and/or self-isolating, has page with questions from Champions much it means to them, to not just help proved to be beneficial for the answered by Public Health Slough, our most vulnerable residents, but also volunteers and individuals since it including hands, face, space advice, help our local heroes - our key workers began in April. testing and vaccine queries. - get vaccinated.” Spring 2021 www.slough.gov.uk HEALTH, CARE AND SUPPORT 11

Proud volunteers everyone is doing is amazing. First thing this morning an elderly lady and Manjit Birk, GoodGym Slough co- her daughter set me off, I had to hold ordinator, has been volunteering at back the tears. When her mum got one of the vaccine centres since back to the car the daughter shouted in December. excitement “yes, this is the first step She said: “To hear our most vulnerable mum”. They were both so pleased. I’m residents say ‘thank you for helping super proud to be part of this gang and me’ and ‘I’m so happy to get this I’m so proud of what we’ve all vaccine, it means I can think about achieved.” seeing my family again’, words like that warmed my heart to no end. And actually we are not just helping our Contact One Slough most vulnerable residents, but also Those who continue to shield will be helping our local heroes - our key able to get support with deliveries of workers get vaccinated. If you have food, medication and other areas of time available then please sign up. You their life - call 01753 944198 (Monday won’t regret it.” to Friday from 9am to 4pm). You can register to volunteer at For vulnerable or self-isolating (but https://oneslough.org.uk/volunteer/ not shielding), or financial or Vaccine centre volunteer, Claire benefits related help - call 01753 Giacobbe, said: “Honestly what 475111, option 1 and then 3. Covid-19 vaccinations A vaccination programme is Do any of the vaccines contain any • there has been much greater underway in Slough and the UK animal product? No, none of the three international collaboration after three coronavirus vaccines approved vaccines contain any animal • the pharmaceutical companies were developed and approved. products or egg. know there is an urgent demand Are there any known or anticipated for the vaccine, so they have The UK will now have enough vaccine side effects? Like all medicines, invested a lot of resources in it available, from Pfizer/BioNTech, vaccines can cause side effects. Most of straight away and manufactured AstraZeneca/Oxford and Moderna, to these are mild and short-term, and not at their own risk. vaccinate the entire adult population everyone gets them. Very common and hopefully see an end to the side effects include: I’m not vulnerable so why do I coronavirus pandemic. • having a painful, heavy feeling and need to be vaccinated? ‘Herd immunity’ is a concept used for Residents will be contacted by the tenderness in the arm where you had your injection vaccination. It means a population NHS when it is their turn for the can be protected from a certain virus • feeling tired vaccine. Those most at risk will be if enough people are vaccinated. If we vaccinated first, with it being offered • headaches don’t reach that number, the virus more widely over the coming months. • general aches, or mild flu like will continue to spread and Be cautious of scams around the symptoms. potentially mutate. To end the vaccine - you will never be asked for How have the vaccines been created pandemic and protect those that are your bank details to access the so quickly? In the event of a public most vulnerable or vaccines. These are provided for free. health emergency, vaccine immunosuppressed, and get our daily development can be sped up. This has lives back to normal, we need to Below are some of the common vaccinate as many people as possible. questions being asked. happened with Covid-19 because: • money has not been a barrier For more details on the on the Is the NHS confident the vaccine is • there have been much larger clinical vaccines, visit safe? Yes. The NHS will not offer any trials much sooner www.publichealthslough.co.uk/ campaigns/covidvaccine Covid-19 vaccinations to the public • scientists have used their knowledge until experts have signed off that it is of similar illnesses and previous For a checklist on accurate safe to do so. The MHRA, the official vaccine work (e.g. SARS) to help information to share, visit UK regulator, has said the Covid-19 design the Covid-19 vaccine www.publichealthslough.co.uk/ vaccines are very safe and highly campaigns/share effective. 12 CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE www.slough.gov.uk Spring 2021 Get inspired with home learning ideas Slough Early Years and Prevention It was made to reach and support Social stories Service have developed a package families with fun and easy home of inclusive materials, practical learning ideas for children up to five These social stories help children to resources and ideas to support years old. It includes: understand the many changes they have noticed and experienced around fundamental elements of early • many ideas and practical activities them, especially during COVID-19. It years learning and development. • videos to watch together that bring helps a child understand a small part stories and activities to life The Support Together Early Education of their social world and how to Resources (STEER) include links to other • helpful links to websites which give function appropriately within it. It will useful websites and professional tips and advice on learning and help to develop their social skills and organisations, which can be accessed development. understanding. on different devices, making it user It will be useful for children with: friendly and easy to navigate and Outdoor learning • autism return to. Experiencing the outdoors as a safe, • other social processing disorders These are intended to reach and fun and enjoyable learning support families with young children environment is important. Most • English as a second language (EAL). during COVID-19 and beyond. children love being outside when it's a space where they can explore, Bursts for Learning challenge themselves, take risks, Find out more experience the awe and wonder of Bursts for Learning 0-5 is a To access the resources, nature and have access to sensory download the documents by collaborative working document made learning opportunities. by early years teachers, professionals searching STEER resources at and Slough Children’s Centres. www.slough.gov.uk

Sensory play allows for many learning experiences which gives Activities to try the freedom to explore and discover the world around them.

Making ice Squash and squeeze What you need Squashing and squeezing is a great 1. Water in a jug. activity to develop fine motor skills. 2. Different size tubs, containers, Activities like this help develop the bowls. skills needed for mark making and then writing. 3. Different objects - when you go What you can use for a walk collect some small twigs, leaves and flower petals. Bread, banana, cooked pasta, play You can also use different dough (or any dough used for household items such as herbs, cooking) - what happens? Can you small toy cars and dinosaurs. mould anything? What you need to do Sponges/ 1. Fill your containers with a few cloths - soak a items that fit and then fill with sponge with water. water and squeeze it out 2. Leave outside overnight if it’s due into a bowl. to be frosty. Otherwise put it in How many the freezer. times do you 3. In the morning see what has do this before happened and have fun playing. it fills up? Spring 2021 www.slough.gov.uk CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE 13

Kitemark Young accreditation health A focus on health will be part of a champions new accreditation scheme for early years settings. A programme which In Slough, there are several health enables young people to inequalities in children and young make their voices heard people, including the following. around health and • Poor oral health - a third of five year wellbeing issues has been olds and a quarter of three year olds nominated for a national suffer with dental decay. award. • Obesity crisis - one in five of Slough based charity Aik Saath Slough’s children starts reception as started working with NHS East overweight or obese, higher than Berkshire Clinical Commissioning the average in the South East. Group, in partnership with Bracknell Forest Council, on the • Low immunisation uptake - namely East Berkshire Young Health the MMR and flu vaccines. Champions project. • Mental ill-health - 9.6% of 5-16 year The project promotes emotional olds in Slough present with at least wellbeing for young people in one mental health disorder secondary schools, with the aim (emotional, behavioural, to also strengthen youth hyperactive, or other) with a Childminder Debbie Haden, pictured with participation in local service particular increase in emotional Jake, is excited to get started with the design, commissioning and disorders (includes anxiety and accreditation process delivery. depression). This is higher than the 5.5% average in the South East. It was shortlisted for the To do this, the early years team has Partnership Working Award in After a year of unprecedented change developed a kitemark, in partnership this year’s Children and Young due to coronavirus, it has shown the with public health, which will support People Now Awards (CYPN), with importance of health and wellbeing every early years setting to promote a virtual ceremony held on 4 and how this could be improved in our and establish the best health March. community. improvement messages and practices. Rob Deeks, Chief Executive at Aik Early interventions to improve It incorporates an accredited award Saath, said: “We are proud to be children’s health not only contribute to scheme which includes the following a part of the Young Health school readiness, but help determine areas: Champions programme. better future health outcomes. Early • health and wellbeing Regardless of whether we take years providers and schools need to home the award, young people • nutrition and oral health work collaboratively with health requiring support with mental professionals, external agencies and • physical activity health are the real winners - services to support parents and carers, • emotional and mental wellbeing. thanks to the East Berks NHS CCG to prevent a worsening of this crisis. and the young volunteers, Each setting will be assessed in these people needing support can areas and need to provide evidence of expect better services and the good practice to achieve a bronze, opportunity to access the right silver, gold or platinum level of help at the right time thanks to accreditation. their peers' newfound skills and The aim is to see as many settings as knowledge.” possible signing up for the accreditation. Slough Early Years Ask your child’s early years setting for BEST SHOW OF GREAT PRACTICE Accreditation more information. 14 NEWS www.slough.gov.uk Spring 2021 Lockdown learning

Learn during lockdown and keep For more information and support with enrolment call 01753 476611, or for course your mind active and your information visit www.webenrol.com/ebclass wellbeing healthy with an online course. East Berkshire Community Learning and Skills Service offers a programme of courses this spring for Slough residents. Courses include: • Functional English and maths •ESOL • Digital skills • Health and Wellbeing • Back to work. If you work with clients, these are useful courses to keep them active. During lockdown the courses are free.

Chalvey Can Active If you’re a family living in or near You can take part as much as you like Chalvey and you’re looking for in the different activity options and win something fun to do together, why not prizes for moving a bit more! There are Slough try Chalvey Can? online family classes every week and The Active Slough team helped 1:1 bookable sessions (your family with Chalvey Can is a free family activity coordinate all sorts of online fitness a family activity mentor). Visit programme funded by the National activities during each of the www.slough.gov.uk/chalveycan Lottery and Sport England. lockdowns, when group sessions If you’re not sure what you want to do It’s open to families with children aged had to stop. or you feel you need a bit more 5-15 who: There have been dance sessions, support, 1:1 zoom coffee and chat yoga, seated exercise, bootcamps, • live in Chalvey, or sessions are also available for you and HIIT classes, Zumba, boxercise and • have at least one child at a Chalvey your family. school. more. Already a member? The current programme was coming Get in touch through one of the to an end at the time of publication, options below and let the team know but for the latest updates and to see how they can best support you and the current programme, follow your family with activities. Active Slough on Facebook, where Want to join? the classes are live streamed and then available for three days Membership and activities are free. afterwards. • Email [email protected] For more information, visit • Call 01753 875177 between 9.30am facebook.com/activeslough or and 5pm, Monday to Friday, or leave slough.gov.uk/activeslough a message outside these ours. • Send a message on Facebook or Instagram @chalvey.can and Deepa and her daughter Siyona Raheja someone will get back to you. complete mat work as part of a family challenge Spring 2021 www.slough.gov.uk HOUSING 15 Affordable homes on former Akzo Nobel site

Hundreds of new social and of the site, can direct it to provide the affordable homes will be built by most benefit to local residents and the council. ensure it joins with other regeneration in the Slough town centre Square Mile The council’s Cabinet approved the to both align with and compliment our purchase of land at the former Akzo over all strategy for this part of our town. Nobel factory, which could bring up to 1,000 new homes. “Providing high-quality homes across the social, affordable and private The factory site was acquired by housing sectors is a strategic priority development firm Panattoni and split for us as the council into two areas - a commercial area and The cost of buying the land will be met “With the proposal including a a residential area. by borrowing at a low interest rate and minimum of 25 per cent affordable use of the council’s capital budget. This The residential is to the south of the housing we want to provide local exists for major infrastructure projects, site and, as well as up to 1,000 homes, quality homes for local people, with purchasing of assets and buildings and also has planning permission for a control over the public areas to provide is separate from the budget which variety of retail alongside new public a holistic and improved environment. spaces, car parking and new roads and provides funding for council services footpaths. “We have aspirations for an even (the revenue budget). greater proportion of the site to be Cabinet approved the purchase on 18 Councillor James Swindlehurst, leader social and affordable housing and to January. of the council and lead member for make this a flagship scheme for our regeneration, said: “By buying this emerging sustainability and transport land, we are in control over the destiny strategies.” Homes approved on Montem site

Permission has been granted for 212 new homes on the site of the former Montem Leisure Centre. Slough Urban Renewal (SUR) is planning a residential development on the Montem Lane site, with a mixture of apartments and family houses - helping to meet the need for affordable, high quality homes within the borough. Katy Walker, Senior Development Manager at SUR said: “This is a great scheme and will really help to rejuvenate the western edge of the town. With a newly refurbished leisure centre in place, this site provides an opportunity to deliver much needed housing for the borough and its residents. In addition to the homes that will be delivered here, we will be incorporating communal spaces, that will be open to the wider community and we will be improving the public realm, for the benefit of all.” The site forms part of the proposed Chalvey Regeneration Area. SUR previously completed the large scale refurbishment of The Centre in 2019, Slough’s new £18m leisure facility. 16 HEALTH, CARE AND SUPPORT www.slough.gov.uk Spring 2021

Adult social care Useful contacts Adult social care Adult social care services have A Finance and Benefits (FAB) T: 01753 475111, option 1 continued to keep people safe assessment during the current pandemic. For out of hours social care issues, including child protection: Wherever possible, the council’s Following your assessment with a social worker, you will have a financial call 01344 786543 adult social care teams try to help assessment to see if you are eligible for For adults with mental health people live safely and as long as support with paying for your care. needs, their carers can call: they are able to in their own The FAB worker will complete your 0300 365 0300 (new referrals) or homes through working closely 01753 690950 (existing referrals) with local service providers and financial assessment for domiciliary community groups. care (care at home) or a Direct Safeguarding Payment. They can take into account Whoever you are, if you suspect a The teams support people in a range of any additional costs incurred due to person is being harmed or abused, ways including arranging domiciliary your illness or disability. They can also you must report what you know. care services at home, care home help you claim any additional benefits provision, short-term support and you may be entitled to. The social T: 01753 475111, option 1 breaks, offering aids and equipment, worker will provide the forms for you E: [email protected] carers support, and direct payments. or a family member to complete if your #OneSlough community They also provides tailored information service is a care home placement. and advice based upon what is response to Covid-19 important to people, as well as Will I have to sell my home T: 01753 944198 - see page 10 for signposting them to more specialist to pay for my care? more details. provision. The adult social care teams The value of your main home will not Slough Foodbank also help connect those that are be taken into account if you are T: 0808 2082138 isolated to local voluntary and receiving domiciliary care or a Direct community groups. W: www.slough.foodbank.org.uk Payment. If you live in a care home, the E: [email protected] Do you have to pay for value of any property you own will be considered, unless a spouse/partner, Slough Advice Centre social care? relative aged over 60 or under 16 or T: 0344 515 1380 The Government has rules in place that who has disabilities is also living there. W: www.sloughadvicecentre.co.uk decide who is eligible for financial If they do, the property is fully E: [email protected] support and who needs to pay. disregarded. Currently if you have more than AccessAble £23,250 in savings or capital, you will How much does the council Visit www.accessable.co.uk and cover the full cost of your care. If your spend on social care? search ‘Slough’ for information on accessibility. circumstance change or your savings In 2018/19, the council spent £35.097m reduce, you will be reassessed. on social care, with a total of 2,420 Careline people receiving support. Careline provides assistive technology to support you to live independently at home. Co-production Network T: 01753 535622. The Co-production Network brings They welcome more local people with Health and Wellbeing Slough together Slough residents with lived experiences of health and social This service provides free integrated professionals from the council’s care services, either directly or as an health services to all Slough adult social care team, East Berkshire unpaid carer, to join them. residents. It can help with NHS CCG and Healthwatch Slough. To find out more or to volunteer, email health checks, children and adult They work in partnership to: [email protected] weight management, stop smoking • shape local health and social care services, falls prevention, sedentary services behaviour, brief interventions for • really listen and engage with local alcohol abuse, advice on emotional people wellbeing and oral health. • make decisions about services T: 0800 0614734/01753 373646 together W: www.healthandwellbeingslough.co.uk • work with and engage the wider E: [email protected] community. Spring 2021 www.slough.gov.uk HEALTH, CARE AND SUPPORT 17 Support for carers

Unpaid carers who support family Slough Carers Support Free digital resources for carers members, friends or neighbours, Slough Carers Support provides a You can access the council’s digital are invaluable, but they may not range of free information, training and resources for carers, where you will know of help available to them. advice, a telephone support line and a find: carers’ discount card. They currently Carers UK estimate 6.5 million people • e-learning, helping carers build arrange regular informal online living in the UK today are carers. That’s resilience support groups as well as help connect one in eight adults who are unpaid carers to other local carers groups. • Jointly, the care co-ordination app carers for family or friends; or around • free publications from Carers UK 12,000 carers living in Slough alone. Visit www.sloughcarerssupport.co.uk or email [email protected] or • more information and local Many people who provide this support call 01753 303428. resources. do not see themselves as a carer, but the council is keen to ensure they Visit carersdigital.org and use our unique access code to create an know what support is available to help Support for carers of people with account for free: DGTL4366 them in their role. mental health problems In response to Covid 19, the council, Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation NHS East Berkshire CCG (Health) and Trust offer carer assessments and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Slough Children’s Trust launched a new support to carers who are supporting Slough Borough Council is now able to joint Carers Plan, which was developed people with mental health problems. offer free PPE where required if you are with carers. It outlines a local approach Call: receiving support with personal care to supporting carers, including adult • 01753 690950 (such as help with washing) from a and young carers, as well as those (Community Mental Health Team) personal assistant or a carer who does supporting a disabled child. not live with you. • 01753 635220 The organisations recognise the (Older People’s Mental Health Team) If your personal assistant or carer significant impact the pandemic is requires this to help meet your having on carers and therefore the personal care please ask them to increased importance of connecting Slough Young Carers search PPE at www.slough.gov.uk. them to services. Slough Young Carers support young They will then need to arrange to carers to stay healthy and well, reach collect this at an agreed time and venue. Adult social care support their potential and have a fun and fulfilling life outside of caring. They The council’s adult social care team You can also call 01753 475111, option currently offer two sessions every 1, or email [email protected] offers support to carers by speaking to week, usually on Zoom, one for young them about how they want to live their people aged 5 to 10 and another for lives. young people aged 11 to 19 or up to 25 Assessment of needs They can: with a learning difficulty or disability. Get in touch on the numbers below for Aik Saath provides the online social • help people recognise they are a a more detailed assessment of your activities which are wide-ranging, carer and discuss what they can do needs. including cooking and baking, arts and with their skills and available • If you’re caring for an adult, contact social activities. resources the council’s adult social care team • support carers to maximise their Email [email protected] on 01753 475111. relationships with friends, family or call the Early Help Hub on • If you’re caring for a disabled child, and the community to help them in 01753 476589 or 07736 122212. contact Slough Children’s Services their caring role Visit www.sloughyoungcarers.org Trust on 01753 875362. • give carers information to help or email [email protected] • If you’re a young person providing them make their own decisions and care, contact Young People’s signpost to other services Services on 01753 875510. Parent carers • provide reassurance that direct • If you need help with prescription support will be available at crisis Parents seeking support for special pick-ups, please request help on the points. educational needs or a disability can One Slough website at contact Slough Children’s Services Trust. To find out more, call the council on https://oneslough.org.uk or call 01753 475111. Visit www.scstrust.co.uk/who-we- 01753 944198. See page 10. are/contact-us or call 01753 477321 or email [email protected] 18 CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE www.slough.gov.uk Spring 2021 Foster carers supporting vulnerable children Foster carers in Slough have been doing an exceptional job during the lockdown, providing wonderful experiences and a stable family environment to children who have already faced too much uncertainty.

The last year has been challenging for old, had not enjoyed many life horses and she was desperate to ride many of us, but perhaps more so for experiences, at least not ones she too. She enthusiastically read books children who are vulnerable. For could look back on with positive and watched programmes to learn children in care who have previously memories. She was loud, over more about ponies and their care. had little stability in their lives, this can confident, confused and dejected. She When lockdown arrangements eased make the situation even worse. wasn’t sure of where she was going or during the summer, a trip to the what was expected of her. stables became a reality and, by the One such child is Emily* who arrived at time her lesson began, it felt like she her new foster carer’s home not long Emily quickly settled into her new was going to burst with excitement. after the first lockdown began. Before home and her love of animals soon this she had been in several homes became apparent. Her foster carer’s Emily had also mentioned to her foster and, even though she was eight years own children had previously ridden carers that she had never been on holiday, or been to a beach, so her next trip was a visit to the seaside for some paddling, collecting shells, a trip to the penny arcade and a spin on the roundabout. At the beach she was in and out of the sea and loving every minute of it. “These are the joys of being a foster carer,” said Karen, a foster carer with Slough Children’s Services Trust. “Seeing that laugh that has never been seen. That joy in their hearts when they never want to leave. But always the reassurance we will do all this again!” Emily’s story is just one of many from across the borough. While much of the country has ground to a standstill, foster carers like Karen have continued to welcome into their homes some of society’s most vulnerable children, keeping them safe and giving them hope of a brighter future. *Not her real name

If you would like to be a foster carer with Slough Children’s Services Trust, get in touch to find out how you can be supported every step of the way with generous allowances, 24/7 support and excellent training. To find out more, visit www.fosterforslough.com or text FOSTER to 60066. Spring 2021 www.slough.gov.uk NEWS 19 Love your libraries

Slough libraries are offering a The library activities and events click and collect and returns programme continues online on service from two library buildings Facebook with storytimes, interactive during lockdown. This is the activities including Curve club and current situation during the Code club as well as special events. national lockdown and is subject Visit www.facebook.com/ sloughlibraries to find something to to change. keep yourself or your family The click and collect and returns service entertained. is available at The Curve and Britwell New titles are always coming, in the Library, Monday to Friday, from 10am- library and online. Use the click and 4pm, and Saturdays, from 10am-2pm collect service to take advantage of this Cippenham and Langley libraries are or head online to find new additions. temporarily closed for all services The team can’t wait to see you in including click and collect. person, or virtually, soon! Browsing and computer use is For more updates on libraries, visit unavailable during the national www.slough.gov.uk/libraries lockdown at any open library. If you have a library membership you can ask for something in particular or Online resources you can ask for a type of book and the team can choose a selection for you. As well as the easy to arrange click and collect service, the library service offers Time to talk You can email many online resources. Young people have been getting [email protected] or creative for a competition helping to telephone your preferred library: You can easily download free eBooks, eAudiobooks, magazines, newspapers, raise mental health awareness • The Curve: 01753 875533 comics and films. All you need is a among their parents and carers. • Britwell: 01753 522869 library membership. If you don’t have a NHS East Berkshire CCG joined forces Once the books are ready for collection library card it’s so easy to sign up. Do it with Slough charity Aik Saath, local the team will call or email you with a online at slough.spydus.co.uk, email filmmakers Resource Productions date and timeslot. [email protected] or contact your and young people to create the Time local library. The library team want to thank all to Talk competition and inspire customers for their continuing support Once you have your library card young people and their parents and for the library service during the number and pin, you can access the carers to speak more openly about pandemic, especially with the ever- following websites and apps. their mental health and to ask for changing regulations and guidelines. • Kanopy - free film streaming help when they need it. service. When can books be returned Young people had until 14 February • Pressreader - read thousands of to submit their poem, with the You can return your books to The Curve national and international winner working alongside Resource or Britwell Library during the current newspapers daily. Productions to make a short film. opening hours. You will find a container at the entrance where you • Niche Academy - stretch your mind Dom Unsworth, Producer, said: can place them. Any returned books and learn something new. “Resource Productions are really will be placed in quarantine for 72 • Transparent Language - learn a new excited to be able to give a young hours. language ready for those holidays poet the chance to make a film you can’t wait to go on. based on their words and use this • Find My Past, Ancestry and Slough competition to encourage parents History Online - learn about your and carers to take time to talk to ancestors’ past or Slough’s history. young people about mental health.” • BorrowBox - access to hundreds of The film will be released online on eBooks and eAudiobooks on the go. World Poetry Day on 21 March and • RB Digital - read eComics and will be a key part of local mental eMagazines wherever you are, on wellbeing campaigns in East your own devices. Berkshire. 20 HEALTH, CARE AND SUPPORT www.slough.gov.uk Spring 2021 Getting fit to fight Covid

Residents are encouraged to take Councillor Natasa Pantelic, cabinet The public health team’s website also small steps to increase their member for health and social care, has tips on how to begin getting active physical activity and help to be said: “Moving more is a great way to again after having had coronavirus, healthier to fight against help improve mental health, maintain with advice being to start slowly, coronavirus. a healthy weight and to help reduce sitting times and set small strengthen the immune system. In the goals. The council’s public health team and light of coronavirus, physical activity is The council’s leisure team has been leisure team launched a physical a fantastic way that residents can help running a series of free online fitness activity campaign called protect themselves against future sessions to keep everyone active. #Fit2FightCovid, which urges everyone outbreaks.” to do that little bit more activity than Search Active Slough on Facebook to they do now. Taking walks, running, going on bike see the latest updates. rides, or doing other activities such as For more information, visit In Slough, only 20 per cent of residents yoga and dance, are all good options, www.publichealthslough.co.uk/ are identified as active, that is doing but do something you will enjoy and campaigns/fit2fightcovid or email 150 minutes or more of activity in a can do regularly. week, and more than two thirds of [email protected] adults in Slough are overweight or obese. Being overweight or obese is more likely to lead to a positive test for Covid, hospitalisation and advanced levels of treatment, according to Public Health England. A simple step to improve health

The council’s public health team has launched a new Public Health England advises everyone takes 10 micrograms campaign to encourage residents to start taking a vitamin D of vitamin D a day between October and early March as we supplement. don’t get enough vitamin D from natural sunlight. This is compounded by the pandemic and lockdown measures which Early indications suggest that Vitamin D may be contributing have kept people inside more than normal, increasing the risk towards the fight against coronavirus. of vitamin D deficiency. Taking vitamin D can help improve your overall health, prevent your bones from weakening and strengthen your Have you had your immune system to help prevent infection. It’s especially important to take vitamin D if you are in any of these groups. • Adults and children from “at risk” groups and those vitamin D today? clinically vulnerable to coronavirus. • The elderly. • People who do not go outside. • Those with dark skin (especially residents with a Black Caribbean, Black African or South Asian ethnicity). • Pregnant women*. • Children up to the age of 4 years*. *Vitamin D supplements available free (or at low cost) through the Healthy Start scheme to support healthy pregnancy and births - please ask your GP, midwife or health visitor or visit www.healthystart.nhs.uk Build a strong and healthy immune system Visit www.publichealthslough.co.uk/campaigns/vitamind www.publichealthslough.co.uk/campaigns/vitaminD for more information.