Information for Ward Coordinators during Covid-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak
Edition 24
Introduction This information booklet has been produced by Community Action Sutton.
During these uncertain times information will change frequently, we will be working hard to ensure the information within this booklet is as up to date as possible.
Visit our website and follow us on social media www.communityactionsutton.org.uk
Copies of this information booklet can be found here - https://www.suttoncvs.org.uk/covid-19-ward-coordinators/
Twitter https://twitter.com/ComActionSutton
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Communityactionsutton/
In this Edition
Community – updated information
Vulnerable People – updated information
Children, Young People and Families – updated information
COVID-19 Information – updated information
Useful Contacts
Community
St Helier Hospital remains open
Message from Dr Dino Pardhanani, GP Borough Lead for Sutton
We would like to reassure you that St Helier Hospital remains open, A&E remains open, and we are urging people to continue to attend any planned appointments they may have at the hospital.
Joint Medical Director Dr Ruth Charlton, said: "A small number of people have tested positive for Covid-19 in the Renal Department and Intensive Care Unit at St Helier Hospital.
“The safety and wellbeing of our patients and staff is our priority and those who tested positive have been isolated from other patients, with arrangements in place to maintain safe and high-quality care.
The situation is isolated to the hospital and there is currently no indication of wider community transmission, but we, alongside our partners in the community, will continue to carefully monitor the situation.
We continue to follow all relevant infection prevention and control guidelines.
Visiting has been restricted in some areas, but as soon as clinicians are confident that the measures can be lifted in a way that is safe for patients and staff, they will be.
The Trust will continue to provide hospital-grade surgical masks at the entrances to our hospitals, and will ask that all visitors wear one throughout their time on site.”
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Keep Sutton Safe with Test and Trace Sutton has been granted 4 new coronavirus testing sites in addition to the existing mobile unit at Denmark Road, Carshalton. These sites will play a key role in our continued efforts to reduce the spread of the virus and keep the residents of Sutton safe, and will enable more residents within Sutton to access a test quickly and easily.
There will now be 5 test sites in total: • Denmark road, Carshalton • Overton Park • Sutton Civic Centre car park • The Phoenix Centre car park • David Weir Leisure Centre car park
Those being tested will be required to follow public health measures, including social distancing, not travelling by taxi or public transport, practising good personal hygiene and wearing a face covering throughout, including while travelling to and from the testing centre. Once the test is complete, they will be asked to return straight home.
For residents who are unable to access sites in these locations, booking a home test is still the advisable option, these can be booked in the same way as a regular test. If you are unable to get to a priority post box without using public transport or for any other reason then you can arrange a courier collection by calling 119.
The Locals: #object_ive What one possession or item in your family represents something meaningful or important to you about your cultural heritage?
Our possessions are often connected to stories, experiences, memories and moments of change within our lives. Even though we sometimes take them for granted, the objects we keep can express our identities.
The Locals: object_ive invites members of the African and Caribbean communities, living or working in Sutton, to participate in creating an exhibition by sharing two photographs with us, one of themselves and one of a personal possession that is meaningful to them in terms of their cultural heritage. This doesn't have to be a ‘precious’ object, it could be the simplest of things; an everyday object, or maybe a photograph, a recipe, or even a plant in your garden.
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In addition to these two images, participants are also asked to provide just a little bit of information about the significance of that object. Whilst we are hoping to create an engaging and vibrant display, you can opt for your submission to be directly deposited to our Archives collection without being publicly displayed.
Our objectives are to acknowledge and celebrate the African and Caribbean communities of Sutton and to better understand the scope of cultural heritage that is important to each of us. We want the project to inform how we develop the Borough's collections to be inclusive, relevant and representative of all voices within the borough.
Curious? Further information is detailed below or send us an email to find out more: [email protected]
To book a place at the Friday 16th October session – click here https://bit.ly/HCAW161020
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Apply for the Green Homes Grant scheme
The government will provide a voucher worth up to £5,000 or £10,000 to help cover the cost of making energy efficient improvements to your home.
Improvements could include insulating your home to reduce your energy use or installing low-carbon heating to lower the amount of carbon dioxide your home produces.
You must redeem the voucher and ensure improvements are completed by 31 March 2021.
Check if you're eligible for the Green Homes Grant scheme and see what improvements can be made to your home.
Are you a member of Sutton neighbourhood watch?
Neighbourhood Watch is a charitable organisation, one of the biggest and most successful crime prevention initiatives in the UK, and your local Neighbourhood Watch are proud to have been supporting crime prevention in Sutton for over 20 years.
Neighbourhood Watch are in regular discussion with the police at borough and ward level to help ensure that issues of concern to you, such as crime and anti-social behaviour, are dealt with as promptly as possible. The Association consists of volunteers and members who care about their communities, looking out for each other and keeping their families, friends, and vulnerable neighbours safe . One thing which has become abundantly clear during the last 6 months has been our need for community and how important our support for one another is during difficult times such as these.
If you would like to join Neighbourhood Watch, as a member, or a volunteer, and are interested in keeping your community safe, then an application form can be found on the Neighbourhood Watch website https://www.suttonneighbourhoodwatch.co.uk/JoinUs.aspx.
Or you can get in touch by emailing [email protected] or
If you are already a member please ensure we have your up to date email address.
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Click to download full programme https://mcusercontent.com/8193c418eae7ff7af65963287/files/9ef95fa9-ba17-4142-a86f- 908c26f522eb/SLWH_timetable_October_5_.pdf
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Vulnerable People
Never underestimate the flu
Take a look at this two minute film showing the impact of a large outbreak of flu in a UK care home and demonstrating the importance of staff vaccination.
Watch the video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_c3oBmASOaU&feature=youtu.be
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Sutton Mental Health Service - Our service is changing!
We are continuing our telephone support service, but if you need to see someone face to face you can now book an appointment with a support worker. It could be for practical help - like filling in a form, for crisis support, or for a much-needed chat. Each appointment lasts an hour. If you need internet access, you can also make a booking to use one of our computers for an appointment, a meeting, to check your emails or even for some online shopping. Our Citizens Advice sessions, and all our other online activities are all continuing as before.
For more information, or to book an appointment go online at https://smhf.org.uk/appointments Email [email protected] or call 020 8770 0172
Help Plan a Crisis Café for Sutton
A Crisis Café is a safe, welcoming space where people who are feeling emotionally distressed or experiencing severe mental health difficulties can go for support outside of normal working hours, instead of using A&E or other urgent services. It offers a step before formal mental health care, with the aim of providing support that can help people through a difficult time in their mental health, and hopefully keep them safe and well and out of hospital.
Sutton Mental Health Foundation is working with Sutton NHS commissioners to look at setting up a pilot Crisis Café in Sutton, and we are keen to hear from people who might use a Crisis Café, or who might have felt the need for such a service in the past. It is important that a new Crisis Café service is designed around the views of service users - we want to build a service that people will feel comfortable to use and that offers the support they need.
Please visit https://smhf.org.uk/crisiscafe/ to take the Crisis Café survey and give us your views, or email [email protected] . If you can’t access our online survey call 020 8770 0172 and leave a message, and someone will get back to you.
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Fostering Q&A - Sons and Daughters Month Are you interested in fostering?
Do you have children of your own at home and worry about how fostering might impact them?
Join us for a live Q&A with one of our foster carers, Jo and her daughter Amy. They will answer your questions about what fostering means to them and their family and offer advice to those thinking about taking the next steps. This is your chance to get your questions answered and help you to begin your fostering journey.
Find out more https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sutton-fostering-qa-tickets-123475230739
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Children, Young People and Families
Sutton Libraries Are Open
All libraries are now operating their usual staffed opening hours Monday to Saturday. In addition, study spaces are also available in Circle Library, Sutton Central Library and Wallington Library through pre-booking only.
For information on changes to the library and heritage services in response to COVID-19, please check this site for full details. https://www.sutton.gov.uk/info/200588/health_and_wellbeing/2109/covid- 19_libraries_culture_and_leisure
Free Cakes for Kids
The Free Cakes for Kids Sutton volunteer bakers are looking forward to baking again for families in the Sutton area who are unable to provide a birthday cake for their child.
If you would like to find out more please email [email protected]
Families London Surrey Borders Digital Magazine
Have you seen The Families Surrey Borders Magazine it is stuffed with activities, experiences and deals that the whole family can enjoy.
Parents will especially find use in the back-to-school suggestions, homework tips and extracurricular interest groups.
Read it for free
https://issuu.com/familiesonline/docs/london_surrey_borders_fd13c057fdd021
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COVID 19 (Coronavirus Information) Latest Government Advice Local COVID alert levels: what you need to know Information on local COVID alert levels, including what they mean, why they are being introduced and what the different levels are.
Local COVID alert levels set out information for local authorities, residents and workers about what to do and how to manage the outbreak in their area.
Find out what you can and cannot do if you live, work or travel in each local COVID alert level.
Find out the Local COVID Alert Level in your local area with our postcode checker.
Get information on what restrictions are in place and what you can or cannot do. https://www.gov.uk/find-coronavirus-local-restrictions
Changes to self-isolation The Government has announced some changes to the regulations on self-isolation. A new Test and Trace Support Payment has been introduced for those on low incomes to support them if they cannot work during their self-isolation period. There are also increased penalties for breaking the rules on self-isolation, including fines on a sliding scale from £1,000 up to a maximum of £10,000 for multiple breaches.
Find out more - https://www.sutton.gov.uk/info/200588/health_and_wellbeing/2170/self- isolation_support
Changes to pubs and restaurants From the 24 September, businesses selling food or drink must be closed between 10pm and 5am. In premises serving food and drink orders must now be taken and served at a table. These changes have been put in place across England to reduce the spread of coronavirus
Coronavirus - What has changed
From Monday 14 September, people from different households should not meet socially in groups of more than six. This will apply indoors and outdoors, including in private homes. Find out more - https://www.gov.uk/government/news/coronavirus-covid-19-what-has- changed-9-september
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Face Coverings • Customers in private hire vehicles and taxis must wear face coverings (from 23 September). • Customers in hospitality venues must wear face coverings, except when seated at a table to eat or drink. Staff in hospitality and retail will now also be required to wear face coverings (from 24 September). • People who are already exempt from the existing face covering obligations, such as because of an underlying health condition, will continue to be exempt from these new obligations. • Guidance stating that face coverings and visors should be worn in close contact services will now become law (from 24 September). • Staff working on public transport and taxi drivers will continue to be advised to wear face coverings.
Working from home • To help contain the virus, office workers who can work effectively from home should do so over the winter. Where an employer, in consultation with their employee, judges an employee can carry out their normal duties from home they should do so. Public sector employees working in essential services, including education settings, should continue to go into work where necessary. Anyone else who cannot work from home should go to their place of work.
Businesses • Businesses selling food or drink (including cafes, bars, pubs and restaurants), social clubs, casinos, bowling alleys, amusement arcades (and other indoor leisure centres or facilities), funfairs, theme parks, adventure parks and activities, and bingo halls, must be closed between 10pm and 5am. This will include takeaways but delivery services can continue after 10pm (from 24 September). • In licensed premises, food and drink must be ordered from, and served at, a table. • Customers must eat and drink at a table in any premises selling food and drink to consume on site (from 24 September). • Businesses will need to display the official NHS QR code posters so that customers can ‘check-in’ at different premises using this option as an alternative to providing their contact details once the app is rolled out nationally (from 24 September). • Businesses and organisations will face stricter rules to make their premises COVID Secure (from 28 September): • A wider range of leisure and entertainment venues, services provided in community centres, and close contact services will be subject to the COVID-19 Secure requirements in law and fines of up to £10,000 for repeated breaches. • Employers must not knowingly require or encourage someone who is being required to self-isolate to come to work. • Businesses must remind people to wear face coverings where mandated.
Meeting people safely • Support groups must be limited to a maximum of 15 people (from 24 September). • Indoor organised sport for over 18s will no longer be exempt from the rule of six. There is an exemption for indoor organised team sports for disabled people (from 24 September).
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• There will be a new exemption in those areas of local intervention where household mixing is not allowed to permit friends and family to provide informal childcare for children under 14 (from 24 September). • Weddings and civil partnership ceremonies and receptions will be restricted to a maximum of 15 people (down from 30). Other significant standalone life events will be subject to the ‘rule of six’ limits, except funerals (from 28 September).
The government’s expectation is the measures described above will need to remain in place until March. For further information take a look here https://www.gov.uk/government/news/coronavirus-covid-19-what-has-changed-22- september
Coronavirus Symptoms The most important symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of any of the following:
• a new continuous cough • a high temperature • a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)
For most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness. However, if you have any of the symptoms above you must stay at home and arrange to have a test to see if you have COVID-19 Find out more about testing via this website https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus- covid-19-getting-tested
Ongoing Covid-19 support from the Voluntary and Community Sector We can still help you with securing an online supermarket delivery slot, or the services of dedicated shopper, or a short term food parcel delivery from the Voluntary sector hub depending on your circumstances. If you are currently receiving any support from us then this will continue and we will continue to talk to you about what help you need. The Voluntary sector is already supporting the distribution of food and other essential supplies which has already been running for 8 weeks. This has been supplied by donations from the public, food via Sutton Council and monetary donations to Sutton Giving.
If you are in need of help, and are not sure who to talk to, we suggest contacting Sutton Council in the first instance, https://www.sutton.gov.uk/info/200588/health_and_wellbeing/2099/covid- 19_how_to_ask_for_help so that they can ensure you are receiving all the support that you are entitled to. If you need support from a local charity please email [email protected]
NHS Test and Trace: if you've been in contact with a person who has coronavirus Stay at home for 14 days 14
If you're told you've been in contact with a person who has coronavirus: • stay at home (self-isolate) for 14 days from the day you were last in contact with the person – it can take up to 14 days for symptoms to appear • do not leave your home for any reason – if you need food or medicine, order it online or by phone, or ask friends and family to drop it off at your home • do not have visitors in your home, including friends and family – except for essential care • try to avoid contact with anyone you live with as much as possible • people you live with do not need to self-isolate if you do not have symptoms • people in your support bubble do not need to self-isolate if you do not have symptoms
Find out more - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing-and- tracing/nhs-test-and-trace-if-youve-been-in-contact-with-a-person-who-has-coronavirus/
Anyone who has symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) can get a free test to check if they have the virus. Get a test if you have coronavirus symptoms: • a high temperature, • a new, continuous cough, • or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
You need to get the test done in the first 5 days of having symptoms.
What the test involves
The test usually involves taking a swab of the inside of your nose and the back of your throat, using a long cotton bud.
You can do the swab yourself (if you are aged 12 or over) or someone can do it for you. Children aged 11 or under cannot do the swab themselves.
There are 2 ways of getting a test. You can: • book an appointment at a drive through or walk-through test site • ask for a home test kit – this will be delivered to your home
If you get a home test kit, you will need to do the test and return the kit in the next 48 hours. You will be told how to do this.
Find out more about testing via this website https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus- covid-19-getting-tested
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Useful information and contacts
Useful websites
NHS official information https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
Government information https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
Sutton Council Covid-19 online information https://www.sutton.gov.uk/covid-19
Domestic Abuse information https://www.suttoncvs.org.uk/assets/documents/domestic-abuse-info-list-cov
London Borough of Sutton Safeguarding information https://www.suttonsab.org.uk/index.php
Volunteering information https://vcsutton.org.uk/volunteer/covid-19-registration-for-volu-2/
Sutton Coronavirus Support and Action Facebook page A page has been set up by Sutton Council to share updates, news, and information on how and where to get help during this time. https://www.facebook.com/groups/suttoncoronavirus/
Information and advice If you or anyone you know needs information or advice on welfare benefits, employment, debt or housing you can contact ALPS from 9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday on 020 8405 3552 or visit their website www.suttonalps.org.uk
Citizens Advice Sutton The Citizens Advice Sutton volunteers and staff are continuing, through the Coronavirus crisis to provide free, confidential, independent, impartial information and advice. We have adapted our service.
• We have suspended our Sutton office’s face to face drop in service. • We have suspended face to face outreach services. • We are providing advice exclusively by telephone and online. • We are all working from home / away from the office.
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We are running our usual telephone and online service. People needing information and advice can contact us as usual, Monday to Friday, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm – 020 8405 3552 - or online at www.suttonalps.org.uk
Sutton Women’s Centre Sutton Women’s Centre are continuing to support women during the Coronavirus. Support includes: • On-line Freedom Programme • Free telephone counselling • Free on-line counselling Contact them on 0208 6611991 or email [email protected]
Safe Spaces scheme remains open If you're experiencing domestic abuse and need somewhere to go where you can call a helpline or support service, collect your thoughts or message a friend, pharmacy consultation rooms at Boots, Superdrug, Morrisons and many independent pharmacies are open. Find out more - https://uksaysnomore.org/where-is-my-nearest-safe-space/
Domestic Abuse Service Updates on any changes to domestic abuse services will be published on the London Borough of Sutton, Not Alone in Sutton and Transform Sutton websites on an on-going basis.
A signposting information sheet for residents and practitioners is available to download here.
Time out Youth Project Riverside Centre has put together a range of online activities, information and events for you to join in with and share with your friends. Visit their Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/TimeOutYouthProject/
Off the Record – Sutton Off The Record will continue to work with young people during the Coronavirus. They are not providing in-person support they have tweaked some of their services to include an extended online service and telephone counselling. Visit their website to find links to sign up to their counselling services and mental health information and support to help young people cope during the coronavirus pandemic. https://www.talkofftherecord.org/coping-with-covid-19/
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Community Action Sutton
Granfers Community Centre, 73-79 Oakhill Road, Sutton, SM1 3AA
www.communityactionsutton.org.uk
Registered Charity No. 1063129
Company Limited by Guarantee No 03336660
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