Prevent - Inform - Assist

Colchester Borough Council’s Covid-19 Community VERSION 2 Response Pack

www.colchester.gov.uk/coronavirus

Colchester

Stay at Home | Protect the NHS | Save Lives INTRODUCTION This pack has been produced to support Council is committed to supporting and CONTENTS you and your community during the keeping them up to date with advice and ongoing COVID-19 situation. information as soon as things are shared Within this pack you find the following: from Government at www.colchester.gov. Within you’ll find a list of key contacts, uk/coronavirus Useful links ...... Page 3-4 resources and information in one place, which we hope you can share with your Organisations or groups who need advice Colchester key contacts ...... Page 5 community to support each other as much or support are encouraged to contact the as possible during this time. Communities Response team by emailing Organisational roles ...... Page 6 [email protected] During these worrying and Community Resources ...... Page 7 unprecedented times Colchester Borough C360 is already co-ordinating an Useful social media channels ...... Page 7 Council (CBC) continues to work closely extensive volunteer response, along with local strategic partners, branded with many local communities who are Local Facebook support groups ...... Page 8 together as One Colchester. The council, mobilising themselves into action. Contact Voluntary Sector, Police, Health, Education them at information@community360. Social distancing and at-risk groups ...... Page 9-12 and Business Community along with org.uk many others make up the partnership and Community 360 ...... Page 13 We will update the pack on a regular are committed to close collaboration in basis as more information becomes Volunteering or referring people ...... Page 14-18 support of our communities. available. Colchester Food Bank ...... Page 19-22 A CBC Community Response team has been mobilised, closely aligned to Utilities ...... Page 22-26 Community 360 (C360) dedicated to provide support, advice and assistance How to live well during COVID-19 ...... Page 27 to those who need it across the borough. Mental health support ...... Page 28-31 Colchester’s amazing communities have responded in force, volunteers, groups and CBC Support for businesses ...... Page 32 activities springing up with local leaders to help those in need and the Council is Community Safety ...... Page 32-35 supporting this social movement however Domestic and Sexual Abuse Help ...... Page 35-36 it can. Our Business community, despite all Shopping and supermarkets ...... Page 37 their own challenges are stepping up NHS Workers and Parking ...... Page 38 and helping in so many ways and the Doctors and Pharmacies...... Page 39

1 www.colchester.gov.uk/coronavirus www.colchester.gov.uk/coronavirus 2 • St Helena Hospice SinglePoint • The Hub contains clear signposting SinglePoint is a 24/7 telephone advice to the relevant information from USEFUL LINKS AND PHONE NUMBERS line available for individuals facing Government and other essential incurable illness, their families, friends services, to providing a resource for • Overview of COVID-19 - what is it? NHS • Public Health Campaign Resource and carers. You can call SinglePoint on those looking for ideas on how to guidance - Coronavirus. Centre (you’ll need to register). For the 01206 890 360 to refer into any St Helena support their community, share ideas latest posters, videos and social media service or to call for help, information or and stories, and simply to connect with • World Health Organisation - World Health graphics. for support to coordinate other health others at a time when isolation and Organisation Coronavirus Advice. and social care services. loneliness are a particular challenge. • COVID–19 Mutual Aid UK - support for The Hub will also host a few events • Government advice: Gov.Uk Coronavirus • The Welfare Service: local community groups organising from a virtual pub night with the BIG Guidance. 0300 3039988. Opening hours Mon- Fri mutual aid throughout the COVID-19 Countryside Quiz to online chats. • Follow the latest stay at home advice. outbreak in the UK. 8am – 7pm. Sat – Sun 10am – 2pm. The Essex Welfare Service is there to help • Talking Newspaper Access • Questions & Answers on COVID-19 • Age UK: Doorstep Scams - advice on you find and access support during the downloadable copies of weekly news including advice for families, prevention, how to protect yourself and stay safe on COVID-19 crisis. If you need support with recordings. how it’s caught and spread, self- your doorstep. advice, daily living tasks and wellbeing, isolation, testing and treatment, foreign • Financial advice and guidance • Translated information about COVID-19: then please contact them, email provide. travel. [email protected] relating to COVID-19 is available on the • Stay at home guidance. MoneySavingExpert site. • NHS 111 – information can be found on • Essex County Council Advice on COVID-19. our website. • Advice for vulnerable people and • Colchester Citizens Advice: Advice guidance on social distancing. • Follow Public Health on Twitter • The NHS Every Mind Matters website Line 0300 330 2104 which is usually for the latest advice, facts and figures as managed between the hours of has some really useful tips and advice • www.livewellcampaign.co.uk they are announced. to support good mental health if the 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday. This • Voucher scheme launches for schools outbreak is causing you anxiety. • Government launches Coronavirus number is part of an Essex wide providing free school meals Information Service on WhatsApp group of Citizens Advice offices so if • Colchester Neighbourhood Watch This new free to use service aims to the Colchester office is unavailable provide official, trustworthy and timely another local office will pick the call information and advice about COVID-19, up. The calls into the line are charged and will further reduce the burden on at the local rate or that charged by the NHS services. caller’s phone provider if calling from a mobile. Or email advice colchester@ • Countryside Alliance Rural communities cabnet.org.uk. Additionally, this link COVID-19 will have a huge impact and from their website has some really present many challenges for everyone in useful, specific COVID-19 information the country. To support rural communities and advice. the Countryside Alliance has launched a Rural Communities Hub. • Essex family wellbeing.

3 www.colchester.gov.uk/coronavirus www.colchester.gov.uk/coronavirus 4 COMMUNITY SAFETY COLCHESTER KEY CONTACTS COMMUNITY • Colchester Borough Councils RESPONSE TEAM ORGANISATIONAL ROLES Community Safety team COMMUNITY COORDINATION • Neighbourhood 1: Safer.Colchester • Colchester Borough Council Community Yovone Cook 07976794789 Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic it @colchester.gov.uk Response team communities@colchester • Neighbourhood 2: is important to outline the roles of key • : 101/999 .gov.uk Lisa Hobson 07985383321 organisations who will be able to support • Community360 email information@ and enable communities to deal with community360.org.uk or call 01206 505250. • Neighbourhood 3: consequential issues that COVID-19 information to partner organisations. Abby Housdon • Head of Strengthening Communities at Essex may pose. [email protected] 07966239441 County Council. Email: kirsty.ocallaghan Residents - To support each other, Community 360 - To jointly coordinate @essex.gov.uk • Neighbourhood 4: whether that be random acts of kindness, activities, communication and interaction • Colchester Borough Councils Digital Access Sam Goodman offers of support or a friendly chat or wave. with partner organisations and Team is supporting residents who are self- 07818625484 communities. Leading on volunteer and Parish and Town Councils - To work isolating to get connected. Whether you need referral coordination click here email • Neighbourhood 5: closely with local organisations support setting up your online grocery shop, [email protected] Chrissy Henegan and community groups to provide a ordering your repeat prescriptions via the NHS 07966235791 coordinated community response where Rural Community Council of Essex app, or Skyping loved ones – they’re able to it is required to support local people. To (Community Agents, United In Kind) - help. Residents can contact the team by email • Neighbourhood 6: champion local support networks. Parish Utilising specialist local knowledge to at [email protected] Siobhan McLeod Council details can be found here. support people in the community please or call 01206 282452. 07966240457 contact the ESSEX WELFARE SERVICE Colchester Borough Council - To jointly • Parish Councils: a directory of town and parish 0300 303 9988. Councils can be found here. coordinate activities, communication and interaction with partner organisations United In Kind - Coaches and other • Ward Councillors: Contact details of all Ward • The Essex Welfare Service: and communities. Specifically, to lead services which will support local Councillors can be found here. 03003039988. Opening hours on creating a community database for communities, email h.goodwin@ceessex. • CBC Neighbourhood Teams: Mon- Fri 8am – 7pm. Sat – Sun vulnerable people and distributing this org.uk or call 07458 300894 [email protected] 10am – 2pm. The Essex Welfare • Council Tax: there are currently no Service is there to help you government announcements in respect of find and access support during a Council Tax freeze. However, if you are on the COVID-19 challenge. If you a low income your Council Tax bill could need support with advice, daily be reduced through a scheme Colchester living tasks and wellbeing then Borough Council administers called Local please contact them. Council Tax Support (LCTS). To apply please • Essex County Council Advice click here. on COVID-19

5 www.colchester.gov.uk/coronavirus www.colchester.gov.uk/coronavirus 6 COMMUNITY RESOURCES LOCAL FACEBOOK SUPPORT GROUPS It is important that as key community This is not an exhaustive list and new groups are appearing all the time. organisations, we recommend to USEFUL SOCIAL Some of these groups maybe private and you may need to request to join them. our Parish/ Towns and communities, MEDIA CHANNELS resources and steps that could reduce Colchester Borough Emergency Birch Village Community Group Help for any potential issues. Colchester Borough council website Coordinations Group Boroughwide help residents in Birch and surrounding area. Offer to Offer to volunteer or register for help. Colchester Borough Council for residents in Colchester. • Vulnerable people - While the volunteer or register for help. implications will be similar across Facebook page Good Neighbours Help for residents Colchester Borough Emergency different demographics, it is important Colchester Borough Council Twitter in Tiptree and surrounding area. Offer to that vulnerable groups are recognised Coordinations Group Borough wide volunteer or register for help. and planned for. Community 360 Community 360 help for residents in Colchester who Facebook Page are self-isolating and/or shielding Eight Ash Green Community Group Help for We must consider the implications to and have no one to help them. The residents in Eight Ash Green and surrounding vulnerable groups including: Colchester Borough Emergency area. Offer to volunteer or register for help. Coordinations Facebook Page DBS volunteers can help with getting • Increased social isolation issues. essential items and medication. Offer Chappel and Wakes Colne Local Events and The Warm and Toasty Club are to volunteer or register for help. Local Matters Help for residents in Chappel • Missed Doctor’s/medical appointments holding a weekly Online Memory and Wakes Colne. Offer to volunteer or Afternoon on its Facebook page every Gracious Givers for Golden-agers • Increased difficulty to access food advertising volunteering to help the register for help. shopping/ groceries. Friday at 1pm that anyone can join in and watch, and have a telephone elderly in Fiveways coop community Great - Tey ...All Street / Village Matters Help • Unable to exercise/ carry out regular number for members to call and have boards. Trying to advertise their for residents in Great Tey and surrounding physical activity. a chat. This is all about helping older service to reach the elderly who may area. Offer to volunteer or register for help. people feel less lonely and isolated not be on Facebook. • Unable to support with childcare and Stanway Residents Group Help for residents and to remain connected during the implications as schools are forced to North East Colchester Support Network in Stanway and surrounding area. Offer to isolation period be closed. Help for residents in St Johns and St volunteer or register for help. Anne’s. Offer to volunteer or register • Increased mental health issues. for help. New town Old Heath & Hythe Mutual Aid • Reduced physical activity levels. Group - covid 19 Help for residents in Old Mersea Island Coronavirus Community Heath and the Hythe. Offer to volunteer or • Disengagement with education Support Group Help for residents in register for help. and self-reliance/ accountability of West Mersea. Offer to volunteer or learning/ revision. register for help. Wivenhoe Mutual Aid Help for residents in Wivenhoe. Offer to volunteer or register for Marks Tey Parish Council Community help. Help. Help for residents in West Mersea. Offer to volunteer or register for Greenstead Community Centre Offering help. subsidised meals to be delivered to the door (contact-free).

7 www.colchester.gov.uk/coronavirus www.colchester.gov.uk/coronavirus 8 AT RISK PEOPLE CONTINUED • Under 70, but living with long-term SOCIAL DISTANCING AND AT RISK PEOPLE health conditions which mean you’d normally offered the flu jab each year. AT RISK PEOPLE • People having other targeted cancer These include: treatments which can affect the • Guidance on shielding and protecting immune system, such as protein • Chronic, long-term respiratory people defined on medical grounds as kinase inhibitors or PARP inhibitors. diseases such as asthma, chronic extremely vulnerable from COVID-19 obstructive pulmonary disease (Published 21 March 2020). • People who have had bone marrow (COPD), emphysema or bronchitis. or stem cell transplants in the last • People over the age of 70. 6 months, or who are still taking • Chronic heart disease, such as heart • People living with complex health immunosuppression drugs. failure. conditions. • People with severe chest conditions • Chronic kidney disease. • People who have received an organ such as cystic fibrosis or severe • Chronic liver disease such as transplant and remain on ongoing asthma (requiring hospital hepatitis. immunosuppression medication. admissions or courses of steroid tablets). • Chronic neurological conditions • People with specific cancers. such as Parkinson’s Disease, Motor • People with cancer who are • People with severe diseases of body Neurone Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, undergoing active chemotherapy or systems, such as severe kidney a learning disability or cerebral palsy. disease (dialysis). radical radiotherapy for lung cancer. • Diabetes. • People with rare diseases and inborn • People with cancers of the blood or • Problems with your spleen – for WHAT IS SHIELDING errors of metabolism that significantly bone marrow such as leukaemia, example sickle cell disease or if you increase the risk of infections (such Shielding is a measure to protect lymphoma or myeloma who are at any have had your spleen removed. stage of treatment. as SCID, homozygous sickle cell). extremely vulnerable people by • A weakened immune system as a minimising interaction between those • People having immunotherapy or other • People on immunosuppression result of conditions such as HIV and who are extremely vulnerable and continuing antibody treatments for therapies sufficient to significantly AIDS or medicines such as steroid others. This means that those who are cancer. increase risk of infection. tablets, or chemotherapy. extremely vulnerable should not leave • Being seriously overweight with a their homes, and within their homes BMI of 40 or above. should minimise all non-essential contact with other members of their • Women who are pregnant with household. This is to protect those who significant heart disease, congenital are at very high risk of severe illness 2m 2m 2m 2m or acquired. from coronavirus (COVID-19), from coming into contact with the virus.

9 www.colchester.gov.uk/coronavirus www.colchester.gov.uk/coronavirus 10 If you think you have a condition which What should you do if you have • If you share a kitchen with others, avoid There is a three-fold offer to support makes you extremely vulnerable or have someone else living with you? using it while they are present. If you those who are being shielded, but do received a letter from NHS England you can, you should take your meals back • While the rest of your household are not have a support network that they are strongly advised to shield yourself, to to your room to eat. If you have one, not required to adopt these protective can rely on: reduce the chance of getting coronavirus use a dishwasher to clean and dry the shielding measures for themselves, • Food: The Government is working (COVID-19) and follow the face-to-face family’s used crockery and cutlery. If we would expect them to do what with the food industry to deliver distancing measures below. this is not possible, wash them using they can to support you in shielding basic food parcels directly to their your usual washing up liquid and warm The measures are: and to stringently follow guidance on doorsteps, and over time will look water and dry them thoroughly. If you social distancing. at other ways to help. There may • Strictly avoid contact with someone are using your own utensils, remember be a role for Councils here. who is displaying symptoms of • Minimise as much as possible the to use a separate tea towel for drying coronavirus (COVID-19). These time other family members spend these. • Medicines: community symptoms include high temperature in shared spaces such as kitchens, pharmacies will supply and • We understand that it will be difficult and/or a new and continuous cough. bathrooms and sitting areas, and keep organise delivery. for some people to separate themselves shared spaces well ventilated. • Do not leave your house. from others at home. You should do • Social contact: local authorities, • Aim to keep 2 metres (3 steps) • Do not attend any gatherings. This your very best to follow this guidance working with the voluntary and away from people you live with and includes gatherings of friends and and everyone in your household community sector, are asked to encourage them to sleep in a different families in private spaces, for example, should regularly wash their hands, continue to care for those who bed where possible. If you can, you family homes, weddings and religious avoid touching their face, and clean might be feeling very isolated. should use a separate bathroom services. frequently touched surfaces. from the rest of the household. Make • If the rest of your household stringently • Do not go out for shopping, leisure sure you use separate towels from follow advice on social distancing and or travel and when arranging food or the other people in your house, both Register if you have a medical minimise the risk of spreading the medication deliveries, these should be for drying themselves after bathing condition that makes you extremely virus within the home by following the left at the door to minimise contact. or showering and for hand-hygiene vulnerable to coronavirus advice above, there is no need for them purposes. (COVID-19). For example, you’ll • Keep in touch using remote technology to also shield alongside you. such as phone, internet, and social • If you do share a toilet and bathroom be able to ask for help getting Guidance for people, including children, media. with others, it is important that they deliveries of essential supplies like who are at very high risk of severe illness are cleaned after use every time (for food. • Do use telephone or online services from coronavirus (COVID-19), because of an example, wiping surfaces you have to contact your GP or other essential underlying health condition, and for their If you’re not sure whether your come into contact with). Another tip services. family, friends and carers can be found medical condition makes you is to consider drawing up a rota for here. extremely vulnerable, register bathing, with you using the facilities anyway. You can register yourself, first. More information on shielding can be or on behalf of someone else. found here.

11 www.colchester.gov.uk/coronavirus www.colchester.gov.uk/coronavirus 12 COMMUNITY 360 them. Packs include key food items; however, it is expected these items • Are currently working with 18 GP will vary due to supply and demand. VOLUNTEERING OR REFERRING PEOPLE practices in Colchester to receive Individual packs will be tailored to referrals to support patients with its My individual needs where possible. What can you do as a community? • Be respectful - of anyone you know who has been diagnosed with Social Prescription™ (MSP™) service. As Your communities are strong and resilient • The packs themselves have been coronavirus (COVID-19) as it’s likely to result of the government’s decision to and there are simple things you can do to provided by C360 with funding from be an anxious time for them. Due to contact 1.5 million ‘Category A’ people help them continue to thrive: the North East Essex Health and patient confidentiality their details will they have a referral pathway in place Wellbeing Alliance. They will be with the GP Care Advisors to take • Check in - on any vulnerable family, not be publicly confirmed, so please do distributed in the community through friends and neighbours. Sometimes what you can to respect and protect referrals specifically for these people their MSP™ and Transport team. to triage non-medical needs. This has just helping them with their shopping their privacy, and do not speculate with started from this week. • Are engaging with key partners and checking they have everything the local media or on social media. they need can make a big difference. across all services and areas, • Social distancing - PHE has advised • Are supporting hospital discharge with Remember to keep your distance. particularly the Food Bank with people who are self-isolating to do transportation and MSP™ referrals as regards to the support packs. The required. • Contact - if you know someone who what they can to avoid visitors to their teams are undertaking an extensive is self-isolating, contact them via home and any deliveries of groceries, • Through their Community Transport and continuous mapping exercise of phone or text to check that they’re ok. medications or other shopping to be service, they have 1200+ members key services and activities which are By its very nature, self-isolation is a left at the door. Please ensure that this registered. They are currently being shared through a twice weekly solitary experience and their wellbeing advice is followed when providing conducting welfare calls with all C360 news email, on the website will likely be improved by talking to support. members, signposting and supporting and in the window of the One someone. with services as needs be. Though Colchester Hub. • Help Cards - if you post them through the MSP™ team they will also be • Community point of contact- the letterboxes of people that you conducting wellbeing calls with a view appoint someone in your community/ think may require assistance due to to, most likely in the long term at least, Through their transport resource neighbourhood as the main gatherer self-isolation make sure you offer this establish a telephone befriending style they are offering – Critical trips of information so that everyone in your service for free. area gets access to the same and most service. Recognising that isolation is for members to access medical • Be safe - unfortunately some accurate information. going to play a huge part in people’s appointments, prescriptions individuals may look to take advantage lives moving forward (particularly pickups and shopping (making • Stay factual - please be mindful with of the vulnerable in our communities. the older and vulnerable). All these use of the vulnerable adult early your comments and actions, so as not Please look out for one another and individuals are being contacted by staff opening at the supermarkets). to cause undue concern or anxiety report any suspicious behaviour and volunteers. Additional capacity to the hospital within your community. If you hear to Essex Police using 101 for non- • Support packs are currently being discharge team and they can also mis-information that may cause issues, emergencies and 999 in case of an collated, working in partnership with pick up and deliver prescriptions, respectfully challenge if you’re able to. emergency. Firstsite who have agreed to store as well as deliver support packs.

13 www.colchester.gov.uk/coronavirus www.colchester.gov.uk/coronavirus 14 VOLUNTEERING shopping bags are not heavy as an BEFORE VOLUNTEERING elderly person may not be able to It is recognised over the coming months that lift them in. If possible, bag in small the call upon volunteers will be drastically • CONSIDER, ARE YOU WELL ENOUGH TO amounts. Ideally, wait to see the increased for a variety of support mechanisms. VOLUNTEER? Your safety and limiting the groceries being collected, and to Resources for groups can be found here. spread of the virus is a priority. Don’t put ensure they are okay. Keep a distance yourself or others at unnecessary risk. of 2 metres away, whilst they are Volunteering - If you know someone being collected. Wash your hands or in the Colchester borough who would • HAND HYGIENE IS CRITICAL: Ensure you use hand sanitiser before moving on like to volunteer to support vulnerable/ have access to handwashing facilities to the next contact. identified residents, organisations/ before and after every contact, or use charities or general help during the ongoing hand sanitiser with 60% alcohol. Avoid • MONEY: It is understood that coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis please visit touching your face, especially your eyes, coronavirus (COVID-19) can live contact Community 360 at information@ nose and mouth with unwashed hands. on money for 24 hours. Consider community360.org.uk or call 012016 505250. The virus can last up to 72 hours on how you can handle money safely Community 360 can carry out DBS checks untreated hard surfaces (like plastic and and securely. Where possible use on volunteers that register with them stainless steel), so regularly disinfect electronic banking for transfer of surfaces and door handles you come in safeguarding vulnerable residents. PLEASE REMEMBER TO required money. Volunteers should contact with. Always wash your hands not take debit or credit cards from Or alternatively please click on the link to MAKE YOUR KINDNESS properly before eating, and on returning individuals or take any PIN numbers complete an Essex Coronavirus (COVID-19) • CLEAN: wash your hands to your home - before you touch anything for cards. If possible, wear disposable Action volunteer form. for 20 seconds with warm or anyone. gloves whenever touching cash. Cash soapy water before and • COLLECTING REPEAT PRESCRIPTIONS: to pay for shopping can be put in an after every contact. (Watch VOLUNTEER ESSEX Repeat prescriptions can be collected envelope and posted in a box (e.g. the NHS video on how to from the chemist and delivered to reusable plastic box). The box can be Registration is now OPEN for any residents wash your hands properly individuals but must be left at the removed to a safe place and contents or businesses who want to volunteer in their here. doorstep. If you have their phone number, left untouched for 24 hours. If you local area. By using one of the forms below, • CLEAR: be clear about phone them and let them know you are giving change for shopping then your details will be passed directly to the what you can and can’t have left them on the door step. Wait a you must inform the person you are group or groups that are operating near to you: offer. If you are unsure distance of 2 metres away until they have supporting that their change is in an INDIVIDUALS say no. been collected. If you don’t have their envelope in their shopping bag and phone number, knock on their door and they must leave it untouched for 24 BUSINESSES • CONTACTLESS: Think wait 2 metres away. Wash hands or clean hours before opening. FACEBOOK GROUPS / VOLUNTEERING about your safety first with sanitiser. GROUPS and the person you are • HEATING AND POWER: Many people WANT TO VOLUNTEER IN A SCHOOL - supporting. Don’t touch • SHOPPING: Shopping can be delivered have pay-as-you-go meters requiring complete this form. It will go direct to Active other people and wash to the doorstep, but please minimise any a ‘charging key’ to be topped up at Essex who are co-ordinating this piece of hands after touching handling. If you can, wear disposable a pay point shop. There is a risk of work. surfaces. gloves and bin after each visit. Ensure cross contamination here, from the

15 www.colchester.gov.uk/coronavirus www.colchester.gov.uk/coronavirus 16 householder to yourself, the shopkeeper Community 360 has the ability to DBS whether something is safe, then and back. Wear disposable gloves to accept check volunteers – they would need to say NO. the power key. On receiving the key, clean it sign up with C360 first and then they • If you feel unwell or have a with 60% alcohol wipes or sanitiser. Before can volunteer for your organisation/ temperature you must stay at home. returning the key to the householder clean group the key again with 60% alcohol wipes or OTHER THINGS TO REMEMBER: sanitiser. Pop it through the letterbox with • LACK OF RESPONSE: If you are People may well be lonely and may want instructions to leave it untouched for 24 supporting an elderly or vulnerable you to come in and have a chat. You need hours. person there needs to be an agreement to say no if you are going to protect them. on what to do if you arrive and there • SAFETY: If you are supporting someone You could stop and have a chat at their is no response. This will differ from door as long as you are 2 metres away. you know, they will trust you. But remember person to person. some people may be anxious about having You can also swap telephone numbers strangers help them. Do not assume that • Give them your contact details and and let them know you are available for a someone needs help, or call unexpectedly, ask them to let you know if their chat if they are feeling anxious or lonely. especially if they live alone. circumstances change. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DATA • Requests from additional volunteers to help • If they live alone then you need to have PROTECTION show good community spirit, but you will a pre-agreed plan in place. As coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to have to consider safeguarding vulnerable sweep across the UK, more and more • If they have a relative somewhere else people when you consider these offers of people are driven to help the most and you have their details then contact support. vulnerable in our communities. Church them first. groups, neighbourhood and residents’ • Ideally, pair up new volunteers with existing • Is there a TV or radio on? You may have associations are being set up to support volunteers who have DBS in place. Also to look in a window or letter box to see the work of existing community groups, consider other jobs for those without DBS, if there are signs of recent activity. If services and charities. not requiring face to face contact. they have dementia they may have • If you’ve just formed a community • On the flip side it may be worth having gone out. Perhaps they are hard of group, this may be the first time you’ve someone to ‘buddy up’ with if you are hearing, or have mobility issues which had to think about data protection. calling on people you don’t know, or an area mean they take longer than average to Put simply, the law is a set of sensible you are not familiar with. get to the door or window? standards that will help you handle • DBS is obviously not a requirement of • Having considered all of the above, people’s information responsibly. That volunteering, as kindness and a willingness consider if it is appropriate to contact means taking proper care of things like to help each other in the community are the emergency services. This should be people’s names and addresses as well vital to get through these difficult times. a last resort and only taken if you are as more sensitive details about their However, knowing a volunteer is DBS sure they are inside but not responding. health or religion. Read more here. cleared does provide vulnerable individuals • Remember we are doing all this to • Safeguarding guidance from the with a bit of security and may help ease keep our vulnerable population, you, Disclosure and Baring Service their anxiety in dealing with strangers. and your family safe. If you are unsure (Published 25 March 2020)

17 www.colchester.gov.uk/coronavirus www.colchester.gov.uk/coronavirus 18 Foodbank Voucher Voucher Location and Contact Number FOODBANK VOUCHERS Organisation/ information updates COLCHESTER FOOD BANK Group Name The process for obtaining a food List of Colchester Foodbank Referral voucher is: CARA Yes - Existing CARA Foodbank voucher issued 01206 769795 clients only to existing clients only Agents • Residents contact a referral Please be aware that this list is changing agency, who will then take some daily. Please contact the Foodbank Referral CBH Housing Options Yes Offering phone support 01206 282514 basic details to complete the and CBH Emergency and Foodbank vouchers Agent from the list and further information voucher application. This will help Tenancy Services can be arranged on obtaining a Foodbank voucher will be to identify the cause of the crisis given. and offer practical guidance. CBC Sheltered Housing Yes - Existing clients only Foodbank voucher issued 01206 282701 (Older Persons Services) to existing clients only Colchester Foodbank: It also means they are able to prepare suitable emergency food Colchester Citizens Yes Phone and email support 0300 330 2104 or advice. E: Colchester.foodbank.org.uk Advice Bureau (CAB) to anyone that needs [email protected]. T: 01206 621 998 for the right number of people. advice or Foodbank uk vouchers Moorside Foodbank: Moorside Business • Once someone has been issued with a voucher, they can Colchester Gateway Yes - Existing clients only Offering phone support 07710 177050 Park, Eastgate, 33 Moorside, and Foodbank vouchers Colchester CO1 2ZF exchange this for three days of can be arranged Open Mon - Fri 10am - 2pm emergency food at their nearest Colne Housing Yes - Existing Clients only Foodbank voucher issued 01206 244700 Sat & Sun - Closed foodbank centre. to existing clients only Essex Child and Family Yes - supporting families Little Hands Family Hub 0300 247 0015 Greenstead Foodbank Details about volunteering with Wellbeing Service - Little with children Delivery Site, Open Tuesdays and Thursdays the Food Bank Hands Stanway Fiveways 10am – 12noon Primary School, Winstree Road, Colchester CO3 0QG Foodbank Voucher Voucher Location and Contact Number Essex Child and Family Yes - supporting Berechurch Family Hub, 0300 247 0015 Organisation/ information updates Wellbeing Service - families with The Ormiston Centre, Group Name Berechurch Family Hub children School Road, Monkwick, Colchester CO2 8NN Autism Anglia Yes - Autism Anglia Foodbank voucher 01206 577678 Essex Child and Family Yes - supporting Greenstead Delivery 0300 247 0015 residents only issued to existing clients Wellbeing Service - families with children Site, Greenstead only Greenstead Community Centre, Delivery Centre Hawthorn Avenue, Beacon House Yes - only to service Beacon House, 01206 761960 Colchester CO4 3QE users already Crouch Street, registered with them. Colchester CO3 3ES Essex Integration Yes Offering phone support 01206 861180, option 2 and Foodbank vouchers Brightlingsea Food Bank Yes Brightlingsea Parish Hall, 07970 480968 can be arranged Brightlingsea Essex Outreach Service Yes 0800 2888883 CAP Yes Offering phone support 07971 308388 (Peabody) and vouchers can be Estuary Housing Yes – Existing tenants Foodbank voucher issued 0300 304 500 arranged only to existing clients only

19 www.colchester.gov.uk/coronavirus www.colchester.gov.uk/coronavirus 20 Foodbank Voucher Location and updates Contact Number Foodbank Voucher Location and updates Contact Number Voucher information Voucher information Organisation/ Organisation/ Group Name Group Name

Family Solutions Yes Offering phone support and 0345 603 7627 Sanctuary Supported Yes Queen Elizabeth Way, 01206 762373 (Assessment and Foodbank vouchers can be Living Colchester CO2 Intervention Team, arranged Family Support Team and St Peters Church North Yes - Currently issuing St Peter’s Church, North Hill, 01206 572529 Protection Team Hill vouchers from the Colchester CO1 1DZ Church, however, GP Primary Choice Ltd Yes - To access vouchers Yes - To access vouchers Own GP Surgery/Care should this close, will be patients call their own patients call their own GP Advisor from vicarage GP surgery, who then surgery, who then refers to refers to relevant Care relevant Care Advisor Victim Support Yes www.victimsupport.org. Advisor uk Hawthorn GP Surgery Yes St. Edmunds Centre, Tamarisk 01206 517100 Willow Brook Primary Yes - Pupils and families Willow Brook Primary School 01206 864375 Way, Colchester CO4 3GW School and Nursery of Willow Brook School and Nursery, Barnardiston and Nursery only Road, Colchester CO4 0DT Home Start Yes The Ark, Jack Andrews Dr, 01206 854625 Wivenhoe Yes Wivenhoe Congregational 01206 826553 Highwoods, Colchester CO4 Congregational Church Church, 101 High Street, 9WX Wivenhoe CO7 9AB YMCA Yes - YMCA Tenants only Foodbank voucher issued to 01206 579415 Job Centre Plus Yes Colchester Jobcentre Plus, 40 0345 604 3719 existing clients only Chapel Street South, Colchester CO2 7AZ Youth Enquiry Service Yes Offering phone support and 01206 710771 YES Foodbank vouchers can be MIND Yes - referral from Mental The Constantine Centre, 272a 01206 764600 arranged Health practitioners Mersea Rd, Colchester CO2 8QZ OTHER FOOD PROVISION PROVIDERS – Please contact direct to discuss requirements Next Chapter Yes - Next Chapter clients Foodbank voucher issued to 01206 500585 only existing clients only Foodbank Voucher Voucher Location and updates Contact Number NHS Specialist Mental Yes - Existing Clients only Foodbank voucher issues to 01206 334100 Organisation/ information Health Team existing clients only Group Name Open Door Yes - Working in a Open Door at Colchester Baptist 07394 907998 reduced service, open Church, Eld Lane, Colchester Tiptree Churches Food N/A - Not required Supporting those in need Please contact: Mon, Wed, Fri 12-1pm. CO1 1LS Bank within Tiptree, Tolleshunt The Revd Anne-Marie Also providing takeaway Knights, Messing, Inworth Renshaw – amlrenshaw@ lunches for those who and Great Braxted btinternet.com need them The Munch Club N/A for existing clients. Colchester 07974 113341 or Open Road Colchester Yes Pre-arranged appointment 01206 766096 New clients will need maureenpowell1952@ only. Open Door, 5a Queen proof of Universal Credit yahoo.co.uk Street, Colchester CO1 2PG or low income (Near Firstsite and The Curzon GO4 Social Enterprises N/A for existing clients. Colchester 07531 207677 or Cinema) Open Road Colchester New clients will need [email protected] Refugee Action - Yes – For existing clients Foodbank voucher issued to 01206 638454 proof of Universal Credit Colchester only existing clients only or low income

21 www.colchester.gov.uk/coronavirus www.colchester.gov.uk/coronavirus 22 ANGLIAN WATER Have Priority Register for the most vulnerable that provides the practical UTILITIES support they may need. It’s completely Pre-Payment cards free, and once signed up, you can stay on If you have payment cards for your it for as long as you need. Aimed at a wide electric please see the following range of people, from those with sight, hearing or mobility difficulties, to parents advice. This link has some good with babies under 12 months old. They information on what each energy UK POWER NETWORKS If you need information on a power offer a wide range of support too, such as company is doing to support their reading meters for customers who find You can help too - what to flush? customers, currently. cut, you can, visit Power Cut Map for live updates, tweet them at @ it difficult and sending out bills in Braille. Some people are having trouble You can ask for pre-loaded UKPowerNetworks or telephone Or if someone’s struggling to pay a bill, getting hold of toilet roll. If you do payment cards to be sent to your customer service team, 24 hours a day, on they can set up payment plans or look end up using other items like kitchen house. Most energy companies 105 or 0800 3163 105. Calls are free from a at switching to a tariff that’s a better fit. roll, blue roll or wet wipes, please have put a hold on any debt too. landline or mobile phone. Their specially-trained teams are there to put these in the bin. Only pee, poo support you, help manage debt, and find a and paper should go down the toilet. For more information on the Priority way forward together. Please visit. Services Register, or call on 0800 Flushing anything else could cause 1699970. Visiting your home: Some staff are still blockages, putting extra strain on our out and about working on pipes, pumps sewers and on Anglian Water teams Engineers might need to enter your and equipment, but only to carry out who are hard at work keeping the home to restore your power, they will ask emergency work. Any direct contact with pipes flowing. Thank you for you on the phone first if you are self- customers will only be for emergency your help. isolating so they can make the relevant work and will follow correct guidelines. arrangements. National guidance has www.anglianwater.co.uk/help- If you’re self-isolating, staff will take the and-advice/coronavirus been given to engineers, who will wear necessary precautions if they do need protective equipment, stay in a different to visit you. Their priority is always to room from people who are infected or self- keep both you and their staff safe. Sadly, Energy Supplies: Here you can find isolating, and avoid touching surfaces. at times like this scams can emerge and advice and answers to questions If you live in London, the East or South bogus callers may look to take advantage. you may have on managing your , then being on the Priority All staff carry ID, which they will be happy energy supply during the outbreak. Services Register will ensure you will to show you should they need to access Information will continue to be receive extra support if you experience a your home. You can contact them directly updated. if you need further verification of who is at power cut. www.ofgem.gov.uk/coronavirus- your door. There are over 20 ways to get in touch covid-19/coronavirus-covid-19- including our website, on Twitter and-your-energy-supply @ukpowernetworks, or call 105

23 www.colchester.gov.uk/coronavirus www.colchester.gov.uk/coronavirus 24 PHONES, DATA AND WI-FI COLCHESTER BOROUGH COUNCIL WASTE SERVICES You should have received a text message from UK_Gov. This was From the 13 April collections of glass, a genuine message from the cans, plastics, paper and card will begin Government. Please be aware that on a four-weekly basis. Non-recyclable sadly scammers may try to imitate rubbish and food waste will be collected these messages. Phone companies as normal. Households can continue to or the Government would never ask put out one additional 60-litre black bag of you to give any of your personal non-recyclable rubbish for collection on a details in these texts. Blue Week. Flats with communal recycling and residents on assisted collections are Apps to help you stay in touch: you unchanged. Garden waste and textiles can video call in groups or one-to- collections remain suspended for the one using apps like WhatsApp and DOG WASTE AND LITTERING foreseeable future. Zoom and you can chat through Please remember that it is an offence to apps like Facebook Messenger. More information on recycling here. drop litter or fail to pick up after your dog. If you’re self-isolating, either as a Please remember to put litter in a bin Tips on using less data precaution or because you have and to bag and bin dog waste. Both litter bins and dog waste bins continue to be How to use less data on your coronavirus (COVID-19) please follow these emptied by the council. You can report iPhone four simple steps to reduce the spread of the virus: full bins here. How to use less data on your If you are a dog owner, you are required Android phone 1. Place all personal waste such as used tissues and disposable cleaning cloths, by law to clean up after your dog in public securely in a plastic bag or bin liner. places. That includes roads, pavements, parks, car parks and all shared open 2. Place this plastic bag inside another spaces. plastic bag and tie securely. If there isn’t a dog bin on your dog 3. Store these bags separately to other walking route, it’s your responsibility waste for at least 72 hours. to pick up and take your dog’s waste 4. After 72 hours, this double bagged home with you. Under the Dogs (Fouling rubbish can be put in your general of Land) Act 1996 it is an offence not to rubbish as normal. clean up your dog’s mess properly. Only rubbish that is heavily contaminated, We will take enforcement action against such as tissues that have been coughed in anyone who is witnessed letting their and cleaning cloths that have been heavily dog foul in public without cleaning it up contaminated need to be treated in this way. or anyone seen dropping litter.

25 www.colchester.gov.uk/coronavirus www.colchester.gov.uk/coronavirus 26 HOW TO KEEP WELL DURING CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT You can call NHS 111 if you or • Keep the house clean. • Avoid smoking, alcohol and drugs. someone you know needs urgent AVAILABLE care, but it’s not life threatening. • The NHS has some simple advice to • Spend time doing things you enjoy. avoid catching or spreading COVID-19. This may include reading, cooking, Coronavirus (COVID-19) is causing inevitable • If you have an existing mental other indoor hobbies, listening to distress to us all, through the current/ health problem and your • Stay at home advice. music, or watching a film or TV. potential health effects of the virus, or symptoms get worse. emotional and societal impacts of social • Regularly wash your hands for at least • Stay connected with your friends, • If you experience a mental health 20 seconds with soap and warm water. distancing. You may feel that your mood and problem for the first time. family and work colleagues by feelings are affected at this time which may • Always wash your hands when you get getting in touch over the phone, result in you feeling down, anxious, alone and • If someone has self-harmed home or into work. by post or online. This is important irritable. but it does not appear to be life in looking after your mental threatening, or they’re talking • Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and wellbeing and you may find it It is incredibly important that at this time, about wanting to self-harm. water are not available. helpful to talk to them about how you avoid falling into the easy patterns of • If a person shows signs of • Cover your mouth and nose with a you are feeling. unhealthy behaviours that can make you feel worse; such as not exercising or eating possible dementia. tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) • Keep your windows open to let when you cough or sneeze. convenient, junk food. There are simple • If a person is experiencing in fresh air, get some natural things that you can do to help to stay sunlight if you can, or get outside domestic violence or physical, • Put used tissues in the bin straight mentally and physically healthy, for example: sexual or emotional abuse. away and wash your hands afterwards. in the garden. Please note that the Stay active at home! Follow the tips on vulnerable are advised to keep page 27. MIND telephone lines will remain • Try to avoid close contact with people 2m away from open windows for open Monday to Friday 9am–5pm who are unwell. safety. on 01206 764600. Alternatively, you • Stay active at home. Check the can send them an email enquiries@ WHAT CAN YOU DO AT HOME? following resources for staying mnessexmind.org. • Eat a healthy, nutritious and balanced active at home. Active Essex There is information on a number of diet Don’t forget your 5 a day and to website and follow them on websites about looking after your follow the Eat Well guide as best that Facebook, Live Well NHS, check mental health. you can. YouTube for online workout. • Your body needs water or other • Go for a walk, either by yourself fluids to work properly and to avoid or with your immediate family dehydration. That’s why it’s important group. Ensure you stay more than 2 to drink enough fluids. In climates such metres from others. as the UK’s, we should drink about 1.2 • Do some gardening. litres (six to eight glasses) of fluid every day to stop us getting dehydrated.

27 www.colchester.gov.uk/coronavirus www.colchester.gov.uk/coronavirus 28 In addition, the following is a list of mental health charities and OCD Action provides support for people For support to quit smoking please organisations for both adults and young people that are contactable for with OCD. Includes information on contact Essex Lifestyle Service on 0300 support and advice: treatment and online resources. Call them 303 9988. Face to face consultations on 0845 390 6232 (Monday to Friday, have ceased but information and 9.30am-5pm). Calls cost 5p per minute phone-based support is available from plus your phone provider’s Access the Essex Lifestyles Service Mid and North East Essex MIND. Whether Charge or visit www.ocdaction.org.uk Staying at home for a prolonged period you are currently looking for a counsellor Access online AA meetings. Access an can be difficult, frustrating and lonely or have found yourself in need due to the Samaritans provides confidential support online meeting using a smart phone for some people and that you or other coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, you can for people experiencing feelings of download and install an app called household members may feel low. It speak to them on Monday – Friday 9am – distress or despair. Phone: 116 123 (free GoToMeeting. can be particularly challenging if you 5pm 01206 764 600, email at enquiries@ 24-hour helpline) or visit When the app opens type in meeting don’t have much space or access to a mnessexmind.org or visit their website www.samaritans.org ID box ukna OR 437-754-909 (can skip garden. It’s important to remember to the add email box) then enter name for more information. Textcare provides comfort and care via take care of your mind as well as your (no need for surname) and save. You text message, sent when the person body and to get support if you need it. Live Well Link Well is a free and can then access the daily sound only confidential social prescribing service that needs it most. Visit www.sane.org.uk/ The Livewell Campaign highlights meetings. provides practical or emotional support textcare for more info. 7 steps we can all take to support our of a non-medical nature. They can help There is a meeting every morning mental health during this time and SHOUT Crisis provides 24/7 anonymous you to access support with a range of at 11am and every evening at 7.30pm includes links to the latest government text support for when you feel you can’t areas of health and wellbeing, including London time. Laptop/desktop users can advice on looking after our mental cope. Text “SHOUT” to 85258 for non- maintaining mental wellbeing, supporting go to www.gotomeet.me/ukna and health and that of children and young judgemental support or visit www. independence, looking after someone, sign in the same way. people. giveusashout.org/ for more info. getting out and about, and social isolation. Alternatively, you can download the Zero Suicide Alliance www. If you live in mid Essex and are over 18, you Zoom app on phone OR tablet device zerosuicidealliance.com/. Have a link ADULTS can contact the service without having and scroll down the list of various 20 minute module to support those who to go through your GP. Call 03003039988 online meetings in specific areas at all Mental Health Foundation are in touch with people who might (Monday to Friday from 8am to 7pm) or different times. NHS Every Mind Matters email [email protected] be really struggling over the next few months. It is also helpful for community You can access free easy ten minute Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) have Anxiety UK provides support if you have members as it has a section about talking work outs from Public Health England launched a My Whole Self toolkit, the been diagnosed with an anxiety condition. with family and friends. It is free to or try other exercise videos at home on digital centre piece of its new campaign Call 03444 775 774 (Monday to Friday, access. the NHS Fitness Studio. Sport England for workplace culture change. The toolkit 9.30am- 5.30pm) or visit also has tips for keeping active at #quitforCovid It is vitally important helps everyone to support their mental www.anxietyuk.org.uk home. health while working from home. to quit as smokers are less protected Men’s Health Forum offers 24/7 stress against infections. The Health Secretary Links for Deaf people including British support for men by text, chat and email. stated on the 18th March that “it is Sign Language videos and access to Visit www.menshealthforum.org.uk for abundantly clear that smoking makes the NHS 111. more info. impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) worse”.

29 www.colchester.gov.uk/coronavirus www.colchester.gov.uk/coronavirus 30 CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE SUPPORT AND ADVICE FOR PEOPLE CBC SUPPORT FOR AFFECTED BY DEMENTIA Virgin Care and Barnardos Chat BUSINESS Health Service enables all 11-19 year If you or someone you care for are worried Safer Colchester Partnership old’s to text their school nurse on about coronavirus (COVID-19) and need for up to date community safety 07520 615731 to discuss their mental support and advice, call the Dementia advice health and receive confidential Connect support line on 0333 150 3456. advice and support. Alzheimer’s Society Website for the Colchester Borough Council is KOOTH offers young people free, safe most up to date information and advice. talking to local businesses every and online support. To find out more day to find out what they need Join Alzheimer’s Society online info and support options please visit to help them through the current Community Talking Point where you can their website. situation. connect with others affected by dementia PAPYRUS young suicide prevention in a similar situation. A dedicated website has been COMMUNITY SAFETY society. Call 0800 068 4141 (Monday published which has links to all the Use this Dementia Connect online to Friday, 10am to 10pm, 2pm to 10pm latest information, guidance and support tool to find dementia information Fake Products/Websites on weekends and bank holidays) or advice on crucial business themes. and support that is right for you. visit papyrus-uk.org More information is planned and Fake coronavirus (COVID-19) testing/ new information is being added treatment kits are been produced and YoungMinds offers information all the time. Importantly, there are sold worldwide. These kits contain on child and adolescent mental There is information on several websites also links to surveys which are harmful chemicals and police are warning health, services for parents and about looking after your mental health. assessing the impact of the current anyone who had bought one of these professionals. Call 0808 802 5544 The Livewell campaign provides local situation. kits not to use it. Report to Action Fraud, (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm) quoting “Trinity CV19 treatment kits”. and national mental & physical health You can help by letting your Essex Youth Service provides and wellbeing information including employers know that it’s there so • During this time, be aware of fake Children and Young People Early a useful guide on 7 steps to mental that they can access this help. They websites and suspicious links. Intervention Mental Health Services wellbeing while at home can follow @yourcolchester and Criminals will advertise products (CYP MHEIS). If you would like Visit the NHS mental health and @Colchbusiness on Twitter too. they know to be in short supply, such to speak to someone for more wellbeing advice website for There’s also another side to this site as hand sanitiser, face masks and information about the services CYP self-assessment, audio guides and which is Support for Residents so treatments. MHEIS offer and to find out about practical tools, if you are experiencing do keep an eye on that for the latest what support might be available for • Claims like ‘100% safe’, ‘No side effects’ stress, feelings of anxiety or low mood. information for you too. you please call their Single Point of and ‘Quick results’ should be warning Access team on 0300 300 1600 from If you already have a mental signs. 9am-5pm, Monday – Friday. health problem, you can • Be careful paying for anything for access comprehensive guidance anything via bank transfer and only provided by Mind. buy goods from reputable companies that you know and trust.

31 www.colchester.gov.uk/coronavirus www.colchester.gov.uk/coronavirus 32 COMMUNITY SAFETY Fake Emails Thieves offering to shop for the There are several fake emails circulating elderly and then keeping their • SMISHING is sending text messages that claiming to be from health organisations money. appear to come from a trustworthy source (such as the World Health Organisation Thieves posing as good Samaritans are like the UK government or even your or US Centre for Disease Control), with offering to complete shopping trips on own doctor which try to steal personal or attached ‘safety advice’ which when behalf of the elderly, before keeping financial information. If you doubt the text’s clicked downloads malware to infect the the money or bank cards that are authenticity, don’t click links. Visit www.gov. device. handed over. uk to check any information given. Verify an organisation’s phone number from their • Ensure you check where an email • Treat such invitations with caution. website or from old printed correspondence. has come from – is the email address • Never hand over your bank card or • PHISHING is sending emails which try to suspicious? details. make you divulge sensitive personal or • Never click on any suspicious links or • If vulnerable people are using others to financial information. They may appear open any documents on emails that do their shopping, ensure it is someone to be coronavirus (COVID-19) tax refunds, FRIENDS AGAINST SCAMS you were not expecting – do not let they know or from a trusted source. reimbursements from travel bookings, safety aims to protect and prevent your curiosity get the better of you! advice via email and even donation requests. Fraudsters will try to make you click on links people from becoming victims Elderly individuals targeted by Pension Exploitation that aren’t safe. So think before you click. of scams. doorstep scammers. Pension savers have been warned to be If in doubt, then don’t click. And don’t open • Be aware of people offering extra vigilant of criminals seeking to prey any attachments from senders that you don’t The elderly and vulnerable are or selling on people anxieties amid the pandemic. know. If you’re still worried, talk to family, increasingly being targeted by doorstep As markets are affected and people seek friends or someone else you trust. • Virus testing kits – these are scammers due to their increased to increase their savings, it may make only offered by NHS. isolation from family and friends. • VISHING is unsolicited phone calls. Always people look to make snap decisions that Criminals are posing as police and be suspicious of ‘cold-callers’. Don’t be • Vaccines or miracle cures – could have serious consequences. health officials, sometimes offering to afraid to challenge them or hang up if you there is currently no vaccine carry out a coronavirus (COVID-19) test • As always, the advice remains – do not can’t verify the caller. Banks, police or or cure. on their doorstep in exchange for cash. respond to cold callers. other trusted organisations will never ask • Overpriced or fake goods for security information, so never give out • Take your time to think things through to protect yourself from • Be vigilant as always, do not accept personal details. If you’re concerned, call the carefully and do your own research coronavirus (COVID-19) such offers on the doorstep. organisation back on the number listed on (even if you are being offered a ‘limited as antibacterial products. • Always confirm who the person is, their website, ideally on a different phone as time deal’). using a trusted number – genuine criminals can sometimes keep the line open. • Shopping or medication officials will always wait and carry • If something looks too good to be true – Or if it’s your bank, use the number on the collection services identification. it usually is. back of your card. • Home cleaning services

33 www.colchester.gov.uk/coronavirus www.colchester.gov.uk/coronavirus 34 Protect yourself and others NEXT CHAPTER – provides free and CHILD PROTECTION AND • Don’t be rushed into making a DOMESTIC AND confidential services to support people SAFEGUARDING who are experiencing or have experienced decision. If it sounds too good to be SEXUAL ABUSE HELP The Essex County Council Children & domestic abuse. Their website contains true it probably is. Families Hub will remain in operation useful information, explains the types Self-isolation will have a direct with no changes to threshold decisions. • Only purchase goods from legitimate of abuse and common warning signs impact on anyone experiencing The Priority Line (for children at risk retailers and take a moment to together with practical advice about domestic abuse and sexual abuse. of immediate danger) remains open think before parting with money or staying safe and obtaining support. personal information. If you are experiencing this kind of alongside the Consultation Line. For all new referrals to Next Chapter, or abuse, you can talk to someone in Call 0345 603 7627 and ask for the • Don’t assume everyone is genuine. the agencies listed below. contact Compass on 0330 333 7444. It’s okay to reject, refuse or ignore Children & Families Hub. Please also any requests. Only criminals will try Next Chapter have also recently added an state if you are a member of public or a IF YOU ARE IN IMMEDIATE online chat facility. professional. to rush or panic you. DANGER, PLEASE CALL 999. • If someone claims to represent a Members of the public will speak to a charity, ask them for ID. Be suspicious SEXUAL ABUSE Family Adviser who will discuss and of requests for money up front. If identify the right services that will help DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CARA (Centre for action on rape someone attempts to pressurise you to meet the family’s needs. and abuse) 01206 769795. Open and into accepting a service, they are COMPASS - COMPASS is a single supporting victims of sexual violence Professionals will have to state if they unlikely to be genuine. Check with point of access funded by Essex via telephone support whilst all staff call for the Consultation Line (a social family and friends before accepting County Council in partnership with work from home. The office is running worker will give advice but not record offers of help if you are unsure the Office of Essex Police, Fire and on an answer machine, so the quickest the call) or the priority line (because an Crime Commissioner to support immediate response is necessary). victims of domestic abuse across and easiest way to refer into them, is via Synergy Essex the rape crisis partnership Requests for service should be made FOR ADVICE ON SCAMS CALL Southend, Essex and Thurrock. It is available 24hrs a day, for callers to that covers Essex. In an emergency, please online here. dial 999. CARA offer specialist therapy, Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline speak with a trained member of staff The online Request for Information portal advocacy support and independent sexual on 0800 2231133 who will complete an assessment will remain active for the time being violence advisors to guide victims through and ensure contact is made with the but will be reviewed as circumstances To report a scam call Action Fraud on the criminal justice process. 0300 1232040 most appropriate support service. change and develop. There is an easy to use online form Synergy Essex provides support and Contact your bank if you think you information for anyone who has been have been scammed for both the public and professionals wishing to make a referral. You can sexually abused or raped or has been contact them on 0330 3337444 affected by sexual violence at any time or by emailing enquiries@ in their lives. 0300 w003 7777 or email essexcompass.org.uk. [email protected].

35 www.colchester.gov.uk/coronavirus www.colchester.gov.uk/coronavirus 36 SHOPPING AND SUPERMARKETS NHS WORKERS AND PARKING

Many supermarkets have tailored their ALDI - Given current circumstances, North Essex Parking Partnership and This digital permit should assist the opening times specifically for vulnerable our daily opening hours will shorten Colchester Borough Council activities of these critical key workers residents and key workers. slightly. We will close at 8pm to allow during this difficult period. time for product replenishment and It is important to us to provide help and SAINSBURYS - Are using a Government to give additional support to our store support to NHS staff and critical key Permits will last until 30th database that tells them which people in colleagues. Sunday opening hours workers such as; England the Government considers to be most September 2020 and will be reviewed remain unchanged and also adverts say vulnerable, to offer those registered with them • Emergency Services Staff regularly taking into consideration that some of Sunday is reserved for NHS a delivery slot. If you live in England and you’re any national guidance. Apply for a personal • Local Authority Officers extremely vulnerable, you can get access to permit here. priority home delivery by visiting www.gov. LIDL - Normal hours. They have product • Community Volunteers, uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable quantity limitations in place on a select • Frontline Transport, and few product lines to ensure availability for TESCO’S - All stores (except Express stores) as many customers as possible, and ask Those providing direct support helping QUESTIONS FROM YOU will be prioritising the elderly and most that customers respect these measures. unwell and vulnerable people in their vulnerable for one hour between 9am and Q: WHY IS THE GRASS NEAR ME NOT Please see in store for more information 10am every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. communities. BEING CUT? on product quantity limitations. Every Sunday all Tesco stores prioritise a We understand workers may be working A: Due to the impact of coronavirus browsing hour before checkouts open for NHS WAITROSE - First hour of trading for longer hours and may no longer have the (COVID-19) Colchester Borough workers, giving them dedicated time to shop vulnerable. full range of travel choices they would Council has in place a limited grounds for their essentials. They are encouraging ICELAND - Last hour of trading for NHS normally have, such as public transport. those who are able to safely go to a store to maintenance programme, with only staff but must show their NHS ID This means they may be struggling to find essential work taking place. At this do so to free up the online slots for the more and pay for somewhere to park near their This is what the shops individual present time, we are prioritising large vulnerable. Open hours have changed so place of work or at a patient’s home. check here for opening times for your local websites stated on 30/03/2020. This open spaces, countryside areas and store. information is subject to change. Therefore, we are providing exemptions sports grounds. ONLINE SHOPPING - The number of items you EASTERN CO-OP - All stores have a for NHS staff and critical key workers in This is to support the Government can add to your cart has been capped at 80. dedicated shopping hour for vulnerable the form of a digital permit to use in on- guidelines which stipulate the public Orders are arriving bagged to reduce the time customers, those that care for them, street parking places and council owned are able to exercise in these areas spent at the door. and NHS workers, between 8am to 9am car parks without having to worry about once a day. Therefore, this essential Monday to Saturday, and from 10am to cost or time restrictions. On-street parking M&S - First hour of trading will be for NHS and work is being prioritised to ensure all 11am, on Sundays. places are limited to emergency services workers Tuesdays and members of the public can enjoy our Fridays; Vulnerable Mondays and Thursdays Service restrictions due to high demand. • Pay and display bays open spaces across the Borough. first hour of trading. Online slots are currently booked up at • Limited waiting bays All members of our staff will abide by the moment but please keep checking ASDA - To support the vital work of the NHS, the Government guidelines of social back to see when more become available. • Permit holders bays/zones and they are prioritising NHS workers in larger distancing whilst carrying out their Where slots are available, you will only be stores every Monday, Wednesday and Friday • Single yellow line waiting restrictions. work. able to order up to 20 items. from 8am to 9am.

37 www.colchester.gov.uk/coronavirus www.colchester.gov.uk/coronavirus 38 DOCTORS AND PHARMACIES Easter Opening times for pharmacies unprecedented strain we are trying to This link provides the best source for get through. finding the most current and up to date • Please don’t shout at your GP staff information regarding pharmacy opening when they can’t do these things hours for Easter because remember we will still make If you’re thinking of calling your doctors sure you get the medication you need please remember this - and we will still provide the best possible care - over the phone or face • We can’t do prescriptions early or give to face if absolutely necessary! you more just in case - the pharmacies are struggling already, and we don’t • Every single person who sets foot in want pharmacies to become like a healthcare setting from now on, is supermarkets. sadly entering a high-risk environment, why would you put yourself at risk? • We can’t give you an inhaler even though you had one 5 years ago when • Remember all NHS staff are doing this you had a bad cough - just in case - I to help keep you safe. know it’s scary but lots of people really need these inhalers and if you get one just in case they might not be able to QUESTIONS FROM YOU get one that they really need. Q: I’VE SEEN MEMBERS OF • We can’t give you paracetamol on COLCHESTER BOROUGH COUNCIL’S prescription just because you can’t buy GROUNDS MAINTENANCE TEAMS OUT it over the counter. WORKING. HOW ESSENTIAL IS THE • We can’t advise you whether you WORK THAT THEY ARE CARRYING should or shouldn’t self-isolate if you OUT? are at risk, we have a considerable A: Due to the impact of coronavirus number of patients - please follow the (COVID-19) Colchester Borough guidance. I know it’s not perfect, but Council is only carrying out work that we don’t have anything else we can tell Prevent - Inform - Assist is deemed essential. Some Highway Colchester you. verges are still being cut on the main • If you are due to have a routine routes into the Borough for Health and appointment and we tell you it’s Safety reasons. We thank you for your cancelled, try and understand the understanding. Stay at Home | Protect the NHS | Save Lives

39 www.colchester.gov.uk/coronavirus www.colchester.gov.uk/coronavirus 1