All our help and information for 22/04/2020 is now available in a single place on the SCC website https://www.somerset.gov.uk/coronavirus/covid-19-latest-advice/
This page is refreshed through the day so please check in regularly to keep across developments and news.
Top stories today:
Tune in tonight for Laughter Yoga on BBC Somerset
The first of our weekly wellbeing slots with BBC Somerset launches this evening – you can tune in from 7pm-8pm.
During Charlie Taylor’s show, members of Somerset County Council’s Public Health team will be interviewing a different guest each week on a range of topical subjects.
This evening listeners can hear Denise Hodgson from Spark Somerset talk about Laughter Yoga and its wellbeing benefits. This is an exercise that brightens up the day and keeps people moving. During the workshop listeners will learn about how laughter yoga can support wellbeing and experience it in the moment. Be prepared to laugh and do some gentle movement.
Future topics will include bird song, nature, gardening, meditation, and ideas and support for families and older people.
Our Public Health team has updated the Healthy Somerset website to provide key information on dealing with the UK’s lockdown.
It includes information on how to access help and support across a range of public health topics, from breastfeeding and giving up smoking to support for victims of domestic abuse.
Have a plan for your pets
There’s a lot to think about during the Coronavirus crisis, but pet owners are being urged to plan ahead for their animal friends should they fall ill. Whether furry, feathered or scaly; having a plan for how your animals will be looked after if you become unwell will make life easier if does happen. It will also mean their welfare won’t be weighing on your mind when you’re making other important decisions.
SWP crews help fire service tackle problem parking
Waste collection crews in Somerset are poised to distribute ‘please park carefully’ notes in solidarity with fire service colleagues this week. Staff working for Somerset Waste Partnership’s new contractor Suez will be putting the polite notices from the fire service on to the windscreens of the rising number of problem parkers.
Funding opportunities available for Somerset Charities
Spark Somerset have recently announced the latest funding opportunities for charities and community organisations in Somerset that are supporting people through the Coronavirus outbreak. Funding is available through a number of different organisations both nationally and locally. Mental health, sport, farming support and general grants are the areas that groups can get funding for linked to Coronavirus. Please follow this link to get the full list of funding opportunities.
Furlough scheme April deadline
Employers are reminded that they have until midnight tonight (April 22) to apply to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to get payments by April 30. It takes six working days to process claims. Employers can apply here:
https://tax.service.gov.uk/coronavirus-job-retention-scheme
Further details of the scheme and a link to the application can be found via the large businesses, small and medium businesses and voluntary organisations pages.