All our help and information for 24/04/2020 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:
£3m boost for Somerset’s care heroes, as County Hall is lit up in their honour
Somerset’s heroic care providers will receive an extra £3 million to help them support vulnerable people during the coronavirus pandemic.
The one-off payment will see contracted providers receive a 10% increase in fees over a 3-month period, which will help with additional costs brought about by the crisis.
Somerset County Council has also extended a heartfelt thank you to carers and will be lighting up County Hall in green and blue in their honour, as well paying tribute to council staff, the NHS, and other key workers and volunteers who are stepping up to keep the county running.
Celebrity chef’s sweet tweet for Selworthy School
It’s an especially tough time for parent carers of children and young people with special educational needs and/or a disability (SEND) – with a whole range of extra challenges to deal with on top of the current situation.
So there was a welcome surprise this week for parents of pupils at Selworthy School in Taunton – a personal superhero shout-out from TV chef Gordon Ramsay – minus the swearing!
You can watch the video – and put forward your own Somerset Superhero Shout Out – on the Somerset County Council Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/somersetcountycouncil/videos/224876851913957
The video by staff at Selworthy to say thank you to parents can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2ldTsTsTls
Mindline Somerset now 24/7
Don’t forget, Mindline Somerset 01823 276 892 is now open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to give support during the coronavirus pandemic. Mindline is a confidential listening service which provides a safe place to talk for an individual or someone they know, is in distress. It also gives basic information about mental health and local support services.
Find coronavirus financial support for your business
The Government has now launched a business support finder to quickly help businesses determine what financial support is available for themselves or their business. Links can be found on the Large business, small and medium business, self-employed and voluntary organisation web pages.
Financial guidance for charities affected by coronavirus
Many charity trustees are having to cope with serious financial challenges during the pandemic that will have a major impact on their organisations and those who depend on them. The Government has put together some guidance and practical steps for trustees, especially those in smaller charities.