All our help and information for 28/04/2020 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:
Have fun at home with Somerset libraries
Hundreds of Somerset families are getting involved in a brand-new library offer – run entirely through social media.
Library staff are continuing to provide a fun-filled events and activities programme using digital platforms whilst library buildings are temporarily closed.
Video story times are attracting thousands of viewers and there are activities to suit all ages, including quizzes, Lego challenges, book recommendations and even gardening tips.
On Friday 1 May, libraries nationally will be joining in with Booktrust’s “Pyjamarama”. This will be a fun-filled online festival of stories for children and families at home. This is the perfect opportunity – and excuse! – for families to stay in their PJs to enjoy readings, quizzes, draw-alongs and many other activities, all culminating in a bedtime story.
Young people helped to stay on course with DofE programme
Hundreds of young people across Somerset are being supported to continue their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award activities throughout the coronavirus emergency. The DofE Team, from Somerset County Council’s Support Services for Education, is continuing to work closely with all the 58 Somerset schools and colleges, the children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and the Youth Groups undertaking DofE awards, to deliver an adapted programme at this difficult time – #DofEwithADifference.
Check out broadband and mobile deals
During the coronavirus emergency, broadband and mobile firms are offering their customers free access to www.nhs.uk and 111.nhs.uk New, generous mobile and landline packages are on offer for customers in greatest need including young people. Some packages include low cost data boosts and free calls from landline/mobile. Contact your provider to see what they can do for you.
Light a candle as a tribute
Thank you to everyone who joined the one-minute silence today to commemorate health and key workers who have died as a result of coronavirus. You can light a candle tonight in their honour. Take a photo of your candle, and with a caption about who you’re remembering and post it on social media using the hashtag #IWMD20.
Free online skills training on offer
Adults, including furloughed workers at home due to the coronavirus lockdown, are being offered free online courses in digital skills. The training is focused on improving skills for online jobsin the expectation more people will be working remotely. The Skills Toolkit, launched by the Department for Education, is a collection of training resources to help those in lockdown to acquire jobs skills for when more businesses reopen.
Deadline approaches for logo competition
The deadline is looming for entries in our competition for children to create a logo for a new ‘Healthy, Happy and Safe’ campaign aimed at countering the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic. The closing date for entries is Thursday 30 April. Full details are available here: https://somersetnewsroom.com/2020/04/16/children-asked-to-help-with-new-somerset-healthy-happy-and-safe-campaign/
Mental health and wellbeing tip
Many are working from home at present. If you are, remember to take plenty of breaks; schedule in a virtual coffee break with one of your team,; catch up on day to day things, and share what you are doing and what is working for you at home. Could you set up a regular social team meeting?