All our help and information for 03/06/2020 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:
Talking Cafés keeping Somerset connected with daily Facebook live events
Anyone in Somerset needing information, advice, and support – or just a friendly chat – can now use Facebook Live to join people across the county for daily Talking Café events.
Typically running from local venues, Talking Cafes were set up in June 2017 as a collaboration between Somerset County Council, Community Council for Somerset and a range of community organisations to help enable people find and connect to support in their local community as part of the Community Connect initiative.
BBC wellbeing slot features Shared Reading
On this week’s BBC Somerset Wellbeing slot we will be delving into the realms of Shared Reading – a simple yet powerful experience that brings people of all ages and walks of life together to talk, laugh and share works of literature.
The idea of Shared Reading was developed by a charity called The Reader, founded in 2002 by Jane Davis. For many people, Shared Reading helps to improve mental wellbeing and physical health. So how does it work? A group of people, one of them a trained volunteer, will read a novel, short story or poem aloud. The group then stop and talk about what has been read.
The Reader works with prisons, hospitals, NHS trusts, GPs and clinical commissioning groups to support people living with conditions including dementia, complex mental health issues and chronic pain, as well as those recovering from addiction. For more information about The Reader and its work, visit www.thereader.org.uk or follow @thereaderorg on social media. Join us today, Wednesday, on BBC Somerset between 7-8pm to have a go and find out more. The frequencies to tune in are 95.5FM, 1566AM, DAB, or listen at www.bbc.co.uk/bbcsomerset and on the BBC Sounds app.
Extra support when you need it
If you, or someone you know, is vulnerable or shielding due to being in the high-risk group for coronavirus, you could benefit from being on Wessex Water’s Priority Services Register. Energy companies offer a similar service.
For more information and to sign up, visit wessexwater.co.uk/priorityservices or call 0345 600 3 600 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm; Saturday, 8am to 2pm).
One Somerset engagement underway
Surveys of residents and businesses across the county will take place from this week as Somerset County Council gathers views towards disbanding all five councils and setting up a new single Unitary Authority.
It follows a decision in February that Somerset County Council will look to reduce duplication and waste across the five councils and instead involve communities more closely in decisions that have an impact in their area through a new One Somerset approach.
Toolkit to help businesses reopen
From 15 June ‘non-essential’ businesses can reopen, but they will have to do so within the current guidelines.
Better Business for All is a partnership of local authorities, businesses, regulators and Trading Standards services. They’ve created a single and FREE resource to provide guidance and advice to businesses. The toolkit is available online.
For the latest COVID-19 support and guidance for businesses, and information on Government schemes, please visit the Growth Hub website.