All our help and information for 28/07/2020 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:
Parents urged to claim Child Benefit
Parents in Somerset are being urged to claim Child Benefit, even if they have not yet been able to register the birth of their new-borns, to ensure they don’t miss out.
Claims can only be backdated by up to three months. Usually, to claim Child Benefit parents must register their child’s birth first. However, with many local register offices operating at reduced capacity and some parents unable to go to their local register office because of COVID-19, HMRC announced in April that parents can claim Child Benefit without having to register their child’s birth first during the pandemic.
First time parents will need to fill in Child Benefit claim form CH2 found online and send it to the Child Benefit Office. If they haven’t registered the birth because of COVID-19, they should add a note with their claim to let us know.
If they already claim Child Benefit, they can complete the form or add their new-born’s details over the telephone on 0300 200 3100. They will need their National Insurance number or Child Benefit number.
Farmers invited to virtual mental health seminar
Somerset, Devon and Torbay Trading Standards are holding an online event to promote mental health and wellbeing in the farming community on Friday 31 July.
The ongoing Covid-19 crisis and increasing industry pressures mean that the region’s farmers are under pressure more than ever. This has led to increased incidents of mental illness within the industry.
Those interested in attending this online event can book their place by clicking HERE which will take you to the Eventbrite bookings page. The event is on Friday 31 July from between 6pm and 8pm.
Better Health campaign
Public Health England (PHE) has launched the Better Health campaign to support people to live healthier lives and reduce their risk of serious illness, including COVID-19.
The campaign – unveiled as part of the government’s new Obesity Strategy – encourages adults to introduce changes that will help them work towards a healthier weight, with a suite of free tools and apps supporting people to eat better, drink less alcohol and get active. This includes a new app for the free 12-week NHS Weight Loss Plan, helping people make healthier food choices and learn skills to prevent weight gain.
Eat out to help out
The discount scheme goes live in August and you can now check which premises near you have signed up to the Government scheme. Look out for the logo, too – it means diners that eat-in will benefit from a 50% discount, up to a maximum of £10 per person, on food and non-alcoholic drinks, any Monday to Wednesday in August – and no voucher is required. Diners can take advantage of the offer as many times as they like during the month.
The postcode checker will list outlets within a five-mile radius.
Countries exempt from advice against ‘all but essential’ international travel
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has updated its global advisory against ‘all but essential’ travel, exempting destinations that no longer pose an unacceptably high risk for British travellers.