All our help and information for 12/11/2020 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:
Think about the drink and your mental health
Everyone is encouraged to think and talk openly about alcohol, how it effects their lives and its link to mental health during this Alcohol Awareness Week (16-22 November).
It has been an anxious and uncertain year and alcohol has been described as ‘the UK’s favourite coping mechanism’. Many drink to help manage stress, anxiety and depression.
Using alcohol to cope with the lockdown can give short term relief, but overuse of alcohol can contribute to the worsening of anxiety and depression.
There are many alternative ways to cope during these challenging times. For example, the 5-Ways to Wellbeing.
If you are concerned about your drinking and want to make changes, you can speak to your GP or contact SDAS directly. Phone 0300 303 8788 or click online at www.turning-point.co.uk/sdas
#StayHomeForSomerset
You may have spotted our #StayHomeForSomerset campaign featured on BBC Points West yesterday evening. We are asking everyone in the county to pull together to keep coronavirus at bay and support the campaign.
We want to fire up the amazing community spirit shown in Somerset throughout the lockdown earlier this year – and recognise that “we are all in this together.”
From now until December 2, we are asking people to take a “selfie” featuring the name of, or photo of, who they are staying home for. It could be to protect a vulnerable family member or friend or because you want to protect the NHS from extra pressure. The photos can then be uploaded to social media using the hashtag #StayHomeForSomerset.
Face coverings on school transport
Please remember: Somerset County Council now requires all secondary age pupils to wear face coverings on dedicated school transport with immediate effect, unless they are exempt.
Pupils are already required to wear face coverings in communal areas in secondary schools and this approach is being extended to all vehicles operating home to school transport.
Support for Somerset residents during lockdown
Help is available for anyone in Somerset who may need additional support during the second national lockdown.
The five councils in Somerset have been working together since the first lockdown to provide a single phone number for anyone in Somerset who needs Coronavirus-related support.
Residents are reminded they can call 0300 790 6275 if they need any help themselves or are concerned about relatives or neighbours. Lines are open seven days a week between 8am and 6pm.