All our help and information for 28/10/2020 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:
Food support for families in Somerset
Somerset County Council has pledged £125,000 of additional support for families in Somerset who may be struggling to find food this winter.
We want to ensure no child or adult in Somerset goes hungry. Our aim is to meet the immediate need for food, and work with the family to address underlying needs. This is because if a child is hungry there are usually other issues we would want to help them address – such as financial, housing, mental health and wellbeing, employment, and skills.
Throughout the pandemic the Coronavirus Helpline has been providing information, advice and support to families, adopting the same community orientated approach as that developed in the Adults service. The Village Agent offer to families has been extended so that they can get support to address underlying issues and regain, or retain, their ability to be as independent as possible.
This has enabled many families in Somerset to get the support they need to become more resilient. One element of this has been to make sure families can access nutritious meals – this remains a focus of our work.
This week it was agreed to set aside a further £125,000 in case more funds are needed to ensure families are fed this winter.
We have food available this half-term and any family in need should call our Coronavirus helpline on 0300 790 6275 and select Option 1.
Stay safe this Halloween
With Halloween fast approaching, coronavirus means that we need to approach the festivities differently this year.
Please avoid Trick or Treating if possible, and at all times follow the rule of six as well as the ‘hands, face and space’ guidance. Knocking on doors and picking up sweets can increase the risk of catching and spreading the virus through touch and close contact.
Instead why not use the opportunity to be creative and find alternative Halloween activities within your own home. Organise a Halloween themed treasure hunt around your house and garden and hide the trick or treat sweets to be found in the safety of your home! Or decorate your doorstep and share your pictures with us on social media.
Family Safeguarding Team launches in Somerset
A new way to support children and families in Somerset is launching from today with the aim of strengthening families to overcome their issues and reducing the number of children needing to come into care.
Somerset County Council, in partnership with The YOU Trust and the Somerset Drug and Alcohol Service (SDAS), has created the ‘Family Safeguarding Team’ – a new way of working that will transform how support is given to children and families in the county.
GP Surgery Launch for local homeless community
Local homeless charity Arc has announced a new local provision, enabling homeless people and rough sleepers to access health care.
Arc supports around 200 people on any one night across Taunton, Sedgemoor and West Somerset, providing accommodation in its 15 properties. One of these properties is Lindley House, a 56-bed direct access hostel with 24-hour support.
Reduce the risks and follow advice
It’s vital everyone acts to reduce their own risk, and the risk to others, from getting ill with coronavirus.
There’s really important information available to help Somerset residents, businesses and visitors take all-important precautions.
Public Health dashboard
Detailed Public Health information dashboards are available on our website www.somerset.gov.uk/coronavirus just scroll down to ‘Covid-19 dashboard’. These are updated daily.