Jess Shulman

The “Let’s Beat Loneliness Together” campaign has now been running for a month. We’ve already seen almost 700 people access information on our webpage, which is great!

This week’s news from around the Council.

Covid-19 updates

• One-year anniversary of the first lockdown

Tuesday 23 March 2021 marked the one-year anniversary of the first lockdown.  A time of reflection, sadness, and much loss, but also a time to look to the future. The Covid-19 virus is here to stay for the foreseeable future, however, we can all do our bit to stop the spread, protect our loved ones and support our communities. There is light at the end of this long tunnel, but only if we stick to the rules.

• Covid-19 Roadmap
  • The latest figures in Staffordshire, including a district breakdown can be found here.
  • You can check your areas statistics by putting in your postcode here.
  • The Government’s 4 Step Roadmap out of Lockdown can be found here.
  • Further information on the Governments roadmap can be found here.
  • It is nearly three weeks since the Government started easing up restrictions, with the main one being that children returned to school. Thankfully, Covid-19 cases have continued to fall, which is the main criteria that will see the implementation of further easing of restrictions. Please continue to be vigilant as things can change quickly.
  • Everyone in a household where children and young people are at school or college should be getting tested twice weekly. This can be done through the Community Testing sites, workplace testing or by ordering tests to do at home (if you cannot get to a place to collect them). Click here for information on the pop-up testing sites or to order your home testing kits.
  • Not long now before the next step of phase one – 29 March. The ‘stay at home’ rule will be lifted but restrictions remain in place. The following is a summary of the additional easing to the restrictions:
    • Social contact – Outdoor gatherings (including in private gardens) of either 6 people (the Rule of 6) or 2 households will now be allowed.
    • Business and activities – Outdoor sports facilities such as tennis and basketball courts, and open-air swimming pools will also be allowed to reopen, and people will be able to take part in formally organised outdoor sports. Grassroot football will also start up, however, there remains very strict rules around who can attend, so click here for more information.
    • Travel – The ‘stay at home’ rule will end on 29 March, but many restrictions will remain in place. People should continue to work from home where they can and minimise the number of journeys they make where possible. Travel abroad will continue to be prohibited, other than for a small number of permitted reasons. Holidays abroad will not be allowed.

• From 1 April, Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (CEV) individuals are no longer advised to shield but must continue to follow the rules in place for everyone under the current national restrictions and continue to take extra precautions.

• Covid-19 – Key messages
  Things are continuing to improve across the health system, with fewer patients and outbreaks. Conversations are now taking place around the restoration and recovery of services, but Covid-19 isn’t going to disappear anytime soon, so please read and heed these messages:
  • Hands, Face, Space.
  • Get routinely tested (please see ‘Get routinely testes’ news item).
  • Get vaccinated when it becomes available to you (please see news item below).
  • The vaccine rollout continues to be hugely successful – The Midlands leads the way as first to reach five million vaccines landmark.
  • Everyone, including those who have been vaccinated, must continue to comply with current restrictions and still get tested regularly.
  • Most people are complying with the restrictions and it is only the minority who are not. We recognise the difficulties people are facing and are grateful for those who are complying.
  • Have a happy and safe Easter.

• Important Notice about the Covid-19 Vaccines

Dr Phil Bryan, MHRA Vaccines Safety Lead said: “The benefits of the vaccine in preventing Covid-19, with its associated risk of hospitalisation and death, far outweigh the risks of side effects. People should go and get their Covid-19 vaccine when asked to do so. It is still the case that it has not been confirmed the reported blood clots were caused by the Covid-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca. Blood clots can occur naturally and are not uncommon. Our role is to continually monitor safety during widespread use of a vaccine. We also work closely with our public health and international partners in reviewing the effectiveness and impact of the vaccines to ensure the benefits continue to outweigh any possible side effects. People should still go and get their COVID-19 vaccine when asked to do so. For further vaccination information, see our statement and advice published on 11 March.” 

• Get routinely tested – This week’s testing sites in South Staffordshire

It is important to attend lateral flow testing routinely, irrespective of whether you have had the vaccine or not. You can get a rapid Covid-19 test at any of our community testing sites, provided you are asymptomatic, you are not self-isolating, you have not had a positive Covid-19 test in the last 90 days, and you are not part of another regular asymptomatic testing programme. The Covid-19 community testing pop-up sites in South Staffordshire for 29 March – 4 April 2021 are:

Monday 29 March

• Perton Civic Hall, Church Road, Perton. WV6 7PD – 10am-12.30pm
• Haling Dene Centre, Cannock Road, Penkridge. ST19 5DT – 2pm-4pm

Tuesday 30 March

• Great Wyrley Scout and Guide Hut, Walsall Road, Great Wyrley. WS6 6LA – 10am-1.30pm

Wednesday 31 March

• Featherstone Hall Community Centre, Baneberry Drive, Featherstone. WV10 7TR – 10am – 12.30pm
• Essington Community Centre, Hobnock Road, Essington. WV11 2RF – 2pm-4pm

Thursday 1 April

• Perton Civic Hall, Church Road, Perton. WV6 7PD – 10am-12.30pm
• Calf Heath Village Hall TBC, Straight Mile, Calf Heath, Wolverhampton. WV10 7DW – 2pm-4pm

Good Friday

• No testing

Saturday 3 April

• Essington Community Centre, Hobnock Road, Essington. WV11 2RF – 10am-12.30pm
• Great Wyrley Scout and Guide Hut, Walsall Road, Great Wyrley. WS6 6LA – 2pm-4pm

Easter Sunday

• No testing

South Staffordshire’s semi-permanent Covid-19 Lateral Flow Testing (LFT) site will be Wombourne Library, Church Road , Wombourne WV5 9EZ (Monday – Thursday and Saturday). 

Anyone with symptoms should not attend and instead book a PCR test online here.

• Support during the Pandemic
  • CEV’s without friends, family, or other support networks to rely on will continue to be able to register to request priority access to supermarket delivery slots until the 31 March via the National Shielding Service System website.
  • The NHS Volunteer Responders Programme will continue providing support with food, prescriptions, and essential items to those who are self-isolating. This also includes anyone that is clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) or anyone that is vulnerable for another reason. Contact the NHS Volunteer Responders on 0808 196 3646 or click here for more information on the NHS Volunteer Responders Programme. 

• The Council can also help arrange local support for shopping, prescriptions and other necessities if anyone is self-isolating, who has an underlying health condition and cannot call upon friends, family or neighbours. Further information can be found here.
• Residents can use the Government’s online Test and Trace Support Payment page to check their eligibility if they need to self-isolate because of Covid-19 and cannot work from home. The site allows the public to input their postcode to find their local authorities relevant webpage. 

Council News

• Elections Update:
  • Notices of Elections have now gone up and can be found on the Council website.
  • Some Poll Stations have changed, for a full list please go to the Council website.
  • Poll Cards will be delivered through letter boxes over the next few days.
  • We are currently receiving nominations – the deadline for this is 8 April.
  • You can register to vote here. The deadline for registering to vote is 19 April.
  • You can apply for a Postal Vote here. The last day for applications for Postal Votes is 5pm on 20 April.
• Good news for leisure members

As we approach April, we remain hopeful that, providing data and infection rates remain stable that our leisure centres gyms and pools will re-open on 12 April. We will be providing members with FREE access during April and going forward, membership fees will be reduced in May and June, until we are able to re-instate all facilities. Safety will be our absolute priority and we are confident that we can welcome everyone back into our covid-secure facilities. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook or subscribe to Leisure’s e-alerts.

• Council Job Vacancies
  • Member Support Officer (x1 full time perm & x1 full time fixed term), Closing midnight on Sunday 28 March 2021 – application information.
  • Customer Services General Advisor (12 month fixed term), Closing 5pm on Friday 26 March 2021 – application information.
• Next week’s Council Committee/Panel meetings
  • Full Council – Tuesday, 30 March 2021 – 7.00 pm – Public virtual meeting via Teams.

Members of the public can virtually attend these meetings via Microsoft Teams. In the news section at the bottom of the Council’s website, you will find the relevant news item that will include a link to enable you to join.

 Good News Stories

• ‘Communities and Parks’ award at the LTA Tennis Awards.

Cheslyn Hay Tennis, a tennis community group, have won the ‘Communities and Parks’ award at the LTA Tennis Awards. One of 18 national winners, Cheslyn Hay Tennis received the accolade from the governing body for tennis in Britain on account of their efforts to encourage more people into the sport at Cheslyn Hay Leisure Centre, Hednesford and Cannock Park.

Cheslyn Hay delivers a great range of community programmes, including Tennis for Free and SERVES, delivered through an amazing team of volunteers and coaches.

In a virtual ceremony, Cheslyn Hay were presented their award by Russell Fuller, BBC tennis correspondent. “The LTA Tennis Awards are a real celebration of the people that make our sport thrive,” said LTA president, David Rawlinson. “They celebrate the achievements made by outstanding volunteers, coaches, officials, venues and players, who are all vital in helping us to grow the game. “To be named a national winner out of over 2,000 public nominations is a fantastic achievement so I’d like to congratulate all of this year’s winners and extend my thanks to each and every one of them for all that they do to help tennis in Britain.”

As part of Sport England/SASSOT Covid-19 recovery, the tennis group are launching their offer of 200 free tennis lessons of 30 minutes to players of ages – perfect in getting players of all abilities started. You can find out more information about the Junior and Adult Tennis sessions taking place throughout the week here or alternatively, email [email protected] or phone 07969 829318.

 Helpful Resources

• Dementia – Day Opportunities
  • Information on activities and support for people with dementia and other complex needs across Staffordshire, can be found here. Day opportunities are still available with strict Covid-19 compliance.
  • Day Care at Home offers great support for individuals who are unable to attend our normal Day Opportunities centres.
  • Digitalising Day Care offers Sing-alongs, musical bingo, reminiscence, and other activities at home or in small groups.
• Let’s Beat Loneliness Together

Loneliness can affect anyone at any point. It can have an impact on our health, wellbeing, and self-esteem. In a recent survey 35% of Staffordshire residents reported that loneliness and isolation was a concern to them and 80% were worried about not seeing family and friends during lockdown.

• Further information on beating loneliness together, can be found here.
• Further information on befriending services can be found here. 

• Staffordshire Together for Carers

Do you have a family member, friend or neighbour who cannot manage without your support? Staffordshire Together for Carers Service is delivered by n-compass in partnership with a range of organisations committed to supporting Carers. If you would like to talk to us about how we may be able to help you or access our services, please get in touch:

Telephone: 0300 303 0621 (calls charged at local rate)

Text: 07786 201226

General Email: [email protected]

Online Chat: www.n-compass.org.uk/our-services/carers

Address: FREEPOST Staffordshire Together for Carers Service

Outside office opening hours registered Carers can talk to our team of supportive Volunteers on our Carers Help and Talk chatline. Call 0330 022 9297, lines are open 24/7.

• Bowel Cancer Awareness Month – April 2021
  A treatable cancer when caught early #stopbowelcancer. Click here for more information on Bowel Cancer awareness month.
• Parkinson’s Awareness Week
  World Parkinson’s week starts Sunday 11 April 2021 and ends on Saturday 17 April. This year’s theme is focused on the mental health aspect of living with Parkinson’s. Click here for further information on Parkinson’s Awareness week.

Parkinson’s Care and Support UK will be launching the first ever Parkinson’s Mental Health Support Hub.  More information can be found at their website. This will offer the following free services:

• Parkinson’s CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)– a GP referred service for people with Parkinson’s who are suffering from Anxiety or Depression.
• Parkinson’s ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)– a self -referred service for people with Parkinson’s who may be struggling to accept their diagnosis.
• Parkinson’s Bereavement Support Line– a support line for family carers whose loved one is coming towards the end of their life or for those who have lost a loved one with Parkinson’s.
• Parkinson’s Befriending and Companionship Network– a service designed to reduce isolation and loneliness for people living with Parkinson’s through peer support and visiting care. 

• Safer communities and safeguarding 

• Crime
  • A campaign is to be launched in the summer to talk with all Parish Councils about their perceptions of crime in their parish area and hold conversations about how the Community Safety Partnership can work with them and residents.
  • All crime is on a downward trend from 3306 to 2855 – down 14% (these figures are a comparison for April – Nov 2019 and April – Nov 2020).  

• Anti-Social Behaviour
  • There has, however, been an overall 5% increase in anti-social behaviour. Targeted work relating to ASB is being planned by the South Staffordshire Community Safety Partnership (off-road bikes and car cruising and hotspots relating to nuisance and drug related issues). Designated operations being undertaken by South Staffordshire Local Policing Team has seen several arrests and the seizure of 5 off-road bikes. Extra resources are being put in hotspot locations.
  • Data shows an increase in ASB, particularly in Locality 5:

• 
  Domestic Abuse
  • Demand on domestic abuse support services has increased, and additional funding has been provided to increase service provision. Useful information and contact details can be found below:
    • Make a stand, Help tackle abuse and neglect
    • Domestic abuse victim support
  • The helpline for New Era Victim Support is 0300 303 3778 

• Data shows an increase in Domestic Violence (in line with national trends) in all areas except locality 2:
• Locality information can be found here.

Everyone is encouraged to submit news items, please email: [email protected]

This week’s news from around the Council.

Covid-19 updates 

• Covid-19 Roadmap
  • The latest figures in Staffordshire, including a district breakdown can be found here.
  • You can check your areas statistics by putting in your postcode here.
  • The Government’s 4 Step Roadmap out of Lockdown can be found here.
  • Further information on the Governments roadmap can be found here.
  • The Government’s roadmap went live on 8 March. It is the light at the end of a very long tunnel for us all, but these dates are not set in stone as they must be achieved.
  • On Monday 8 March, schools and colleges returned for face-to-face learning. Everyone in a household where children and young people are at school or college should be getting tested twice weekly. This can be done through the Community Testing sites, workplace testing or by ordering tests to do at home (if you cannot get to a place to collect them). Click here for information on the pop-up testing sites and to order your home testing kits.
  • The next step of phase one will take place on 29 March. The following is a summary of the additional easing to the restrictions:
    • Social contact – Outdoor gatherings (including in private gardens) of either 6 people (the Rule of 6) or 2 households will now be allowed.
    • Business and activities – Outdoor sports facilities such as tennis and basketball courts, and open-air swimming pools will also be allowed to reopen, and people will be able to take part in formally organised outdoor sports.
    • Travel – The ‘stay at home’ rule will end on 29 March, but many restrictions will remain in place. People should continue to work from home where they can and minimise the number of journeys they make where possible. Travel abroad will continue to be prohibited, other than for a small number of permitted reasons. Holidays abroad will not be allowed.

• Covid-19 Additional key messages
  • The key message remains – Hands, Face, Space.
  • Get routinely tested (please see news item below).
  • Get vaccinated when it becomes available to you. The latest vaccination data can be found here.
  • National text messaging is being introduced for vaccine call-up to the over-50s.
  • There is a push on health and social care workers to encourage vaccine uptake, especially among women of child-bearing age and members of certain communities.
  • Although the vaccine rollout continues to be hugely successful, the virus is still present, therefore everyone, including those who have been vaccinated, must continue to comply with current restrictions.
  • Most people are complying with the restrictions and it is only the minority who are not. We recognise the difficulties people are facing and are grateful for those who are complying.
  • Things are continuing to improve across the health system, with fewer patients and outbreaks. Conversations are now taking place around the restoration and recovery of services.
  • The Community Testing (LFT – lateral flow testing) programme has been expanded in recent weeks, with an increasing number of programmes being expanded to include home testing.

• Get routinely tested – This week’s testing sites in South Staffordshire

For residents who need to be out and about during lockdown or those living in a Covid-19 hotspot area it is important to attend lateral flow testing routinely, irrespective of whether they have had the vaccine or not. You can get a rapid Covid-19 test at any of our community testing sites, provided you’re asymptomatic, you’re not self-isolating, you haven’t had a positive Covid test in the last 90 days, and you’re not part of another regular asymptomatic testing programme. The Covid-19 community testing pop-up sites in South Staffordshire for 22 – 28 March 2021 are:

• Monday 22 March 2021

Perton, Civic Centre – 10am – 12:30pm

Penkridge, Haling Dene Centre – 2pm – 4pm

• Tuesday 23 March 2021

Great Wyrley Scout and Guide Hut –10am – 1.30pm

• Wednesday 24 March 2021

Featherstone, Community Centre – 10am -12:30pm

Essington, Community Centre – 2pm – 4pm

• Thursday 25 March 2021

Perton, Civic Centre – 10am – 12.30pm

Calf Heath, Village Hall – 2pm -4pm

• Saturday 27 March 2021

Essington, Community Centre – 10am – 12.30

Great Wyrley, Scout and Guide Hut – 2pm -4pm 

• South Staffordshire’s semi-permanent Covid-19 Lateral Flow Testing (LFT) site will be Wombourne Library, Church Road , Wombourne WV5 9EZ (please check the booking calendar, as times vary on some days). 

• Anyone with symptoms should not attend and instead book a PCR test online here.
• Support during the Pandemic
  • We can help arrange local support for shopping, prescriptions and other necessities if anyone is self-isolating, who has an underlying health condition and cannot call upon friends, family or neighbours. Further information can be found here.
  • Residents can use the Government’s online Test and Trace Support Payment page to check their eligibility if they need to self-isolate because of Covid-19 and cannot work from home. The site allows the public to input their postcode to find their local authorities relevant webpage. 

Council News

• Show your support TODAY – Leisure’s fundraising for Comic Relief
  In aid of Red Nose Day, we are asking everyone to join in our online exercise classes today (Friday 19 March) and in return, make a donation to comic relief. View the online class list here and click on ‘schedule’ to choose a class and make your booking.  To make a donation to Comic Relief, please click here. Staff have been urging people to show their support all week. Here’s Nat from Wombourne encouraging everyone to donate.

• Good news for leisure members

As we approach April, we remain hopeful that, providing data and infection rates remain stable that our leisure centres gyms and pools will re-open on 12 April. We will be providing members with FREE access during April and going forward, membership fees will be reduced in May and June, until we are able to re-instate all facilities. Safety will be our absolute priority and we are confident that we can welcome everyone back into our covid-secure facilities. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook or subscribe to Leisure’s e-alerts.

• Council Job Vacancies
  • Member Support Officer (x1 full time perm & x1 full time fixed term), Closing midnight on Sunday 28 March 2021 – application information.
  • Customer Services General Advisor (12 month fixed term), Closing 5pm on Friday 26 March 2021 – application information.
  • Career Graded Senior Planning Officers x2, Development Management, Closing 5pm Monday 22 March 2021 – application information.
  • Senior Arboricultural Officer Development Management, Closing 5pm Monday 22 March 2021 – application information.
  • Strategic Projects Assistant Team Manager, Development Management, Closing 5pm Monday 22 March 2021 – application information.

• Next week’s Council Committee/Panel meetings
  • Overview & Scrutiny Committee – Tuesday, 23 March 2021 – 6.30 pm – Public virtual meeting via Teams.
  • Licensing & Regulatory Committee – Thursday, 25 March 2021 – 2.30 pm – Public virtual meeting via Teams.

Members of the public can virtually attend these meetings via Microsoft Teams. In the news section at the bottom of the Council’s website, you will find the relevant news item that will include a link to enable you to join.

Good News Stories

• Kinver leads the way with Electric Vehicle charging points
  Kinver Parish Council has installed the first public EV charging points in the area, on the High Street car park. The Fast Charge EV points are available to the general public, as well as to local residents.  The installation was part funded by Government grant, with the purpose of ensuring that residents without off-street parking, can still charge their electric vehicles near to their homes.

The Parish Council spokesman said “We want to do all we can to tackle carbon emissions, by bringing forward practical solutions. That’s why Kinver Parish Council supports drivers to replace older polluting vehicles with cleaner ones.  There are no alternative public charging points within 5 miles, and provision of EV charging in the local area is well below average.  South Staffordshire has declared a Climate Emergency, and this project is one small contribution to encouraging the low-carbon lifestyles which are the future.  PC have attained plastic free status as have many shops in Kinver and we are working together with the Kinver Eco Collective group to make Kinver a plastic free environment, nature friendly and green village.” The charge points were installed by local company Car Charger Ltd, who are also involved in installing workplace charge points in South Staffordshire’s new Codsall Community hub.

• “Leaving only footprints behind”
  That’s the motto of Wombourne’s fabulous new ‘Litter Patrol’. Launched on the 8 of February 2021, it is truly going from strength to strength already, signing up 65 children aged 3-14 years in its first 48 hours alone, and it has a growing waiting list! What a wonderful, interactive way to keep your community space clean whilst giving children and young people an opportunity to volunteer.

Voluntary and Community Sector plays a critical role in so many ways for supporting and enriching the lives of local people.  This report highlights through data and case studies just how much value these voluntary organisations add to our communities.

Helpful Resources 

• Support Staffordshire present The Volunteer Star Awards

The community, including organisations, businesses and individuals are able to nominate people they feel deserve to be recognised for their contribution to the local community.  Anyone can nominate. Closing date is 30 March 2021. To nominate someone for the Volunteer Star Awards please complete the online form here. You can also download a form and return it by email or post.

• Dementia – Day Opportunities
  • Information on activities and support for people with dementia and other complex needs across Staffordshire, can be found here. Day opportunities are still available with strict Covid-19 compliance.
  • Day Care at Home offers great support for individuals who are unable to attend our normal Day Opportunities centres
  • Digitalising Day Care offers Sing-alongs, musical bingo, reminiscence, and other activities at home or in small groups.
• Let’s Beat Loneliness Together

Loneliness can affect anyone at any point. It can have an impact on our health, wellbeing, and self-esteem. In a recent survey 35% of Staffordshire residents reported that loneliness and isolation was a concern to them and 80% were worried about not seeing family and friends during lockdown.

• Further information on beating loneliness together, can be found here.
• Further information on befriending services can be found here 

• Children and Young People – Emotional wellbeing
• SCTSP Family Support Services deliver a range of online workshops for parents.
• 4- week Programme Understanding and Managing Defiant Behaviours and Anger in Children and Young People. Start Date: Tuesday 20th April 2021: 1.30-2.30pm
• Helping Children to develop a Positive attitude and Growth Mind-set. Monday 19 April: 1-2.30pm
• Helping Children to Build Self Esteem and Manage Social Anxiety. Date: Monday 24 May: 1-2.30pm
• To book your place please email your name, date of programme and phone number to [email protected] or text/phone with your name, date of programme and email address to 07741645691. Once you have booked, you will be sent instructions on how to access the Workshop/Programme.
• Teen Guide to Surviving Lockdown and Beyond

An interactive resource full of tools, activities, and practices to help teenagers manage social distancing and stay positive during the coronavirus lockdown & beyond.

• Safer communities and safeguarding
  • Domestic Abuse

Demand on domestic abuse support services has increased, and additional funding has been provided to increase service provision. Useful information and contact details can be found below:

• Make a stand, Help tackle abuse and neglect
• Domestic abuse victim support

• Look Out – cyclist and driver safety
  The days are getting longer, lockdown restrictions are easing, but still in place! Hands, Face, Space! Staffordshire Safer Roads Partnership are promoting a campaign to keep cyclists and drivers safe.
  • Cyclist and Driver Safety
  • Drivers: Look Out – Drive Carefully
  • Cyclists: Look Out – Cycle Safely
• Safe + Sound sessions

Aimed at Year 5 and Year 6 pupils.  Whilst children will now be watching at school; parents/carers may want the opportunity to find out what their child has learnt and to discuss further at home. Topics in this week’s livestream were:

• Online Safety – YouTube
• Nature Prints with Staffordshire Wildlife Trust
• First Aid – head bumps
• Online Safety – Who Are You Really Talking to Online?
• Balance Challenge with Time4Sport
• Click here to view this week’s livestreams
• Previous programmes are all available to watch on demand at the bottom of the same page.

Everyone is encouraged to submit news items, please email: [email protected]

This week’s news from around the Council.

Covid-19 updates

 Covid-19 Roadmap

• • The latest figures in Staffordshire, including a district breakdown can be found here.
  • The Government’s 4 Step roadmap out of lockdown can be found here.
  • Further detail on the Governments 4 step roadmap can be found here.
  • The Government’s roadmap went live on 8 March. It is the light at the end of a very long tunnel for us all, but these dates are not set in stone as they must be achieved.
  • On Monday 8 March schools and colleges returned for face-to-face learning. Everyone in a household where children and young people are at school or college should be getting tested twice weekly. This can be done through the Community Testing sites, workplace testing or by ordering tests to do at home (if you cannot get to a place to collect them). Click here for information on the pop-up testing site and to order your home testing kits.

• Covid-19 Additional key messages
  • Sunday 14 March Mother’s Day – Give your Mum the gift of safety this Mother’s Day. As hard as it may be, please do not mix households; keep your loved ones safe.
  • Remember, if you are part of a support bubble, take regular tests.
  • The rates of cases, hospitalisation and deaths are falling in South Staffordshire, but, as we saw last year, things can change rapidly, particularly as the lockdown eases.
  • There are concerns that people are neglecting guidance, especially in supermarkets which is potentially linked to having received their vaccine. Being vaccinated helps you avoid getting severely ill with the virus, but you can still experience being unwell, and you can still pass it on to others – protect your loved one’s!
  • The dates identified in the roadmap are targets to aim for rather than guaranteed end points, and messaging will reinforce what the public must do for the changes to be implemented.

• Covid-19 vaccinations
• Vaccines are a critical part of our plan. New data from a Public Health England study show that both the Pfizer-BioNTech and the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines significantly reduce severe Covid-19 in people over 70 years of age. The vaccine is safe – please encourage our residents to take up the vaccine offer.
• Remember, social distancing rules must still be followed even after vaccination.
• Adult carers fall into priority group six and will soon be invited to book an appointment for their vaccination over the coming weeks.  Please wait to be invited for your vaccine and do not try and call your GP as doing so may prevent a patient getting through who needs urgent care.
• New enquiries to register as a carer can be made by speaking to your GP or local authority.  Registration is subject to eligibility checks through the statutory carer’s assessment or assignment of carer’s flag on the GP record, advice is also available from 119.
• Community Testing – Lateral Flow Tests (LFT)

For residents who need to be out and about during lockdown or those living in a Covid-19 hotspot area it is still important to attend lateral flow testing routinely, irrespective of whether they have had the vaccine or not. There will be nine pop up Covid-19 community testing sites in the District for the 15 – 21 March 2021:

• Monday 15 March 2021
  South Staffordshire – Perton, Civic Centre, 10am – 12:30pm
  South Staffordshire – Penkridge, Haling Dene Centre, 2pm – 4pm

• Tuesday 16 March 2021
  South Staffordshire – Great Wyrley, Scout and Guide Hut, 10am – 1.30pm

• Wednesday 17 March 2021
  South Staffordshire – Featherstone, Community Centre, 10am -12:30pm
  South Staffordshire – Essington, Community Centre, 2pm – 4pm

• Thursday 18 March 2021

South Staffordshire – Perton, Civic Centre, 10am – 12.30pm

South Staffordshire – Calf Heath, Village Hall, 2pm – 4pm

• Saturday 20 March 2021
  South Staffordshire – Essington, Community Centre, 10am – 12.30
  South Staffordshire – Great Wyrley, Scout and Guide Hut, 2pm – 4pm
• The Districts Semi-permanent Covid-19 Lateral Flow Testing (LFT) site will be Wombourne Library, Church Road , Wombourne WV5 9EZ (please check the booking calendar, as times vary on some days).

• Covid-19 Safe Businesses

South Staffordshire Council is working with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to contact businesses in South Staffordshire to check they have Covid-secure measures in place and to help tackle Covid-19 in the local area.   During the checks, they will look at the Covid-19 control measures present in the business and provide advice and guidance to manage any risks to protect workers, customers and visitors.  If a business is not Covid-secure, they will have to put measures in place.

 Council News

• Leisure’s Fundraising for Comic Relief

South Staffordshire Council’s leisure centres are holding online exercise classes on Friday 19 March which are open to everyone to help raise funds for Red Nose Day.  We are asking everyone to wear something red and to donate £5 to take part in as many classes as you like on that day. Click here to find out what classes are running and to book a class and here to donate to Comic Relief.

• Census 2021
• The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has appointed a Census Engagement Manager to support South Staffordshire residents and help make Census 2021 a success.
• Kirat Raj Singh, the area’s Census Engagement Manager will help organisations, charities, faith groups and community leaders within the District raise awareness of the census and the value to residents in taking part.
• Census Engagement Manager Kirat Raj Singh said “With less than a month away from Census day, households across South Staffordshire would have received advance postcards through their letterboxes reminding them of the forthcoming Census. Census day is Sunday 21 March, but you can complete your survey once you have your online access code. Remember, census information leaflets and translation booklets are available in 17 languages and paper census forms can be requested for those that need one. To order a paper copy or information in other formats, please call 0800 141 2021.”
• General Census information can be found here.
• Need further support? Ring the national helpline on 0800 141 2021.
• For more South Staffordshire specific support email Kirat Raj Sing at [email protected]
• Wombourne couple fined £10,000 for felling locally important tree
  Click here to find out about a successful prosecution for the removal of a protected Tree. 

• Council Job Vacancies
  • Customer Services General Advisor (12 month fixed term), Closing 5pm on Friday 26th March 2021 – application information.
  • Career Graded Senior Planning Officers x2, Development Management, Closing 5pm Monday 22 March 2021 – application information.
  • Senior Arboricultural Officer Development Management, Closing 5pm Monday 22 March 2021 – application information.
  • Strategic Projects Assistant Team Manager, Development Management, Closing 5pm Monday 22 March 2021 – application information.
• Next week’s Council Committee/Panel meetings
  • Planning Committee – Tuesday, 16 March 2021 – 6.30 pm – Public virtual meeting via Teams.
  • Special Council meeting – Wednesday, 17 March 2021 – 5.30 pm – Public virtual meeting via Teams.

Members of the public can virtually attend these meetings via Microsoft Teams. In the news section at the bottom of the Council’s website, you will find the relevant news item that will include a link to enable you to join. 

Helpful Resources

• Funding for Community/Voluntary organisations

A new £150 million pound fund has been announced. This will help community/voluntary organisations and groups to buy or take over local community assets. Bids of up to £250,000 (match funded) can be submitted and the first bids will be open in June 2021.  Please click here, for further information on this funding opportunity.

• Emotional and Mental Wellbeing
  • Support resources

Do you know someone who’s emotional wellbeing has suffered because of the impact of the lockdown and the Covid-19?  It has been particularly hard as many of our socialising venues and those where we seek support have been shut. But do you know that many organisations have moved their services online?  You can chat, text or ring many helplines. Click here to find contact details of many national organisations that offer support around:

• Anxiety
• Panic
• Men’s mental health
• Victim support
• Bereavement
• Alcohol misuse
• Eating disorders
• Gambling
• Mental health support for those with learning disabilities
• Parenting – all aspects of this important job, including bullying
• Relationship management
• The mental health of children and young people
• Substance misuse

• Depression
  This link provides information on depression and helps you to find online support groups.

• Free training

Free training is available to professionals and volunteers working with young people across Staffordshire to support knowledge of mental health issues in young people. To enrol for one of the 4 session courses please click on the links below.

• Community Mental Health Transformation: Have your say

The NHS is looking to get the views of local people in South Staffordshire where there is a concern around access and/or outcomes for mental health. The session is intended to test out some initial findings to see what people think and is scheduled for Tuesday 13 April 2021 at 10:30am – 12pm. Please click here to book or to find out more about the Eventbrite ‘Community Mental Health Transformation session.

• Safer Communities

Read the latest newsletter from the Staffordshire Safeguarding Children’s Board here.

• Safer Sleep Week – 15-21 March 2021

Click here to access a range of resources from the Lullaby Trust.
Click here to book on to a free virtual training workshop on Safer Sleep Awareness.

• Safe and Sound sessions
  Safe and Sound sessions by Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Services are delivered directly to schools. The topics covered are:
  • Fire safety
  • Road safety
  • Staying safe around the railway
  • Making a 999 call
  • Parents and organisations can access these on demand here

• S.T.A.R.S – Sharing Talent and Recognising Success
  The Voice Project are launching this award which will celebrate the achievements of our children and young people who are in Staffordshire’s Care. Achievements of any kind can be celebrated. For younger children, things such as learning to walk, learning to talk, learning a new interest or sport e.g. learning to swim or ride a bike, being kind to others, making new friends, being helpful or gaining more confidence. Older children/young people could be nominated for independence skills, continued educational attainment, participation in sporting or community activities, Duke of Edinburgh Award, artistic achievement, employment, gaining an apprenticeship, voluntary work or an area of personal development or anything else special you feel should be celebrated in their lives.All nominations are accepted from 0-25 years providing the young person has a Staffordshire Social Worker. Please complete your nomination form for S.T.A.R.S here.

• Staffordshire Day 2021 to feature first county-wide film competition
  Filmmakers from Staffordshire and beyond are being encouraged, by Enjoy Staffordshire, Staffordshire County Council and the county’s other local authorities, to enter the Staffordshire Day Film Competition.   The competition is open to professional and amateur filmmakers, and the deadline for submissions is Saturday 3 April 2021. Full details on the film competition, including terms and conditions can be found here.    Any movie which promotes the county can be submitted, as long as it was made within the last five years and is not longer than 30 minutes. New projects can be submitted too, but makers must adhere to all Covid-19 safety guidelines on mask-wearing, social distancing and remaining within their local area to film.  There are six categories: Drama/Comedy, Documentary, Animation/Experimental, Business in the Community, Mini-Movie, and Young Filmmaker. The overall winner will win a cheque for £500 from the competition sponsors, Staffordshire Film Archive.

Everyone is encouraged to submit news items, please email: [email protected]

As part of his commitment to local communities, Matthew Ellis, Staffordshire Commissioner, is providing (through a bidding process) £300,000 for the current financial year in the form of the People Power Fund. In line with the priorities of the Commissioner’s Safer, Fairer, United Communities Strategy and the local Community Safety priorities, this money is available to improve community safety, reduce crime and disorder and increase public confidence.

Follow this link for more information

This week’s news from around the Council.

• Covid-19 Update
  • The Government’s 4 Step roadmap out of lockdown can be found here.
  • Further detail on the Governments 4 step roadmap can be found here.
• Covid-19 Additional key messages
  • Q Covid and Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (CEV)
    The Government has compiled a list of people who fall into the CEV category and who may require further support during the pandemic. South Staffordshire’s number of CEVs has increased by approximately 2,000, now totalling 6,800. The Council will be contacting these people to offer support.
  • Do It For What Matters
    A reminder to all who have been vaccinated, that it is still important to follow the hands, face, space guidelines.
  • Fertility and the Covid-19 Vaccine
    We understand that many people are concerned about the impact of the Covid-19 vaccination on fertility. Reassurance that the vaccine is perfectly safe for young women, can be found here.

• Leisure Centres prepare for phased re-opening

After the latest Government announcement, we are pleased to advise how the lifting of restrictions will enable us to gradually re-open the leisure centres.

• No earlier than 29 March: Outdoor sports can resume (3G pitches)
• No earlier than 12 April: Gyms and pools (including swimming lessons) can re-open
• No earlier than 17 May: Group exercise classes can be re-instated.

Easing of restrictions is dependent on data. The government will make further announcements to confirm re-opening around 7 days in advance of the new measures coming into force.

Safety is our priority – We continue to work to ensure that our facilities remain as safe as possible and we are pleased the leisure centres have been accredited as UK Active Covid-19 Response Approved venues meaning that we have been recognised for adopting adequate safety measures and protocols.

We will continue to provide more details when there is more clarity and certainty; on the re-opening of specific facilities. Subscribe for free to receive the latest news and updates from your local leisure centres.

• Covid-19 Winter support
  Partnership organisation, Staffordshire Warmer Homes, are offering financial support to those in financial distress due to Covid-19 this winter and have money for fuel to give to those in need of up to £200. Please share this link with any South Staffordshire residents who may be eligible for this financial support.
• Four Ashes development
  Click here for an update on progress at Four Ashes Enterprise Centre Extension and Four Ashes, Unit 4E Extension development. 

• Business Webinar: Social Media and Marketing for Businesses
  • Thursday 4 March 2021, 8.30am to 10am.

The Business Hub is hosting a webinar with guest speaker and expert in social media and marketing, Lynne Thomas. Lynne will be sharing her top tips to increase business sales through social media. Click here to register for the webinar.

• Prestigious Staffordshire Volunteer Awards to go ahead – Virtually!
  Support Staffordshire are delighted to announce, that despite the uncertainty that the pandemic brings at the present time, their prestigious 2021 Support Staffordshire Volunteer Star Awards will go ahead in 2021 – virtually.

Described by a previous host as ‘our own mini Pride of Britain Awards’ these events aim to publicly recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements and commitment of volunteers and organisations who go the extra mile to support our communities.

In 2019 more than 1,200 people attended ceremonies across Staffordshire with events held in all corners of the County. Sadly, due to lockdown restrictions the ceremonies had to be cancelled in 2020 with a view to rescheduling in 2021.

Lisa Carson, Fundraising Development Manager at Support Staffordshire said “When we cancelled the events last year we thought it would be a sure thing that we would easily be able to hold the events as usual in 2021.  However, we still find ourselves in a position of uncertainly and we really feel that this year more than ever, we really need to recognise the tireless work that so many wonderful volunteers are doing in the community.  Therefore, we are excited to announce that the events will be live streamed direct to your living room via YouTube!”.

The events organised by Support Staffordshire take place throughout June to mark the UK’s biggest celebration of Volunteering ‘National Volunteers’ Week’, 1-7 June.  This year there will be 4 ceremonies, Tamworth & Lichfield, Newcastle & Staffordshire Moorlands, Cannock Chase and South Staffordshire and Stafford and East Staffordshire.

Nominations are being sought in the following 10 award categories in all areas.

• ‘Volunteering Support for Young People’
• ‘Volunteering Support for the over 65’s’
• ‘Personal Achievement’
• ‘Business Contribution to Communities’
• ‘Trustee of the Year’
• ‘New Volunteer Team of the Year’
• ‘Volunteer Team of the Year’
• ‘Young Volunteer of the Year’
• ‘Volunteer of the Year’
• ‘Lifetime Achievement’

Garry Jones, Chief Executive of Support Staffordshire said “We are delighted to be hosting the events virtually this year which has only been possible due to the generosity and support of local businesses. Volunteers are the lifeblood of our sector and these events are all about taking an hour or two to recognise the people who give their time freely, without promise of material reward, to help the people and places around them. We are already looking forward to reading the inspirational stories of local giving.”

Anyone can nominate an individual, group, organisation, or business they feel deserve to be recognised for their contribution.  This is a great opportunity for the community to say thank you.  Nominations can be made via their website.

The closing date is Friday 30 March at 5pm.

For more information about how to nominate or for details on sponsorship opportunities visit the Support Staffordshire website, email us at [email protected] or call us on 0300 777 1207.

• Children and young people’s mental and emotional wellbeing
  • Children’s Mental Health Course – Free
    Public Health England has launched a new online Psychological First Aid (PFA) training course for people who care or work with children and young people who have been affected by Covid-19. This is a 3-week course which you can do as and when suits you, with 1 hour study each week.
  • Venue to Virtual – Free
    Kidz to Adultz are putting on ‘Venue to Virtual,’ a free online event, in the week beginning 1 March 2021. This event is aimed at those who work with, support, or care for a child or young adult with a disability or additional needs and gives information that can help improve their quality of life.
  • Interactive map of Children & Young People’s Mental Health Support in South Staffordshire

Staffordshire County Council have launched a new interactive map of Children & Young People’s Mental Health Support. It shows the local services that support children and young people’s emotional and mental health.

• Supporting resources
  Children and young people may be experiencing a variety of feelings in response to the Covid-19 outbreak such as anxiety, stress or low mood. It is important to understand that these are normal responses to an abnormal situation.
• “Kind Minds” Newsletter
  Pulled together by various Staffordshire organisations, it gives local useful information about children and young people’s emotional wellbeing. 

• Children’s Book Club
  Free online Book Club sessions are being held to promote language development through stories, rhymes, and other activities. Click here for details on the next Bookstart programme.
• Keeping Children Safe
  The next Safe + Sound programme, delivered by Staffordshire Fire and Rescue, went live on Wednesday 24 February.  Safe + Sound is aimed at Year 5 and Year 6 pupils.  Topics covered were:
  • Online Safety – WhatsApp
  • Mini Dens with Staffordshire Wildlife Trust
  • The Green Cross Code
  • First Aid – Strokes
  • More Breathing Techniques for Relaxation

Parents and carers can access this session and previous sessions here.

• Council Job vacancies
  • Career Graded Senior Planning Officers x2, Development Management, Closing 5pm Monday 22 March 2021 – application information.
  • Senior Arboricultural Officer Development Management, Closing 5pm Monday 22 March 2021 – application information.
  • Strategic Projects Assistant Team Manager, Development Management, Closing 5pm Monday 22 March 2021 – application information.
• Next week’s Council Committee/Panel meetings
  • Personal Development Review and Appointments Panel – 1 March 2021 – 10.15 am – public virtual meeting via Teams.

Members of the public can virtually attend these meetings via Microsoft Teams. In the news section at the bottom of the Council’s website, you will find the relevant news item that will include a link to enable you to join.

Everyone is encouraged to submit news items, please email: [email protected]

This week’s news from around the Council.

• Covid-19 Update
  • The Government’s 4 Step roadmap out of lockdown can be found here.
  • Further detail on the Governments 4 step roadmap can be found here.
  • The Government’s roadmap goes live on 8 March. It is the light at the end of a very long tunnel for us all, but future dates are subject to the 4 tests being met, therefore everyone needs to continue to adhere to the rules.
  • Remember, hands, face, space.

• Covid-19 Additional key messages
  • Stay Well, Get Vaccinated!

The vaccination avoids serious illness with Covid-19. Encouraging all our residents to get vaccinated is our way out of this pandemic. If you know anyone aged 65+ that hasn’t had their vaccine yet, please encourage them to book online, ring 119 or book through their GP. The vaccination does not contain any animal, pork or human products, nor any alcohol. The vaccine is safe for all communities to receive.

• Get tested at South Staffordshire’s Testing site (asymptomatic people only)

Make testing part of your routine at least once a week. Whether you’re heading to the supermarket or out to work, get a test on your way. If you’re in a support or childcare bubble, get tested so you know you’re not going to infect your loved ones.

• Mother’s Day – make sure it’s only flowers you’re giving your mum. 

• Fertility, pregnancy and breastfeeding

The Covid-19 vaccination does not affect chances of getting pregnant. It does not affect fertility. Click here for information on fertility, pregnancy and breastfeeding or to watch a video, presented by Sharon Wallace, Head of Midwifery at UHNM, click here.

• Test and Trace Support Payment

The public can use the Government’s online Test and Trace Support Payment page to check their eligibility if they need to self-isolate because of Covid-19 and cannot work from home. The site allows the public to input their postcode to find their local authorities relevant webpage.

• Please click here for FAQs surrounding Covid-19. 

• Covid-19 Environmental Health update

Fortunately, the rates of Covid-19 in South Staffordshire are continuing to decline, although this has not been the case in all the Staffordshire districts. The Environmental Health team have been working hard investigating outbreaks in businesses and working on compliance and enforcement.

Over the last couple of months Environmental Health have investigated over 90 Covid-19 outbreaks in all types of businesses across South Staffordshire. Some have involved only one or two cases, but others have been on-going for some weeks with up to 30 employees testing positive. We have been working with some businesses to roll out mass testing of over 100 employees.

The prisons within South Staffordshire have also been affected significantly by the virus, with large numbers of inmates and staff testing positive. All the prison outbreaks are now under control.

With safety measures in place, the food and safety team are continuing to carry out food inspections of businesses that can remain open. It has been a very challenging time for these businesses, but the team have supported them to open and trade in a Covid-19 compliant manner. They have also undertaken additional visits where businesses have improved their standards and have requested a re-rating. Improved standards have meant some have started trading on Just Eat and similar platforms.

• Leisure Centres Prepare for Phased Re-opening
  No earlier than 29 March:
• Outdoor sports can resume

No earlier than 12 April:

• Gyms and swimming pools (including swimming lessons) to re-open

No earlier than 17 May:

• Group exercise classes to be re-instated.

The leisure team continue to work to ensure that our facilities remain as safe as possible for staff and customers. We are also pleased to announce that we have been accredited as a UK Active Covid-19 Response Approved venue, meaning that we have been recognised for adopting adequate safety measures and protocols.

As the leisure centres eagerly await for more certainty and clarification on the re-opening of the facilities, our staff/instructors, Dawn, Brogan and Teresa have shared their thoughts and feelings; telling us what they’ve missed, what they look forward to about returning and how they feel about being back in the centres soon.

• Covid-19 Winter Support
  Partnership organisation, Staffordshire Warmer Homes, are offering financial support to those in financial distress due to Covid-19 this winter and have money for fuel to give to those in need of up to £200. Please share this link with any South Staffordshire residents who may be eligible for this financial support.
• Welfare Services – Annual Billing
  Last week saw Welfare Services go through their annual billing cycle which generates the new Council Tax bills and Benefit notification letters for the forthcoming financial year. A huge amount of work and effort goes into this and everything went according to plan. The bills are due to be delivered to residents next week which will mean Customer Services and Welfare Services will be a very busy time from the expectant telephone calls.

The Council website has been updated to include all the relevant financial information available to residents including a unique table which breakdowns the charges for all precepting authorities and how these compare to last year in financial terms.

• Funding for Community/Voluntary organisations

A new £150 million pound fund has been announced. This will help community/voluntary organisations and groups to buy or take over local community assets. Bids of up to £250,000 (match funded) can be submitted and the first bids will be open in June 2021.  Please click here for further information on this funding opportunity.

• Children and young people
  • Keeping your children safe online

Worried about the dangers of chat rooms?  Need to understand how to generally keep your children safe?  “Safer Schools – Home Learning hub” provides advice on how to keep our children and young people safe, particularly on the internet.

• Kind Minds
  Organised by various Staffordshire organisations, the Kind Minds newsletter (issue 4) provides local useful information about children and young people’s emotional wellbeing.

• New online exercise classes

As the leisure centres prepare for potential re-opening, we continue to expand the online exercise class programme. Available to members and non-members, next week will see the introduction of several new classes including:

• Mondays: Bootcamp 8-8.40am with Prav
• Tuesdays: Yoga 7.45-8.25pm with Dawn
• Thursdays: Lift 10-10.40am with Prav
• Thursdays: DanceFit 12-12.40pm with Dawn
• There is also a FREE Youth Boxfit class for young people aged 10-16
• Click here for further details on our online exercise classes
  

• Council Job Vacancies
  • Career Graded Senior Planning Officers x2, Development Management, Closing 5pm Monday 22 March 2021 – application information.
  • Senior Arboricultural Officer Development Management, Closing 5pm Monday 22 March 2021 – application information.
  • Strategic Projects Assistant Team Manager, Development Management, Closing 5pm Monday 22 March 2021 – application information.

Everyone is encouraged to submit news items, please email: [email protected]

The #TalkSuicide campaign is of the Zero Suicide charter.  Follow the link to the information and resources needed to get involved.

#TalkSuicide – Partner pack October 2020