COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It is caused by a virus called coronavirus.
As you will all be aware, the recent spread of this new illness has caused widespread concerns in our community. Towcester Town Council is taking all the necessary precautions, which include the closing of the Town Hall, The Sawpits Centre and Towcester Youth and Community Centre to hirers, and the cancellation of all civic events and council meetings until further notice.
Our office will be closed to the public and staff will be frequently working from home, to ensure as much continuity with their duties and personal responsibilities during this uncertain time. Our Government has recommended that staff work from home to lessen the spread of the illness and reduce the impact on our busy NHS.
Please look out for your neighbours and the vulnerable members of your family, it is in difficult times like these where we can really show the strength of our community, by working together to care for those in need. Do consider others when buying your groceries by only buying your normal quantities of items so no one must go without. There are some things that you can do to protect yourself and others from coronavirus:
Do
- Only go outside for food, health reasons or essential work
- Stay 2 metres (6ft) away from other people
- Wash your hands as soon as you get home
- Wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
- Always wash your hands when you get home or into work
- Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
- Put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
- Avoid close contact with people who have symptoms of coronavirus
- Work from home, if you can
- Use phone, online services, or apps to contact your GP surgery or other NHS services
- Protecting the vulnerable in our community is of vital importance in the coming weeks
Don't
- Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
- Do not have visitors to your home, including friends and family
Thank you for your consideration
For more information visit the websites below:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/
- Coronavirus Community Support Line
A new support line has been launched to support the most vulnerable members of our community.
The new support line - which can be reached on 0300 126 1000 (Option 5) - allows those who cannot leave their homes under current restrictions and those who have nobody to call upon for help, to request support in getting access to food, prescriptions and other vital services that they require. - VOLUNTEER TO HELP THOSE IN NEED
Are you free to volunteer to help someone in need due to the coronavirus pandemic? Perhaps you're part of a group that already provides help in the community?
In addition to the Government's volunteer scheme for people to help the NHS, NCC are co-ordinating a local effort along with other councils and partner organisations for people to help their community.
We want to hear from you if you can volunteer or if you represent a community group that needs extra volunteers in the coming weeks and months.
Who can sign up?
We particularly want to hear from community groups and volunteers who can offer help with:* tackling loneliness through phone or face-to-face contact, where appropriate
* prescription collection for someone who finds themselves unable to leave the house
* community support such as transporting items between foodbanks or helping in a kitchenClick the link to find out more and to sign up.
- Government Support for the Extremely Vulnerable
If you are aware of anyone who is extremely vulnerable, please direct them or their family to this link.
- NHS Direct
Click this link to self-diagnose and for medical advice. Call 111 in an emergency.
- Facebook Community Support Group
Volunteers across the town have come together to offer assistance to those who are self-isolating who may need support. Join to request or offer your support.
- Covid-19 Health & Safety Risk Assessment for Businesses
HSENI has produced an example risk assessment which shows the kind of approach HSENI expects a small business or workplace to take when carrying out a risk assessment for COVID-19 in the workplace.
- Coronavirus Response and Recovery Fund
Northamptonshire Community Foundation are launching a Coronavirus Response and Recovery Fund in partnership with the National Emergencies Trust
- Support Grants for South Northamptonshire Businesses
An online system through which businesses can apply for grants from South Northamptonshire Council (SNC). The grant support scheme is aimed mainly at supporting small businesses which were forced to close by the UK Government. See our news item on 7th April for more details or click link above to apply.
- Business Impact Survey
If your business will be impacted by the Covid-19 outbreak, please complete this government survey.
- Northamptonshire Police - reporting a crime
Click this link to report a crime online.
For non-emergencies call 101 (lines may be busy)
Only use 999 if there is a risk to life emergency - Voice for Victims and Witnesses
Free, confidential support service for victims and witnesses of crime in Northamptonshire.
Call 0300 303 1965, visit voicenorthants.org or download the app by clicking the link above.
Several cafes, bars and takeaway outlets are offering take-out or delivery of meals. Check your favourites for further details.
Local & Regional Food Suppliers:
Hartwell's & Towbury Court Fine Foods - 01327 350454 ext. 2
Alfred Searle's Fruit & Veg - 07894 990613
Moorgate Farm - 01908 543008/07922 134915
Collins Fresh Produce - 01604 648814
Molly's Pantry
Hunts of Greens Norton - 01327 350243
Caked in Glitter - 07949 333996
AB Fruits - 01234 262880
Porterswood Farm Shop - 01327 857868
Radmore Farm Shop - 01327 830825
Boycott Farm Shop - 01280 821286
Cook Food - Frozen Meals
Please email details to us of any others you are aware of ...
- Towcester Foodbank
Please support our local foodbank with essential supplies for those most in need.
- UK Support Groups
If you are concerned about family and friends in other parts of the UK, this link is being updated daily with other local support groups.
- Samaritans
If you need to talk to someone call 116 123 or visit their website.
- Rt Hon Andrea Leadsom MP
Follow this link for advice and support from our MP including access to government services.
- MIND the mental health charity
Visit MIND's website for support and guidance
- Anxiety UK
During the coronavirus pandemic, Anxiety UK will be extending their helpline hours to provide additional support in the evenings until 10pm and over the weekend between 10am -8pm so that they can offer support to as many people as possible. 03444 775774
- Childline
Get help and advice about a wide range of issues, call 0800 1111, or talk to a counsellor online, send Childline an email or post on the message boards.
- The Silver Line
The free, 24 hour, confidential helpline for older people. 0800 4 70 80 90
- Nightline
Nightline is a student listening service which is open at night and run by students for students.
- Age UK
Age UK runs a free national advice line that is open 8am to 7pm 365 days a year. To speak to someone, just call 0800 678 1602
- Citizens Advice
You can contact an adviser through the national phone service, Adviceline:
Adviceline: 03444 111 444
Text relay: 03444 111 445Adviceline is available 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. It’s usually busiest at the beginning and end of the day. It's not available on public holidays.
If you call from a mobile, we’ll ask you to enter a local landline number on your keypad. This can be any number - we only use it to send your call to a local adviser if one’s available.
- Think U Know - Internet Safety
As the vast majority of young people are being schooled online, they are spending a significant amount of time on the internet. The internet is amazing tool but it does expose young people to some risk.
The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Agency's (CEOP) education team have designed some amazing resources, designed at helping parents and carers have conversation about internet safety, suitable for a range of ages. - Educational Resources
This blog page shared by local teachers contains links to eduction companies offering free resources.
- Learning Resources for all Ages
This blog page contains links to free online learning resources for all ages. Why not learn a new language or skill if you are in self-isolation?
To report a gas leak call 0800 111 999
To report a power failure call 105
