News – Covid-19
The information on this page is up to date at the time of publication.
We are not able to promote and advertise businesses but will list businesses that are providing deliveries or digital support, during the crisis.
If there is information that we have overlooked that would be useful or any errors please contact us: office@penrithtowncouncil.co.uk
STAY SAFE & WELL
IMPACT ON TOWN COUNCIL SERVICES DURING THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK
Visiting the Town Council Office – From 1 July 2020 you may visit the Town Council Office by appointment.
The safety of the Council’s employees, partners, clients, and visitors remains our overriding priority. As the COVID-19 continues to evolve, we are continually monitoring the situation closely and periodically update our guidance based on current recommendations from the UK Government, UK Public Health Bodies and World Health Organization (WHO)
Supporting you through COVID-19
Any members of the public wishing to hand in forms, documents, etc. can continue to do so by mail, by hand-posting through the letter box to the right of the main door and/or by email.
Following government advice, we have implemented a flexible working system allowing our colleagues to work remotely and continue to support you through these unprecedented times. Staff who are able to work from home will to continue to do so. Our officers are available for phone and video consolations, as well as in special circumstances (where alternative remote contact is not suitable) we can now arrange face-to-face meetings by appointment only, with strict social distancing procedures based on UK Government guidance.
Appointment only face-to-face meetings
To prevent the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the potential risk of exposure to our workforce and visitors, we are conducting a simple screening questionnaire. Your participation is important to help us take precautionary measures to protect you. We have a number of arrangements in place to make your visit as safe as possible
The limited opening of the Council Office is to give additional assistance only to customers who find it difficult to access our services online.
If you would like an appointment at the Council Office please consider the following guidance:
- When attending appointments, you must wear face coverings if possible. Council staff can also wear face coverings, but this is not essential.
- Before entering the Council Office you will be asked to complete a health survey for Covid-19.
Download health survey HERE
- If you are displaying any symptoms of COVID-19, are self-isolating or have had a positive test within the last seven days, you must not attend the office and the appointment will be rearranged.
- Customers must knock on the front main door and wait until the time of your appointment, when a member of staff will then allow you access.
- There will be hand sanitiser in reception and wherever possible the appointment will be held in reception with staff members communicating through a glass partition.
- If your appointment requires considerable staff input you will be allocated a meeting room that will comply with social distancing.
Public Meetings and Events – All public meetings and events are suspended to protect attendees. Video conferencing is being used to host all meetings of the Council and this will be regularly reviewed.
Allotments – We will be guided by the National Allotment Society who confirm that allotments will remain open to tenants.
Bus Shelters – These will remain usable. Any queries regarding the bus service should be made with Cumbria County Council at www.cumbria.gov.uk/buses
Cornmarket Bandstand – We will consent for third parties to use the bandstand for trading and third party use as of 01 June 2020. All interested parties must contact the Council first.
Morrisons Recycling Bring Site – This facility reopened as of 04 May 2020.
FACE COVERINGS
Details
Click HERE to read what face coverings are, their role in reducing the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19), the settings in which they are recommended, and how they should be safely used and stored. This information is based on current scientific evidence and is subject to change.
Exemption cards or badges
Some people may feel more comfortable showing something that says they do not have to wear a face covering. This could be in the form of an exemption card, badge or even a home-made sign.
This is a personal choice, and is not necessary in law.
Those who have an age, health or disability reason to not wear a face covering should not be routinely asked to provide any written evidence of this. Written evidence includes exemption cards.
If you would like to use an exemption card you can use these PDF attachments:
Further details about County Council support services can be found online at cumbria.gov.uk.
Members of the public can can now subscribe to locality specific email updates to receive news and information about how public services and local communities are responding to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, click HERE to subscribe.
To view the Cumbria County Councils Directory of Summer holiday activities for children In Eden please click HERE
Register if you have a medical condition that makes you extremely vulnerable to coronavirus. You can register yourself, or on behalf of someone else:
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable
Click HERE for more information from Eden District Council
Government: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
Staying alert and safe (social distancing)
Everyone’s actions have helped to reduce the transmission of coronavirus in our communities. As the UK moves to the next phase in our fight against coronavirus, the most important thing we can do is to stay alert, control the virus, and in doing so, save lives.
NHS
Advice for everyone click HERE.
Your mental well-being is important
If you are feeling stressed or anxious, follow this link to information that could help you cope click HERE
You may also find A discussion about guarding mental heath during the COVID-19 pandemic useful
Mental Health Resources
Click HERE for a comprehensive list of services and resources
Coping During the Pandemic (Young People 13-18)
Click HERE for more information.
Click HERE for Covid-19 advice translations
Please click Tips_for_adults_COVID19 (1) for a guide and tips to what is happening if you have autism.
Have set up a new Chat+Check Service for people with learning difficulties
and/or autism – Covid-19.
Click HERE for more information.
Or
Email: chris.tolley@wearepeoplefirst.co.uk
Tel: 07763 546116
People First have produced easy read information.
Click HERE for more information.
Support Cumbria:
https://supportcumbria.org.uk/
This website is an official collaboration of partners across Cumbria who are working together to provide community support to residents who are struggling to access basic or essential services during the Covid-19 outbreak. It provides a central point to help coordinate volunteering efforts to support Cumbria residents who may need help.
Click HERE for more information about volunteering in Cumbria for the Covid-19 crisis and if you are a voluntary group needing information, advice and resources.
In partnership with Cumbria Council, CVS have produced information for volunteering during this crisis:
Coronavirus in Cumbria – Helping in your local community
Infection Prevention Guidance for Volunteers
You can also find out more about about local help:
Coronavirus Community Support Penrith: https://www.facebook.com/groups/153354205832722/?__tn__=HH-R
and for their website please click HERE
Grants
Eden residents COVID-19 support fund
Eden District Council have set up a £150,000 fund, to support people experiencing hardship because of the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. The support fund is to boost local organisations and charities that are helping families through the crisis. The fund is open to local organisations, charities and Eden Parish Councils who are already assisting individuals or families or who have the capacity to oversee the careful distribution of funding, to those suffering extreme hardship due to Covid-19.
For more information click HERE.
Here is the latest information and guidance about applying to the Cumbria Covid-19 Response Fund. The Fund offers local charitable and community organisations funding to support emerging challenges faced within local communities as a result of the continuing threat of coronavirus.
How to Apply:
https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/covid19-response-fund/
CAR PARKING
Eden District Council has suspend car parking charges in response to the Covid-19 pandemic with immediate until the end of September when it will be reviewed for:
- Penrith Town Hall/Drovers Lane
- Penrith Mansion House front car park
- Penrith Bluebell Lane
- Penrith Princes Street
- Penrith Sandgate
Sign posting you to community groups, resources, and advice that you may find useful. The information is supplied by third parties.
Direct Payments
DaCE have produced a range of information for anyone who is currently using a Direct Payment and wants to better understand how the current crisis impacts. This is particularly useful for those who employ their own staff:
https://carlisledisability.org/coronavirus/
Resources include:
Factsheet for people using Direct Payments: Download
Employment questions
ACAS have provided useful guidance for employers and employees on Coronavirus and employment issues. This guidance is being updated daily and can be accessed here: ACAS guidance for employers and employees
Isolation Notes
The Government have introduced a new system so that employees can get isolation notes. Coronavirus isolation notes
Self-employment Income Support Scheme
If you are self-employed there is a coronavirus Self-employment Income Support Scheme: Self-employed Income Support Scheme.
Free School Meals Voucher Scheme
Children eligible for free school meals will benefit from a national voucher scheme allowing them to continue to access meals whilst they stay at home. Schools can now provide every eligible child with a weekly shopping voucher worth £15 to spend at supermarkets while schools are closed due to coronavirus. See here
The Triple A Team
Supporting People with Autism & on the autism spectrum
The Team are continuing to work in different ways, using technological solutions rather than face-to-face. If you, or someone you know, is autistic and would like to connect with Triple A Team using technology, let us know.
Contact details:
Helen: helen.storey@tripleaproject.org.uk; 07554 370823
Susan: projectsupport@tripleaproject.org.uk; 07733 818776
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tripleaprojectallaboutautism/
Website: www.tripleaproject.org.uk
For people with a learning disability or autism and their families
Daily news and tips for staying well from Inclusion North: bit.ly/dailynews03042020
You can also watch the news here bit.ly/dailynewsvideo03042020We have also set up a page with resources, links, audio and videos made by members of the Inclusion North team. You can find it here: https://inclusionnorth.org/our_work/coronavirus/
Information collated by the Inter Faith Network (IFN)
A number of IFN member bodies have issued guidance on Covid-19. The guidance has been summarised here.
Bereavement Support
Cruse dedicated content here
General guidance NHS.UK website
Age.UK coping with bereavement and arranging a funeral (funeral page is COVID19 specific).
The Child Bereavement Network has published information
Mental health support for 10-18 year olds
As a direct response to the COVID-19 crisis ThinkNinja app is now freely available to all 10-18 year olds UK-wide for the duration of the crisis. In addition, ThinkNinja has been extensively updated with specific COVID-19 support content. The new content is designed to bring self-help knowledge and skills to children and young people who maybe experiencing increased anxiety and stress during the crisis.
What the new COVID-19 support brings to 10-18 year olds…
The new COVID-19 content provides an opportunity for children and young people to understand the following:
1. Fears relating to the virus
2. Isolation struggles and how to stay connected to family and friends
3. Worries about personal health and health of family members
4. Coping techniques to use during the crisis
5. Plus many other helpful tips
The new content was created by specialist child psychologists and is now available when chatting to the WiseNinja within the app.
For more information about ThinkNinja and the new COVID-19 content visit https://www.healios.org.uk/services/thinkninja1
