Medway Council - Support for Residents Thanks to Emergency Assistance Grant

Medway residents who are facing financial difficulties due to the coronavirus pandemic might be eligible for support.

Medway Council has been awarded a one-off payment through the government’s Emergency Assistance Grant to provide residents, who are struggling financially, with food and other essential items they need, such as a fridge, bed and support with gas and electricity.

Those who meet the eligibility criteria will be provided with the essential items they need.

The emergency grant applies to:

• Low income individuals or families struggling to afford food and other essential items due to the pandemic. For example, due to loss of income or low income, including families receiving Summer Food Vouchers.

• People fleeing domestic violence.

• People leaving institutional (prison), residential care or hospital to establish themselves in the community.

• Homeless people or people moving from temporary accommodation and do not have the means to fund the items required when moving into their own property.

• Applicants with no recourse to public funds, regardless of immigration status, if there is genuine need. For example, serious health problems a risk to a child’s wellbeing.

Citizens Advice Medway is managing the grant on behalf of Medway Council and providing the essential items to residents most in need, as part of its existing contract through the Local Welfare Provision scheme.

This service provides independent and impartial information, advice and guidance on a range of issues, such as housing, debt and benefits. The service aims to prevent welfare concerns developing into more serious issues for the council and health services.

Leader of Medway Council, Cllr Alan Jarrett, said:

“The coronavirus pandemic has been a challenging time for many residents and has put an additional financial strain on some. Our priority remains to support Medway’s most vulnerable residents and I am pleased additional support is in place to help those most in need and struggling to buy food and other essential items. I would encourage residents who are experiencing financial difficulties due to the current coronavirus pandemic and meet the criteria to apply to Citizens Advice Medway for the support available through the Emergency Assistance Grant.

“We are committed to supporting those most in need and will continue to lobby government for funding to help both Medway’s residents and businesses which are facing financial difficulties.”

Citizens Advice Medway CEO, Dan McDonald, said:

“We have worked very closely with the council throughout the pandemic and assisted thousands of residents. The ‘burgeoning coronavirus debt crisis’ has had serious consequences for those behind on bills. Around a fifth of those impacted have had to go without essentials – half of these people have gone without food. And one in five have had to sell possessions to make ends meet during the pandemic.

“Many families that we see are in insecure employment and have lost income during the lockdown, they’re telling us that their household expenses have increased as they stay at home to reduce the spread of Covid-19 during this challenging time and beyond.

“Medway Council has worked tirelessly to ensure our residents are fully supported and we will certainly do all we can to help them and assist as many residents as possible who are in crisis during the next critical stage of recovery.”

Organisations in Medway are encouraged to signpost vulnerable residents who are struggling to afford food and other essential items due to COVID-19 to Citizens Advice Medway's Local Welfare Provision to ensure they receive the right support at the right time.

Citizens Advice Medway can be contacted by phoning: 01634 383760, Emailing: lwp@medwayadvice.org.uk or visiting: medwayadvice.org.uk

For more advice from Medway Council, visit: medway.gov.uk/debtadvice

Medway Council

NHS Kent and Medway CCG - Community Bulletin

Restarting NHS services

As the immediate pressures from the initial phase of the Coronavirus pandemic begin to subside, we have now restarted the services that were put on hold, such as non-urgent surgery and diagnostics.

This means patients who had their care postponed are now having appointments rescheduled and that new patients are able to access the treatment they need. We know that many people have been worried about when their appointments would be rebooked, and we want to assure you that, although it will take us a little time as we work through everyone who needs our care, you will be contacted and rebooked as soon as we can. The NHS across Kent and Medway would like to thank our local community for their patience, and for all of the support they have shown us over the recent months of disruption.

There are now very few patients in our hospitals either confirmed as having Coronavirus (on 20th August there were just 22 confirmed as Covid-19 positive patients out of 2,864 beds across all Kent and Medway acute hospitals). Patients with Coronavirus are treated in areas away from other patients and by different staff.

But we know Coronavirus remains a threat and a concern, particularly to those who are already unwell. We are working to create a ‘new normal’, where all NHS services have additional infection control measures built in to keep people safe. This includes extending the use of patient phone and video consultations with GPs and hospital staff to allow people to have routine appointments that only need a conversation without leaving home, and using other technology to support patient care.

For patients who do need to come into hospital or other clinical areas all NHS services are organising how people are seen to minimise the possibility of the virus being spread. This means there is more extensive cleaning between procedures and more social distancing in waiting rooms and areas. Everyone will be asked to wear a face covering and people may be asked to come in alone and have limited visitors.

Hospitals are also working together across Kent and Medway to clear waiting lists as quickly as possible, and we’re working with private hospitals to offer some tests and treatments. This may mean you are given an appointment at a different location than you might have been used to. But you can be confident you will receive the care you need.

Top tips for online appointments

Although some face-to-face appointments will still be necessary during this unprecedented time, many GP surgeries and healthcare services are offering virtual and online appointments. You can use your smartphone, tablet or computer to have an online consultation. Updated guidance has been published on how to get the most out of online appointments, including what to expect and what to do if you are prescribed medication.

Please see the following websites:

www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/nhs-services/gps/gp-online-and-video-consultations

www.healthwatch.co.uk/blog/2020-07-27/doctor-will-zoom-you-now

Register for Covid-19 vaccine trials

The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) is expecting COVID 19 vaccine trials to begin in Kent and the South East soon. All NHS trusts in the region are expected to be involved in some way.

More information on the vaccine trials and how to sign up can be found here

Read the full bulletin at: https://bit.ly/2Qrqj2I

NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group

Poolside Bar & Courtyard Music Nights August - November 2020 at Upchurch River Valley Golf Course

Jenny Giles - Upchurch River Valley Golf Course

Telephone: 01634 360626

Website: www.rivervalleygolf.co.uk

Gill Gay Will Be Collecting For Swale Foodbank Again

Hi everyone,

I would like to thank everyone for the wonderful support we have received on behalf of Swale Foodbank so far.

My husband Ron and I will be collecting again in the bus stop lay-by opposite the Church in Horsham Lane on Wednesday 2nd September between 10:30am and 11.30am.

Please come along with your donations (in carrier bags would be helpful) and put them into our open car boot while we remain at a safe distance.

We will then deliver your donations to the Swale Foodbank Warehouse, part of the Trussell Trust.

All donations are most welcome, Swale Foodbank has given me the list of items below they are fairly low on:

Rice Pudding

Custard

Tinned Carrots

Instant Mash

Tinned Potatoes

Tinned Meals eg Tinned Curry, Spaghetti Bolognese, Stew etc (they have plenty of Cold Meats and Hot Dogs for now)

Laundry Detergent

Toilet Rolls

Deodorants

Shower Gel

Shaving Foam/Gel

Razors

Tampons

They currently have plenty of Pasta, Rice, Baked Beans, Soups and Porridge.

Please tell your friends and family.

This need won't be going away soon, unfortunately, if ever.

Thank you

Gill Gay - Foodbank Co-ordinator

Email: gilliangay99@yahoo.co.uk

Poolside Bar & Courtyard Presents Josh Hassell at Upchurch River Valley Golf Course

1:00pm - 4:00pm

Free Entry • Non-Members Welcome

Food Served Until 6:00pm

Jenny Giles - Upchurch River Valley Golf Course

Telephone: 01634 360626

Website: www.rivervalleygolf.co.uk

KCC Announces New Measures for School Transport

KCC announces new measures for school transport.

Kent County Council has announced new measures that will allow pupils to travel to and from school safely when they return to the classroom next month.

School transport guidance was provided by Government on 11th August, although KCC officers have been working since the lockdown began on preparing for a full return to school with appropriate transport arrangements.

KCC has formed a transport protocol for providers to make school transport is as safe as possible:

• All public bus services will observe social distancing guidelines and have seating plans in place.

• A number of school-day-only services have been restricted to be used only by school children so more space is available.

• Children are encouraged to travel by alternative means where possible.

• KCC is working with operators to provide extra vehicles on busier services and will continue to do this so that everyone who needs to can travel.

• The use of face coverings has been made a requirement for all passengers, where possible, and for all transport staff unless they are separated by a Perspex screen.

• KCC will work with schools to cater for staggered start and end times where possible - arrangements will be individual to each school, so parents should contact their child’s school directly if they are unsure what adjustments are in place.

• KCC will continue to monitor all services and any new government guidance so it can continue to make schools transport as safe as possible.

There are also ways in which passengers can help: 

• Plan your journey, and if travelling by bus, consider using less busy stops and use contactless payments or have the correct change where possible.

• Wear a face covering, where possible.

• Follow all instructions, using only dedicated seats and listen to the driver.

• Make use of all available seats on local/school buses, as there is no standing allowed.

• Wash and sanitise hands before and after travelling and make sure a face covering is always worn when travelling where possible.

• Be conscious of those around you at the bus stop and when boarding, let others off the bus first before getting on one at a time.

• At the end of your journey, consider using alternative bus stops which may be less busy. 

• When leaving the vehicle, wait until the bus has stopped before getting up to avoid queuing.

• Once outside be conscious of your surroundings, be careful if crossing the road and be alert for other traffic.

Around 15% of pupils in Kent make use of free school transport or one of KCC’s subsidised public transport schemes. Free school transport is offered to children attending their nearest school over a certain distance, and to some low-income families.

For KCC’s dedicated home-to-school transport, a transport protocol, based on Government guidance, has been created setting out the measures they need to follow to keep children safe: 

• 1m social distancing is not a requirement on these services but should be maintained where possible.

• It is recommended that all passengers wear a face covering wherever possible.

• Try to ensure that different schools are not mixed on this transport where possible.

• Children to use the same seat on the vehicle each time they travel.

As guidance changes, the protocol is updated and re-issued to operators.

KCC’s Cabinet Member for Education and Skills Richard Long said:

“School leaders, teachers and support staff have been working tirelessly, supported by KCC officers, to ensure schools are ready to safely welcome all pupils back to the classroom in September and it is only right we ensure they are able to travel to and from school in safety as well.”

“Wherever possible and providing it can be done safely we would encourage pupils to walk or cycle to school, with a parent or carer if necessary, as this will free up much-needed space on public transport, while exercise can also be beneficial for both physical and mental health.”

“Whichever method of transport a child or young person uses to get to school, we would like to remind all pupils in Kent to follow the relevant guidance, for your safety and the safety of those around you.”

“For our SEND pupils, we have been working with Special schools directly to ensure that children with additional needs will be provided with a safe route to and from school.”

“As Government guidance is understandably adapting as Covid-19 response develops, we will continue to update our website, and where necessary, contact parents directly to keep them informed.”

“We appreciate that the ongoing uncertainly that Covid-19 is causing can lead to frustration, but we will continue to provide guidance as quickly as we are able to.”

Children in school years seven to 11 who are not eligible for free school transport can still apply for a Kent Travel Saver Card that can save up to 50% on the cost of travel, and it is also available for those 16 and over to get to school or college.

KCC has also committed to providing a pro-rata pass when government social distancing requirements change, and bus capacity can return to normal.

KCC Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport Michael Payne said:

“Numbers for the Kent Travel Saver have dropped considerably this year – for the Kent Travel Saver we’ve had around 6,100 applications compared to around 24,000 normally; and for the 16+ Travel Saver we’ve had around 1,800 compared to 7,000 normally.”

“With the uncertainty around going back to school, these numbers are not a surprise, particularly as we have urged parents to consider alternative options to get their children to school.”

“Now that government has provided the guidance, we have been able to put our plans into action. We have created a dedicated ‘return to school’ area on our website detailing how the return to school will work, and we will also be contacting parents directly.”

“If you are eligible for free school transport or registered for the Kent Travel Saver, Kent 16+ Travel Saver or Vacant Seat Payment Scheme, we will be in touch with guidance for your particular circumstances.”

Central Government has acknowledged that the new national requirements are likely to increase the number of pupils that travel to school in cars.

Mr Payne added:

“This, unfortunately, is another unavoidable consequence of Covid-19 but we are creating additional cycle lanes, slowing speeds around schools where appropriate to do so, encouraging more to walk and cycle and advising parents on alternative ways to get their child to school.”

“This is an area where we can all do our part to make sure we’re making use of the most environmentally friendly way of travelling and keep congestion to a minimum.” 

“During this crisis, buses have continued to operate, carrying many of our essential workers including NHS staff to work.”

Bus operators are carrying out extra deep cleaning as part of their daily routines such as disinfecting the buses with ‘hot fogging’. All surfaces are regularly wiped down and disinfected, including touch points around the driver. Windows will be kept open to help with ventilation and bus drivers will either be behind a screen, or wearing a face covering.

Buses will carry around two thirds of their normal capacity, run their normal route and at their normal times.

KCC is working with bus operators to provide additional capacity through the conversion of some services to school-only. Where KCC has identified that there may not be enough space, it is providing extra buses and will be monitoring the situation closely when schools return to react quickly to make sure that all children can travel safely.

For the latest information including a video, visit www.kent.gov.uk/backtoschool

Murray Evans

Kent County Council