Our TCVS Weekly Updates

Updated 20/04/2020

latest from thurrock cvs

Thurrock Coronavirus Community Action News

We will be releasing a story each week from one of our brilliant volunteers or a resident that we have been supporting in Thurrock. You can read about these in your local papers or on ourTCCA Facebook page

Contingency Planning and Financial Implications

What you need to do to prepare for the potential impacts of coronavirus on your charity’s or voluntary organisation’s operations and finances.

View here

Funding Resources

Thurrock CVS has pulled together an overview of the funding opportunities that have been released in to provide immediate help to voluntary and community organisations in crisis as a result of the pandemic.

View here

funding and training

Coronavirus Mental Health Response Fund

In partnership with @AssocMHP and other mental health charities Mind have just launched a new @DHSCgovuk government-backed fund to provide much-needed coronavirus support to people in living in England. Find out now if your organisation can apply and

visit here

Free Training for Volunteers during COVID 19

ProTrainings are proud to announce we have been awarded a grant from Skills for Care to help train volunteers and care givers during the current Coronavirus COVID 19 outbreak.

View here

online resources

HMRC Online Job Retention Scheme Released Today

HMRC has issued guidance on how (through their online system) from today you can make a claim through their Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. More details – including what you will need to make a claim –View here

The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command Centre (CEOP) has launched its #OnlineSafetyAtHome campaign to prevent online exploitation, plus they’ve produced a number of resources for a range of age groups, view here

keeping well at home

Online Activities

Arty types and creatives

64 Million Artists : A month of daily challenges in May

Weekly creative activities

Singers

The Sofa Singers : Weekly online singing

Karaoke with friends

Nature lovers – tips on noticing nature

View here

Updated 17/04/2020

Support for the Family

To support you and your family through the COVID-19 pandemic, Essex Child and Family Wellbeing Service has created a brand new resource hub.
Learn more here.

Advice for parents during coronavirus
Whilst coronavirus is infectious to children it is rarely serious. If your child is unwell it is
likely to be a non-coronavirus illness, rather than coronavirus itself.
Whilst it is extremely important to follow Government advice to stay at home during
this period, it can be confusing to know what to do when your child is unwell or injured.
Remember that NHS 111, GPs and hospitals are still providing the same safe care that
they have always done. Click here for up to date information

SUPPORT FOR YOUR ORGANISATION

Government Funding for charities
On 8th April Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a funding package for the voluntary and community sector. This came after weeks of campaigning from national representative bodies such as NAVCA (National Association for Voluntary and Community Action) and NCVO (National Council for Voluntary Organisations).
Please click here to view full details and information

COVID-19 Resource Hub for Charities & Social Enterprises

contains information, resources and tools designed to support charities and social enterprises navigating COVID-19

See more here.

Grants Online

A number of Community Foundations and other organisations have launched funding programmes to assist local organisations in responding to the challenges of the Coronavirus Pandemic. Read more here.

A free, online toolkit to increase impact and funding

Providing assurance and enabling charity trustees and management to increase their social impact and secure more charitable funding

Read more here

BEST Growth Hub
If you are concerned about the survival of your business as a result of the coronavirus, the BEST Growth Hub are able to provide free business support and advice on the options that are available to you. Please email them on info@BestGrowthHub.org.uk

A Small donation can make a difference!

Text giving is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to donate to Giving for Thurrock.  Perfect for those who might be on the move or short of time.

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT

Text Thurrock 5 to 70085 to give £5 to Giving for Thurrock

You can donate £1, £2, £3, £5, £10, £15 or £20 and will receive a confirmation text to let you know the donation has been successful.

If just 1 in 5 people in Thurrock gave a donation of £5 just once a year, Giving for Thurrock would raise nearly £170,000 for our local communities. Could you be one of our 1 in 5?

Nominate an NHS Worker

Railscape Limited, have created a gift opportunity to thank NHS workers for all of their hard work and dedication in these challenging times.
There are 5 x £1500 Tui holiday vouchers, one released each week leading up to International Nurses Day (12th May 2020). Here’s the link for nominations that are entered into this gifting opportunity.

Updated 16/04/2020

Support for residents

Coronavirus Family Guide – SNAP Charity

SNAP (Special Needs and Parents) team are committed to ensuring they continue to deliver the best service they possibly can for their families during this difficult time. They have always provided comprehensive online support with their Information Network and Directory and will continue to share information, ideas and strategies. They have been researching new resources and have produced a Coronavirus Family Guide to help. View the Family guide here

www.snapcharity.org

Changing Pathways continue to provide support for victims of domestic abuse and can be contacted, Monday to Friday 9am-5pm on 01268 729 707 or there is online chat available via our website Monday to Friday 10am-12pm and 3-4pm and Tuesday evenings between 7pm-8pm, www.changingpathways.org

Compass is available 24 hours a day for residents across Essex including Thurrock who are experiencing domestic abuse and would like advice and support 0330 333 7444

There is also the National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247 (Freephone, 24 hours a day)

If you are worried about your own behaviour then contact Respect 0808 802 4040.

Morrisons Doorstep Delivery Service for Vulnerable People

Morrisons Doorstep Delivery service gives the elderly, vulnerable and shielded the opportunity to call, place an order for essential groceries and have them delivered to their doorstep by their local store colleagues. Find more details on how to order here

Support for Organisations  

NVCO have added new information for anyone supporting or managing Volunteers during lockdown including:

How volunteers are affected by the lockdown

Volunteers in key worker roles

Volunteer expenses

Safeguarding for volunteer managers

Safeguarding for informal volunteer-led groups

For a full list of resources view here

Morrisons Foundation

Morrisons Foundation have created a £500,000 fund to support charities protecting the homeless during this crisis. Registered charities that care for the homeless can apply for up to £10,000 from this fund to help support their work. Read more here

Yapp Charitable Trust Small UK charities affected by the impact of COVID-19, grants up to £3k. Registered charities in England and Wales, with a total annual expenditure of less than £40k; core costs and staffing. Find out more here

Updated 15/04/2020

We would like to say a big thank you to the volunteers, organisations and staff in Thurrock that are continuing to work together above and beyond to support our residents.

We have received such positive feedback which highlights just how strong Thurrock is during this challenging time. We are so proud of how well everyone has pulled together to make a difference to our community and this has been echoed by residents throughout social media.

We continue to prioritise the health and safety of our volunteers whilst they are out and about in the borough. Stronger together is also supporting volunteers using a cashless system. We are providing a cash float to partner organisations who are working hard on behalf of residents to ensure their volunteers aren’t out of pocket. We’ve recently paid a partner organisation £1000, enabling them to reimburse their volunteers immediately after purchasing food for vulnerable people.

We hope you continue to find our daily updates informative and helpful.

Support for residents

Alzheimer’s Society Support

Talking Point, is our online community. Available 24 hours a day on your smartphone, tablet or laptop, it’s a safe space to speak to people affected by dementia who understand how you’re feeling. Visit here

Synergy Essex

The Essex partnership of SERICC, Southend On Sea Rape Crisis and CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse) provides a single point of access to support all victims and survivors of sexual violence and sexual abuse across Thurrock, Southend and Essex.  We continue to offer our specialist sexual violence counselling and advocacy, using telephone and online methods during the coronavirus lockdown period.

Please contact us as usual:

Self-referral form for individuals, family and friends.

There is an easy to use online form for professionals wishing to make a referral.

Referral form for professionals.

Phone 0300 003 7777

Email support@synergyessex.org.uk  Website synergyessex.org.uk/

As always, our specialist staff teams will ensure contact is made with the most appropriate support service that we offer.

All digital support services can be found here

Information for Organisations

Victim Support release advice for Community groups to tackle Coronavirus Scammers and Fraudsters

The unprecedented situation we’ve found ourselves in with the spread of coronavirus has seen amazing people, offering to support the most vulnerable people in your community. However, not everyone is like you. Sadly, we’ve already seen some people use this uncertain and really difficult time to exploit others.

We’ve put some tips together to help keep you safe, and also to protect those you’re helping. View here

Sport England’s Community Emergency Fund

This new £20 million fund aims to help community sport and physical activity organisations who are experiencing short term financial hardship or the ceasing of operations due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis. Apply now to bid for grants between £300 and £10,000.

Do you need support and tips to apply for this funding? If so, view here

Find out more information about the fund here

Local News

Coronavirus UK map: How many confirmed cases are there in your area?

Search your area (e.g. Thurrock) to see the latest reported cases, and updated death figures in the UK.

View here

St. Luke’s Hospice launches ‘Blue Heart Campaign’ to encourage Thurrock to show solidarity and love

The Hospice, which supports people in Basildon, Thurrock and the surrounding areas, is asking people to place their blue heart creations in the windows of homes and businesses, sharing their efforts on social media channels using the hashtag #LoveStLukes. The charity hopes the Blue Heart Campaign will unite people in their support for the Hospice and its services. Read more here

Updated 14/04/2020

Support for you

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has provided information relating to an increase in Universal Credit allowance.

Read more here

New 24/7 Crisis Mental Health Phone-Line

A new 24-hour phone service for people experiencing mental health crisis is now live across Essex.
People aged 18 and over: Dialling 111 and selecting the option for mental health crisis will connect callers to EPUT staff who will provide appropriate support and advice.

People under 18: call North East London NHS Foundation Trust’s Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Service on 0300 300 1600 or email.
For urgent or out of hours help call 0300 555 1201.

999 should still be used for anyone in need of treatment for serious or life threatening physical health issues alongside a mental health crisis.

Reporting Scams

Criminals are targeting people looking to buy medical supplies online, sending emails offering fake medical support + scamming people who may be vulnerable or increasingly isolated at home. For more info + for help on how to keep yourself visit actionfraud.police.uk

Click here to report (including 24/7 live cyber reporting for businesses)

Or Call 0300 123 2040 and press 9

Local News

Tilbury Tribute to NHS and Key Workers

Last week London Container Terminal in Tilbury created a container tribute to thank NHS heroes & key workers. They reshuffled 137 containers in 400 moves to bring the message to life. During these tough times, they wanted to create a message of support and hope for us all.  See the video here

Takeaway heroes are hailed for supporting emergency services and local community

The ‘Good Deed Feed’, launched by Just Eat, heralds the hardworking and dedicated restaurant and takeaway businesses which have stepped up to look after those in need during this unique time. Heroes include Nihat Demir and Mr Ali at the Mangel Meze on Orsett Road in Grays who have provided Thurrock Police with 40 free meals, which were delivered to Grays Police station by local councilor Qaisar Abbas, and 42 for local residents in need. Read more here

Funding News

Barclays launches £100 million COVID-19 Community Aid Package

Barclays has committed £100m to a charity foundation to tackle the impact of the coronavirus – details on how to apply for the funding have not yet been released – look out for information on their page soon!

Read more here

Updated 09/04/2020

Health and Wellbeing

Bank Holiday Thurrock Health Hubs Opening Times

Hub sites will be open 7pm – 9pm on good Friday and Easter Monday.  Specialist dressing clinic will be at Corringham hub and all other locations (not including Fobbing) will have GP appointments. On Saturday and Sunday the Health Hubs are open for the normal opening hours. Patients can book using 111. The opening times for the Hubs, including the respiratory clinic can be found below:

	Good Friday	Saturday	Easter Sunday	Easter Monday
Respiratory Clinic	9am – 6pm	Closed	Closed	9am – 6pm
Thurrock Health Hubs	7pm – 9pm	9am – 12 noon	9am – 12 noon	7pm – 9pm

Please share the following link with your contacts;

thurrockccg.nhs.uk/your-health/primary-care/thurrock-health-hubs

Bright Sky is a free to download mobile app on App Store and Google Play providing support and information for anyone who may be in an abusive relationship or those concerned about someone they know.  Find out more here  

Autonome In response to the Government’s request that people with Learning Disabilities self- isolate, ‘South West Loop’ have designed an independent living app AutonoMe offering a FREE version of their platform to any person with a Learning Disability in the UK. To find out more visit here

Latest News

Stronger Together Instagram launch!

Following the great success of the Thurrock Coronavirus Community Action Facebook Groups, Stronger Together Thurrock has now joined Instagram! Follow us @strongertogetherthurrock to keep up to date with our latest posts and information!

Chancellor sets out extra £750 million coronavirus funding for frontline charities

Charities across the UK will receive a £750 million package of support to ensure they can continue their vital work during the coronavirus outbreak, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced yesterday. Read more here

Updated 08/04/2020

Supporting residents in Thurrock

Messaging Support available for Domestic Abuse

It’s a really frightening time if you are experiencing domestic abuse, especially if you are isolated with your abuser due to COVID19. We know it is not always safe or possible to speak to someone on the phone but support is still available for survivors. All digital support services can be found here

Keeping Well

Libraries Online

With libraries and community centres closed until further notice, remember there’s  newspapers and magazines and get e-books and e-audio. Access here

Keeping fit with Active Life

Active Life are uploading a new YouTube workout every Monday to Thursday at 10am View here

Information for your Organisation

Government advice

The Uk Government have collated a number of key factsheets around DBS including safeguarding volunteers, fast-track check of the Barred Lists, updated ID checking guidance and some COVID-19 specific FAQs – View here

Neighbourly Community Fund

Head over to the Neighbourly Community Fund where they are launching a series of micro-grants of up to £400, to support good causes and community groups that are helping communities affected by the new Coronavirus outbreak. Visit here

VSDF Funding Coming Soon!

VSDF Small Grants will be opening in the next week for emergency funding for voluntary sector organisations – keep your eyes peeled for more information coming next week!

Updated on 07/04/2020

Supporting residents in Thurrock

How is your Organisation / Business supporting residents in Thurrock?

We are compiling a list of the current services available in Thurrock to residents who are isolating, high risk, and vulnerable during the Coronavirus outbreak. Whether it is providing support through online channels, delivering essentials, welfare calls, volunteering or another service – we want to hear from you! Please email us at socialmedia@thurrockcvs.org to add your services to our Thurrock Community list.

News in Thurrock

Thurrock Coronavirus Community Action supports most vulnerable

Thurrock Coronavirus Community Action (TCCA) has spoken to 636 of our most vulnerable residents during the first 5 days of the community response launching last Wednesday (1 April). In addition, over 350 residents have come forward to volunteer to give their time helping those who are most vulnerable keep safe and well and to stay at home. Read more here

Business grant distribution – have you provided information?

Thurrock Council has already helped local businesses get over £4.3 million worth of government support grants.
The grants, which were made available last week, have been created to help businesses stay afloat during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. They are funded by the government but distributed to businesses by local councils.
In Thurrock, 340 local businesses have received their payments. Find out more

What can you do to help?

A Small donation can make a difference!

Text a donation direct to us by texting Thurrock 5 to 70085 and donate £5 through your next phone bill. If you pay for your texts, your operator may charge their usual fee.

Updated 06/04/2020

A Letter of thanks to the Voluntary Sector

Supporting Residents in Thurrock

Self-management support and information signposting list released

As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, this document has been designed to support healthcare professionals to signpost patients with long-term conditions, identified in the high risk groups, to support and information to self-manage at home. Click Here

Be aware of Coronavirus doorstep crime and fraud

Reports have been received of cold callers visiting properties and claiming to be from health and safety; and selling fake hand sanitisers, face masks and swabbing kits.

Look out for vulnerable neighbours and family members. Report scams via Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133.

What can you do to help?

Encourage your employees to sign up to Give as you live!

Raise funds for Giving for Thurrock at no extra cost to you just by doing your online shopping! Sign up to support Giving for Thurrock today and shop through Give as you live to raise a free donation for us.

Sign up to support us today!

Support for Organisations and Businesses

Helping businesses access government grants

Thurrock Council is acting quickly to help local businesses make sure that they take full advantage of government grants available to help them stay afloat during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Any business owner who thinks they are eligible for one of these grants should go to Thurrock Council’s business rates web pages to find out more about the help on offer and update their contact and payment details via an online form.

The council is also allowing businesses to defer payment of business rates until May and offering to defer rental payments for businesses, sports clubs and community groups that rent their premises from the council.

Updated 03/04/2020

What can you do to help?

Sign up your business to help!

We are looking for businesses and organisations  who can volunteer and help in their local community with vulnerable or self-isolating people during the Coronavirus / Covid-19 outbreak.  We are looking not only for volunteers in person, but of goods, services or logistics that may be available. Sign up to help!

Encourage your employees to sign up to Give as you live!

Raise funds for Giving for Thurrock at no extra cost to you just by doing your online shopping! Sign up to support Giving for Thurrock today and shop through Give as you live to raise a free donation for us.

Sign up to support us today!

Follow our Thurrock Coronavirus Community Action Facebook Page!

Thurrock Coronavirus Community Action is a partnership of local organisations, groups and Facebook groups to safely coordinate support and volunteers during the COVID-19 outbreak. Follow Us!

What help is out there for you?

WhatsApp Chat

Have you added the GOVUK Coronavirus Information Service on WhatsApp? This is new free service. This automated ‘chatbot’ will allow you to get answers to the most common coronavirus questions from a trusted source. Click here.

Headspace App

Headspace is a great app that will help you to relax and take your mind off things that are stressful and worrying, helping you to focus, perform at your best and get a better nights rest. The app can be found on android and apple app stores.

Latest News

Health Secretary sets out plan to carry out 100,000 coronavirus tests a day

Increased testing for the NHS will form part of a new 5-pillar plan, bringing together government, industry, academia, the NHS and many others, to dramatically increase the number of tests being carried out each day. Read More

Almost £400 million to keep England’s buses running Greater funding to keep bus routes running during the coronavirus pandemic. Read More

Updated 02/04/2020

Funding

Fowler, Smith and Jones Trust – Emergency Support
The trust are interested in hearing from groups that can clearly express the losses they will incur in the coming months due to the current COVID-19 crisis. This could be losses from not being able to fundraise due to events being banned, café or other retail spaces being closed etc. that would usually support the core costs of your operation. Groups who have been supported previously by the trust will be favoured and an explanation of your current level of reserves and why they have that status will need to be provided. To get in touch with the trust please send a short email with the aforementioned detail.

Sport England Community Fund
This new fund aims to help community sport and physical activity organisations who are experiencing short term financial hardship or the ceasing of operations due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis. Find out more.

Coronavirus and your Wellbeing

You might be worried about coronavirus (COVID-19) and how it could affect your life. This may include having to stay at home and avoid other people. This might feel difficult or stressful. On Mind UK website there are lots of things you can try that could help your wellbeing. See more information HERE

Local News in Thurrock

Last week Thurrock Council, following government guidelines, closed all park play areas and outdoor exercise areas because it is not possible for residents including families to observe social distancing when using them. Since then, the council has found barriers and tape removed from equipment, there have been reports of people flouting the rules to climb into these areas, someone has even cut a padlock on a gate to get access. Residents are being urged to follow these restrictions otherwise there will be law enforced consequences. Read more HERE

To all our members: If your organisation is continuing to provide services that support social distancing through online support, volunteering or support advice through other channels – we want to hear from you! Send us your information to socialmedia@thurrockcvs.org and we will share to residents on our community page at : https://www.facebook.com/ThurrockCoronavirusCommunityAction/

Updated 01/04/2020

Resources

• Thurrock Coronavirus Community Action Helpline Launched Today! This helpline is for those residents in our borough who need help as a priority and are without help in the community from family or friends. Call 01375 511 002 – open Mon-Sun, 9am-5pm Click here to find out more

• Essex Community Foundation; The Essex Coronavirus Response and Recovery Programme is to get help quickly to voluntary and community organisations that are in crisis as a result of the pandemic and need emergency funding to keep their vital services running. Initially grants of up to £15,000 will be available. See more information here.

• The CAF (Charity’s Aid Foundation) has launched this rapid national response Fund to help smaller charitable organisations affected by the impact of Covid-19. See more information for the CAF Coronavirus Emergency Fund here.

• Charity Digital: tech offers for charities during coronavirus During the current crisis, a number of tech vendors are making their services available for free or at discounted rates. See more information here

• Together with Postcode Community Trust, a grant giving charity funded by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, Localgiving is delighted to offer charitable organisations the opportunity to apply for grants of £500. See the national Magic Little Grants Scheme here.

• VocTech Now is open for applications from 30 March VocTech Now is part of Ufi’s response to support the vocational learning sector in the UK during the Covid-19 pandemic. VocTech Now is a targeted grant call to accelerate the use of VocTech tools to enable those in work or training to continue to engage with their vocational learning programmes during this period of travel disruption. These are small grants of between £10k and £25k to support vocational learning providers to rapidly transition to remote teaching and training and deliver accessible learning at a time of significant change. See more information here

• NAVCA: What you need to know about Data Protection As COVID-19 continues to impact the UK and the rest of the world, existing charities and community groups are stepping up their efforts in an extraordinary way and many new groups and support services are being set up to support vulnerable people in our communities. In many cases, groups will be handling sensitive data about individuals and will therefore have to take account of data protection law. See more information here

News

• Hospitals merger starts today – chiefs are confident it will bring improvement to services despite widespread opposition. And there are five days left to comment on CCG merger plan! Find out more here

Updated 31/03/2020

Resources

• Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)
  The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) have confirmed that CBILS can be used for salaries until furlough funding comes through. The British Business Bank has compiled FAQ which you may find useful – access it HERE
  You can also visit the British Business Bank website to find an alternative lender.

• Princes Trust Their friendly Youth Support workers are available to chat online right now and through the weekend, from 9am-9pm. So, if you have a question or are looking for support during this challenging time go to bit.ly/2wEuS3m

• ReThink Mental Illness Remember, if you are worried about your – or someone else’s – mental health, ReThink Mental Illness have a dedicated Covid-19 hub on their website that is updated daily rethink.org/cv19

• NHS Counter Fraud Spot a COVID19 scam that is being used to allow criminals to carry out crimes using the fear of the CoronaVirus. Please report it to @actionfrauduk so they can gather intelligence and issue warnings to the nation.

• Working From Home Many of us are now working from home during the COVID-19 outbreak, Eden Communities have released some great top tips on working from home – take a look HERE!

• Sport England Sport England has launched 10-minute audio exercise routines to help older people keep fit during the coronavirus lockdown 10Today_ follows the launch of the ‘Join the Movement’ campaign to encourage people of all ages to be active at home 10today.co.uk

• SCOPE’s Virtual Coffee Lounge There’s lots of conversation happening over in Scope’s online community’s coffee lounge! If you’re in need of some friendly chat, grab a cuppa and head on over to the virtual lounge, and chat to other community members about anything and everything. Go to: https://community.scope.org.uk/categories/coffee-lounge

News

• Mayor Terry Piccolo thanked for gift to borough Foodbank Because of the impact of the coronavirus crisis, the foodbank is now also operating an e-referral system. Full details can be found at the Thurrock Foodbank website. You can also call (01375 416200) or email info@thurrock.foodbank.org.uk.

Updated 30/03/2020

Resources

• Are you a business in Thurrock and want to help the local community? Please see how you can help by offering your services or supporting us financially through Giving for Thurrock. Any money donated will be used to support individuals and families in need locally.

• MyLifeMySay With all the misinformation about COVID-19, @mylifemysay have launched  #QuarantineQT  A new digital space for young people to receive expert advice about coronavirus and its impact on our lives. Sign up!

• NHS Messaging Service Launched People staying at home suffering with suspected coronavirus symptoms will get regular check-ins and advice from a new NHS messaging service. Text messages will be sent as a reassurance to those who contact NHS 111 online, complete the assessment, and leave basic information such as their age, mobile number and when their symptoms started.

• Support in pregnancy during isolation Having to self-isolate when pregnant may be particularly worrying for some and many are feeling anxious or overwhelmed by how the coronavirus could affect themselves and their baby. If any expectant parents need support at this time, Parents 1st are continuing to offer support over the phone and through skype. Contact 01268 525758 or email info@parents1st.org.uk

News

• It’s Autism Awareness Week! To celebrate, the National Autistic Society has created a video to share what autistic people and their families told them they want the public to understand & their handy tips on how the public can help support autistic people better.

• Grays restaurant gives away 350 Free Meals Free meals were offered to local people on Sunday – with residents even queuing in a brief snow flurry to take advantage of the generosity.

Updated 27/03/2020

Resources

• Essex Coronavirus Response and Recovery Programme Essex Community Foundation (ECF), a leading and independent supporter of local charities and voluntary groups, has launched a funding programme to help organisations during the coronavirus pandemic.

• Charity Digital has launched a new website. Their services help other charities #BeMoreDigital through inspiring content.

• National Mind have a great page dedicated to managing our mental health during Coronavirus. It helps with planning to stay in doors with a check list to help people to assess if they’re ready for it as well as online peer support community.

• Stop Loan Sharks are continuing to provide specialist support with help and advice for victims of loan sharks during this difficult time. Call on 0300 555 2222 to safely report a loan shark

News

• Grays-based Thameside Taxis is offering its services to help people get food and, in particular has created links with Lakeside’s Tesco Extra to ensure local people can get Click and Collect slots – and the firm will collect.

• Clap for our Carers Thurrock virus number rises by 25 per cent but borough turns out to ‘Clap For Our Carers’ – And ship tribute lights up port

Published 23/03/2020

The ongoing direction from central government maintains the message for people to help slow the spread of the virus and to follow advice on the following:   Social distancing and avoiding unnecessary contact with people is key to restricting the spread of COVID-19. ·       Avoid all unnecessary gatherings ie: pubs, clubs, bars, restaurants and work from home if you can. ·       Wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face. ·       If you believe you have any symptoms (high temperature and/or a continuous new cough) please stay at home for 7 days ·       If you or a member of your family have COVID-19, the whole household must self-isolate for 14 days. ·       All people who are over 70 years old or have an underlying health condition should self-isolate for at least 12 weeks.   Advice about symptoms, limiting the spread of the virus and advice about everything COVID-19 can be found through the Public advice site. https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-list-of-guidance)     School closures   After today, Friday 20 March, schools will remain closed until further notice except for children of key workers and vulnerable children.   Check the website of your child’s primary school, secondary school or special school for current details.    The Department for Education has also set-up a coronavirus (COVID-19) helpline offering guidance for anyone with education related questions – from early years up to universities, plus parents.   Department for Education (DfE) coronavirus helpline 0800 046 8687   dfe.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk   Young people who are due to sit exams will not miss out on opportunity and a plan for this will be released shortly.    Retired health professionals are being asked to come back to support the NHS with this unprecedented challenge.   For people working in care professions NICE have released a downloadable booklet and guidance to continue delivering safe care. https://www.nice.org.uk/about/nice-communities/social-care/quick-guides/helping-to-prevent-infection   Thurrock CVS are constantly reviewing how best they can support people in the community are asking for anyone that is willing, to register as a volunteer. There are a variety of roles that will be required to help people as the borough becomes isolated.  To keep the vulnerable as safe as possible, Stronger Together through Thurrock CVS will be registering volunteers on a central database that will match people to a role based on their skills and availability.  Each and every one of us can help in some way, if you would like to register your interest please email  volunteer@ngagethurrock.org.uk

We would also like to hear about what you are doing in your local area so we can share and support if you need us to.  Get in touch through socialmedia@thurrockcvs.org   Keep checking our website for useful links that may help you or your community.   

In Thurrock,  we are Stronger Together

Published 20/03/2020

The ongoing direction from central government maintains the message for people to help slow the spread of the virus and to follow advice on the following:   Social distancing and avoiding unnecessary contact with people is key to restricting the spread of COVID-19. – Avoid all unnecessary gatherings ie: pubs, clubs, bars, restaurants and work from home if you can. – Wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face. – If you believe you have any symptoms (high temperature and/or a continuous new cough) please stay at home for 7 days – If you or a member of your family have COVID-19, the whole household must self-isolate for 14 days. – All people who are over 70 years old or have an underlying health condition should self-isolate for at least 12 weeks.   Advice about symptoms, limiting the spread of the virus and advice about everything COVID-19 can be found through Public advice site.https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-list-of-guidance)     School closures   After today, Friday 20 March, schools will remain closed until further notice except for children of key workers and vulnerable children.   Check the website of your child’s primary school, secondary school or special school for current details.    The Department for Education has also set-up a coronavirus (COVID-19) helpline offering guidance for anyone with education related questions – from early years up to universities, plus parents.   Department for Education (DfE) coronavirus helpline 0800 046 8687   dfe.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk     Young people who are due to sit exams will not miss out on opportunity and a plan for this will be released shortly.    Retired health professionals are being asked to come back to support the NHS with this unprecedented challenge.   For people working in care professions NICE have released a downloadable booklet and guidance to continue delivering safe care. https://www.nice.org.uk/about/nice-communities/social-care/quick-guides/helping-to-prevent-infection   thurrock CVS are constantly reviewing how best they can support people in the community are asking for anyone that is willing, to register as a volunteer. There are a variety of roles that will be required to help people as the borough becomes isolated.  To keep the vulnerable as safe as possible, we will be registering volunteers on a central database that will match people to a role based on their skills and availability.  Each and every one of us can help in some way, so please register below.

We would also like to hear about what you are doing in your local area so we can share and support if you need us to.  Get in touch through socialmedia@thurrockcvs.org   Keep checking our website for useful links that may help you or your community.