Wednesday 6 May 2020
As the lockdown continues and we prepare to commemorate VE day at home this bank holiday weekend, please remember that the coronavirus (COVID-19) related restrictions announced over six weeks ago still remain in place in order to help protect the NHS and save lives.
So many people in the past have made sacrifices to ensure we enjoy the freedoms and liberties that we are temporarily deprived of at the moment. Those on the front line now aren’t just soldiers, but are our key workers, fighting a virus that has turned life as we know it upside down.
Every day they risk themselves to keep us safe – whether they are health or social care professionals, or those keeping us moving, keeping us fed and ensuring our essential services are maintained during the pandemic.
Today over 100,000 key workers across the South West, including our employees, have joined forces to say a big thanks to you… yes you… every single member of the public who is staying at home and playing their part in keeping us safe.
Your role in this fight should not be underestimated. We’re all growing tired of the lockdown, but your exceptional cooperation with the measures so far has helped keep infection rates in the region relatively low, so please, let’s not risk it all for the sake of an off-limits bank holiday get-together.
In this update:
- Recycling centres to reopen for essential use only
- A message from our key workers
- Thank you for staying away #ComeBackLater
- Ideas to celebrate VE Day at home
- GP practices, pharmacies and A&E departments are open
 Recycling centres to open for essential use only
The government has given clarification this week which means that we'll be reopening most of our Household Waste Recycling Centres on Monday 11 May, but only for essential use.
By 'essential use' they mean waste that cannot be stored at home without causing a risk of injury or harm to your health.
If it’s waste that can be disposed of legally and responsibly in some other way, for example your weekly kerbside collections, please do that.
There'll be restrictions at the recycling centres including the size of vehicles coming in, and social distancing, and unfortunately our staff won't be able to help with the lifting of bags.
 South West key workers thank you for staying home
"Here in the South West we want to thank people for continuing to observe Government travel restrictions and not coming here right now. A warm welcome awaits later," says Devon County Council's Leader, Cllr John Hart.
 Celebrating VE Day at home
The VE Day anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the enormous sacrifice, courage and determination of people from all walks of life during World War II.
This year marks the 75th year since the guns fell silent at the end of the war in Europe, and with the country on lockdown and all community and national events cancelled or postponed, it will be celebrated in a different, but no less special, way. Here are some ideas:
 NSPCC launches campaign to help children exposed to harm under lockdown
The charity's calls data show that COVID-19 has exacerbated existing risks for children and created new ones.
Since lock down they've had 5,237 contacts to their helpline from adults concerned about the wellbeing and safety of a child.
They’ve seen a 22 per cent increase on the previous month in callers worried about parents and carers misusing alcohol and other substances.
They took the highest number of calls in a single week for the year so far.
The extra money from Government will allow the charity to expand its capacity.
Additional funding to help youth clubs
Like many voluntary groups and organisations, youth clubs in Devon are struggling right now to stay afloat, with bills to pay and no income to supplement them.
It's left many in a hard place, and yet they're part of the solution in helping young people in the transition back to normal life.
Youth Work in Devon is a partnership led by our youth service provider, SPACE, alongside VOYC Devon. As well as their own work with young people, SPACE also support the many local independently run youth clubs in Devon with financial support, training and advice.
We and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall have given them an extra £50,000, to help youth clubs and to ensure that they're still operating after COVID-19.
Carry on the great work SPACE!
 Trading Standards advice to businesses
Our Trading Standards Teams are continuing to monitor the restrictions put in place to help keep us all safe.
They are reminding businesses that we need them to continue to act responsibly and follow the government guidance over the bank holiday weekend.
The vast majority have done well to comply with the lock down measures so far, which is excellent. However, there are serious implications for those who choose to deliberately flout the rules, and any breaches of legislation will be taken seriously and investigated.
 GP practices, pharmacies and A&E departments open
GP practices and A&E departments in Devon remain open during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. So, if you need to see your GP, for something like back pain, arthritis or asthma, do contact your practice via their website or by phone. Your consultation may be via phone, video or in person.
If you or someone you know has a life-threatening injury or illness, such as severe chest pain, bleeding, loss of consciousness or signs of a stroke, you should call 999 or go to your nearest accident and emergency department without delay.
Pharmacies in Devon will be open on Bank Holiday Friday this week (8 May) if you need them. You can search for your nearest pharmacy online.
 Helping to inform national decisions about mental health and loneliness
University College London is running a study into the psychological and social effects of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the UK.
The results are being used to understand the effects of the virus and social distancing measures on mental health and loneliness in the UK and to inform government advice and decisions.
So far, they have more than 80,000 UK adults in the study, but they need more.
Dr Daisy Fancourt, the scientist leading the study, says: "We’re looking for adults in the UK who are happy to take part and spread the word about the study. Participation involves answering a 10-minute online survey now and then answering a shorter follow-up survey once a week whilst social isolation measures are in place."
 COVID Prompt Action Fund in action!
We would like to share the important work that projects funded by our COVID-19 Prompt Action Fund have been doing within their communities.
As it’s Deaf Awareness Week we thought it would be a good chance to share how PaddleBoat Theatre Company is using the small grant funding to support deaf children and families, by making sign supported videos and online activities.
 NCSC publishes new advice on staying safe online
Many of us are now spending more time online while we continue to follow the government’s advice to stay at home and reduce the spread of coronavirus. Sadly, opportunistic cyber criminals are attempting to exploit this increased online activity, by launching large numbers of cyber crime campaigns which could reach any of us.
In response to this, the National Cyber Security Centre has published new Cyber Aware guidance, to help the public stay safe online. The Cyber Aware resources include tips on how to protect your passwords, accounts and devices.
Please take some time to read and follow the advice, to ensure you and your family can continue to stay safe online.
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