We know that the COVID-19 pandemic is of deep concern to everyone in Hailsham and the local area and the Town Council is working hard with the local community to continue cordinating the response and following the latest social distancing and other Government guidance. We will be using this page to share information about what you can do to protect yourself yourself and information about local community groups who are offering local support to people who continue to be affected.
CORONAVIRUS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
There are three simple actions we must all do to keep on protecting each other
- Wash hands. Keep washing your hands regularly
- Cover face. Wear a face covering in enclosed spaces
- Make space. Stay at least 2 metres apart – or 1 metre with a face covering or other precautions
Do not leave home if you or anyone in your household has symptoms.
COVID-19 VACCINATION PROGRAMME SITES
The COVID-19 vaccination programme continues to be rolled out to other age groups. This includes hospital hubs, GP-led local vaccination services, larger vaccination centres, and a roving service to take the vaccine into people’s own homes if they cannot attend a vaccination site.
A priority in the NHS planning is to ensure that it is as easy as possible for people to get vaccinated when it is their turn.
COVID-19 TESTING SITES
There are several sites in East Sussex where COVID-19 tests can be booked in advance. You should strive to get a test if you either:
- have COVID-19 symptoms or;
- have been asked to get a test (e.g. by the test and trace service)
If you do have symptoms, you and other people in your household must self-isolate immediately, only leaving your home to visit a designated test site.
BUSINESS SUPPORT
Coronavirus (COVID-19) support is available to businesses:
- Loans, tax relief and cash grants are available
- Employers might be eligible for financial support to pay wages
- Self-employed people might be eligible for a taxable grant covering 80% of trading profits
>>FIND OUT WHAT FINANCIAL SUPPORT SCHEMES YOU MAY BE ELIBLE FOR
BRITISH RED CROSS HARDSHIP FUND
As part of its response to the coronavirus outbreak, the British Red Cross, in partnership with Aviva and the Aviva Foundation, has created a Hardship Fund to provide financial support to individuals who were already financially at risk before the outbreak and, whose financial situation has deteriorated due to the crisis.
>>FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE BRITISH RED CRISS HARDSHIP FUND
LOCAL COMMUNITY SUPPORT & VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES
+ Hailsham Foodbank
Hailsham Foodbank is giving out emergency food parcels for all people who have a Foodbank voucher from a referral agency, but the distribution centre is not open and all food is being delivered. All referrals are being done online with telephone advice being given out by agencies and vouchers being sent online to the foodbank to fulfil on next available delivery slot. To contact the Foodbank call 07474 671350 or email info@hailsham.foodbank.org.uk.
+ Sunflowers Mental Health & Well-being
Sunflowers Mental Health & Well-Being CIC is managing the Facebook group ‘Hailsham Crisis Support’, which welcomes volunteers to help support the vulnerable and elderly in Hailsham and surrounding rural areas during this difficult time. If anyone wants to lend a helping hand or is in need of this service please get in touch and email at sunflowersproject@outlook.com. For more information visit their Facebook page.
On behalf of Hailsham Crisis Support, town councillor Anne-Marie Ricketts is offering telephone contact with people who suffer from mental health issues or are in need of support due to anxiety about the current public health crisis. Cllr Ricketts can be contacted on 07837 208877.
+ Hailsham Community Hub (SCDA)
The Sussex Community Development Association (SCDA) is working hard to ensure they minimise any risks of Covid-19 to the people who access their services, staff and volunteers. They are following the latest guidance from the Government to ensure their staff, volunteers and service-users stay safe and healthy. Hailsham Community Hub continues to maintain its service delivery where possible and is adapting delivery so that they can continue to help local people. Any changes and reductions to their services (e.g. telephone appointments) will be announced accordingly. For further information cal 01323 440548 or send an email.
+ 3VA: Voluntary Action in Eastbourne, Lewes & Wealden
New community hubs have now opened in every part of East Sussex in response to the coronavirus pandemic. These hubs will focus their help on people who do not have an extreme medical condition but are vulnerable because they are isolated from help, too unwell to buy food or have other pressing difficulties. The hubs will also bring together volunteers, donations and projects to co-ordinate East Sussex’s community response to the virus. To contact the Wealden branch (including Hailsham) please phone 01323 443322 or find out more here.
+ Care for the Carers
Care for the Carers are still here for carers and are working hard to keep you connected with their services and one another. Their Carers’ Hub is open virtually and as a carer, you can access information, advice and guidance by contacting them in the usual way (10am-5pm Monday-Friday – except bank holidays), by phone on 01323 738390, text on 07860 077300, email or via their Facebook page. If you would like to join a group, are interested in keeping in touch, please do contact them. You can find up to date information and FAQs about caring through coronavirus on their website.
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT & WELLBEING
Try to take as much action as possible to ensure your mental health won’t suffer during the pandemic. Click here for more information and useful resources.
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT & ADDICTION
Covid-19 has impacted the lives of many and, unfortunately, that also includes the increase of those struggling with substance abuse and mental health. A useful resource page is available that shares valuable information for those seeking help while battling addiction and co-occurring conditions.
Coronavirus and mental health issues | Substance abuse, overdise and suicide | Alcohol addiction
ADDITIONAL RESOURCE: MENTAL HEALTH & ADDICTION
A free helpline is available for those who may be struggling with their mental health or drug/alcohol addiction. Fully trained staff are are able to help those who are struggling and can provide advice in what can sometimes feel like a very lonely world. The Ocean Recovery Centre website has a plethora of resources for those who do not wish to talk and a free helpline is available too: 01253 847 553
INFORMATION & RESOURCES ON COVID-19
+ NHS Advice
COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It’s caused by the coronavirus.
- View the latest NHS advice regarding Coronavirus (Covid-19)
- View information on staying at home to help the NHS and save lives
+ Government and public health information
How to protect yourself and others in the community.
- View full guidance on staying at home and away from others
- Advice for those self-isolating because of suspected Coronavirus
+ Support for businesses and the self-employed
The latest Budget announced a series of measures to provide support for businesses affected by the Coronavirus pandemic.
- Find out more about the new business rate support measures
- Support for employees, benefit claimants and businesses
- Guidance for employers and businesses on Coronavirus
- Measures to protect tenants and landlords
+ Coronavirus cases in the UK
Dashboard and statistical analysis of reported cases, including new cases, cases by upper tier local authority in England and number of deaths.
+ News and public communications
Browse government agency news articles and other communications on Covid-19.
+ Guidance on access to green spaces
Useful guidance on using green spaces and protecting yourself and others in the process.
+ Safeguarding financially during the crisis
The England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) recognise that this period may be one of increased financial pressure for some people. The Team is fully committed to ensuring that illegal money lenders (loan sharks) do not take advantage and profit from other people’s hardship.
The Stop Loan Sharks helpline service (0300 555 2222) remains open and fully operational during the COVID-19 pandemic. We encourage not only victims but friends, family members and the wider community to come forward if they suspect someone is suffering at the hands of loan sharks. Alternatively or for more information visit the Stop Loan Sharks website.
+ Covid-19 scams: how to spot and stop them
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK, many of us are concerned about what will happen next. However, many scammers see it as an opportunity to profit.
Useful information on how to protect yourself from scames and fraud