We know that the Coronavirus outbreak is of deep concern to everyone in Hailsham and the local area and the Town Council is working hard with the local community to coordinate the response. 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 are affected.
CORONAVIRUS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Stay Alert. Control the Virus. Saves Lives.
We can all help control the virus if we all stay alert. This means you must:
- stay at home as much as possible
- work from home if you can
- limit contact with other people
- keep your distance if you go out (2 metres apart where possible)
- wash your hands regularly
Do not leave home if you or anyone in your household has symptoms.
LOCAL COMMUNITY SUPPORT & VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES
+ Hailsham Foodbank
Hailsham Foodbank is still 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.
+ NHS Care Packages
A small community organisation based in Hailsham and set up by a trio of volunteers who play for Hailsham Cricket Club, NHS Care Packages is working to source and deliver basic grocery packages to the healthcare staff who live in the local area. They are providing packages to NHS staff for free to help out and make their lives a little easier during this pandemic. If you or anyone you know works within the NHS and requires this service, please email harrychatfield@hotmail.co.uk. Please provide proof of employment in the NHS, an address and delivery times which work for you. Funding donations to https://www.gofundme.com/f/hailsham-nhs-care-packages.
+ Community Food Hub
The King’s Head Cacklebury is operating a temporary Community Food Hub to help locals to obtain essential supplies. The pub’s existing wholesalers continue to supply with fresh meat, fruit, vegetables, cheese, eggs, cleaning products, toiletries, tinned products and dry foods. Please send orders and enquiries first to helen@kingsheadcacklebury.co.uk, providing your phone number for a call back. Once your order has been put together, you will be contacted by Community Food Hub for payment by card over the phone and to arrange safe collection.
+ Community Sewing Project (#NHS Angels)
A local community sewing project established providing assistance to midwives at local hospitals. Currently, around 80 local sewing/crafting people are making scrub laundry bags and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) headbands. Having successfully completed phase 1 of the project of providing over 5,000 items to the NHS and community-based carers, the project has changed their production line to making masks. If you wish to join their band of volunteers, contact Mary on 07723 444209 or by email: marylaxton70@gmail.com.
+ 3VA: Voluntary Action in Eastbourne, Lewes & Wealden
New community hubs have now opened in every part of East Sussex in response to the coronavirus emergency. 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.
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
On 11 March, the 2020 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.
+ Recent Government action
The Government published its coronavirus action plan on 3 March.
On 10 February, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock, announced strengthened legal powers to protect public health.
The Health Protection (Coronavirus) Regulations 2020 have been put in place to reduce the risk of further human-to-human transmission in this country by keeping individuals in isolation where public health professionals believe there is a reasonable risk an individual may have the virus.
+ 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.
+ Closing certain businesses and venues
The Government has given clear guidance on self-isolation, staying at home and away from others, and asked that schools only remain open for those children who absolutely need to attend, and certain businesses and venues close until further notice.
+ 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 outbreak 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