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.
COMMUNITY GRANTS RECOVERY FUND
Wealden Community Grants Recovery Fund is now open until 1st November 2020.
Recovery grants are available from Wealden District Council to help local groups and village organisations continue the valuable work they do for the community.
Any third sector organisation with Wealden beneficiaries, and groups which have previously supported the community hub can apply for between £500 and £5000, to be spent by the end of March 2021, for projects that benefit the people of the Wealden District.
Community groups and voluntary organisations can download an editable pdf application form here.
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC HEALTH FOR EAST SUSSEX
BY DARRELL GALE, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC HEALTH FOR EAST SUSSEX
“It’s my job to try and ensure as few of us as possible in East Sussex get infected with COVID-19 – but I need your help.
The good news is that, at the moment, East Sussex has low rates of the virus compared to some other parts of England. But of course, the virus is still there in our communities.
If there were a local outbreak, I or other public health leaders might ask you to avoid certain places or even to stay at home, as the situation is controlled.
We’d let you know about this very swiftly, for example on local television, radio and online. You can also sign up now for email updates via the East Sussex County Council website which we’d send if anything new happens. Click here for a link to the Coronavirus help and support web page.
Of course, I hope this will never be necessary and we can all work together to avoid outbreaks.
Above all, please:
– Follow the latest social distancing guidelines
– Regularly wash your hands
– Wear a face mask in shops and other enclosed public places
– If you feel at all unwell (a new persistent cough, a change in smell or taste, or a raised temperature) immediately book a test and stay at home for at least 10 days. Book a test online at nhs.uk or call 119 if you have trouble using the internet.
– If you are asked to self-isolate by the NHS test and trace team, please do.
On the county council website you’ll also find latest details about the number of cases where you live, our plan for how we’d handle any outbreak in the county and lots of practical help and support.
Our communities have already done amazing work to support each other through these tough times. We can keep the virus at bay in East Sussex if we continue working together.”
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 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.
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.
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