Prepare for summer | heatwave plan to protect public health

Learn more about the heatwave plan for England and how to keep your communities safe during hot weather with the additional risks of Covid-19

The Government’s Heatwave Plan for England is published annually and aims to prepare for, alert people to, and prevent, the major avoidable effects on health during periods of severe heat. It recommends a series of steps to reduce the risks to health from prolonged exposure to severe heat for councils, individuals and local communities. The plan remains unchanged for this summer although additional actions may be needed due to Covid-19.

While most of us welcome a bit of sunshine, prolonged high temperatures can be harmful to your health. Some of those who run a greater risk of serious harm from high temperatures are also at greater risk of severe illness due to Covid-19. More people may need to be spending more time at home than normal where they may not be able to escape extreme heat. In addition, the NHS and care services are already stretched due to the pandemic, so it is important to know what actions can be taken to stay safe. The resources below can help the public understand how to stay cool at home, how to keep well in high temperatures, find safe places to be and watch out for illness.

There are some specific resources available for the 2021 summer included a ‘Beat the Heat’ poster and leaflet. Councils could share these resources within their communities to allow the public to prepare for potential periods of severe heat that we might get over the summer.

 

Coronavirus | NALC and SLCC issue joint letter to councils

People donating food to charity

NALC and the SLCC have issued to a joint statement to councils commending them for their work in supporting their communities as they respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Read the letter:

“As the coronavirus pandemic continues and the UK enters this new phase of government measures, we wanted to reach out to the local (parish and town) council sector. These are unprecedented and challenging times, and our first thoughts are for the health and welfare of yourselves and your communities.

We are hearing stories from up and down the country of local councils stepping up and supporting their local communities and most vulnerable. Such as Woodbridge Town Council in Suffolk, which has set-up an emergency response group of councillors and volunteers to assist with collection/delivery of medicines, shopping, walking the dog or simply being a voice at the end of the phone, and Hagley Parish Council in Worcestershire, which is acting as an information hub and plans to publicise restaurants are offering a delivery service and contact details for NHS helplines. The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) has collated further case studies and is keen to find out more from a wide range of local councils — tell us more at www.nalc.gov.uk/coronavirus.

Following the prime minister’s announcement, we wanted to reiterate the importance of following the new rules on staying at home and away from others. This guidance impacts on all of us and there are the additional need to self-isolate or shield from contact depending on your situation. It essential that we all follow these rules to slow the pandemic and to support our NHS. Both NALC and the Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC) are asking local councils to stop holding any physical meetings or gatherings during this time. This includes full council, committee meetings, annual parish or council meetings. These are extraordinary times, and they call for extraordinary measures. The health and safety of your staff, councillors and local communities should be your first concern.

The government is working on a Coronavirus Bill and associated legislation that will allow your council meetings to be held remotely and to make decisions without the need for physically meeting. This will be introduced soon, and so we encourage you to be patient. We are making representations to ministers, parliamentarians, civil servants and the Local Government Association to ensure our sector’s concerns are considered and addressed and will be providing updates to our respective members as soon as further information is forthcoming.

NALC and SLCC are in regular contact to share knowledge, understand the sector’s concerns and provide mutual support for our members.”

Let’s Talk Fremington

Fremington Parish Council’s new partnership project aims to provide much needed mental health services and improve wellbeing in the community

Fremington Parish Council with support from Devon County Councillor F Biederman and North Devon Councillors Jayne Mackie, Joy Cann, Helen Walker and Will Topps has taken an innovative step to fund a 46 week programme to help improve mental health within the Parish. The programme will be run by Clarity, a Barnstaple based mental health charity which offers a range of counselling and group therapy to people experiencing mental health or emotional issues.

For some time, Fremington Parish Council has wanted to help members of its community who may suffer with depression or anxiety, low self-esteem, be socially isolated or lonely and need support with these factors, as they all impact on mental wellbeing.

Cllr Sue Kingdom, Chairman of Fremington Parish Council said “I am delighted that Fremington Parish Council has taken the initiative to provide mental health services in its community. Mental health and isolation issues can affect anyone at any time and I know that all the local councillors are pleased that this council with the support of district and the county councillors are able to provide this service for our community.

Cllr F Biederman, Devon County Councillor for Fremington said “‘I am very pleased to be able to support this initiative by the Parish Council, there are so many in our community that suffer with varying levels of Mental Health, I went through a period of depression myself at one time, I was lucky to have the support of my employer, who organised a few support sessions, that made a huge difference to myself and enabled me to get over it relatively quickly. I hope this will give others a similar chance”.

Local ward member for Fremington, Councillor Jayne Mackie, says: “It is such a privilege to be able to give grant money and my support to such a forward-looking project. This initiative highlights how we need to start the conversation about mental well-being at parish and ward level and hopefully, more areas will take our lead”.

The group will run on a Tuesday from 12pm until 2pm at the new Beechfield Centre, which is due to open in September and will have two counsellors work with the group in a safe and confidential environment, helping them to build confidence, look towards positive outcomes and improve their social and communication skills.

Guest post by Kate Graddock, Clerk to Fremington Parish Council