December 2021
Barnsley Metrodome pop-up walk-in, no appointment needed:
Open every day until Wednesday 29 December (except Christmas Eve, Christmas and Boxing Day)
Open 10am to 8pm.
Boosters are for anyone 18+ if your 2nd dose was 3 months (91 days) or more ago, or,
You are 16 over with a health condition that puts you at high risk from COVID-19 (check nhs.uk/covidvaccine for list)
Get your booster to help improve the protection you have from your first two doses. More information is available at www.barnsleyccg.nhs.uk
**************************************************************************************************************************
Thurgoland Parish Hub are working together to develop further support and information and more will be available through core communication channels – However, for those who don’t have internet access and without friends or family to support them,
call 07724 755236 and we will do what we can to support you
***********************************************
Message from Thurgoland Parish Hub about food parcels
Dear neighbours,
We recognise that the current situation is impacting us all in different ways. Whilst a wide range of support is available (see Parish website which is frequently updated with info) we have been considering where gaps may exist within our support to the community. The Hub is discussing whether to make an application for Covid-19 funding to support the provision of food parcels to those who may need that little bit of extra support right now.
****************************************************************************************************************************************************
Message from BMBC :
Supporting our borough’s most vulnerable people
We set up the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Emergency Contact Centre, with our NHS, other public sector partners and our voluntary and community service partners.
Over the last couple of months, we’ve supported 2496 people (as of 11 May 2020), who contacted us with urgent requests for food parcels, medications, volunteer support and problems from social isolation.
We’ve had 1240 people (as of 11 May 2020) in Barnsley signed up to be Community Responders (Volunteers). Community Responders have already been deployed to help people without family or friends, and who may be shielded or self-isolating.
We’ve also sent out approximately 67,000 letters to people, with information on how to get support if they need it. These went out to people who might need help because they have, for example, a disability, are older and living alone or have mobility issues.
Information on people affected by Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Every day in the media, we see data on how Coronavirus (COVID-19) is affecting people. The data is difficult to comprehend, and it’s so important to remember that each statistic is a person who has either thankfully recovered from the virus or has sadly died.
People are recovering from Coronavirus (COVID-19). Over the period from the 21 March to the 10 May 2020, Barnsley had 283 new hospital Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases. In the same period, 201 hospital Coronavirus (COVID-19) hospital cases were discharged.
Barnsley’s care homes have also had 23 people (as of 10 May 2020) recover from Coronavirus (COVID-19).
We very sadly had our first death from Coronavirus (COVID-19) on 26 March 2020, and since then, up to 29 April 2020, registrations of deaths tell us that a total of 129 people in Barnsley have sadly died as a result of the disease. 82 of these died in hospital, and 47 died in either a care home, at home or the hospice.
We know the virus has had a devastating impact on lots of people. Each death represents a terrible loss to the family and friend of those whose lives have been cut short, and I feel so sad to think about the suffering people are experiencing; our deepest sympathies are with those who have lost someone during this time. Any bereavements during this unprecedented time, whether caused by Coronavirus (COVID-19) or not, are more complicated and stressful than usual. With restrictions on seeing family members and limits to the number of people allowed at funerals, I know it has been and will continue to be, a very challenging time and upsetting for a lot of people. We’ve commissioned an organisation called Listening Ear to provide bereavement support for anyone suffering the loss of a loved one at this time. They can be contacted on 0800 048 5224 or visit www.listening-ear.co.uk/refer
Understanding why Coronavirus (COVID-19) affects certain people
We’re working with organisations across Barnsley to understand how Coronavirus (COVID-19) affects local people and how best to support them to reduce and prevent the risk. A key part of this work is to identify those at greatest risk from Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Testing for Coronavirus (COVID-19)
We’ll continue to work with our local health partners as they offer to test local frontline staff and with Public Health England (PHE) and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) on the national testing arrangements.
Contact tracing for Coronavirus (COVID-19)
One of the ways we protect the public from infectious diseases like Coronavirus (COVID-19) is through contact tracing. It’s an important, tried and tested tool for outbreak control that’s used by public health professionals around the world.
If a person tests positive for Coronavirus (COVID-19), we speak to them and identify anyone who had close contact with them during the time they were considered to be infectious. We then follow up those ‘contacts’ and give them the advice they need based on the information gathered. It’s an effective way of reducing further onward transmission of a virus.
Keep following the public health guidance
The most important thing is that we use testing and contact tracing alongside other key public health guidance to keep Barnsley safe.
The public health guidance is still centred around hygiene and social distancing being the key things we can all do to help the NHS and protect lives. These guidelines will help people to avoid getting the virus and stop it from spreading to other people.
Before we apply for funding we need to know if there is a need. There may be people who find themselves suddenly without a regular income yet needing to support their family. If you, or someone you know in the village would welcome food parcels could you please email thurgolandparishhub@gmail.com or telephone 07724755236. Your views on food parcels or any other ideas of how we can offer help would be welcome and treated in confidence.
Please share this with neighbours and friends as the more people we hear from the better informed we’ll be in knowing how best to support you.
Face coverings
People may have read that the government is recommending fabric homemade face coverings for use when out in enclosed spaces. We’ll be telling people more later this week about our plans to make these readily available to Barnsley residents, as we believe they are an important way to protect others if we all cover our nose and mouth when we are out and about.
Washing hands regularly
This is the most effective single measure at reducing the spread of the virus. Watch the Government’s useful video which shows people how to do it properly - https://youtu.be/bQCP7waTRWU.
Washing your hands not only protects you from Coronavirus (COVID-19) but a variety of other diseases, which will be especially important later in the year when we enter the flu season. With the ongoing risk of Coronavirus (COVID-19), on top of flu, it will be even more important than ever that people get their flu jab.
Moving forward
It’s important that we don’t just concentrate on restoring everything to how it was before or getting back to normal. Our focus needs to be on healing and succeeding in what will be a different place after the pandemic.
To help us through significant financial challenges and impacts on people’s wellbeing and mental health, we need to look to the things we’ll want to keep. Things that will drive our borough forward in the future, such as working from home and the benefits this brings for family life, mental health and productivity; cherishing our communities and the support they give to each other, the importance of daily exercise in keeping fit and well, both physically and mentally; and valuing our key workers and the massive contribution they make to Barnsley.
At the beginning of the year, we launched the borough’s Barnsley 2030 consultation, looking at what Barnsley's like now and what we'd like for it to be in 2030. This is still very much part of our journey.
As our lives have changed, so will our views of where we want Barnsley to be in the next ten years, and Barnsley 2030 is an important opportunity to work together to visualise a future, and a way forward, for everyone.
*********************************************************************************************************
NOTE FOR PARENTS
A lot of areas are experiencing delayed/late presentation of children to hospital due to fears surrounding Covid-19. We do understand your fears in our current situation & how it can be difficult to determine how unwell your child is. But please it is extremely important to seek medical advice and not leave this too late. Please see advice available on WWW.NHS.UK
Children’s emergency surgery
Emergency children’s surgery in South Yorkshire, Bassetlaw and Chesterfield is being brought together at Sheffield Children’s Hospital, as all hospital trusts work together in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The move will impact children up to the age of 16 who would currently receive emergency surgery at Barnsley, Doncaster, Chesterfield and Rotherham hospitals. The exception is children who have very time-critical conditions, who will still be taken to their nearest hospital if it is safe to do so.
This does not alter A&E arrangements. Please continue to take your child to the nearest A&E if they need urgent treatment.
The COVID-19 outbreak has had significant impacts upon services across the world. Theatre space in many countries has been converted into additional critical care beds and anaesthetists are focusing on intubation, giving less space and time for surgical procedures.
In order to protect the quality of services for children within South Yorkshire, Bassetlaw and Chesterfield, NHS England Bronze Command has directed the Trusts, as an emergency measure, to move emergency children’s surgery and some high dependency children’s care into Sheffield Children’s hospital for the duration of the pandemic. Like all other UK hospitals Sheffield Children’s has undertaken extensive preparation work for the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak. Sheffield Children’s is able to assist its neighbouring trusts, as the illness tends to be less severe in children.
Around 20 emergency surgery cases per week would need to transfer to Sheffield Children’s Hospital from across South Yorkshire, Bassetlaw and Chesterfield. This could impact children needing emergency surgery for conditions like appendicitis, fractures, severe injuries and burns.
This plan has been developed with input and support from paediatricians, surgeons, managers, nurses from all Trusts, and NHS transport services. More information available here.
Please also see attached bulletin (below) from Penistone Grammar school which may be helpful.
Online learning offer from schools from BMBC
For the majority of pupils who are not in school, schools and academy trusts have worked together to provide a range of home learning opportunities, examples of which can be found here. Paper-based resources are also sent to pupils who don’t have access to online resources.
However, the Alliance recognises that some families don’t have appropriate study spaces or access to online learning materials. Schools are reviewing their offer to allow these pupils to access facilities within school, where appropriate. In addition to this, some schools and trusts have already distributed devices and internet access facilities to vulnerable families.
Offer received from a local business to donate devices to access learning materials, so BMBC is working across the partnership to identify which pupils would benefit from this very generous offer.
Emergency contact centre update
Our emergency contact centre is open seven days a week to provide support such as essential food, medication and phone calls to vulnerable people and families who have been affected by COVID –19. Opening times:
Monday to Friday – 9am to 5pm
Saturday and Sunday – 9am to 4pm.
If you know someone who requires emergency support, they can contact us in the following ways, or you can contact on their behalf. Please share this information with your networks, friends and family.
complete the online form
call 01226 774444.
Find out more information about this support and volunteering as a community responder here.
Support to residents around domestic abuse
Being in a lockdown situation is immensely difficult for us all but can be particularly worrying for those who isolated with abusive people whose behaviour may escalate due to increasing uncertainty, pressure on finances and cramped conditions.
Our partner IDAS (Independent Domestic Abuse Services) is providing support in several ways, including:
online video support sessions
WhatsApp messaging
telephone calls
online live chat on our website
email.
If you are worried about a friend, family member, neighbour, or colleague, this advice could help to provide a lifeline:
check in with them regularly, if it is safe to do so
is there anything that you can look out for that might indicate they need help
set up a code word to indicate that help is needed
call the police if you hear or see anything that could indicate a potential risk
look at the safety planning advice on the IDAS website.
For more information email IDAS on info@idas.org.uk or visit our dedicated #SpeakUp webpage.
Support for Barnsley carers
During this time, it's important to know what support is available for carers and those they look after. Barnsley Carers service are offering a range of support during COVID-19, from telephone chats to online workouts.
telephone 01226 288772
visit their Facebook page
further guidance for carers supporting vulnerable people.
You can take a look at our list of community groups and services that are providing support during COVID-19.
Listening Ear bereavement helpline
Listening Ear is the bereavement helpline service operational across Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield offering timely support for people affected by COVID 19. The service provides:
One to one telephone support from an qualified Worker
Information, emotional and practical support
Practical support dealing with healthcare agencies
Local information with regards to the current funeral process
Help overcoming any feelings of isolation
Referrals and signposting to other services as required.
Listening Ear Helpline is free of charge and does not have a waiting list. To refer a person who has been affected by bereavement, please contact the team via the following channels: 0800 048 5224 / helpline@listening-ear.co.uk or https://listening-ear.co.uk/refer/
The service offers support to anyone who has been bereaved or needs additional support, for example, people working in caring roles. They’ll provide support, advice or guidance to anyone who needs it. Any bereavements during this unprecedented time, whether caused by Coronavirus or not, are more complicated and stressful than usual. With restrictions on seeing family members and limits to the number of people allowed at funerals, it’s likely to be a very challenging time for many people.
Support will be available from Monday 20 April and will initially run for eight weeks and will continue depending on demand.
(Leaflet below)
BMBC Key sources of information
Public information - website
Barnsley Enterprise – business support
Council tax and business financial advice - 01226 787787 Option 2
Government information - website
Follow #StaySafeBarnsley on our social media channels for wellbeing tips.
Public health
Evening and weekend telephone appointments available at I-Heart Barnsley. Call 01226 242419 between 4pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday and 8am to 9.30am during weekends.
If you need urgent advice outside of these hours call NHS 111.
General Advice:
If you are a vulnerable person then you should register on the extremely vulnerable list. This will enable to get access to priority delivery slots with the supermarkets, food parcels etc.
If you are looking for general information on a personal or practical level then please visit the official NHS advice web page and UK Government's response web pages. The Department of Health and Social Care Twitter page is also updated daily at 2pm.
The latest travel advice issued by the UK Government can also be found here.
BMBC website remains source of information and is being updated regularly barnsley.gov.uk/covid19.
For general information about coronavirus disruption and support, please visit barnsley.gov.uk/coronavirus.
Cycling help for key workers
UK Charity Sustrans has launched a campaign called Cycles for Key Workers, which aims to make cycling easier for key workers as they travel to and from work during COVID-19. The website will help you find cycle-related offers, locate bike stores that are open in your area, and get links to cycling and walking tips.
Their interactive map displays four different types of pins for each kind of offer, including access to a bike; repairs and maintenance; equipment and gear; and for bike stores that remain open across the UK. The map has a function to view and search offers and schemes by a location name and postcode areas.
#BeatTheBoredom
A new Facebook event featuring online activities from Barnsley Museums, Barnsley Libraries and the town centre events team has been launched today – and we want you to get involved.
#BeatTheBoredom – found here - is your new digital hub, we’ve created to help keep you and your family entertained during lockdown.
The event features online family-friendly activities, with new content posted daily between 9am-8pm.
Activities include art and dance workshops, story times, Lego club, online jigsaws, films and much, much more.
Don't forget to show your #BarnsleySpirit and upload your own content to the event page to show Barnsley how you're keeping busy.
Advice
For advice regarding scams: https://communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk/coronavirus/watchoutforscams
Coronavirus scams
Here are just some of the scams we've been made aware of, but please note that criminals come in all shapes and sizes and can contact you at the door, by phone, post or online:
Home cleaning services.
People impersonating healthcare workers, claiming to be offering ‘home-testing’ for coronavirus. This is a scam and these kits are not currently available to buy.
Emails saying that you can get a refund on taxes, utilities or similar are usually bogus and they're just after your personal and bank details.
There are lots of fake products available to buy online that say they can protect you or cure coronavirus. These will not help and are designed to take your money.
There are new mobile phone applications that claim to give you updates on the virus but instead, they lock your phone and demand a ransom.
Your bank or the police will never ask for your bank details over the phone.
People offering to do your shopping or collecting medication and asking for money upfront and then disappearing.
People offering miracle cures or vaccines for coronavirus – there is no specific treatment for coronavirus (COVID-19). Treatment aims to relieve the symptoms until you recover.
Tips to avoid being scammed
Be cautious and listen to your instincts. Don’t be afraid to hang up on a caller, bin a letter, delete an email or shut the door.
Take your time; don’t be rushed.
If someone claims to represent a charity, ask them for ID. Be suspicious of requests for money up front. If someone pressures you into accepting a service, they are unlikely to be genuine. Check with family and friends before accepting offers of helps if you're unsure.
If you're online, be aware of fake news and always use trusted sources such as the GOV.UK or NHS.UK websites. Make sure you type the addresses in and don’t click on links in emails.
Only purchase goods from legitimate retailers and take a moment to think before parting with money or personal information.
Protect your financial information, especially from people you don’t know. Never give your bank card or PIN to a stranger.
Know who you’re dealing with; if you need help, talk to someone you know or call us on 01226 773300.
Contact information
If you think you’ve been scammed, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 and if you need advice, call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133.
If you're in immediate danger, contact the police on 999.
Contact your bank if you think you have been scammed.
To learn more about different types of scams and how to protect yourself and others, visit Friends Against Scams and complete the free online training.
NEWS
Digital community comes together for NHS
Barnsley College, Barnsley Digital Media Centre (DMC), the Library @ The Lightbox and local businesses have come together to support Barnsley Hospital by producing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) which will be worn by hospital staff to prevent the spread of COVID-19 when they are treating patients. Keep an eye out for the full story out next week.
Key Contacts:
AGE UK - Karen Dennis/Sharon Haggerty - 01226 776820
DIAL - disability and benefit form advice 01226 240273
CAB - Debt advice / https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk / 03444 111 444
For help claiming Universal Credit please telephone 0800 144 8 444
Volunteer opportunities:
How to Help Safely - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-how-to-help-safely--2/coronavirus-how-to-help-safely
Advice from the British Red Cross to help your neighbours: https://www.redcross.org.uk/about-us/what-we-do/uk-emergency-response/coronavirus-and-the-power-of-kindness##
NHS https://www.england.nhs.uk/2020/03/your-nhs-needs-you-nhs-call-for-volunteer-army
There is a borough wide initiative was launched recently which aims to connect volunteers to suitable opportunities within their communities , further information can be found at BarnsleyCVS.org.uk/CommunityResponder
Information for Business:
Information for businesses is also being updated following daily following government guidance. You can find this information here: enterprisingbarnsley.co.uk/covid-19-coronavirus/.