Important changes to the eligibility criteria and distribution routes for an Emergency PPE supply for unpaid carers
Following on from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) Social Care Working Group announcement on 25 January,2021 all unpaid carers can access an emergency supply of PPE through the local authority.
Unpaid carers in Shropshire can access emergency PPE supplies from Shropshire Council using the following link:
With the COVID-19 vaccination programme continuing to gather pace in Shropshire, the council’s director of public health is reminding residents who have received their vaccine that it is vital to keep following the rules to avoid putting themselves and others at risk.
While being vaccinated provides good protection from becoming unwell with COVID-19 and we’re all looking forward to being able to see our friends and family again, it’s very important that when you have been vaccinated you continue to follow social distancing rules and any Government guidance on restrictions.
This includes:
This is because:
Dean Carroll, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adult social care, public health and climate change said:
‘The NHS rollout of the vaccination programme marks a significant step forward in the fight against COVID-19. The opening of our two large vaccination centres in Shrewsbury and Ludlow means we now have the capacity to vaccinate tends of thousands of more people across the county.
“I know how keen everyone is to get their jab and get back to normal, but for those who have received their first dose, it can take three weeks to build up protection from the virus, and it is not yet known whether people who have had the vaccine can still transmit the virus.
“It’s vital to continue following the rules after being vaccinated, to ensure that you don’t unknowingly pass on the virus to anybody else. This is especially important if you are caring for or seeing someone who is clinically extremely vulnerable, over 50 or has an underlying health condition, because you could be putting them at risk of severe illness or even death.”
Rachel Robinson, Shropshire Council’s director of public health, said:
“The COVID-19 vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones. The vaccination programme is continuing to rollout over the weeks and months ahead, with more and more people benefitting. The vaccine is being offered to those in the top nine priority groups first (Phase 1), before being rolled out to the rest of the adult population in Phase 2.
“We all want an end to lockdown, so it is now more important than ever that we continue to observe these simple behaviours, to prevent further spread of the virus and protect our communities. Remember: just because you’ve had a vaccine, does not mean it is safe for you to socialise. We do not yet know whether it will stop you from catching and passing on the virus, but we do expect it to reduce this risk. So, it is still important to follow the guidance in your local area to protect those around you.”
For local advice and support during the pandemic (especially if you are self-isolating or shielding), call Shropshire Council’s COVID-19 Helpline on 0345 678 9028 (lines open on the weekend on Saturday from 9am-4pm and Sunday 9am-12pm) or visit our website at www.shropshire.gov.uk/coronavirus.
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Until now the NHS had asked people to wait until they were contacted, to help ensure that those who are most vulnerable are protected first – and that remains the case for people anyone aged under 70. If you’re aged 70 or over, have yet to receive your invitation letter and want to arrange your vaccination at a location in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, you can now book online. Those 65 years or over, are set to start receiving vaccination invites next week. |
Shropshire Council provide a Freqently Asked Questions page about vaccinations. https://www.shropshire.gov.uk/coronavirus/information-for-the-public/vaccination-faqs/
There is a free transport service for vulnerable residents to get to a vaccination centre.
In order to get help, you must have had a letter inviting you for vaccination in Shropshire, and you must be unable to get there any other way. Subject to availability, Shropshire Council will be able to provide transport to help you get to your appointment and back.
If you or someone you know would benefit from the free transport offer, please contact the council’s COVID-19 Helpline on 0345 678 9028 and select option 0.
Spring Blossoms in the Secret Garden
*** Contribution date extended***
As it is now not looking likely that the Pavilion and library will be open on the 20th February we are extending the date for contributions of knitted flowers and crafts to the 27th February 2021.
We need pink, white, yellow and blue flowers, green leaves, birds, bees, butterflies and insects for our outside spring theme.
Fingers crossed that the display will be open for viewing by early spring.
For project updates, patterns, ideas etc www.pontesburypavilion.co.uk
https://pontesburylibrary.co.uk/ and Pontesbury Pavilion facebook page.
Thank you for your wonderful contributions so far and continuing support.
Pontesbury Parish Council is looking for self-employed cleaner to clean the public toilets on Main road, daily Monday-Friday.
There would also be an opportunity to provide cover for annual leave and sickness at The Pavilion Community Hub and Library. This is approximately 8 hours per week when required.
For further information please email Parish Clerk on clerk@pontesburypc.org.uk or telephone 01691 661157.
Under the current lockdown, updated government guidance allows us to keep the play area open as outdoor play as exercise does benefit children. However guidance stresses the severity of the spread of the virus currently and asks people not to use these spaces to congregate socially.
We are asking for people to use the area with COVID in mind ie.,
We have removed a couple of swings and we appreciate that this does cause inconvenience however it is in keeping with government guidance to halt the spread of the virus.
Thank you for your vigilance
Pontesbury Parish Council
Pontesbury Parish Council has a vacancy for a Deputy Clerk/Responsible Financial Officer to commence work ideally by 6 April 2021.
Closing date for Applications: 17.00 on Friday 12th February 2021
Pontesbury Parish Council is looking for a methodical and experienced person to join the parish council team of Parish Clerk, Pavilion Building Assistant and Councillors. In addition to a wide range of facilities managed by the council, it is currently overseeing the preparation of a Neighbourhood Plan and intends to roll out its strategic plan for 2021-21 – a programme of events and services to benefit the community. This is an interesting and varied position working mainly from home.
Pontesbury Parish is comprised of the thriving, large village of Pontesbury (7 miles from the county town of Shrewsbury) in Shropshire and various smaller villages/settlements within the rural surrounding area. The parish council serves a population of approximately 4000. There are 15 councillors covering 5 wards.
The post holder will:
We are looking for a highly motivated, enthusiastic and community focused individual with sound financial management, administrative, communication and organisational skills who is able to be flexible in their approach and able to meet deadlines.
The salary is based on 18.5 hours per week. The Salary will be calculated according to the Nation Joint Council rates dependent upon qualifications and/or experience but will be within the SCP 20 - 24 (£25,991 - £28,672 pro-rata for 18.5 hours).
Interviews, including a short presentation, will be held on Monday 22 February 2021 with a view to start by 6 April 2021. Interviews may be held virtually depending on COVID-19 restrictions.
Please see links below for an application form, job description or further information, or email clerk@pontesburypc.org.uk/call Parish Clerk on 01691 661157. Contact the Parish Clerk for an informal discussion about this post.
More information about The Pavilion, community building can be found at www.pontesburypavilion.co.uk
Patients in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin urged to contact NHS 111 first
The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford are both dealing with high numbers of patients right now - anyone in need of urgent medical care in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin should contact NHS 111 first online or by phone.
Health advisors can help find the best place for treatment and give a time to come in if a face-to-face assessment is needed. The service, staffed by trained health advisers, will book the caller a time slot for the most appropriate service, such as our urgent treatment centres or minor injuries units, or, if needed, A&E (Emergency Department ) at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital (RSH) or the Princess Royal Hospital (PRH) in Telford.
By calling NHS 111 first, it will help the NHS manage the flow of patients when capacity in waiting rooms is much smaller than before, to maintain safe distancing and reduce the risk of Covid-19 infection.
If the situation is serious or life-threatening please call 999 immediately. Likewise, if the condition is not serious, seek advice from a pharmacy or make an appointment with a GP.
#Think111First 111.nhs.uk
Longmynd Travel is offering free transport for anyone over 70 or in a vulnerable group who needs help getting to their Covid-19 vaccine appointment. Once you have booked a date and time for your vaccine appointment, please call Val on 01743 861999 to book your free transport. Shropshire Council is also providing free transport - https://newsroom.shropshire.gov.uk/2021/01/coronavirus-free-transport-to-help-shropshire-residents-get-vaccinations/
The Pavilion Community Hub and Library - Serving Pontesbury and the wider Rea Valley communities
During the current lockdown the Library is running a Ready Reads (Click & Collect) service, although the building is closed to the public. More information about this can be found on the Shropshire Library Service website www.shropshire.gov.uk/libraries. The building continues to provide support for the Community Good Neighbours Scheme Pontesbury and Rea Valley (as a postal address and for DBS checks for volunteers) and as a venue for St Barnabas debt advice sessions. The Friends of Pontesbury Library (FOPL) library lottery is open again for business along with some exciting online entertainment. Check out the FOPL website for more information. https://pontesburylibrary.co.uk/
During the Friends of Pontesbury Library/St George’s Christmas trail, the Pavilion ‘Secret Garden’ which had been beautifully decorated, was open for visitors. A big thank you to everyone involved.
We are currently inviting people to join our ‘Spring Blossoms in the Pavilion Secret Garden’ community art project and make flowers, insects, birds, bees etc. to decorate the garden for when we can open the building again in Spring. Check out the Pavilion website www.pontesburypavilion.co.uk/ for ideas of what to make and more information about how you can get involved.
People aged 70 and over who've yet to be vaccinated and want to be, can now contact the NHS to arrange a jab.