MALDON DISTRICT COVID-19COMMUNITY PACK

Introduction

Contents

Useful links

Useful linksAims and objectivesKey contactsDistribution channelsOrganisational rolesMental health supportHow to livewell during COVID-19Social distancing and at risk peopleSocial media support groupsVolunteering or referring peopleHealth advice do's and don'tsUK Power Network update

Within this pack you find the following:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-

for-public

https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-

government-response

This pack has been produced tosupport Parish and Town Councils inthe District, Community Organisationsand residents during the ongoingCOVID-19 situation.

Aim

Objectives

To increase community resilience andcapacity throughout COVID-19. Also to enablelocal residents and communities to supportvulnerable residents who may.

Identify, record and share resources andkey contacts in the communityIdentify and document possible mitigationmeasures in relation to: shopping,medication, social isolation, bin collections,deliveries, medical appointmentsIdentify and document vulnerable residentsin the community

Key contacts

Ben Page - Strategic Theme Lead (MaldonDistrict Council)Sarah Troop Laskar – Chief Exec (MaldonCVS)Maldon District Council communicationsteam (for press enquiries)

Community coordination:

Volunteering (Maldon CVS): 01621 851 997 Essex County Council Public Health Team:TBC Essex Lifestyle Service (NHS): 0300 3039988

Distribution channels

AlthorneAsheldham and DengieBradwellBurnham On CrouchCold NortonGoldhanger Parish CouncilGreat BraxtedGreat TothamHeybridgeLangford & UltingLatchingdonLittle BraxtedLittle TothamMaldon (Town Council)MaylandMundonNorth FambridgePurleighSouthminsterSaint LawrenceSteepleStow MariesTillinghamTollesburyTolleshunt D’ArcyWickham BishopsWoodham Mortimer and HazeleighWoodham Walter

The information contained in this pack will bedistributed throughout the District by the Townand Parish Councils listed below.

Organisational roles

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic it isimportant to outline the roles of keyorganisations who will be able to support andenable communities to deal with consequentialissues that COVID-19 may pose. Residents - To support each other, whetherthat be random acts of kindness, offers orsupport or a friendly chat or wave. Parish and Town Councils - To work closelywith local organisations and communitygroups to provide a coordinated communityresponse where it is required to support localpeople. To champion local support networks. Maldon District Council - To jointlycoordinate activities, communication andinteraction with partner organisations andcommunities. Specifically, to lead on creatinga community database for vulnerable peopleand distributing this information to partnerorganisations. Maldon CVS - To jointly coordinate activities,communication and interaction with partnerorganisations and communities. Leading onvolunteer and referral coordination. Salvation Army - Leading with Maldon DistrictCouncil and Churches in Maldon to coordinatefood donation collection and distribution tovulnerable/ identified residents.

Organisational rolesOrganisational roles

Churches Together In Maldon - Supportingwith the collection, distribution and storing offood donations. Maldon Child and Family Wellbeing Service- To coordinate information and support forvulnerable/ identified local families duringCOVID-19. Rural Community Council of Essex(Community Agents, United In Kind) -Utilising specialist local knowledge ofcommunity agents, United In Kind coachesand other services which will support localcommunities. Action for Family Carers - Providinginformation and insight both to their carers butalso to partner organisations as to how theycan be supported whilst COVID-19 is ongoing. Maldon Citizens Advice Bureau - TBC

Campaign to end lonliness

For more detailed guidance and info, visithttps://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/blog/coronavirus-and-social-isolation/

Mental health support available

COVID-19 is causing inevitable distress to usall, through the current/potential health effectsof the virus, or emotional and societal impactsof social distancing. You may feel that yourmood and feelings are affected at this timewhich may result in feeling down, anxious,alone and irritable. It is incredibly important that at this time, youavoid falling into the easy patterns ofunhealthy behaviours that can make you feelworse; such as not exercising or eatingconvenient, junk food. There are simple thingsthat you can do to help to stay mentally andphysically healthy, for example: Stay active athome! Sitting exercises: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/sitting-exercises/ Strength exercises: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/strength-exercises/ Flexibility exercises: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/flexibility-exercises/ Balance exercises: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/balance-exercises/ Cardio exercises: why not try a HIITYouTube workout? Go for a walk if you stay more than 2 metresfrom others Do some gardening

Looking after our mental health

Giving – Do things for othersRelating – connect with peopleExercising – take care of your bodyAwareness – live life mindfullyTrying out – keep learning new thingsDirection – have goals to look forward toResilience – find ways to bounce backEmotions – look for what’s goodAcceptance – be comfortable with yourselfMeaning – be part of something bigger

Find out who you can do things for others on:www.actionforhappiness.org. This includes 10keys to happier living.

There is information on the governmentwebsite about looking after your mental health. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) have launcheda My Whole Self toolkit, the digital centrepiece of its new campaign for workplaceculture change. The toolkit helps everyone tosupport their mental health while working fromhome. Links for Deaf people including British SignLanguage videos and access to NHS 111 viaa British Sign Language interpreter andinformation about Coronavirus in British SignLangauge can be found online.

Looking after our mental health

Public Health England have produced theirEvery Mind Matters Campaign. Take theironline quiz to receive a free plan, expertadvice and practical tips. Time to Change have a number of greatresources including posters, leaflets and logosfor schools, workplaces and communities ontheir website that are available to download. Mid and North East Essex MIND are offeringtelephone counselling within their fee payingservice. This is a confidential service whichcan be accessed by anyone over the age of18 years. Whether you are currently lookingfor a counsellor or have found yourself in needdue to the COVID-19 outbreak, you can speakto us on 01206 764 600 or visit their websitefor more information. Online mental health support can be accessedby anyone living in Mid Essex experiencingsymptoms of stress, anxiety or depression andanyone living with a chronic illness. Each userwill be allocated modules tailored to theirneeds which they can complete in their own time with the help of our Silver cloudsupporters. More information is availableonline.

Looking after our mental healthFrom Wednesday 18 March, MIND will only beoffering telephone appointments in line withgovernment advice on social distancing. If you are a current service user, you will becontacted by us in due course to makearrangements. Our Welcome Cafe’s, activitygroups or the Friendship group will not rununtil further notice. Virgin Care and Bernados Chat healthservice enables all 11-19 year old's to texttheir school nurse on 07520 615731 to discusstheir mental health and receive confidentialadvice and support. Live Well Link Well is a free and confidentialsocial prescribing service that providespractical or emotional support of a non-medical nature. They can help you to accesssupport with a range of areas of health andwell being, including maintaining mental wellbeing, supporting independent, looking aftersomeone, getting out and about, and socialisolation. If you live in mid Essex and are over 18, youcan contact the service without having to gothrough your GP. Call 0300 303 9988(Monday to Friday from 8am to 7pm) or emaillivewell.linkwell@nhs.net. If you are a health and social care professionalwho wants to refer someone, please use thecontact details above.

National mental health support

If you have an existing mental healthproblem and your symptoms get worseIf you experience a mental health problemfor the first timeIf someone has self-harmed but it does notappear to be life threatening, or they'retalking about wanting to self-harmIf a person shows signs of possibledementiaIf a person is experiencing domesticviolence or physical, sexual or emotionalabuse

You can call NHS 111 if you or someone youknow needs urgent care, but it's not lifethreatening.

MIND telephone lines will remain openMonday to Friday 9am–5pm on 01206764600. Alternatively you can send us anemail enquiries@mnessexmind.org. Anxiety UK provides support if you have beendiagnosed with an anxiety condition. Call03444 775 774 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am-5.30pm) or visit www.anxietyuk.org.uk. Bipolar UK helps those people living withmanic depression and bipolar disorder. Visitwww.bipolaruk.org.uk for more info. Men's Health Forum offers 24/7 stresssupport for men by text, chat and email. Visitwww.menshealthforum.org.uk for more info.

National mental health supportMental Health Foundation providesinformation, guidance and support for anyonewith mental health problems or learningdisabilities. Visit www.mentalhealth.org.uk formore info. No Panic is a voluntary charity offeringsupport for sufferers of panic attacks andobsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Theyoffer a course to help overcome your phobiaor OCD. Call them on 0844 967 4848 (daily,10am-10pm). Calls cost 5p per minute plusyour phone provider's Access Charge or visitwww.nopanic.org.uk. OCD Action provides support for people withOCD. Includes information on treatment andonline resources. Call them on 0845 390 6232(Monday to Friday, 9.30am-5pm). Calls cost5p per minute plus your phone provider'sAccess Charge or visit www.ocdaction.org.uk. Rethink Mental Illness offers support andadvice for people living with mental illness.Call them on 0300 5000 927 (Monday toFriday, 9.30am to 4pm) or visitwww.rethink.org. Samaritans provides confidential support forpeople experiencing feelings of distress ordespair. Phone: 116 123 (free 24-hourhelpline) or visit www.samaritans.org.uk.

National mental health support

SANE offers emotional support, informationand guidance for people affected by mentalillness, their families and carers. CallSANEline on 0300 304 7000 (daily, 4.30pm to10.30pm). Textcare provides comfort and care via textmessage, sent when the person needs it most.Visit www.sane.org.uk/textcare for more info. Peer support forum offers a central supportforum anyone affected by mental illness. Visittheir website www.sane.org.uk/supportforumor www.sane.org.uk/support for more info. SHOUT Crisis provides 24/7 anonymous textsupport for when you feel you can't cope. Text"SHOUT" to 85258 for non-judgementalsupport or visit https://www.giveusashout.org/for more info.

Support for young peopleMIND telephone lines will remain openMonday – Friday 9am – 5pm on 01206 764600. Alternatively you can send us an emailat enquiries@mnessexmind.org. CALM is the Campaign Against LivingMiserably, for men aged 15-35. Call 0800 5858 58 (daily, 5pm to midnight) or visitwww.thecalmzone.net. PAPYRUS young suicide prevention society.Call 0800 068 4141 (Monday to Friday, 10amto 10pm, 2pm to 10pm on weekends and bankholidays) or visit www.papyrus-uk.org. YoungMinds offers information on child andadolescent mental health, services for parentsand professionals. Call 0808 802 5544(Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm) or visitwww.youngminds.org.uk. Essex Youth Service provides Children andYoung People Early Intervention MentalHealth Services (CYP MHEIS). If you wouldlike to speak to someone for more informationabout the services CYP MHEIS offer and tofind out about what support might be availablefor you please call their Single Point of Accessteam on 0300 300 1600 from 9am-5pm,Monday – Friday. KOOTH offers young people free, safe andonline support. To find out more info andsupport options please visit their website at https://www.kooth.com/index.html.

How to livewell during COVID-19

Eat a healthy, nutritious and balanced dietDon’t forget your 5 a day and to follow theeatwell guide as best that you canStay hydrated and drink 2-3 litres of water adayAvoid smoking, alcohol and drugsSpend time doing things you enjoy. Thismay include reading, cooking, other indoorhobbies, listening to music, or watching afilm or TVStay connected with your friends, familyand work colleagues by getting in touchover the phone, by post or online. This isimportant in looking after your mental wellbeing and you may find it helpful to talk tothem about how you are feelingKeep your windows open to let in fresh airget some natural sunlight if you can, or getoutside in the garden

What can you do at home?

How to livewell during COVID-19

Connect with people, Decide on your routineKeep activeGet regular sunlight, fresh air and nature asyou canPlan for working or studying at homeFind ways to spend your timeFind ways to relax and be creativeKeep your mind stimulatedTake care with news and information ifyou’re feeling anxious, claustrophobic ortrapped

MIND have produced a series of excellentonline resources. Plan for staying at home or indoors, take careof your mental health and well being. Here aresome ideas which may help.

Connect Well Essex is a website that will helpyou to find local help and support, help youfeel more involved in your community or makechanges to improve your health and wellbeing. They support the areas of Braintree,Chelmsford, Maldon, Colchester, Tendring &Basildon. Provide are working on a newsletter to supportorganisations that have signed up to WorkingWell. This will include links to organisationswith support documents, activities for self-isolating staff, HR support and information forsmall businesses; other useful information. Contact lmowforth@nhs.net for more info.

Social distancing and at risk

people

Increased social isolation issuesMissed Doctor’s/ medical appointmentsIncreased difficulty to access foodshopping/ groceries Unable to exercise/ carry out regularphysical activity Unable to support with childcare andimplications if schools are forced to beclosed.Increased mental health issuesReduced physical activity levels Disengagement with education and self-reliance/ accountability of learning/ revision

Community resources – There remainsuncertainty from the Government in terms ofrecommendations and advice for peopleparticularly at risk (Over 70, those who have along-term health condition, those who arepregnant, those who have a weakenedimmune system) to self-isolate for a prolongedperiod of time, it is important that as keycommunity organisations, we recommend toour Parish/ Towns and communities,resources and steps that could reduce anypotential issues. Vulnerable people - While the implicationswill be similar across different demographics, itis important that vulnerable groups arerecognised and planned for. We must consider the implications tovulnerable groups including:

Local Facebook support groups

Maldon COVID-19 Action group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/covid19maldon/ Essex Community Action:https://www.facebook.com/essexcoronavirusaction Useful social media channels

Maldon District Council FacebookMaldon District Council TwitterMaldon District Council websiteMaldon Youth Strategy GroupTHINK family networkNeighbourhood watch groupEssex Child and Family Wellfare ServiceFacebook page

Other useful channels

Parish and Town Clerk email distributionLivewell partner networkShared via appropriate business groups(Strategic Lead – Prosperity)Maldon Children’s Advisory BoardResponsible Authorities GroupMaldon Man Cave – COVID-19 supportgroups

Volunteering or referring peopleIt is recognised over the coming months thatthe call upon volunteers will be drasticallyincreased for a variety of supportmechanisms. Volunteering - If you know someone in theMaldon District who would like to volunteer tosupport vulnerable/ identified residents,organisations/ charities or general help duringCOVID-19 please visit https://bit.ly/33z2H1T. If you have signed up to volunteer via theEssex County Council Volunteering form wewill be integrating and coordinating thosevolunteers as well. Refer yourself or on behalf of someoneelse for volunteer support by visitinghttps://bit.ly/2UnqltZ. If you would like to donate locally pleaserefer to corona in the subject and visit https://bit.ly/3beeju0. A big thank you from all partners who aresupporting this coordinated response.Whether you can give time, money orresource it is well needed and greatlyappreciated.

Health advice - do's and don'ts

Wash your hands with soap andwater often – do this for at least 20secondsAlways wash your hands when youget home or into workUse hand sanitiser gel if soap andwater are not availableCover your mouth and nose with atissue or your sleeve (not yourhands) when you cough or sneezePut used tissues in the binimmediately and wash your handsafterwardsAvoid close contact with people whohave symptoms of coronavirusOnly travel on public transport if youneed toWork from home, if you canAvoid social activities, such as goingto pubs, restaurants, theatres andcinemasAvoid events with large groups ofpeopleUse phone, online services, or appsto contact your GP surgery or otherNHS services

Do the following:

Touch your eyes, nose or mouth ifyour hands are not cleanHave visitors to your home,including friends and family

Do not do the following:

UK Power Network

update

Many are concerned about the ongoingCoronavirus public health issue and the way ithas affected nearly every industry across theworld. We want to reassure you that, as the companyresponsible for distributing power to over 8.3million properties across London, the SouthEast and East of England, we know howimportant it is to keep electricity flowing to yourhome or business, especially during theseuncertain times. Our engineers are out as normal continuingtheir core role in maintaining your electricitynetwork, and fixing any electrical faults thatoccur. We have put into place a number of well-rehearsed contingency plans and precautionsto ensure we maintain a good level of service,with high numbers of engineers and call centrestaff available to support the ongoing situation. With many of our customers now working fromhome and to support the wider UK economythrough this very challenging period, fromtomorrow evening (Friday 20th March), we willbe cancelling most of our lower priorityplanned maintenance work. This is in order toavoid prolonged planned power cuts forpeople who are currently working from home.

UK Power Network

update

To ensure continued resilience in months tocome, we have split key teams acrossdifferent locations, and hundreds of callagents are equipped to answer customerqueries while working from homeAll essential work will continue as normal,including fixing power cuts on the rareoccasions they happenWe’re postponing lower priority work onelectricity cables and substations, as werecognise many people are working fromhome and we want to minimise disruptionto their livesWe are working with other networkoperators and trade associations to ensurewe share best practice and focus onactivities that safeguards power suppliesWe have engaged with our supply chain toensure access to the equipment andsupplies we need to keep the electricityflowing

If you or your constituents need information ona power cut, you can, as always, visit ourPower Cut Map for live updates, tweet us at@UKPowerNetworks or telephone ourcustomer service team, 24 hours a day, on105 or 0800 3163 105. Calls are free from alandline or mobile phone. Here are some of the practical steps we aretaking:

UK Power Network

update

If our engineers might need to enter yourhome to restore your power, we’ll ask youon the phone first if you are self-isolating sowe can make the relevant arrangementsNational guidance has been given to ourengineers, who will wear protectiveequipment, stay in a different room frompeople who are infected or self-isolating,and avoid touching surfacesIf you live in London, the East or SouthEast of England, then being on our PriorityServices Register will ensure you willreceive extra support if you experience apower cutWe understand that the Coronavirusoutbreak is a worrying time for many, andwe want to make sure you have access tolocal services, should you need assistanceduring this unprecedented timeWe are here for you 24/7 and there areover 20 ways to get in touch includingour website, on Twitter @ukpowernetworks,or call 105

What it means for you or your residents:

UK Power Network

update

We will continue to support those who needhelp the most during a power cut. We continue to offer free additional tailoredsupport and guidance to customers on ourPriority Services Register if they experience apower cut, reliant on electronic medicalequipment or with young children. For more information on our Priority ServicesRegister, go to www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/priority to register, or call us on 0800 1699970. Thank you for your support. This is a fast-changing situation, and we will continue toadapt so that the way we work

Produced by Maldon District Council

Communications Team