During the lockdown due the COVID19 pandemic it is recognised that the risks of domestic abuse occurring is significantly raised.  This is being reflected in a reported 25% increase in calls for help.  Domestic abuse does not discriminate, neither does COVID19, on your social or economic status, nor urban or rural environments.  If you are at risk or suffering domestic abuse please see the following information which may help you at this time.

https://www.rutland.gov.uk/my-community/community-safety/domestic-abuse/

https://www.leics.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-and-domestic-abuse/coronavirus-covid-19-support-for-victims-of-domestic-abuse

Please also be aware of the Silent Solution system. This is a system for victims of domestic abuse who might be afraid of further danger and escalation of harm if they are overheard when calling 999 in an emergency. When somebody calls 999, an operator will ask which emergency service is required. If the caller is unable to audibly signal to the operator, the call will be forwarded to an operating system.  If 55 is pressed by the caller, the system will detect this. The operator will then transfer the call to the relevant police force as an emergency.

https://news.leicester.gov.uk/news-articles/2020/april/temporary-changes-to-nhs-urgent-care-services-in-leicester/

Temporary local NHS service changes to focus on COVID-19
1 April 2020

The NHS in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland is making temporary changes to some services to prioritise our efforts on COVID-19 (coronavirus), with immediate effect.
The changes are necessary to make the best use of clinical teams and other health staff by basing them at fewer locations during the outbreak.

The following services will be suspended: the hubs at Enderby, Melton Mowbray, Lutterworth, Oakham, Market Harborough, Coalville, Hinckley, Belgrave (Brandon Street) and Saffron Lane.
GP practice, pharmacy (www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-pharmacy) and NHS111 online (www.111.nhs.uk/covid-19) and telephone services will be available as normal.
We acknowledge this may mean more travel for some people to be seen. However, reducing the number of sites that our urgent care centres and primary care hubs are operating from during the coronavirus pandemic will allow us to continue to provide these services for patients while ensuring we can also respond to increased demand, in other local NHS services.
ENDS
For more information please contact: Ian Kingsbury, Communications and Engagement Manager, West Leicestershire CCG, 07771 885484 or ian.kingsbury@nhs.net

Dear Neighbour,                                                                     30^th March 2020

COVID19 Wing Parish Council Response

The COVID-19 emergency is unprecedented, and requires not only an international and national response, but a connected and coordinated local response too.

Wing Parish Council is preparing to coordinate and provide support where it is most needed within our community and has established a coordination group from across the village.

We want to make a start by collecting information on all those who think they might need some help and support to see them through the current restrictions, and by calling for volunteers to help our effort.

We need every household in Wing Parish to phone 01572 373922.  The phone line is open 24/7.  Your call will be logged, and we will get back to you as soon as possible, between 0900 – 2100hrs.

This work includes the sterling work started by Rhiannon Jones and John Oakley in relation to prescriptions (see the Community Medicines Collections scheme flyer) and will ensure that those who need extra support get it, and don’t slip through the net. In order to do this, we need to identify those that are most vulnerable. We need to find out what their needs are via the above phone number, potentially for the supply of medication, food, social contact whilst social distancing is in place, and any other support that may be required on an individual basis.

Our strategy is to be prepared to take you under our wing.  We will be adaptable to changing circumstances, as this is a very dynamic situation – what you may or may not need now is likely to change as time goes on.

This is the first of a number of actions that we will be taking together to ensure that the parish is both prepared and resilient in the face of the COVID19 pandemic.  We will be updating you with what we intend to do in the future, which will also include a big focus on wellbeing.

Looking forward to speaking to you and ensuring you needs now and in the future are met.

Yours sincerely

Wing COVID 19 Coordinating Group

Susannah Fish – Chair, John Oakley, David Wood, Alice Hill, Rhiannon Jones, Helen Cullen , Jon Roberts