The priority over the last 2 weeks has been for the ‘virtual call centre’ to gather as much information as possible to allow the government’s business grants to be transferred to businesses’ bank accounts and support packages to be provided, as necessary.

Government funding should be received this week and it is our intention to pass as much as possible instantly through to local businesses.

Email approaches for business bank account details originating from the council’s herefordshire.gov.uk addresses are genuine, but do request further assurance before handing the information over if they are at all concerned.

Information on this initiative to provide rapid financial payments to businesses can be found online here: https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/info/200145/business/364/pay_your_business_rates

Our military charities and services continue to do an outstanding job supporting those in our armed forces community who need our help more than ever.  As we move into month 2 of COVID-19 lockdown, our caseworkers and band of volunteers continue to use different and creative approaches to support those most in need.  Local support available is being constantly updated so do check the link at www.herefordshire.gov.uk/armedforces .  Do let us know if anything needs to be added.

Help is available for households facing financial difficulties through the council’s existing Hardship and Council Tax Reduction Schemes. April council tax payments will be requested for households paying by direct debit in the first half of April. We are continuing to examine additional ways in which we can offer flexibilities to households as regards council tax payments and scheduling at this difficult time.

Throughout the day up-to-the-minute bulletins and updates are posted to the council’s Coronavirus Blog page here:

https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/news/article/964/coronavirus_latest

Government guidance and frequently asked questions on CV-19 can also be found on the government website here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do

Local residents can volunteer for ‘Talk Community’ ground-level support groups through the council’s volunteer registration facility which went live last week. Link here: https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/covid19help

Local residents can register their support needs from the ‘Talk Community’ ground-level support groups through the council’s community support registration facility which went live last week. Link here: https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/info/200207/family_support/883/coronavirus/4

The government launched its ‘Operation Shield’ initiative last week in conjunction with the NHS to identify the people most vulnerable to Coronavirus because of complex and serious medical conditions. However, it is quite possible that there are local residents who fall through this net and fail to be identified top-down as needing to completely confine themselves to home for at least 3 months.

Guidance on Operation Shield and the circumstances which may justify the need to shield can be accessed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19

Local residents who have not received letters from their NHS contacts, and who believe themselves to be especially health compromised, should self-identify as needing to ‘shield’ on the government website at this address: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable

You can still access ebooks and audio books through Borrow Books app so people can still ‘take books out’.

https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/info/200149/libraries/71/ebooks_eaudiobooks_and_online_resources

Herefordshire Mental Health & Learning Disability Service is running a 24-hour helpline for anyone experiencing increased levels of stress and anxiety as a result of the coronavirus crisis.  This helpline is available to people of all ages.

The number to call is 01905 681 915

Help for Heroes – A Field Guide to Self-Care

Help for Heroes have produced an excellent ‘Field Guide to Self-Care’ for the men and women working tirelessly in our hospitals right now. A useful resource for our healthcare heroes, and for anyone else who may be feeling stressed or anxious during these difficult times. Read more at https://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/get-support/mental-health-and-wellbeing/a-field-guide-to-self-care/

Operation CONNECT

Support for the RAF community during COVID-19. 

The RAF Association is now operating a volunteer service to support members of the RAF community who are struggling during these difficult times.  Volunteers are being mobilised to oversee an telephone outreach service, a friendship helpline, a bag drop services providing vital provisions and a daily online entertainment programme.  Find out more at https://www.rafa.org.uk/operation-connect/