Weekly COVID-19 update from your LibDem College Ward councillors - 1 May 2020

Welcome to our latest weekly update.

First of all, apologies for a non-working link to job opportunities at Headley Court (which will open on Tuesday 5 May) in last week's edition - that was my fault. Here are the public links (these are all paid roles for nursing, ancillary services and admin roles):

• https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/jobs/search/details?id=8293
• https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/jobs/search/details?id=8297
• https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/jobs/search/details?id=8303

More general volunteering opportunities to support our local NHS Trust can be found here: https://www.epsom-sthelier.nhs.uk/volunteer

Borough and County update re COVID-19:

• Help for those in need continues with delivery of sandwiches, hot or frozen meals to support residents across the borough.
• Shielding and Vulnerable residents continue to be contacted and supported
• Surrey County Council has launched a campaign offering advice and support for those struggling or feeling low. See https://www.healthysurrey.org.uk/mental-wellbeing
• As part of the governments push for testing, people in Surrey who think they may be eligible for a test can check here https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/people-and-community/emergency-planning-and-community-safety/coronavirus/coronavirus-testing.
• Small business owners can find out more about their eligibility for one of three government grants https://www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/businessgrants2020-21.
• After extensive pressure, SCC is now starting to plan for a gradual re-opening of the recycling tips (a topic many of our loyal readers have written to us about): https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/waste-and-recycling/community-recycling-centres
• The Borough Council is gearing up for virtual meetings. Amazingly slow.

Other local updates:

• Epsom Clock Tower was all lit up in blue on Thursday evening, supporting #ClapForCarers. See https://www.facebook.com/groups/CollegeWardFocus/
• The amazing Foodbank team are delivering 100 food parcels each week will feeding in the region of 300 people. Last March 2019 they fed 341 people, this March they fed 834
• Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell are providing services via their Adviceline (0300 330 1164), by texting or leaving a voicemail on its dedicated mobile number (07517 889 695) or by requesting advice by email on https://caee.org.uk/advice-by-email/. The service is for anyone needing information and advice on a range of topics including benefits (including Universal Credit), debt, housing and employment (including furlough queries). They are also helping those who need assistance with gas and electricity payments or who are in hardship.
• Epsom Rotary have donated 40 jars of face cream to Epsom Hospital for use after wearing facial masks. There are also plans for 2 massage chairs for staff to use in breaks. 20 pairs of washable clogs are also being donated to Old Cottage Hospital for staff to use when visiting patients.
• Residents who can sew are still making scrubs and laundry bags. The operation is now coordinated by a lady in Bookham. Let us know if you would like to help.
• Several local garden centres are now open for telephone ordering/collection/delivery. Homebase reopened this week. Most of us have still not been able to buy any flour, anywhere!
• Residents are being asked to decorate houses in bunting, or red/white/blue posters as a celebration of the VE Day Bank Holiday next Friday.

Wider issues:

• Our colleagues in Merton have produced a wonderful list of ideas to keep children, and others, entertained. Please see https://www.mertonlibdems.org.uk/keeping_children_entertained
• With the return of a (sort of) Parliament, national politics is slowly returning to some sort of normality with essential challenges being made to this government's performance. This is to be welcomed as there are clear lessons to be learned.
• Our Members receiving this newsletter can expect to hear more about County Council elections 2021 in the coming months.

Take care, stay safe, Julie & David