CCS Thatch Newsletter - Summer 2020

Summer 2020

Thatch Newsletter News from CCS - The Community Council for Somerset

In This Issue

Volunteer Week we celebrate our community superstars!

CCS Talking Cafés are back - LIVE! on Facebook

Somerset Together!

A message from our CCS Village, Community and Carers Agents:

Somerset Diverse Communities go LIVE! on Zoom

The response in Somerset to the COVID-19 emergency has been absolutely fantastic. Voluntary groups, community organisations and charities, neighbourhoods and individual volunteers are all

Thank you for the thank yous - from people CCS Agents have helped

pulling together to support vulnerable people in our communities.

Somerset people are working as a team to find a way through the challenges we face now and in the days, weeks and months ahead. It’s just fantastic!”

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CCS Village, Community and Carers Agents are providing their regular service via telephone or email and are a key point of contact within the community especially if you don't know who CCS Community Agent, Tracey

to turn to.

Click on this LINK or scan the code with the camera on your mobile phone.

Fill in the simple form.

A local Agent will call you back.

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Talking Cafés have started up again! Not in the physical sense, as sadly venues are still closed, but you can access the same invaluable help and support from the comfort of your own home through a new Facebook Live stream.

If you're looking for information and advice anything from benefits to support with health issues - help is here for you!

Or perhaps you'd just like to join us for some company? We look forward to ‘seeing’ you soon!

Go to www.facebook.com/talkingcafesomerset to set a reminder to listen in and take part!

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Somerset Coronavirus Mental Health Support Marcus Trescothick is getting behind a new Somerset mental health video.

It is a difficult time for everyone at the moment, but the message is: 'Please don't suffer in silence!'

The NHS, County Council and Somerset charities have come together to offer people emotional support and counselling, either for themselves or for someone they care about.

You can watch the video HERE.

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'We are here for you ...

To find your local mental health service visit: www.somersetmentalhealthhub.org.uk

... day and night' The Mindline Somerset emotional support helpline is now open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 01823 276 892.

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CCS Agents' COVID-19 Response CCS Agents are working extremely closely with both the health services and social care to broker a range of support.

Since 23rd March, the start of lockdown, our team of Agents have completed an absolutely incredible 47,963 community support activities - helping to support vulnerable people in our communities thoroughout Somerset.

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Shout out to our CCS Agents!

Caroline Harding, CCS Agent Manager, says: “I am in awe of the phenomenal way that our Agents are responding to the need of those who contact us for help. The speed with which they are dealing with enquiries, the care and understanding, the enthusiasm is second to none. They are all working from home, with challenging work environments themselves, yet have adapted to meet the needs of others.�

Watch our short film ...

Click HERE to watch a short film CCS has made to say a huge thank you to our Agents for the incredible work they are doing.

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Volunteers' Week is a chance to celebrate and say thank you for the contribution millions of volunteers make across the UK. CCS Agents recognise and applaud the incredible ‘army’ of local volunteers they work alongside who are doing a fantastic job. The level of goodwill and the number of communities coming together to support each other at such a challenging time is overwhelming.

Sign up HERE to help out. Spark Somerset is working with local groups and organisations to coordinate your offers of support Download the Volunteer Pack HERE!

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CCS Agents would like to send their heartfelt thanks to John and Sidney who have been delivering medication to vulnerable people in Bridgwater on a daily basis. No journey has been too long for the dynamic duo and they always arrive with a smile on their faces which brightens up people’s day.

What makes John's story particularly special, John is regitered blind and makes the deliveries with the help of his guide dog, Sidney

“ I decided to help in this way because for 40 years I was a registered nurse and I wanted to help in whichever way I can. I think most people are a little surprised when they see me there with the guide dog, but I suppose I would as well.

I always manage to have a little bit of a chat with the person on the doorstep, maintaining safe distances, and it's something that I think everyone gets something out of.”

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Raegin Wescott is a COVID-19 volunteer working with CCS Agents in Bridgwater to support vulnerable people. At the time of writing, Raegin has completed over 150 medication deliveries!

Read our interview with Raegin - 'Why I became a COVID-19 volunteer' HERE. Raegin collects prescriptions for delivery to vulnerable people at Lloyds Pharmacy in Bridgwater .

“The reward of being able to make a real difference to the lives of people in need, from the smallest of tasks is hugely uplifting. The gratitude, thanks, and appreciation really do make each day. We are all in a very different and difficult time in our lives, but being able to volunteer each day really is fulfilling and heartening..�

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Karen, who works for Healthwatch Somerset, contacted CCS Carers Agents in South Somerset to ask how she could volunteer. Karen telephones vulnerable people to help combat their loneliness and isolation. Karen makes calls to elderly people who are very grateful for the chance to have a chat as many live alone or have recently lost their spouse.

For the most part Karen keeps the conversations light-hearted to try to help people to feel better about the current situation and speak about the lovely things they have to look forward to once the current crisis is over. Fantastic work, Karen!

“Delivering soup or whatever goodies have been donated by some fantastic organisations and companies is a pleasure, not because when the recipient opens the door that they are starving but because they know people care. I don’t do it for any other reason than to comfort that person and make sure they know that someone cares.�

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Teams of Somerset volunteers have been working hard to deliver food and essential supplies to vulnerable people in our communities.

CCS has formed a “Food Resilience Task Force� across Somerset. Since the movement started on 27 March, it has developed into a weekly event delivering an immense 50,410 units of food!

Just incredible stuff to see the community pulling together to make such a big difference to people in need.

Click HERE to watch a short film of the Task Force in action!

Huge thanks to the companies who have been brilliant in donating supplies, including Yeo Valley, Thomas Franks Ltd, Oscar Mayer, Monty's Bakehouse and Wyke Farms: AND to Savona Foodservice for their fantastic support with logistics and Sedgemoor Auction Centre for generously allowing us to use their car park.

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We Need Your Old Bike!

Let’s get West Somerset moving again! Please donate an old bike to help someone get back into work or education. After being lovingly refurbished by an expert mechanic, the bikes will be supplied to local residents who would struggle financially to purchase a new bike.

Bikes must be in good condition – meaning nearly ready to ride, with two wheels, pedals and handlebars. Bikes which would only be suitable for recycling by scrapping the metal cannot be accepted. At this stage we are looking for adult bikes only.

If you have a bike to donate please get in touch with CCS Village Agent Izzy, via email izzy@Somersetrcc.org.uk with your name and phone number and a brief description of the bike or call 07931 018 045 to arrange for a free collection.

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Just had a call from Lisa, one of the Village Agents,who has sorted this for us. We'll be getting our medication delivered today Thanks so much for this morning Jo, you are an angel, we really appreciate it

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Today's meal was the best I've ever had. 100% the best!

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We are eternally grateful to you and Indie and I will sleep better tonight knowing that we will have food in the house

If it wasn't for kind people like you we would still be in desperate need of help. I am so grateful to you 15

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The joy you have brought to so many people this afternoon cannot be put into words

You are so kind. It's like a miracle 16

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He said he honestly thought his life was over with this Coronavirus

Keep doing what you're doing. It's ace!

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Since the beginning of lockdown, CCS Agents have helped with 47,000 requests for support - 7,000 of those were carers in Somerset.

We understand that COVID-19 is very worrying for carers and those they care for. If you need help - we are here!

Click on this LINK Fill in the simple form.

CCS Carers Agent, Elaine

A local Agent will call you back.

Packed with useful information - find out more about how CCS Carers Agents can help you!

Download or read online HERE!

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Good Neighbours Come Together in Dulverton In January this year, the Dulverton Good Neighbours group was launched as part of the Somerset Good Neighbours scheme run by CCS.

Working closely with their local CCS Village Agent, the group has rapidly established itself as a valuable local voluntary resource to support the community, particularly during the current COVID-19 crisis.

Read the full story HERE.

Be a Good Neighbour CCS has developed a toolkit with helpful advice and tips on setting up a Good Neighbourhood Scheme in your community. Download the toolkit HERE.

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CCS Community Agent Andrea has received this lovely feedback from the family of an elderly resident she has been supporting.

“Andrea and the team did a brilliant job of celebrating William’s 100th birthday on May 2nd.

There was a lively street party, social distancing rules applied, beautiful music and also a friendly visit from the police to ensure things didn’t get out of hand! The neighbours commented what a lovely event it had been and it even reached the regional TV news”.

Happy Birthday, William!

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Shout out to CCS Community Agent Jo and an ’army’ of volunteers who gave up their time to help prepare and deliver VE Day cream teas to elderly residents in Cannington, near Bridgwater. The event was organised by local churches in the area.

Local resident Janet receiving her goody bag, filled with homemade scones, cream and jam from CCS Village Agent Jo! Fantastic work by the community, pulling together to help elderly residents celebrate this special day safely.

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Bridgwater Together Bridgwater Together, an annual event celebrating the Somerset town’s vibrant cultural diversity through music, food, storytelling, dance, film and information sharing, recently took place online.

Rather than cancelling or postponing the event, the organisers, supported by Somerset Diverse Communities, part of CCS, found a creative way to host the event using the video conferencing platform Zoom. Audiences logged on to enjoy presentations and performances from the representatives of minority communities living in Bridgwater. Read the full story HERE.

Watch Again!

If you missed the event, or would like to watch it again, a recording is now available on the CCS YouTube channel:

www.youtube.com/CC4Somerset

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What Bridgwater Together meant to us Here's what people from our diverse communities had to say about the Bridgwater Together event on 18 April.

“Diversity, obviously, is well understood when you know others' culture, story, food and heritage, and Bridgwater Together is the unique opportunity to do so. This year, despite the COVID-19 situation, CCS and host Michal Puzynski arranged Bridgwater Together on a digital platform for the first time.

It was a really amazing experience and good to see many people from different communities participating. It was refreshing, inspiring and fun to meet different people with creative skillsets, which I believe is a great achievement as well as a mental boost during such a difficult time. Many thanks to CCS and Michal for taking such an initiative”. Meraz Aziz, British Bangladeshi Association, Somerset.

“A day in life when you share yourself and realise how marvellous it is being different!” Vivian.

“Bridgwater Together has once again shown its commitment to maintaining meaningful community connections by taking their events online. The events have been vibrant, diverse and engaging. In a time where social distancing is keeping is safe, yet isolated, the spirit and positive impact of Bridgwater Together has been keeping us connected.” Alisa.

“Hejka! Taking part in this kind of activity is very important, especially now, when we are more socially isolated. It's great for mental wellbeing, meeting people and having an opportunity to share views and stories. These events give voice to everyone and help people to understand their history and culture.” Anna.

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Somerset Together Join us for this incredible multicultural event on June 13th at 6pm - LIVE! on Zoom!

Visit the Somerset Diverse Communities Facebook page to find out more and take part!

Or contact Michal@Somersetrcc.org.uk

Bridgwater Together Join this Zoom online event on June 6th at 6pm. Enjoy an evening of meaningful conversation, creative content, and community spirit.

Visit the Bridgwater Together Facebook page to find out more and join in!

Or contact phil@somersetfilm.com

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COVID-19 Advice Translated COVID-19 advice and guidance for our diverse communities in the UK! Doctors of the World guidance is now translated into an incredible 60 languages with more languages coming soon!

Access the information HERE.

Competition!

Looking for a fun and educational activity to do with your children at home? The 100 Great Black Britons home school competition is a fantastic way for children and young people to learn more about the legacy and achievements of Black people in Britain and how they helped shape our country.To find out more and to enter visit: www.100greatblackbritons.co.uk

Get in touch ...

Someret Diverse Communities has directly supported over 40 BME groups over the past 2 years. If you are in a group, or would like to set one up, we want to hear from you. Visit our website for more details HERE.

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Members from the Social Enterprises’ community in Somerset joined an online networking event at the beginning of May. Kate Doodson, from pioneering Social Enterprise Cosmic, delivered the event via the Zoom meeting platform. The webinar was packed with a wide range of valuable information as well as quick and simple ideas for using digital technology to reach

Follow the Enhance Social

customers in new ways, with top tips on

Enterprise Network on

making products and services easier to

Facebook and Twitter - don't

access and deliver during these difficult and unprecedented times.

miss our next webinars dates will be announced on

Join us!

social media very soon!

Join the Enhance Social Enterprise Somerset Network. Membership is free for local enterprises, giving access to a host of member benefits and lots of opportunities to share ideas and learn within this new, supportive community.

For more information visit: https://enhancesocialenterprise.org.uk or email enhanceSEN@somersetrcc.org.uk 26

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Bishop Fox's Educational Foundation The aim of The Bishop Fox’s Educational Foundation is to promote the education of young people through a grant scheme.

During this period, the Trustees will not be considering grants until schools and colleges reopen.

However, they recognise that there may be cases of exceptional and immediate need which they will be pleased to look at by meeting virtually.

In addition, the Trustees have set up an

Find out more

emergency fund which can be

For full details of the grant

schools within Taunton Deane. Please

scheme, visit: www.bfef.org.uk

contact your school for more details.

accessed via any of the secondary

The Trustees will also consider uniform

or contact Geraldine on

grants in readiness for the new school

geraldine@somersetrcc.org.uk

year starting in September 2020.

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Village Halls and Community Buildings CCS is continuing to support our community halls with information, advice and training, helping them adapt to these challenging times.

We are keeping halls regularly updated with information about financial support, as well as guidance on the practicalities of maintaining halls during closure and planning for their reopening.

A note of thanks to you. This grant is going to make a huge difference to us and I don’t think we would have thought about applying had it not been for your advice.

High Ham Village Hall

Join us on Facebook Our Community Buildings Members Facebook Group is a new forum for halls to ask questions and share ideas with each other. Join us HERE.

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New Webinar Programme for Community Halls

Many thanks to Robert and all for the excellent online workshop. It was great to be able to share and learn from the experience of others.

Mike, Hambridge & Westport Village Hall

CCS is planning a programme of online webinars for village hall trustees. The first event, ‘Coping with COVID and beyond’ generated interesting discussion about the challenges posed

A very useful session, so good to

by the pandemic.

hear from fellow Village Hall Trustees and share ideas.

To find out more contact Sally Sargent,

Sally, Appley Pavilion

CCS Community Involvement officer, at sallys@somersetrcc.org.uk

Somerset Community Oil Scheme Save £££s on heating oil with the Somerset Community Oil Scheme, a heating oil bulk buying scheme which covers the whole of the county.

Bulk purchasing offers significant savings and the scheme is open to individuals, community groups and businesses.

To order visit www.af-affinity.co.uk or email

somersetbuying@af-affinity.co.uk

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The Somerset Coronavirus Support Helpline is open 7 days a week and provides help and support from all of the councils in Somerset.

If you're in need or know someone in need call: 0300 790 6275 (7 days a week 8am to 6pm).

Somerset County Council’s Healthy Somerset page is packed with great advice and contact details to help you access the help you need - from support

Stay up to date with the latest COVID-19 developments - sign up to Somerset County Council’s coronavirus bulletins.

for people experiencing domestic abuse to bereavement services.

To sign up simply visit www.somerset.gov.uk/coronavirus

SCC Village, Community and Carers Agents are on the list too!

To find out more visit: www.healthysomerset.co.uk

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Distressed? Anxious? Feeling overwhelmed?

The Mindline Somerset emotional support helpline is now open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Set up by Mind in Somerset, Mindline is a service you can call (local call rate) to talk to someone about your anxieties and worries.

Support is available, around the clock, every day by calling 01823 276 892.

Age UK Somerset has put together lots of The Virtual Village Hall, brought to you by the Royal Voluntary Service, is a programme of themed online activities designed to beat the boredom of isolation.

brilliant suggestions for things to do to help you keep your mind and body active, whatever your interests are. Whether you want a challenge or simply want to maintain your existing strength and balance, there are many exercises and

There are lots of activities to choose from so you can continue to enjoy the

activities that can be done safely and easily from home.

things that you like doing and learn something new too! Join in HERE.

Could this be an opportunity to try something new? Find out more HERE.

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SASP Somerset has a put together a dedicated webpage to help you stay fit and keep active at home!

It’s packed with fun, practical inspiration, with something for everyone, ages 0 to 110!

Join in the action HERE.

The Young Somerset Wellbeing Service

CAB South Somerset has made

supports young people aged 5-18 with their

two valuable advice videos, covering

mental health. The team helps with things

Employment and Benefits including

like low-mood, anxiety, stress, phobias,

furlough, sick leave, determining benefit

sleep-problems, OCD and other mental

eligibility and how to claim. Watch the

health difficulties. You don’t need a

videos HERE.

diagnosis or even be sure that you have a difficulty to get in touch.

If after watching the videos you remain unsure, you're welcome to contact the

For more information, or you would like to

CAB phone advice service on 03444 889

make a referral visit:

623 open Monday - Friday, from 10am

www.youngsomerset.org.uk

until 4pm.

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Shop Somerset has been launched by Somerset Day 365 to help people find independent local suppliers of all types of food, drink, produce and takeaways.

Simply pop your postcode into the search bar of the interactive map to find local businesses who may be able to help you!

Check it out HERE.

Do you know someone who has The Government’s new Coronavirus Community Support Fund makes available £200m in Government funding that will be aimed primarily at small to medium organisations in England.

Details of how to apply can be found on The National Lottery Community

gone above and beyond during the coronavirus pandemic? The Government is looking to honour people for their contribution to the crisis response.

Click HERE to download the form, then send your nominations to: covid19nominations@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

Fund website: www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk

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www.facebook.com/Ruralsomerset

Keep up to date with all www.twitter.com/RuralSomerset

the latest CCS news!

www.instgram.com/lovesomerset

www.linkedin.com/company/ community-council-forsomerset

www.youtube.com /CC4Somerset

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