Fenland District Council

Fenland Joins Together During Coronavirus Crisis

The leader of Fenland District Council has thanked communities across the district for joining together and providing “a real lifeline” to the elderly and vulnerable during the coronavirus crisis.

Cllr Chris Boden said people’s support for their neighbours, family and friends has been overwhelming and heartwarming, demonstrating the true strength of Fenland’s community spirit. Hundreds of people are also being helped through the council’s COVID-19 response hub – with more than 1000 calls being handled in just two weeks. Cllr Boden said: “It is more important than ever that we work together to support those who are alone and in need of help during this pandemic. “We are working with eighty-three different agencies including the voluntary and community sector, town and parish councils, and businesses, to help deliver our response hub. The hundreds of people that have called the hub have been able to find a reassuring voice at the end of the phone and find solutions to the issues they are facing, thanks to this magnificent partnership working. “And there are thousands more who are being supported by their neighbours, family and friends. People are reaching out to offer help, providing a real lifeline to those who live alone or are selfisolating. To all the volunteers, groups, agencies, and individuals who are helping us get through this together, I thank you.” The council’s response hub focuses on helping those who have no other support available to them. It can help with food shopping, collecting

medicines and other supplies, and friendly phone calls for anyone feeling lonely, by providing details of local voluntary groups and services which can help. It can also provide information on coronavirus advice and guidance. The hub also liaises with other statutory, voluntary and community organisation partners to ensure other needs, including health and social care, are met as quickly as possible. Messages and letters of thanks and colourful children’s drawings are brightening up the days of frontline council staff (pictured below). Here’s a flavour of just some of the messages received: “Thanks to your young collector today for our conversation via sign language checking I am OK. Stay safe” – Sylvia, on council refuse collectors. “That’s brilliant. Thank you so much. That’s a huge weight lifted for us and our business.” – Tom, on confirmation of receiving a Business Support Grant. “Thank you so much for everything” – a 94-year-old March man, on receiving medication and food shopping via the council’s COVID-19 response hub. The response hub is open six days week, from 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, and 9am to 12noon on Saturdays. Requests for help can be made on 01354 654321 or via email at: covid19@fenland.gov.uk

FDC Refuse Collectors

The FDC Call Centre

Businesses Urged To Claim Support Grants

Fenland businesses that have not yet applied for a coronavirus business support grant are being urged to put in a claim. Fenland District Council has so far paid out more than £10 million worth of the Government grants to 929 businesses. But around 650 eligible businesses have still to apply and they are now being urged to act quickly to ensure they get the financial support to which they are entitled. Businesses which have received a letter or email from the council about the grant funding are being urged to respond. Businesses which have not been contacted, but still think they are eligible for a grant, can make a claim by downloading the necessary documentation from the council’s website at: www.fenland.gov.uk/ coronavirusbusinessgrants Any businesses needing help or advice in completing their declarations can contact the council on 01354 654321 or email: covid19. businessgrants@fenland.gov.uk Business advice, plus answers to frequently asked questions, is also available on the council’s website at: www.fenland.gov.uk/ coronavirusbusinessadvice

Are you looking to help those in self-isolation?

If so, here are some handy forms that you can fill in, cut out and give to those you feel might need help during this time. IMPORTANT: Before touching this form, please ensure you have washed your hands because if somebody is in self-isolation, then they may be vulnerable to catching the virus. As a community magazine we encourage and thank all those who would like to help.

Hello! If you are self-isolating, I can help.

My name is:

I live locally at:

My phone number is:

If you are self-isolating due to COVID-19 I could help you with:

 Picking up shopping  Posting mail  A friendly phone call  Urgent supplies

Just call or text me and I will do my best to help you (for free!)

Coronavirus is contagious. Please take every precaution to ensure you are spreading only kindness. Avoid physical contact (keep a 2m distance). Wash your hands regularly. Items should be left on your doorstep.

Hello! If you are self-isolating, I can help.

My name is:

I live locally at:

My phone number is:

If you are self-isolating due to COVID-19 I could help you with:

 Picking up shopping  Posting mail  A friendly phone call  Urgent supplies

Just call or text me and I will do my best to help you (for free!)

Coronavirus is contagious. Please take every precaution to ensure you are spreading only kindness. Avoid physical contact (keep a 2m distance). Wash your hands regularly. Items should be left on your doorstep.