New playground for Sidcup

The Magazine went to print just after a sharp increase in the number of people in the Borough testing positive for Covid-19.

The number of cases can and the need to self-isolate X Vaccination – Large- For the latest national change rapidly, which is a if you or someone you scale vaccination against and local updates reminder to us all that we have been in contact with COVID-19 is due to www.gov.uk/ need to stay alert and do tests positive. start next month for coronavirus whatever we can to keep This year has been NHS staff, followed by www.bexley.gov.uk/ everyone safe. challenging in many ways, other groups in priority coronavirus-covid-19

There is still a risk the but there has been good order. number of cases will news that we hope points continue to increase, which the way to an end of the We will continue to share local Covid-19 will have an impact on our pandemic next year - information through our Community Champions, local hospitals. X New testing site - website, enewsletters and

Please take note of the The borough’s third local local papers. If you have a key public health messages testing site recently neighbour, friend or relative designed to protect us opened at Felixstowe who may not have online particularly on hands, space, Road in Abbey Wood for access please share the latest face, the need to get a test use by people who book local information with them. if you have Covid symptoms a test through the NHS.

Inspirational park opens

The borough’s most recently transformed and upgraded open space officially opened on 26 September.

Old Farm Park playground and wildlife habitat in Sidcup is fully accessible by wheelchair and boasts a brand new playground, paths, trim trails, exercise equipment, benches, plants, trees and a wildlife area.

The park will also become home to the borough’s official Covid-19 commemorative garden. Sponsors are being sought for the ongoing project and those interested are asked to email Parks&OpenSpaces@bexley.gov.uk

Pictured at the official opening are (l-r) Mayor of Bexley, Cllr James Hunt, Leader of Council, Cllr Teresa O’Neill OBE, Cabinet Member for Places, Cllr Peter Craske, James Brokenshire MP

Looking after your health

NHS and GP services remain open and they are working hard to make sure that when you come in for your appointment or treatment, everything is done to protect you from Covid-19.

It is important that anyone who needs medical attention still receives it during the pandemic and that you turn up for hospital or doctor appointments. The NHS 111 telephone service can help if you have an urgent medical problem and you’re not sure what to do. In an emergency always call 999. Visit - www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/nhsservices/urgent-and-emergency-care/

Covid-19 support information

We have put together some useful information and contacts to help support you during the pandemic.

Further support is listed on the Council’s website at https:// www.bexley.gov.uk/coronaviruscovid-19 (under the Help and information section).

Mental health Mind in Bexley’s Crisis Cafe is a safe place for those aged 18 and over who are experiencing severe emotional or psychological distress. The drop-in service, based at 2a Devonshire Road, Bexleyheath DA6 8DS, is open 6pm to 10pm every day. Their free well-being phone line also operates Monday to Friday, 9am5pm – telephone 0808 196 3896. www.mindinbexley.org.uk www.nhs.uk/oneyou/everymind-matters Domestic or sexual abuse Many women, men and children will be at higher risk of domestic abuse during isolation. If you are concerned for anyone due to domestic abuse you can report this anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

If you need support, or have worries about domestic or sexual abuse, the organisations below can provide advice and help. In an emergency call 999.

Need help with food and supplies?

Bexley Foodbank residents are asked to collect goods themselves. For further information please telephone 07932 431350 between 10am and 4pm, visit https://bexley. foodbank.org.uk/ or email info@bexley.foodbank.org.uk

Slade Green Food Bank For Bexley borough residents in need. No voucher is needed. Opening hours are 9.30am2.45pm and 5.45pm-7.30pm Monday to Friday, please bring your own bags. Goods are provided on a first-come firstserved basis. St Augustine’s Church Hall, Slade Green Road, Erith DA8 2LW (just behind the church) Telephone 07538 300768 Email sladegreenbiglocal@ outlook.com

Local families can access the Healthy Start scheme. Residents who are 10 weeks pregnant or have children under the age of four and receive income support could also qualify for free ‘healthy start’ vouchers every week to spend on milk, fresh, frozen, and tinned fruit and vegetables, fresh, dried, and tinned pulses, and infant formula milk. Visit www.healthystart.nhs.uk Solace Women’s Aid Solace Duty Line - 020 3198 4659 (9am to 5pm) Email Bexley.community@ solacewomensaid.org www.bexleydomesticabuse services.org.uk

National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000 247 (24 hrs}

Improve your health for free There is lots of free support available in Bexley to help anyone who wants to improve their health and reduce their risk of serious illness. Programmes include - A food voucher is needed, and

Alive ‘n’ Kicking Families living in Bexley or registered with a Bexley GP can join a free 8-week Alive ‘n’ Kicking programme for children aged 4 to 11 who need help to lose weight. The service is delivered virtually and you’ll get lots of useful tips. www.everyonehealth.co.uk/ london-borough-of-bexley/aliven-kicking FIT FANS A FREE health programme for men and women aged 35-65 who are looking to lose weight, get fitter and lead a more active life. Email the Charlton Athletic fitness team at fitfans@cact. org.uk to find out more.

Debt advice

If you are struggling with your finances, please remember that you are not alone. There are a number of organisations locally that can offer help and advice. X Bexley Citizens Advice Bureau provides free, independent, confidential and impartial advice www.bexleycab.org.uk X Christians Against Poverty provides a free debt counselling service to everyone. They also offer a free money course and job clubs www.capuk.org X StepChange Debt Charity provides free debt advice through their telephone debt helpline and online debt remedy tool. www.stepchange.org X Shelter gives practical housing advice and support online, in person and by phone 365 days a year and helps with everything from mortgage arrears to finding a place to sleep www.shelter.org.uk

Remember our local charities

It’s been a difficult year for us all, including our local charities. These groups that do so much for our borough have been unable to fundraise in their usual way.

If you are able donate to a local organisation at this time of year, please visit their website and give what you can. Stop Smoking

Giving up smoking is the best thing a smoker can do for their health right now. It can also save you money.

Smokers in Bexley can If you want to get weekly telephone stop smoking, or book a support from our local telephone consultation specialist stop smoking with an expert advisor, service. contact the Stop Smoking team on 0800 783 2514.

Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme

The Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme, which runs until 31 January 2021, pays £500 to those on low incomes who meet ALL the following criteria - X told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace X employed/self-employed who will have a reduction in earned income due to being unable to work while self-isolating X receiving one of the following: Universal

Credit, Working Tax Credit, income-based

Employment and Support Allowance, incomebased Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support,

Housing Benefit, Pension Credit A discretionary payment may be made for those meeting the first two criteria but who do not have access to public funds. Apply at www.bexley.gov.uk/coronaviruscovid-19 under the ‘Help and Information’ section. If you do not have internet access please call 020 8068 1225.