This week’s news from around the Council.
Council News

• Elections staff required for 6 May
  • Over the election period, we require retainer staff (for Covid-19 resilience), who will be willing to be available all day in case they are needed at short notice. They will be paid £50, regardless of whether they are called upon. If they are needed, the normal fee for such position will be provided. In addition to this, they will also be paid to attend essential training. 

• On 6 May, we also require a number of Presiding Officers and Poll Clerks to work in some of our Polling Stations across the District. These are paid positions with an additional payment for attending essential training.

• In addition to these positions, we also need assistance with the counting of votes:

• Thursday 6^th May, 9.30pm until finish (through the night)
• Friday 7^th May, 12.30pm to finish
• Saturday 8^th May, 8.30am to finish

For further information on any of the above positions; please email elections@sstaffs.gov.uk

• Elections Update

On Thursday 6 May 2021 residents in South Staffordshire will have their say on who represents them at The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Election, County Council Elections and Parish By-Elections. We are already making plans to help residents stay safe while casting their vote. All Polling Stations will be Covid-19 compliant, and all staff are being asked to take regular Covid-19 Lateral Flow Tests (LFT).

• 2021 Easy Read Guide to Voting in the May local and Police and Crime Commissioner elections in England. 

• Notices of Elections can be found on the Council website.
• The Statements of Persons Nominated are published on our Website:
  • County
  • Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner
  • Parish By-Elections

Postal Voting

• Postal Vote applications have now closed. Royal Mail has 35,000 Priority Post Boxes, these boxes have late collection times with 98% of them having a collection time of after 4:00pm. Please click here to find a priority box in your local area.
• Postal votes have now been sent out (approx. 12,500), a video on how to complete a postal vote can be found here. Postal vote opening commences next week at the Council offices:
  • Monday 26 April to Friday 30 April 9.00am to 4.00pm or earlier if daily quantity of post is less.
  • Tuesday 4 May to Wednesday 5 May 9.00am to 4.00pm or earlier if daily quantity of post is less.
  • Thursday 6 May 9.00am to 4.00pm (approx.) or earlier if quantity of post is less – 8.00pm to finish.

Proxy Voting

• The Proxy Vote application form can be found here. Asking a trusted person to vote on your behalf. The last day for applications for Proxy Votes is 5:00 pm 27 April.
  • COVID-19 emergency proxy application form for use at the May elections

The form will allow electors to apply:

• for an emergency proxy if they are self-isolating
• to appoint a new proxy if their existing proxy is self-isolating

The COVID-19 emergency proxy application form for use at the May elections can be found here.

Polling Stations

• In preparation for this year’s elections, we have had to make some changes to our Poll Stations. This is for a variety of reasons, we were asked by central government to look at alternatives for schools, a couple of our stations are currently being used as vaccination centres, and one station was no longer available. Find your Polling Station here.
• A guide to polling day – Everything you need to know about voting in person.

• Next week’s Council Committee/Panel meetings

There are no committee meetings w/c 3 May 2021

Covid-19 updates

 

• Covid-19 Roadmap
  • Information on the Governments roadmap can be found here.
  • The latest figures in Staffordshire, including a district breakdown can be found here or

you can check your areas statistics by putting in your postcode here.

• On 12 April additional restrictions were lifted:
  • The following were reopened: non-essential retail; personal care premises such as hairdressers and nail salons; and public buildings, including libraries and community centres. Indoor leisure facilities such as gyms will also reopen (but only for use by people on their own or in household groups); as will most outdoor attractions and settings including outdoor hospitality venues, zoos, theme parks, and drive-in cinemas. Self-contained accommodation such as campsites and holiday lettings, where indoor facilities are not shared with other households, can also reopen.
  • Hospitality venues will be allowed to serve people outdoors at Step 2 and there will be no need for customers to order a substantial meal with alcoholic drinks and no curfew, although customers must order, eat and drink while seated (‘table service’). Wider social contact rules will apply in all these settings to prevent indoor mixing between different households.
  • Events – While funerals can continue with up to 30 mourners, the number of people able to attend weddings, receptions and commemorative events such as wakes will rise to 15. Click here for Covid-19 guidance on wedding planning.

• Staffordshire County Council have published a frequently asked questions page on their website.
• Covid-19 – Key messages
  Things are continuing to improve across the health system, with fewer outbreaks and people becoming hospitalised. Conversations are now taking place around the restoration and recovery of services. But there are concerns of a third wave; Covid-19 isn’t going to disappear anytime soon. Please read and heed these messages:
  • Hands, Face, Space and Fresh Air
  • Get routinely tested. This is so important as lockdown restrictions are eased.
  • Vaccination and Vigilance.
  • Everyone, including those who have been vaccinated, must continue to comply with current restrictions and still get tested regularly. 

• Covid-19 Vaccination

The vaccination programme is now open to those over 42 years. It was highlighted in the news this week that having the vaccine reduces the risk of transmitting the virus. However, there still remains a risk, so please have your vaccine when it is offered.

Click here to find out more about the vaccine programme. 

• Next Step on the Roadmap

The next step on the Government’s proposed timetable for easing restrictions is no earlier than 17 May, where the easing of social distancing measures could see limits of meeting people indoors and outdoors relaxed.  This could also see the reopening of indoor hospitality and other businesses in all but the highest risk settings.  However, this will only happen if we take personal responsibility. Just remember – Face, Hands, Space & Fresh Air and Vaccination and Vigilance.

• Community Testing

Despite infection rates remaining low across the District Community; testing will continue for people without symptoms. We know that one in three people who have the virus show no symptoms, and it is essential we identify those not showing symptoms so that we are able to break the chain of infection.

While the roll out of the vaccine programme continues at pace, it will be several months before everyone is vaccinated and many more months before the full benefit, therefore, it is important testing continues even for those who have received the vaccine.

Residents are encouraged to test at least twice a week. There are three options and all are free:

• Visit a test site to either collect test kits or to have a test done.
• Collect test kits from a pharmacy near you.
• Order test kits online from here.

If you test positive, please isolate for 10 days. If you are self-testing, don’t forget to report your result whether positive or negative; this can be done online here.

You can get a rapid Covid-19 test at any of our community testing sites, provided you are asymptomatic, you are not self-isolating, you have not had a positive Covid-19 test in the last 90 days, and you are not part of another regular asymptomatic testing programme.

This week’s testing sites in South Staffordshire

South Staffordshire’s semi-permanent Covid-19 Lateral Flow Testing (LFT) site for this week will be Wombourne Library, Church Road, Wombourne WV5 9EZ:

• Monday 00-16.00
• Tuesday 00-14.00
• Wednesday 00-16.00
• Thursday 00-19.00
• Friday 00-16.00
• Saturday 00-16.00
• Sunday 00-16.00

Next week’s Covid-19 community testing pop-up sites in South Staffordshire are: 

Sunday 2 May

• Car Boot – Mill Lane Featherstone; 7:00-14:00

Monday 3 May

• Holly Bush Garden Centre, Warstone Road, Shareshill, Wolverhampton, WV10 7LX. 10:00-16:00

Tuesday 4 May

• Pavillion Garden Centre, Bridgenorth Road, Wolverhampton, WV6 7EZ. 10:00-15:30

Wednesday 5May

• Car Boot Sale, Stourbridge Rugby Club, Bridgenorth Road, Stourbridge, DY7 6QZ.

Saturday 8 May

• Baggeridge Country Park, Gospel End Street, Dudley, DY3 4HB. 10:00-16:00

 

Anyone with symptoms should not attend and instead book a PCR test online here. 

• Community Testing sites

The Community Testing sites will continue to be present in the locality areas but now Pop-up LFT testing vans are also going out to venues and settings to encourage as many members of the public and staff working there to undertake test. Weekly test kits will also be given out.

So far, the Pop-up LFT testing vans have been to:
Wombourne Industrial Estate, Featherstone Car Boot Sale and Penkridge Market.
In total 129 tests have been done and 392 test kits handed out – which is fantastic!

• Support during the Pandemic
  • The Council can help arrange local support for shopping, prescriptions, and other necessities if anyone is self-isolating, who has an underlying health condition and cannot call upon friends, family, or neighbours. Further information can be found here.
  • Local community groups are providing support to vulnerable people and seeking volunteers through their Community Support Effort initiative.
  • Residents can use the Government’s online Test and Trace Support Payment page to check their eligibility if they need to self-isolate because of Covid-19 and cannot work from home. The site allows the public to input their postcode to find their local authorities relevant webpage.

• Planning

FAQs Register of Available Land

There has been a lot of interest recently, especially on social media, about sites that have been suggested to the Council for future development. We have put together some FAQs about our register of available land and how these sites differ from sites that will come forward through the review of the Local Plan.  For more information see our SHELAA FAQs. 

Morris Homes Enforcement Notice

The Planning Enforcement Team had a successful court result at Cannock Magistrates on Tuesday 27 April where national housebuilders, Morris Homes, were convicted of failing to comply with a Notice served on them to rectify a defective drainage/sewage system installed on a housing estate in Cheslyn Hay.  The unauthorised drainage system was identified as a result of complaints from residents that the sewage pumping station kept blocking and subsequently sewerage coming out of manholes on the estate.

A guilty plea was entered on behalf of Morris Homes. Cannock Magistrates ordered Morris Homes to pay a £1000.00 fine, costs were awarded to the Council and a £100 victim surcharge. This has sent a firm message to the developer that the Council will pursue this matter until the drainage issues are resolved satisfactorily.

• Leisure News 
• Welcoming New Joiners

New joiners can enjoy a host of member benefits including:-

• Discounted fees in May and June
• Free access to over 30 online and on-demand exercise classes
• Free swimming included with most packages
• No joining or cancellation fees
• Portable memberships allowing you to swap your package at any time
• Free health checks and personal fitness programmes
• Priority booking

To find out more email us at Leisure@sstaffs.gov.uk

• Walking Football Resumes

Walking football has now resumed on Monday evenings at Codsall Leisure Centre 6.30-7.30pm and Penkridge Leisure Centre 6-7pm. The session is suitable for people 16yrs+ of all abilities. Booking is essential, so call your local centre to reserve your place:

Codsall LC 01902 844032

Penkridge LC 01785 714152  

• Leisure Centres are welcoming new joiners

South Staffordshire Council’s leisure centres are pleased to be accepting new joiners in addition to offering the remainder of April free, with further discounts in May and June.  New joiners will also receive free access to online and on demand classes for a limited time only. Membership packages can be found here.

To sign up you can either:

Complete the following forms and email them to us at Leisure@sstaffs.gov.uk:

• A membership form can be found here.
• A Direct Debit form can be found here.

Or call your local leisure centre direct on:

• Cheslyn Hay Leisure Centre – 01922 417790
• Codsall Leisure Centre – 01902 844032
• Penkridge Leisure Centre – 01785 714152
• Wombourne Leisure Centre – 01902 898202
• Junior Judo re-starts

• Junior Judo has resumed at Codsall Leisure Centre on Thursdays 5.30-6.30pm for beginners and 6.30-7.30pm advanced.
• Sessions resume at Wombourne Leisure Centre from Tuesday 4 May 6-7pm.

Sessions are for under 18’s only and advanced booking is required due to limited capacity.  Call your local centre to book:

Codsall – 01902 844032

Wombourne – 01902 898202 

• Wombourne Lifesaving Club is Back

Wombourne Lifesaving Club returned on Thursday 29 April with two sessions running, 6.30-7.30pm and 7.30-8.30pm.  The club is for children aged 8 years+ that are confident swimmers and who want to learn lifesaving skills in and out of the water.  Call the centre on 01902 898202 to book.

• Badminton Bookings Being taken

Leisure centres are now taking bookings for badminton.  Government guidelines state that bookings are for singles games only (just two players per court) and must be in the same family bubble or support bubble.

• Latest Leisure News

Your local leisure centres are continuing to gradually resume provisions with the gyms, swimming pools, toning suites, badminton and various other activities now up and running. To stay up to date with the latest news from your leisure centre and to be kept informed as more activities are re-instated, subscribe to receive free updates please click here.

• Good Life – Health and Fitness in the Community

We are delighted to have resumed our ‘Walking for Health’ programme which provides a programme of weekly instructor-led walks for varying abilities.

We also look forward to our Gentle Exercise class programme resuming from 17 May which provides access to a range of weekly fitness classes taking place at various community venues across the district.   Click here for more information on health and fitness in the community.  

• Community News

 Street Scene

As part of Staffordshire County Council’s in-year additional investment into environmental highway improvement activities, Street Scene over the last few weeks have been carrying out additional grass cutting of highway verges and detritus removal from various locations around the district. The work has included the cutting back of verges, overgrowing footpaths and encroaching vegetation and has prompted several compliments from both residents and Members. Please click on the link to see a handful of sites showing before and after photographs. Please click here to see some of the sites showing before and after photographs.

• Council Job Vacancies
• Technical Support Officer (Part-Time).  Closing 20 May 2021 at 5pm.  Application details.
• Relief Receptionist (Wombourne Leisure Centre).  Closing midnight on 12 May 2021. Application details.
• Professional Lead for Peer Support (NHS vacancy). Closing 30 April 2021.  Application details.

 

Helpful Resources

• Staffordshire Libraries
• On Monday 12 April Staffordshire Libraries safely reopened. You can now return books, request books and order books for pick up via ‘order & collect’ and ‘grab & go.’ You can also book in advance computers and printers for essential use within the open libraries.
• You can follow on Facebook for a range of activities and events including Story Time, Baby Bounce & Rhyme and Craft Time. You can also join an Adult Book Chat, Creative Writing or Wellness groups. Simply visit Facebook/Staffordshire Libraries to take part.
• For opening times visit or more information about their current service visit staffordshire.gov.uk/libraries 

• SEND Resources

Free online classes for parents with children with special educational needs (SEND)

Find out what support is available for your child.

This online Zoom workshop will help you to understand:​

• What are Special Educational Needs?​
• What is the legal framework?​
• What is SEN Support?​
• Education, Health & Care Plans (EHCPs/EHC Plans)​
• Your right to appeal​
• What support is available

• Tuesday 11^th May 2021 19:30-21:30      Book here
• Thursday 13^th May 2021 10:00-12:00     Book here

Find more workshops and other advice and opportunities at www.contact.org.uk

• Virtual SUN Session

SUN sessions are networking and information sharing sessions between parents, carers, young people, schools and services, for anyone living with or working with a child or young person with SEND. It is an opportunity to find out/share what is happening locally, and what support and services might be available

• Thursday 17th June 1.00pm – 2.00pm South Staff

Numbers will be limited therefore booking is essential. If you are a parent, carer, young person or a service provider and would like to attend please email: sun@staffordshire.gov.uk or telephone 01785 356921

• Click here for further information

• Bookstart – Toddler Animal Special Bear Club
• Free and Online 30-minute sessions.
• The programmes share stories, rhymes and other activities to support your child’s language development the fun way!
• There are 4 sessions:
• Thursday 6^th May at 10:30
• Thursday 13^th May at 10:30
• Thursday 20^th May at 10:30
• Thursday 27^th May at 10:30

• If you want to join the fun, Contact Jenny for more information fss@sctsp.org.uk

• Safer communities and safeguarding
  • Domestic Abuse
    • Demand on domestic abuse support services has increased, and additional funding has been provided to increase service provision. Useful information and contact details can be found below:
      • Make a stand, Help tackle abuse and neglect
      • Domestic abuse victim support

• The helpline for New Era Victim Support is 0300 303 3778
• The Big Ask – a national survey for children open 19^th April to 19^th May

The new Children’s Commissioner for England, Dame Rachel de Souza, has launched The Big Ask – the largest ever consultation with children aged 4 to 17 in England. It aims to find out children’s concerns and aspirations about the future, so that children can be put at the heart of our country’s recovery from the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Parents, care leavers and those working with children are also invited to complete the adult survey to share their views about the future for children and young people today, and what they think is holding young people back. The results from this survey will help the Children’s Commissioner identify the barriers preventing children from reaching their potential, put forward solutions and set ambitious goals for the country to achieve.

• Donate I.T

The Community Foundation for Staffordshire is providing recycled I.T. equipment to local people who don’t have the basic items they need to learn, apply for jobs, access health services, and reduce loneliness.

To help Staffordshire County Council have set up eight drop off points within libraries, where people can donate I.T. equipment they are no longer using. In South Staffordshire this is Perton Library, and you can drop off the following:

• laptop (with charger)
• tablet
• keyboard
• mouse
• Click here to find out more about the Donate I.T scheme or ask about the scheme at your local library.

 

This week’s news from around the Council.

Council News

• Elections staff required for 6 May
  • Over the election period, we require retainer staff (for Covid-19 resilience), who will be willing to be available all day in case they are needed at short notice. They will be paid £50, regardless of whether they are called upon. If they are needed, the normal fee for such position will be provided. In addition to this, they will also be paid to attend essential training. For further information please email elections@sstaffs.gov.uk. 

• On 6 May, we also require a number of Presiding Officers to work in some of our Polling Stations across the District. These are paid positions with an additional payment for attending essential training:
  • Station 2 Village Hall, Joeys Lane
  • Station 5 Holy Cross Church Hall, Bilbrook Road
  • Station 33 Harrison Sports and Social Club, Great Wyrley
  • Station 48 Village Hall, Stourton
  • Station 51 Victory Hall, Lower Penn
  • Station 52 Crown Room at the Dartmouth Arms
  • For further information please email elections@sstaffs.gov.uk.

 

• Elections Update

On Thursday 6 May 2021 residents in South Staffordshire will have their say on who represents them at The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Election, County Council Elections and Parish By-Elections. We are already making plans to help residents stay safe while casting their vote. All Polling Stations will be Covid-19 compliant.

• 2021 Easy Read Guide to Voting in the May local and Police and Crime Commissioner elections in England.

• Notices of Elections can be found on the Council website.
• The Statement of Persons Nominated have now been published for:
  • County
  • Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner
  • Parish By-Elections

 

• The Postal Vote application form can be found here.
  The last day for applications for Postal Votes is 5pm on 20 April.
  • Please note: Royal Mail has 35,000 Priority Post Boxes, these boxes have late collection times with 98% of them having a collection time of after 4:00pm. Please click here to find a priority box in your local area.
• The Proxy Vote application form can be found here. Asking a trusted person to vote on your behalf. The last day for applications for Proxy Votes is 5:00 pm 27 April.
• In preparation for this year’s elections, we have had to make some changes to our Poll Stations. This is for a variety of reasons, we were asked by central government to look at alternatives for schools, a couple of our stations are currently being used as vaccination centres, and one station was no longer available. The new stations will be printed on the Poll Cards that go out, and we will also send a letter to those households that are affected by the changes. To find out if your Polling Station has changed, please click here.
• Find your Polling Station here.
• A guide to polling day – Everything you need to know about voting in person.

 

• Leisure Centres successfully re-opened 12 April

The leisure centres re-opened this week and we are pleased to say that systems ran smoothly and everyone seemed to enjoy their visit. The centres are open to members and non-members with a joining offer currently available for a limited time only.

• JOIN NOW, RECEIVE APRIL FREE
• Further discounts of membership fees in May and June
• Free and complimentary access to online and on-demand exercise classes

To join, call your local centre to arrange an appointment or complete the membership form here  and direct debit form here and email them to us at Leisure@sstaffs.gov.uk

• New Outdoor Exercise Classes

Both Codsall and Wombourne Leisure Centres are offering outdoor exercise classes which are available to members and non-members to book.

• Codsall outdoor class programme can be found here and customers can book by calling the centre on 01902 844032.
• Wombourne outdoor class programme can be found here and you can book by calling the centre on 01902 898202.

• Free Youth Fitness Session

South Staffordshire Leisure Centres are offering a free online fitness class every Monday 4.20pm-5pm for 10-16 year olds. Advanced booking for the free youth session is required, and you can reserve your place here.

• Council Job Vacancies
  • Relief Leisure Assistant, Wombourne Leisure Centre. Closing 5pm on 18 April 2021.  Application information
  • Relief Swimming Instructor at Wombourne Leisure Centre. Closing 5pm on 28 April 2021. Application information

• Next week’s Council Committee/Panel meetings
• Planning Committee – Tuesday, 20 April 2021 – 6.30 pm – Public virtual meeting via Teams.
• Members of the public can virtually attend these meetings via Microsoft Teams. In the news section at the bottom of the Council’s website, you will find the relevant news item that will include a link to enable you to join.

 

Covid-19 updates

• Covid-19 Roadmap

• Information on the Governments roadmap can be found here.
• The latest figures in Staffordshire, including a district breakdown can be found here or

you can check your areas statistics by putting in your postcode here.

• On 12 April additional restrictions were lifted:
  • The following were reopened: non-essential retail; personal care premises such as hairdressers and nail salons; and public buildings, including libraries and community centres. Indoor leisure facilities such as gyms will also reopen (but only for use by people on their own or in household groups); as will most outdoor attractions and settings including outdoor hospitality venues, zoos, theme parks, and drive-in cinemas. Self-contained accommodation such as campsites and holiday lettings, where indoor facilities are not shared with other households, can also reopen.
  • Hospitality venues will be allowed to serve people outdoors at Step 2 and there will be no need for customers to order a substantial meal with alcoholic drinks and no curfew, although customers must order, eat and drink while seated (‘table service’). Wider social contact rules will apply in all these settings to prevent indoor mixing between different households.
  • Events – While funerals can continue with up to 30 mourners, the number of people able to attend weddings, receptions and commemorative events such as wakes will rise to 15. Click here for Covid-19 guidance on wedding planning.

 

• Staffordshire County Council have published a frequently asked questions page on their website.
• Everyone should be getting tested twice weekly. This can be done through the Community Testing sites, workplace testing or by ordering tests to do at home (if you cannot get to a place to collect them). Click here for information on the pop-up testing sites or to order your home testing kits.
• Guidance for the safe use of multi-purpose community facilities

On 12 April an updated guidance came into effect for those managing community centres, village halls and other community facilities on safely re-opening to reflect changes to national lockdown rules. Click here to read the full guidance on the safe use of multi-purpose community facilities.

• Step 2 – Re-opening of Businesses (Environmental Health & Licensing team)

Its good to see businesses starting to reopen again. The Environmental Health Team are focussing on assisting businesses with opening safely. Outdoor hospitality is now allowed to open as the risks associated with outdoor areas is lower, however businesses (with the help of its customers) are still required to have certain controls in place.

The big challenge this week has been outdoor seating! Hospitality business serving alcohol at the premises, require customers to order, be served and eat and drink whilst seated (and pay) outdoors.

They must have other measures in place as well all designed to make sure customers are as safe as can be., such as:

• Customers do not go to the bar to be served
• Rule of 6 or 2 households
• The group of 6 customers or two households seated at a distance from another such group
• Groups of customers – rule of 6 or 2 households, do not interact with other groups
• Tables are positioned at safe distances
• Customers can use indoor toilet facilities, baby changing and feeding areas
  and a few other rules!

The challenge officers face is being fair to businesses, but at the same time making sure they are compliant. Many of our businesses have got great ideas and have managed to organise their outdoor spaces really well.

We are working with some businesses where the outdoor structures currently do not comply, to find solutions to these problems, so they can use their spaces safely.

 

 

• Covid-19 – Key messages
  Things are continuing to improve across the health system, with fewer outbreaks and people becoming hospitalised. Conversations are now taking place around the restoration and recovery of services. But there are concerns of a third wave; Covid-19 isn’t going to disappear anytime soon. Please read and heed these messages:
  • Hands, Face, Space and Fresh Air
  • Get routinely tested. This is so important as lockdown restrictions are eased.
  • Get vaccinated when it becomes available to you.
  • Whilst vaccination uptake is good in Staffordshire, there is still lower uptake from the following groups: autism, renal and liver failure, sickle cell disease, severe mental illness and those who are alcohol dependent. If you know of anyone in these groups, please encourage them to take up the vaccine by calling 119 and to seek support.
  • Everyone, including those who have been vaccinated, must continue to comply with current restrictions and still get tested regularly.

 

• Next Step on the Roadmap

The next step on the Government’s proposed timetable for easing restrictions is no earlier than 17 May, where the easing of social distancing measures could see limits of meeting people indoors and outdoors relaxed.  This could also see the reopening of indoor hospitality and other businesses in all but the highest risk settings.  However, this will only happen if we take personal responsibility. Just remember – Face, Hands, Space & Fresh Air and Vaccination and Vigilance.

This is our way out of lockdown! Please don’t give up now!

• Get routinely tested – This week’s testing sites in South Staffordshire

It is important to attend lateral flow testing routinely, irrespective of whether you have had the vaccine or not. You can get a rapid Covid-19 test at any of our community testing sites, provided you are asymptomatic, you are not self-isolating, you have not had a positive Covid-19 test in the last 90 days, and you are not part of another regular asymptomatic testing programme.

 

South Staffordshire’s semi-permanent Covid-19 Lateral Flow Testing (LFT) site for the week commencing 19 April, will be Wombourne Library, Church Road, Wombourne WV5 9EZ:

• Monday 00-16.00
• Tuesday 00-14.00
• Wednesday 00-16.00
• Thursday 00-19.00
• Friday 00-16.00
• Saturday 00-16.00
• Sunday 00-16.00

Next week’s Covid-19 community testing pop-up sites in South Staffordshire are:

• Monday 19 April     

Perton Civic 10.00-12.30

Haling Dene 14.00-16.00

• Tuesday 20 April  
  Coven Memorial 10.00-13.30
• Wednesday 21 April    

Essington Community Centre 10.00-12.30

Great Wyrley Scout Hut 14.00-16.00

Penkridge Market 8.00-14.00

• Saturday 24 April
  Hollybush Garden Centre 10.00-16.00
• Anyone with symptoms should not attend and instead book a PCR test online here.

 

• Support during the Pandemic
  • The Council can help arrange local support for shopping, prescriptions, and other necessities if anyone is self-isolating, who has an underlying health condition and cannot call upon friends, family or neighbours. Further information can be found here.
  • Residents can use the Government’s online Test and Trace Support Payment page to check their eligibility if they need to self-isolate because of Covid-19 and cannot work from home. The site allows the public to input their postcode to find their local authorities relevant webpage.

 

 

 

 

 

Helpful Resources 

• Staffordshire Libraries
• On Monday 12 April Staffordshire Libraries safely reopened. You can now return books, request books and order books for pick up via ‘order & collect’ and ‘grab & go.’

• Public computers and printing are available for essential use within the open libraries if booked in advance. For more information about bookings or printing contact your local library.

• The mobile library service will also return to the roads offering an ‘order & collect’ service at a limited number of stops.
• When visiting a Staffordshire Library, you will be required to wear a mask or face covering. NHS Test and Trace will be operated within all library buildings and books will continue to be quarantined after handling.

• You can follow on Facebook for a range of activities and events including Story Time, Baby Bounce & Rhyme and Craft Time. You can also join an Adult Book Chat, Creative Writing or Wellness groups. Simply visit Facebook/Staffordshire Libraries to take part.

• The online library is open 24 hours a day for FREE eBooks, eAudio, eMagazines, eComics and eNewspapers.

• For opening times visit or more information about their current service visit staffordshire.gov.uk/libraries

• Building Resilience in Families and Communities

Staffordshire County Council commission a Family Support Service (FSS). The service offers holistic support to families that most need support.  Please read the story below of how the FSS helped one family in South Staffordshire (the family have agreed to share):

This family was deemed vulnerable and referred to the FSS. The family have a child aged 5 who is struggling with Enuresis. The child has siblings and Mum was stressed with all the concerns within the family during Covid-19 lockdown, particularly the conflict between the 5-year-old and his older siblings.

 

A keyworker was allocated to the family to understand all the issues. She accessed funding to purchase equipment for the child to support with the Enuresis. The keyworker also worked with the older siblings and introduced a ‘good choices and rewards’ scheme which encouraged changes in behaviour in the older siblings. The keyworker helped the family look at better-off benefits and return to work options, which resulted in Dad finding employment.

 

The keyworker referred mum to an online parenting programme which also focuses on parental wellbeing. This in turn, helped mum to remain calmer when managing her children. If you need support you can self-refer by calling the FSS on 01901 424147. They will assess your referral to see if you meet their criterion for support.

• Safer communities and safeguarding
  • Domestic Abuse
    • Demand on domestic abuse support services has increased, and additional funding has been provided to increase service provision. Useful information and contact details can be found below:
      • Make a stand, Help tackle abuse and neglect
      • Domestic abuse victim support
    • The helpline for New Era Victim Support is 0300 303 3778 

 

Everyone is encouraged to submit news items, please email: comms@sstaffs.gov.uk

 

 

1921 – 2021

Bilbrook Parish Council joins the nation in mourning the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh.  Since his marriage to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1947, he has dedicated his life to serving the Nation and supporting Her Majesty throughout her reign.  

As a mark of respect, during the period of Royal mourning, the Union Flag on Bilbrook  Village Green will fly at half-mast.

Friday, 9 April 2021

 

 

 

This week’s news from around the Council.

 

Covid-19 updates

 

• Covid-19 Roadmap
  • The Government’s 4 Step Roadmap out of Lockdown can be found here.
  • Further information on the Governments roadmap can be found here.
  • As of 26 March 2021, the total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in Staffordshire is now 58,953.

• In South Staffordshire, the number of cases for the week 21 to 27 March was 43: a significant drop thanks to the majority of people complying with the restrictions.

• The latest figures in Staffordshire, including a district breakdown can be found here or

you can check your areas statistics by putting in your postcode here.

• 29 March saw another phase of the roadmap being implemented. It came with a spell of glorious weather allowing 2 household bubbles (or 6 people) to mix/meet outdoors. It is yet to be seen how this has affected case transmissions.

• Public Health England are urging people not to hug. As restrictions ease, people may start to relax. Please continue to be vigilant as things can change quickly and the next easing of restrictions on 12 April will only happen if Covid-19 data shows a downward trend. We do not want to go back into full lockdown – remember hands, face, space and fresh air – meet outside!
• Everyone in a household where children and young people are at school or college should be getting tested twice weekly. This can be done through the Community Testing sites, workplace testing or by ordering tests to do at home (if you cannot get to a place to collect them). Click here for information on the pop-up testing sites or to order your home testing kits.
• A reminder of the current rules from 29 March:
  • Social contact – Outdoor gatherings (including in private gardens) of either 6 people (the Rule of 6) or 2 households will now be allowed.
  • Business and activities – Outdoor sports facilities such as tennis and basketball courts, and open-air swimming pools will also be allowed to reopen, and people will be able to take part in formally organised outdoor sports. Grassroot football will also start up, however, there remains very strict rules around who can attend, so click here for more information.
  • Travel – The ‘stay at home’ rule will end on 29 March, but many restrictions will remain in place. People should continue to work from home where they can and minimise the number of journeys they make where possible. Travel abroad will continue to be prohibited, other than for a small number of permitted reasons. Holidays abroad will not be allowed.

• With additional easing of restrictions from 12 April, people will want to continue with their wedding plans. Click here for Covid-19 guidance on wedding planning.

• From 1 April, Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (CEV) individuals are no longer advised to shield but must continue to follow the rules in place for everyone under the current national restrictions and continue to take extra precautions. If a vulnerable person is concerned about the impact of Covid-19 on their health, encourage them to speak to their GP, hospital clinician or use NHS 111. If someone is vulnerable or at risk and needs help with shopping, medication or other essential supplies, they should call 0808 196 3646 (8 am to 8pm).

• Covid-19 – Key messages
  Things are continuing to improve across the health system, with fewer outbreaks and people becoming hospitalised. Conversations are now taking place around the restoration and recovery of services, but Covid-19 isn’t going to disappear anytime soon, so please read and heed these messages:
  • Hands, Face, Space and Fresh Air
  • Get routinely tested. This is so important as lockdown restrictions are eased.
  • Get vaccinated when it becomes available to you.
  • Whilst vaccination uptake is good in Staffordshire, there is still lower uptake from the following groups: autism, renal and liver failure, sickle cell disease, severe mental illness and those who are alcohol dependent. If you know of anyone in these groups, please encourage them to take up the vaccine by calling 119 and to seek support.
  • Everyone, including those who have been vaccinated, must continue to comply with current restrictions and still get tested regularly.
  • Have a happy and safe Easter – meet outside; don’t hug!
  • 12 April isn’t far away so let’s not ruin it now!
• Important Notice about the Covid-19 Vaccines

Dr Phil Bryan, MHRA Vaccines Safety Lead said: “The benefits of the vaccine in preventing Covid-19, with its associated risk of hospitalisation and death, far outweigh the risks of side effects. People should go and get their Covid-19 vaccine when asked to do so. It is still the case that it has not been confirmed the reported blood clots were caused by the Covid-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca. Blood clots can occur naturally and are not uncommon. Our role is to continually monitor safety during widespread use of a vaccine. We also work closely with our public health and international partners in reviewing the effectiveness and impact of the vaccines to ensure the benefits continue to outweigh any possible side effects. People should still go and get their Covid-19 vaccine when asked to do so. For further vaccination information, see our statement and advice published on 11 March.”

• Get routinely tested – This week’s testing sites in South Staffordshire

It is important to attend lateral flow testing routinely, irrespective of whether you have had the vaccine or not. You can get a rapid Covid-19 test at any of our community testing sites, provided you are asymptomatic, you are not self-isolating, you have not had a positive Covid-19 test in the last 90 days, and you are not part of another regular asymptomatic testing programme.

South Staffordshire’s semi-permanent Covid-19 Lateral Flow Testing (LFT) site this week, will be Wombourne Library, Church Road, Wombourne WV5 9EZ:

• 2 April Closed
• 3 April Testing 10.00 a.m. to 16.00 p.m
• 4 April Closed
• 5 April Closed
• 6 April Testing: 8.00 a.m. to 14.00 p.m
• 7 April Testing: 10.00 a.m. to 16.00 p.m
• 8 April Testing: 13.00 p.m. to 19.00 p.m
• 9 April Testing 10.00.a.m. to 16.00 p.m
• 10 April        Testing 10.00.a.m. to 16.00 p.m
• 11 April Testing 10.00.a.m. to 16.00 p.m

 

This week’s Covid-19 community testing pop-up sites in South Staffordshire are:

• Friday 2 April (Good Friday)
  • No testing
• Saturday 3 April
  • Essington Community Centre, Hobnock Road, Essington. WV11 2RF.
    10am-12.30pm
  • Great Wyrley Scout and Guide Hut, Walsall Road, Great Wyrley. WS6 6LA.
    2pm-4pm
• Sunday 4 April (Easter Sunday)
  • No testing
• Monday 5 April (Easter Monday)
  • No testing
• Tuesday 6 April
  • Great Wyrley Scout and Guide Hut, Walsall Road, Great Wyrley. WS6 6LA.
    10am-1.30pm
• Wednesday 7 April
  • Featherstone Hall Community Centre, Baneberry Drive, Featherstone. WV10 7TR. 10am – 12.30pm
  • Essington Community Centre, Hobnock Road, Essington. WV11 2RF.
    2pm-4pm
• Thursday 8 April
  • Perton Civic Hall, Church Road, Perton. WV6 7PD.
    10am-12.30pm
  • Calf Heath Village Hall TBC, Straight Mile, Calf Heath, W-ton. WV10 7DW.
    2pm-4pm

 

Anyone with symptoms should not attend and instead book a PCR test online here.

• Support during the Pandemic
  • The Council can help arrange local support for shopping, prescriptions, and other necessities if anyone is self-isolating, who has an underlying health condition and cannot call upon friends, family or neighbours. Further information can be found here.
  • Residents can use the Government’s online Test and Trace Support Payment page to check their eligibility if they need to self-isolate because of Covid-19 and cannot work from home. The site allows the public to input their postcode to find their local authorities relevant webpage.

• Covid-19 – Staffordshire Warmer Homes
  Partnership organisation, Staffordshire Warmer Homes, are offering financial support to those in financial distress due to Covid-19 this winter and have money for fuel to give to those in need of up to £200. Please share this link with any South Staffordshire residents who may be eligible for this financial support.

 Council News

• Elections Update:
  • Notices of Elections have now gone up and can be found on the Council website.
  • Some Poll Stations have changed, for a full list please go to the Council website.
  • Poll Cards will be delivered through letter boxes over the next few days.
  • We are currently receiving nominations – the deadline for this is 8 April.
  • You can register to vote here. The deadline for registering to vote is 19 April.
  • You can apply for a Postal Vote here. The last day for applications for Postal Votes is 5pm on 20 April. 

• Introducing Beat the Cold

From the 1 of April 2021, Beat The Cold are the new partnership organisation for the South Staffordshire Council’s Warmer Homes Service. They are an independent charity who work towards reducing incidences of cold related illnesses and fuel poverty, as well as energy efficiency through home improvements, for low income and vulnerable residents. For more information on our new partnership, Beat The Cold, follow this link.

• Leisure Centres Re-opening 12 April

The leisure centres are prepared for their doors to re-open on 12 April, at which point the gyms, pools and toning suites can resume. The facilities will be open to members and non-members and bookings are already being taken. Swimming lessons will re-start on a phased basis and the Swim Academy coordinator will be in touch to confirm children’s places. Exercise classes will resume from 17 May and the centres aim to reinstate all other facilities as quickly and safely as possible. To stay up to date with the latest news follow the leisure centres on Facebook or subscribe to our e-alerts

• Re-start your fitness journey

Leisure centre members can enjoy April free of charge and will be given discounts of £5 per month off their membership fees in May and June, plus free access to online and on-demand classes for a limited time.

The leisure centres will be taking on new members who can join now and pay nothing until May.  New joiners will also receive discounts on membership fees in May and June, and access to online classes. To find out more or to sign up email us at Leisure@sstaffs.gov.uk

• FREE Youth Box Fit

Young people aged 10-16 are invited to join a free online fitness session which will be starting on Monday 5 April 4.20-5pm. A parent/guardian must be present to supervise the child throughout the session. To book a place on Youth Box Fit click here.   

• Council Job Vacancies
• Member Support Officer (x1 full time Perm & x1 full time fixed term), Closing 5pm Tuesday 13 April 2021 – application information.
• Next week’s Council Committee/Panel meetings
  • Wellbeing Select Committee – Tuesday, 6 April 2021 – 5.00 pm – Public virtual meeting via Teams.

Members of the public can virtually attend these meetings via Microsoft Teams. In the news section at the bottom of the Council’s website, you will find the relevant news item that will include a link to enable you to join.

Good News Stories

 

• 1,500 trees have been planted

Thanks to the efforts of the Street Scene tree team, Cheslyn Hay leisure centre and the Friends of Bilbrook, 1,500 trees were planted on three sites across the district this week to help with the local response to climate change. The native broad leaf trees are funded by the Urban Tree Challenge fund, and were planted at Strawberry Lane Cemetery, Stephenson’s Drive Perton and Jubilee Wood Bilbrook. Thanks especially to the staff from Cheslyn Hay leisure centre, including Matt How, Jane Turner, Becky Worrall, Lee Hodgkinson, Jo Peel and Demi Holland.

 

  

Helpful Resources

 

• Staffordshire Libraries

Staffordshire Libraries have some fantastic online services, some just for fun, and others to provide you with support. To find out more about the Libraries services and for information on how they intend to open safely when able to do so, please click here.

• Community garden week 2021

Community garden week 2021 celebrates the amazing community and school gardens across the UK and will take place from 05 April – 11 April this year. For more information and a chance to enter your community or school garden in a competition, please click here.

• Bowel Cancer Awareness Month
  A treatable cancer when caught early #stopbowelcancer. Click here for more information on Bowel Cancer Awareness Month.
• Parkinson’s Awareness Week
  World Parkinson’s week starts Sunday 11 April 2021 and ends on Saturday 17 April. This year’s theme is focused on the mental health aspect of living with Parkinson’s. Click here for further information on Parkinson’s Awareness Week. Parkinson’s Care and Support UK will be launching the first ever Parkinson’s Mental Health Support Hub.
• Dementia – Day Opportunities

Information on activities and support for people with dementia and other complex needs across Staffordshire, can be found here. Day opportunities are still available with strict Covid-19 compliance, but other alternatives are also available.

 

• Let’s Beat Loneliness Together
• Further information on beating loneliness together, can be found here.
• Further information on befriending services can be found here.
• Staffordshire Together for Carers

Do you have a family member, friend or neighbour who cannot manage without your support? Staffordshire Together for Carers Service is delivered by n-compass in partnership with a range of organisations committed to supporting Carers. If you would like to talk to us about how we may be able to help you or access our services, please get in touch:

Telephone: 0300 303 0621 (calls charged at local rate)

Text: 07786 201226

General Email: enquiries@staffordshiretogetherforcarers.org.uk

Online Chat: www.n-compass.org.uk/our-services/carers

Address: FREEPOST Staffordshire Together for Carers Service

• Safer communities and safeguarding
  • Domestic Abuse
    • Demand on domestic abuse support services has increased, and additional funding has been provided to increase service provision. Useful information and contact details can be found below:
      • Make a stand, Help tackle abuse and neglect
      • Domestic abuse victim support
    • The helpline for New Era Victim Support is 0300 303 3778

Everyone is encouraged to submit news items, please email: comms@sstaffs.gov.uk

 

 

This week’s news from around the Council.

Covid-19 updates

• One-year anniversary of the first lockdown

Tuesday 23 March 2021 marked the one-year anniversary of the first lockdown.  A time of reflection, sadness, and much loss, but also a time to look to the future. The Covid-19 virus is here to stay for the foreseeable future, however, we can all do our bit to stop the spread, protect our loved ones and support our communities. There is light at the end of this long tunnel, but only if we stick to the rules.

• Covid-19 Roadmap
  • The latest figures in Staffordshire, including a district breakdown can be found here.
  • You can check your areas statistics by putting in your postcode here.
  • The Government’s 4 Step Roadmap out of Lockdown can be found here.
  • Further information on the Governments roadmap can be found here.
  • It is nearly three weeks since the Government started easing up restrictions, with the main one being that children returned to school. Thankfully, Covid-19 cases have continued to fall, which is the main criteria that will see the implementation of further easing of restrictions. Please continue to be vigilant as things can change quickly.
  • Everyone in a household where children and young people are at school or college should be getting tested twice weekly. This can be done through the Community Testing sites, workplace testing or by ordering tests to do at home (if you cannot get to a place to collect them). Click here for information on the pop-up testing sites or to order your home testing kits.
  • Not long now before the next step of phase one – 29 March. The ‘stay at home’ rule will be lifted but restrictions remain in place. The following is a summary of the additional easing to the restrictions:
    • Social contact – Outdoor gatherings (including in private gardens) of either 6 people (the Rule of 6) or 2 households will now be allowed.
    • Business and activities – Outdoor sports facilities such as tennis and basketball courts, and open-air swimming pools will also be allowed to reopen, and people will be able to take part in formally organised outdoor sports. Grassroot football will also start up, however, there remains very strict rules around who can attend, so click here for more information.
    • Travel – The ‘stay at home’ rule will end on 29 March, but many restrictions will remain in place. People should continue to work from home where they can and minimise the number of journeys they make where possible. Travel abroad will continue to be prohibited, other than for a small number of permitted reasons. Holidays abroad will not be allowed.

• From 1 April, Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (CEV) individuals are no longer advised to shield but must continue to follow the rules in place for everyone under the current national restrictions and continue to take extra precautions.

• Covid-19 – Key messages
  Things are continuing to improve across the health system, with fewer patients and outbreaks. Conversations are now taking place around the restoration and recovery of services, but Covid-19 isn’t going to disappear anytime soon, so please read and heed these messages:
  • Hands, Face, Space.
  • Get routinely tested (please see ‘Get routinely testes’ news item).
  • Get vaccinated when it becomes available to you (please see news item below).
  • The vaccine rollout continues to be hugely successful – The Midlands leads the way as first to reach five million vaccines landmark.
  • Everyone, including those who have been vaccinated, must continue to comply with current restrictions and still get tested regularly.
  • Most people are complying with the restrictions and it is only the minority who are not. We recognise the difficulties people are facing and are grateful for those who are complying.
  • Have a happy and safe Easter.

• Important Notice about the Covid-19 Vaccines

Dr Phil Bryan, MHRA Vaccines Safety Lead said: “The benefits of the vaccine in preventing Covid-19, with its associated risk of hospitalisation and death, far outweigh the risks of side effects. People should go and get their Covid-19 vaccine when asked to do so. It is still the case that it has not been confirmed the reported blood clots were caused by the Covid-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca. Blood clots can occur naturally and are not uncommon. Our role is to continually monitor safety during widespread use of a vaccine. We also work closely with our public health and international partners in reviewing the effectiveness and impact of the vaccines to ensure the benefits continue to outweigh any possible side effects. People should still go and get their COVID-19 vaccine when asked to do so. For further vaccination information, see our statement and advice published on 11 March.” 

• Get routinely tested – This week’s testing sites in South Staffordshire

It is important to attend lateral flow testing routinely, irrespective of whether you have had the vaccine or not. You can get a rapid Covid-19 test at any of our community testing sites, provided you are asymptomatic, you are not self-isolating, you have not had a positive Covid-19 test in the last 90 days, and you are not part of another regular asymptomatic testing programme. The Covid-19 community testing pop-up sites in South Staffordshire for 29 March – 4 April 2021 are:

Monday 29 March

• Perton Civic Hall, Church Road, Perton. WV6 7PD – 10am-12.30pm
• Haling Dene Centre, Cannock Road, Penkridge. ST19 5DT – 2pm-4pm

Tuesday 30 March

• Great Wyrley Scout and Guide Hut, Walsall Road, Great Wyrley. WS6 6LA – 10am-1.30pm

Wednesday 31 March

• Featherstone Hall Community Centre, Baneberry Drive, Featherstone. WV10 7TR – 10am – 12.30pm
• Essington Community Centre, Hobnock Road, Essington. WV11 2RF – 2pm-4pm

Thursday 1 April

• Perton Civic Hall, Church Road, Perton. WV6 7PD – 10am-12.30pm
• Calf Heath Village Hall TBC, Straight Mile, Calf Heath, Wolverhampton. WV10 7DW – 2pm-4pm

Good Friday

• No testing

Saturday 3 April

• Essington Community Centre, Hobnock Road, Essington. WV11 2RF – 10am-12.30pm
• Great Wyrley Scout and Guide Hut, Walsall Road, Great Wyrley. WS6 6LA – 2pm-4pm

Easter Sunday

• No testing

South Staffordshire’s semi-permanent Covid-19 Lateral Flow Testing (LFT) site will be Wombourne Library, Church Road , Wombourne WV5 9EZ (Monday – Thursday and Saturday). 

Anyone with symptoms should not attend and instead book a PCR test online here.

• Support during the Pandemic
  • CEV’s without friends, family, or other support networks to rely on will continue to be able to register to request priority access to supermarket delivery slots until the 31 March via the National Shielding Service System website.
  • The NHS Volunteer Responders Programme will continue providing support with food, prescriptions, and essential items to those who are self-isolating. This also includes anyone that is clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) or anyone that is vulnerable for another reason. Contact the NHS Volunteer Responders on 0808 196 3646 or click here for more information on the NHS Volunteer Responders Programme. 

• The Council can also help arrange local support for shopping, prescriptions and other necessities if anyone is self-isolating, who has an underlying health condition and cannot call upon friends, family or neighbours. Further information can be found here.
• Residents can use the Government’s online Test and Trace Support Payment page to check their eligibility if they need to self-isolate because of Covid-19 and cannot work from home. The site allows the public to input their postcode to find their local authorities relevant webpage. 

Council News

• Elections Update:
  • Notices of Elections have now gone up and can be found on the Council website.
  • Some Poll Stations have changed, for a full list please go to the Council website.
  • Poll Cards will be delivered through letter boxes over the next few days.
  • We are currently receiving nominations – the deadline for this is 8 April.
  • You can register to vote here. The deadline for registering to vote is 19 April.
  • You can apply for a Postal Vote here. The last day for applications for Postal Votes is 5pm on 20 April.
• Good news for leisure members

As we approach April, we remain hopeful that, providing data and infection rates remain stable that our leisure centres gyms and pools will re-open on 12 April. We will be providing members with FREE access during April and going forward, membership fees will be reduced in May and June, until we are able to re-instate all facilities. Safety will be our absolute priority and we are confident that we can welcome everyone back into our covid-secure facilities. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook or subscribe to Leisure’s e-alerts.

• Council Job Vacancies
  • Member Support Officer (x1 full time perm & x1 full time fixed term), Closing midnight on Sunday 28 March 2021 – application information.
  • Customer Services General Advisor (12 month fixed term), Closing 5pm on Friday 26 March 2021 – application information.
• Next week’s Council Committee/Panel meetings
  • Full Council – Tuesday, 30 March 2021 – 7.00 pm – Public virtual meeting via Teams.

Members of the public can virtually attend these meetings via Microsoft Teams. In the news section at the bottom of the Council’s website, you will find the relevant news item that will include a link to enable you to join.

 Good News Stories

• ‘Communities and Parks’ award at the LTA Tennis Awards.

Cheslyn Hay Tennis, a tennis community group, have won the ‘Communities and Parks’ award at the LTA Tennis Awards. One of 18 national winners, Cheslyn Hay Tennis received the accolade from the governing body for tennis in Britain on account of their efforts to encourage more people into the sport at Cheslyn Hay Leisure Centre, Hednesford and Cannock Park.

Cheslyn Hay delivers a great range of community programmes, including Tennis for Free and SERVES, delivered through an amazing team of volunteers and coaches.

In a virtual ceremony, Cheslyn Hay were presented their award by Russell Fuller, BBC tennis correspondent. “The LTA Tennis Awards are a real celebration of the people that make our sport thrive,” said LTA president, David Rawlinson. “They celebrate the achievements made by outstanding volunteers, coaches, officials, venues and players, who are all vital in helping us to grow the game. “To be named a national winner out of over 2,000 public nominations is a fantastic achievement so I’d like to congratulate all of this year’s winners and extend my thanks to each and every one of them for all that they do to help tennis in Britain.”

As part of Sport England/SASSOT Covid-19 recovery, the tennis group are launching their offer of 200 free tennis lessons of 30 minutes to players of ages – perfect in getting players of all abilities started. You can find out more information about the Junior and Adult Tennis sessions taking place throughout the week here or alternatively, email cheslynhaytennis@live.com or phone 07969 829318.

 Helpful Resources

• Dementia – Day Opportunities
  • Information on activities and support for people with dementia and other complex needs across Staffordshire, can be found here. Day opportunities are still available with strict Covid-19 compliance.
  • Day Care at Home offers great support for individuals who are unable to attend our normal Day Opportunities centres.
  • Digitalising Day Care offers Sing-alongs, musical bingo, reminiscence, and other activities at home or in small groups.
• Let’s Beat Loneliness Together

Loneliness can affect anyone at any point. It can have an impact on our health, wellbeing, and self-esteem. In a recent survey 35% of Staffordshire residents reported that loneliness and isolation was a concern to them and 80% were worried about not seeing family and friends during lockdown.

• Further information on beating loneliness together, can be found here.
• Further information on befriending services can be found here. 

• Staffordshire Together for Carers

Do you have a family member, friend or neighbour who cannot manage without your support? Staffordshire Together for Carers Service is delivered by n-compass in partnership with a range of organisations committed to supporting Carers. If you would like to talk to us about how we may be able to help you or access our services, please get in touch:

Telephone: 0300 303 0621 (calls charged at local rate)

Text: 07786 201226

General Email: enquiries@staffordshiretogetherforcarers.org.uk

Online Chat: www.n-compass.org.uk/our-services/carers

Address: FREEPOST Staffordshire Together for Carers Service

Outside office opening hours registered Carers can talk to our team of supportive Volunteers on our Carers Help and Talk chatline. Call 0330 022 9297, lines are open 24/7.

• Bowel Cancer Awareness Month – April 2021
  A treatable cancer when caught early #stopbowelcancer. Click here for more information on Bowel Cancer awareness month.
• Parkinson’s Awareness Week
  World Parkinson’s week starts Sunday 11 April 2021 and ends on Saturday 17 April. This year’s theme is focused on the mental health aspect of living with Parkinson’s. Click here for further information on Parkinson’s Awareness week.

Parkinson’s Care and Support UK will be launching the first ever Parkinson’s Mental Health Support Hub.  More information can be found at their website. This will offer the following free services:

• Parkinson’s CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)– a GP referred service for people with Parkinson’s who are suffering from Anxiety or Depression.
• Parkinson’s ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)– a self -referred service for people with Parkinson’s who may be struggling to accept their diagnosis.
• Parkinson’s Bereavement Support Line– a support line for family carers whose loved one is coming towards the end of their life or for those who have lost a loved one with Parkinson’s.
• Parkinson’s Befriending and Companionship Network– a service designed to reduce isolation and loneliness for people living with Parkinson’s through peer support and visiting care. 

• Safer communities and safeguarding 

• Crime
  • A campaign is to be launched in the summer to talk with all Parish Councils about their perceptions of crime in their parish area and hold conversations about how the Community Safety Partnership can work with them and residents.
  • All crime is on a downward trend from 3306 to 2855 – down 14% (these figures are a comparison for April – Nov 2019 and April – Nov 2020).  

• Anti-Social Behaviour
  • There has, however, been an overall 5% increase in anti-social behaviour. Targeted work relating to ASB is being planned by the South Staffordshire Community Safety Partnership (off-road bikes and car cruising and hotspots relating to nuisance and drug related issues). Designated operations being undertaken by South Staffordshire Local Policing Team has seen several arrests and the seizure of 5 off-road bikes. Extra resources are being put in hotspot locations.
  • Data shows an increase in ASB, particularly in Locality 5:

Locality	April 2020 – February 2021	% change from previous year
1	204	2%
2	123	2%
3	477	6%
4	421	5%
5	472	13%
Total	1673	5%

• 
  Domestic Abuse
  • Demand on domestic abuse support services has increased, and additional funding has been provided to increase service provision. Useful information and contact details can be found below:
    • Make a stand, Help tackle abuse and neglect
    • Domestic abuse victim support
  • The helpline for New Era Victim Support is 0300 303 3778 

• Data shows an increase in Domestic Violence (in line with national trends) in all areas except locality 2:
• Locality information can be found here.

Everyone is encouraged to submit news items, please email: comms@sstaffs.gov.uk

 

 

 

 

This week’s news from around the Council.

Covid-19 updates 

• Covid-19 Roadmap
  • The latest figures in Staffordshire, including a district breakdown can be found here.
  • You can check your areas statistics by putting in your postcode here.
  • The Government’s 4 Step Roadmap out of Lockdown can be found here.
  • Further information on the Governments roadmap can be found here.
  • The Government’s roadmap went live on 8 March. It is the light at the end of a very long tunnel for us all, but these dates are not set in stone as they must be achieved.
  • On Monday 8 March, schools and colleges returned for face-to-face learning. Everyone in a household where children and young people are at school or college should be getting tested twice weekly. This can be done through the Community Testing sites, workplace testing or by ordering tests to do at home (if you cannot get to a place to collect them). Click here for information on the pop-up testing sites and to order your home testing kits.
  • The next step of phase one will take place on 29 March. The following is a summary of the additional easing to the restrictions:
    • Social contact – Outdoor gatherings (including in private gardens) of either 6 people (the Rule of 6) or 2 households will now be allowed.
    • Business and activities – Outdoor sports facilities such as tennis and basketball courts, and open-air swimming pools will also be allowed to reopen, and people will be able to take part in formally organised outdoor sports.
    • Travel – The ‘stay at home’ rule will end on 29 March, but many restrictions will remain in place. People should continue to work from home where they can and minimise the number of journeys they make where possible. Travel abroad will continue to be prohibited, other than for a small number of permitted reasons. Holidays abroad will not be allowed.

• Covid-19 Additional key messages
  • The key message remains – Hands, Face, Space.
  • Get routinely tested (please see news item below).
  • Get vaccinated when it becomes available to you. The latest vaccination data can be found here.
  • National text messaging is being introduced for vaccine call-up to the over-50s.
  • There is a push on health and social care workers to encourage vaccine uptake, especially among women of child-bearing age and members of certain communities.
  • Although the vaccine rollout continues to be hugely successful, the virus is still present, therefore everyone, including those who have been vaccinated, must continue to comply with current restrictions.
  • Most people are complying with the restrictions and it is only the minority who are not. We recognise the difficulties people are facing and are grateful for those who are complying.
  • Things are continuing to improve across the health system, with fewer patients and outbreaks. Conversations are now taking place around the restoration and recovery of services.
  • The Community Testing (LFT – lateral flow testing) programme has been expanded in recent weeks, with an increasing number of programmes being expanded to include home testing.

• Get routinely tested – This week’s testing sites in South Staffordshire

For residents who need to be out and about during lockdown or those living in a Covid-19 hotspot area it is important to attend lateral flow testing routinely, irrespective of whether they have had the vaccine or not. You can get a rapid Covid-19 test at any of our community testing sites, provided you’re asymptomatic, you’re not self-isolating, you haven’t had a positive Covid test in the last 90 days, and you’re not part of another regular asymptomatic testing programme. The Covid-19 community testing pop-up sites in South Staffordshire for 22 – 28 March 2021 are:

• Monday 22 March 2021

Perton, Civic Centre – 10am – 12:30pm

Penkridge, Haling Dene Centre – 2pm – 4pm

• Tuesday 23 March 2021

Great Wyrley Scout and Guide Hut –10am – 1.30pm

• Wednesday 24 March 2021

Featherstone, Community Centre – 10am -12:30pm

Essington, Community Centre – 2pm – 4pm

• Thursday 25 March 2021

Perton, Civic Centre – 10am – 12.30pm

Calf Heath, Village Hall – 2pm -4pm

• Saturday 27 March 2021

Essington, Community Centre – 10am – 12.30

Great Wyrley, Scout and Guide Hut – 2pm -4pm 

• South Staffordshire’s semi-permanent Covid-19 Lateral Flow Testing (LFT) site will be Wombourne Library, Church Road , Wombourne WV5 9EZ (please check the booking calendar, as times vary on some days). 

• Anyone with symptoms should not attend and instead book a PCR test online here.
• Support during the Pandemic
  • We can help arrange local support for shopping, prescriptions and other necessities if anyone is self-isolating, who has an underlying health condition and cannot call upon friends, family or neighbours. Further information can be found here.
  • Residents can use the Government’s online Test and Trace Support Payment page to check their eligibility if they need to self-isolate because of Covid-19 and cannot work from home. The site allows the public to input their postcode to find their local authorities relevant webpage. 

Council News

• Show your support TODAY – Leisure’s fundraising for Comic Relief
  In aid of Red Nose Day, we are asking everyone to join in our online exercise classes today (Friday 19 March) and in return, make a donation to comic relief. View the online class list here and click on ‘schedule’ to choose a class and make your booking.  To make a donation to Comic Relief, please click here. Staff have been urging people to show their support all week. Here’s Nat from Wombourne encouraging everyone to donate.

• Good news for leisure members

As we approach April, we remain hopeful that, providing data and infection rates remain stable that our leisure centres gyms and pools will re-open on 12 April. We will be providing members with FREE access during April and going forward, membership fees will be reduced in May and June, until we are able to re-instate all facilities. Safety will be our absolute priority and we are confident that we can welcome everyone back into our covid-secure facilities. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook or subscribe to Leisure’s e-alerts.

• Council Job Vacancies
  • Member Support Officer (x1 full time perm & x1 full time fixed term), Closing midnight on Sunday 28 March 2021 – application information.
  • Customer Services General Advisor (12 month fixed term), Closing 5pm on Friday 26 March 2021 – application information.
  • Career Graded Senior Planning Officers x2, Development Management, Closing 5pm Monday 22 March 2021 – application information.
  • Senior Arboricultural Officer Development Management, Closing 5pm Monday 22 March 2021 – application information.
  • Strategic Projects Assistant Team Manager, Development Management, Closing 5pm Monday 22 March 2021 – application information.

• Next week’s Council Committee/Panel meetings
  • Overview & Scrutiny Committee – Tuesday, 23 March 2021 – 6.30 pm – Public virtual meeting via Teams.
  • Licensing & Regulatory Committee – Thursday, 25 March 2021 – 2.30 pm – Public virtual meeting via Teams.

Members of the public can virtually attend these meetings via Microsoft Teams. In the news section at the bottom of the Council’s website, you will find the relevant news item that will include a link to enable you to join.

Good News Stories

• Kinver leads the way with Electric Vehicle charging points
  Kinver Parish Council has installed the first public EV charging points in the area, on the High Street car park. The Fast Charge EV points are available to the general public, as well as to local residents.  The installation was part funded by Government grant, with the purpose of ensuring that residents without off-street parking, can still charge their electric vehicles near to their homes.

The Parish Council spokesman said “We want to do all we can to tackle carbon emissions, by bringing forward practical solutions. That’s why Kinver Parish Council supports drivers to replace older polluting vehicles with cleaner ones.  There are no alternative public charging points within 5 miles, and provision of EV charging in the local area is well below average.  South Staffordshire has declared a Climate Emergency, and this project is one small contribution to encouraging the low-carbon lifestyles which are the future.  PC have attained plastic free status as have many shops in Kinver and we are working together with the Kinver Eco Collective group to make Kinver a plastic free environment, nature friendly and green village.” The charge points were installed by local company Car Charger Ltd, who are also involved in installing workplace charge points in South Staffordshire’s new Codsall Community hub.

• “Leaving only footprints behind”
  That’s the motto of Wombourne’s fabulous new ‘Litter Patrol’. Launched on the 8 of February 2021, it is truly going from strength to strength already, signing up 65 children aged 3-14 years in its first 48 hours alone, and it has a growing waiting list! What a wonderful, interactive way to keep your community space clean whilst giving children and young people an opportunity to volunteer.

Voluntary and Community Sector plays a critical role in so many ways for supporting and enriching the lives of local people.  This report highlights through data and case studies just how much value these voluntary organisations add to our communities.

Helpful Resources 

• Support Staffordshire present The Volunteer Star Awards

The community, including organisations, businesses and individuals are able to nominate people they feel deserve to be recognised for their contribution to the local community.  Anyone can nominate. Closing date is 30 March 2021. To nominate someone for the Volunteer Star Awards please complete the online form here. You can also download a form and return it by email or post.

• Dementia – Day Opportunities
  • Information on activities and support for people with dementia and other complex needs across Staffordshire, can be found here. Day opportunities are still available with strict Covid-19 compliance.
  • Day Care at Home offers great support for individuals who are unable to attend our normal Day Opportunities centres
  • Digitalising Day Care offers Sing-alongs, musical bingo, reminiscence, and other activities at home or in small groups.
• Let’s Beat Loneliness Together

Loneliness can affect anyone at any point. It can have an impact on our health, wellbeing, and self-esteem. In a recent survey 35% of Staffordshire residents reported that loneliness and isolation was a concern to them and 80% were worried about not seeing family and friends during lockdown.

• Further information on beating loneliness together, can be found here.
• Further information on befriending services can be found here 

• Children and Young People – Emotional wellbeing
• SCTSP Family Support Services deliver a range of online workshops for parents.
• 4- week Programme Understanding and Managing Defiant Behaviours and Anger in Children and Young People. Start Date: Tuesday 20th April 2021: 1.30-2.30pm
• Helping Children to develop a Positive attitude and Growth Mind-set. Monday 19 April: 1-2.30pm
• Helping Children to Build Self Esteem and Manage Social Anxiety. Date: Monday 24 May: 1-2.30pm
• To book your place please email your name, date of programme and phone number to fss@sctsp.org.uk or text/phone with your name, date of programme and email address to 07741645691. Once you have booked, you will be sent instructions on how to access the Workshop/Programme.
• Teen Guide to Surviving Lockdown and Beyond

An interactive resource full of tools, activities, and practices to help teenagers manage social distancing and stay positive during the coronavirus lockdown & beyond.

• Safer communities and safeguarding
  • Domestic Abuse

Demand on domestic abuse support services has increased, and additional funding has been provided to increase service provision. Useful information and contact details can be found below:

• Make a stand, Help tackle abuse and neglect
• Domestic abuse victim support

• Look Out – cyclist and driver safety
  The days are getting longer, lockdown restrictions are easing, but still in place! Hands, Face, Space! Staffordshire Safer Roads Partnership are promoting a campaign to keep cyclists and drivers safe.
  • Cyclist and Driver Safety
  • Drivers: Look Out – Drive Carefully
  • Cyclists: Look Out – Cycle Safely
• Safe + Sound sessions

Aimed at Year 5 and Year 6 pupils.  Whilst children will now be watching at school; parents/carers may want the opportunity to find out what their child has learnt and to discuss further at home. Topics in this week’s livestream were:

• Online Safety – YouTube
• Nature Prints with Staffordshire Wildlife Trust
• First Aid – head bumps
• Online Safety – Who Are You Really Talking to Online?
• Balance Challenge with Time4Sport
• Click here to view this week’s livestreams
• Previous programmes are all available to watch on demand at the bottom of the same page.

Everyone is encouraged to submit news items, please email: comms@sstaffs.gov.uk

The 2020 Annual Parish Meeting was cancelled due to coronavirus.  This year it was due to take place in April however the regulations do not allow a physical meeting. The Parish Council has therefore decided to postpone the meeting until Wednesday 19th May at 7:00pm in the hope that the guidelines allow a physical meeting.

What is the Annual Parish Meeting?

All Parish Town Councils throughout England are required by law to hold an Annual Parish Meeting, which must take place between 1st March and the 1st June (inclusive). Meetings should not commence before 6.00 pm.

Purpose of the Annual Parish Meeting?

The meeting enables the Parish Council to explain what it has been doing over the last year and providing an opportunity for the electors to have their say on anything they consider is important to the people of the Parish.

Who can attend the meeting?

The Annual Parish Meeting is a meeting of all the local government electors for the Parish, which the public are entitled to attend and participate in.

Will I be able to ask questions and make suggestions?

Yes, any registered elector may ask questions of the Council, which will usually be answered by the Chair, the Clerk to the Council, or a designated Councillor.

An elector may also make suggestions and comment on anything relevant to the residents of Bilbrook.

Who will chair the meeting?

The Chair of the Parish Council will chair the meeting or in his/her absence the Vice-Chair.

Will Parish Councillors be there?

Yes, however, the purpose of the meeting is to enable the ordinary electors to have their say. Councillors will listen with interest and as electors themselves, also have the opportunity to raise questions and make comments if they wish.

Will notes be taken of the meeting?

Yes, a written record of the meeting will be taken and presented at the next Annual Parish meeting for approval.

What else happens at the meeting?

In recent years we have invited guest speakers from local clubs, societies and other voluntary and statutory organisations to talk about the work/activities of their group and/or present information on topics of local interest.

There can be, and often is, confusion between the Annual Parish Meeting and the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council. The Annual Parish Meeting is not a Council meeting.

 

This week’s news from around the Council.

Covid-19 updates

 Covid-19 Roadmap

• • The latest figures in Staffordshire, including a district breakdown can be found here.
  • The Government’s 4 Step roadmap out of lockdown can be found here.
  • Further detail on the Governments 4 step roadmap can be found here.
  • The Government’s roadmap went live on 8 March. It is the light at the end of a very long tunnel for us all, but these dates are not set in stone as they must be achieved.
  • On Monday 8 March schools and colleges returned for face-to-face learning. Everyone in a household where children and young people are at school or college should be getting tested twice weekly. This can be done through the Community Testing sites, workplace testing or by ordering tests to do at home (if you cannot get to a place to collect them). Click here for information on the pop-up testing site and to order your home testing kits.

• Covid-19 Additional key messages
  • Sunday 14 March Mother’s Day – Give your Mum the gift of safety this Mother’s Day. As hard as it may be, please do not mix households; keep your loved ones safe.
  • Remember, if you are part of a support bubble, take regular tests.
  • The rates of cases, hospitalisation and deaths are falling in South Staffordshire, but, as we saw last year, things can change rapidly, particularly as the lockdown eases.
  • There are concerns that people are neglecting guidance, especially in supermarkets which is potentially linked to having received their vaccine. Being vaccinated helps you avoid getting severely ill with the virus, but you can still experience being unwell, and you can still pass it on to others – protect your loved one’s!
  • The dates identified in the roadmap are targets to aim for rather than guaranteed end points, and messaging will reinforce what the public must do for the changes to be implemented.

• Covid-19 vaccinations
• Vaccines are a critical part of our plan. New data from a Public Health England study show that both the Pfizer-BioNTech and the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines significantly reduce severe Covid-19 in people over 70 years of age. The vaccine is safe – please encourage our residents to take up the vaccine offer.
• Remember, social distancing rules must still be followed even after vaccination.
• Adult carers fall into priority group six and will soon be invited to book an appointment for their vaccination over the coming weeks.  Please wait to be invited for your vaccine and do not try and call your GP as doing so may prevent a patient getting through who needs urgent care.
• New enquiries to register as a carer can be made by speaking to your GP or local authority.  Registration is subject to eligibility checks through the statutory carer’s assessment or assignment of carer’s flag on the GP record, advice is also available from 119.
• Community Testing – Lateral Flow Tests (LFT)

For residents who need to be out and about during lockdown or those living in a Covid-19 hotspot area it is still important to attend lateral flow testing routinely, irrespective of whether they have had the vaccine or not. There will be nine pop up Covid-19 community testing sites in the District for the 15 – 21 March 2021:

• Monday 15 March 2021
  South Staffordshire – Perton, Civic Centre, 10am – 12:30pm
  South Staffordshire – Penkridge, Haling Dene Centre, 2pm – 4pm

• Tuesday 16 March 2021
  South Staffordshire – Great Wyrley, Scout and Guide Hut, 10am – 1.30pm

• Wednesday 17 March 2021
  South Staffordshire – Featherstone, Community Centre, 10am -12:30pm
  South Staffordshire – Essington, Community Centre, 2pm – 4pm

• Thursday 18 March 2021

South Staffordshire – Perton, Civic Centre, 10am – 12.30pm

South Staffordshire – Calf Heath, Village Hall, 2pm – 4pm

• Saturday 20 March 2021
  South Staffordshire – Essington, Community Centre, 10am – 12.30
  South Staffordshire – Great Wyrley, Scout and Guide Hut, 2pm – 4pm
• The Districts Semi-permanent Covid-19 Lateral Flow Testing (LFT) site will be Wombourne Library, Church Road , Wombourne WV5 9EZ (please check the booking calendar, as times vary on some days).

• Covid-19 Safe Businesses

South Staffordshire Council is working with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to contact businesses in South Staffordshire to check they have Covid-secure measures in place and to help tackle Covid-19 in the local area.   During the checks, they will look at the Covid-19 control measures present in the business and provide advice and guidance to manage any risks to protect workers, customers and visitors.  If a business is not Covid-secure, they will have to put measures in place.

 Council News

• Leisure’s Fundraising for Comic Relief

South Staffordshire Council’s leisure centres are holding online exercise classes on Friday 19 March which are open to everyone to help raise funds for Red Nose Day.  We are asking everyone to wear something red and to donate £5 to take part in as many classes as you like on that day. Click here to find out what classes are running and to book a class and here to donate to Comic Relief.

• Census 2021
• The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has appointed a Census Engagement Manager to support South Staffordshire residents and help make Census 2021 a success.
• Kirat Raj Singh, the area’s Census Engagement Manager will help organisations, charities, faith groups and community leaders within the District raise awareness of the census and the value to residents in taking part.
• Census Engagement Manager Kirat Raj Singh said “With less than a month away from Census day, households across South Staffordshire would have received advance postcards through their letterboxes reminding them of the forthcoming Census. Census day is Sunday 21 March, but you can complete your survey once you have your online access code. Remember, census information leaflets and translation booklets are available in 17 languages and paper census forms can be requested for those that need one. To order a paper copy or information in other formats, please call 0800 141 2021.”
• General Census information can be found here.
• Need further support? Ring the national helpline on 0800 141 2021.
• For more South Staffordshire specific support email Kirat Raj Sing at singh91@field.census.gov.uk
• Wombourne couple fined £10,000 for felling locally important tree
  Click here to find out about a successful prosecution for the removal of a protected Tree. 

• Council Job Vacancies
  • Customer Services General Advisor (12 month fixed term), Closing 5pm on Friday 26th March 2021 – application information.
  • Career Graded Senior Planning Officers x2, Development Management, Closing 5pm Monday 22 March 2021 – application information.
  • Senior Arboricultural Officer Development Management, Closing 5pm Monday 22 March 2021 – application information.
  • Strategic Projects Assistant Team Manager, Development Management, Closing 5pm Monday 22 March 2021 – application information.
• Next week’s Council Committee/Panel meetings
  • Planning Committee – Tuesday, 16 March 2021 – 6.30 pm – Public virtual meeting via Teams.
  • Special Council meeting – Wednesday, 17 March 2021 – 5.30 pm – Public virtual meeting via Teams.

Members of the public can virtually attend these meetings via Microsoft Teams. In the news section at the bottom of the Council’s website, you will find the relevant news item that will include a link to enable you to join. 

Helpful Resources

• Funding for Community/Voluntary organisations

A new £150 million pound fund has been announced. This will help community/voluntary organisations and groups to buy or take over local community assets. Bids of up to £250,000 (match funded) can be submitted and the first bids will be open in June 2021.  Please click here, for further information on this funding opportunity.

• Emotional and Mental Wellbeing
  • Support resources

Do you know someone who’s emotional wellbeing has suffered because of the impact of the lockdown and the Covid-19?  It has been particularly hard as many of our socialising venues and those where we seek support have been shut. But do you know that many organisations have moved their services online?  You can chat, text or ring many helplines. Click here to find contact details of many national organisations that offer support around:

• Anxiety
• Panic
• Men’s mental health
• Victim support
• Bereavement
• Alcohol misuse
• Eating disorders
• Gambling
• Mental health support for those with learning disabilities
• Parenting – all aspects of this important job, including bullying
• Relationship management
• The mental health of children and young people
• Substance misuse

• Depression
  This link provides information on depression and helps you to find online support groups.

• Free training

Free training is available to professionals and volunteers working with young people across Staffordshire to support knowledge of mental health issues in young people. To enrol for one of the 4 session courses please click on the links below.

• Community Mental Health Transformation: Have your say

The NHS is looking to get the views of local people in South Staffordshire where there is a concern around access and/or outcomes for mental health. The session is intended to test out some initial findings to see what people think and is scheduled for Tuesday 13 April 2021 at 10:30am – 12pm. Please click here to book or to find out more about the Eventbrite ‘Community Mental Health Transformation session.

• Safer Communities

Read the latest newsletter from the Staffordshire Safeguarding Children’s Board here.

• Safer Sleep Week – 15-21 March 2021

Click here to access a range of resources from the Lullaby Trust.
Click here to book on to a free virtual training workshop on Safer Sleep Awareness.

• Safe and Sound sessions
  Safe and Sound sessions by Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Services are delivered directly to schools. The topics covered are:
  • Fire safety
  • Road safety
  • Staying safe around the railway
  • Making a 999 call
  • Parents and organisations can access these on demand here

• S.T.A.R.S – Sharing Talent and Recognising Success
  The Voice Project are launching this award which will celebrate the achievements of our children and young people who are in Staffordshire’s Care. Achievements of any kind can be celebrated. For younger children, things such as learning to walk, learning to talk, learning a new interest or sport e.g. learning to swim or ride a bike, being kind to others, making new friends, being helpful or gaining more confidence. Older children/young people could be nominated for independence skills, continued educational attainment, participation in sporting or community activities, Duke of Edinburgh Award, artistic achievement, employment, gaining an apprenticeship, voluntary work or an area of personal development or anything else special you feel should be celebrated in their lives.All nominations are accepted from 0-25 years providing the young person has a Staffordshire Social Worker. Please complete your nomination form for S.T.A.R.S here.

• Staffordshire Day 2021 to feature first county-wide film competition
  Filmmakers from Staffordshire and beyond are being encouraged, by Enjoy Staffordshire, Staffordshire County Council and the county’s other local authorities, to enter the Staffordshire Day Film Competition.   The competition is open to professional and amateur filmmakers, and the deadline for submissions is Saturday 3 April 2021. Full details on the film competition, including terms and conditions can be found here.    Any movie which promotes the county can be submitted, as long as it was made within the last five years and is not longer than 30 minutes. New projects can be submitted too, but makers must adhere to all Covid-19 safety guidelines on mask-wearing, social distancing and remaining within their local area to film.  There are six categories: Drama/Comedy, Documentary, Animation/Experimental, Business in the Community, Mini-Movie, and Young Filmmaker. The overall winner will win a cheque for £500 from the competition sponsors, Staffordshire Film Archive.

Everyone is encouraged to submit news items, please email: comms@sstaffs.gov.uk