Cllr Roy Gerstner – Community Activist

Well after a few false starts, it is the first time most of us have been on a conference video streaming meeting. This was done by software Zoom, most have used Skype or WhatsApp platforms. One appology from Cllr Lang-Whiston.
The agenda for this trial meeting was published on this web-blog on the 24th April, there is no report as this meeting dealt with proceedural aspects of virtual meetings and the Councils standing orders. The other item was confidential under Council rules.
A Full meeting will be held on the same format on Thursday 30th April and again details were published below on the 24th April.
Here is a screen shot, unfortunately I took the screen after some Councillors had left.

Some updates for you that have come in over the last week, thank you to those who have sent this through.  Apologies if you have seen any of them before, hopefully they will be useful for you as you continue with your volunteering and community work.

Additional support from Anglian Water
Anglian water are circulating the attached leaflet that provides information to customers about the extra services and support that they are providing.  It especially encourages vulnerable people to register on the ‘Priority Services Register’ so that they are known to them.  The register also applies to energy companies. 

Co-op Gift Card Scheme
Co-op are allowing gift cards to be topped up and/or ordered and paid for by calling 0800 029 4592.  Cards will then be posted within 2/3 working days.  People who are self isolating can then ask family members or volunteers to use these  to purchase groceries if they wish.  https://www.coop.co.uk/coronavirus/updates-on-our-stores 

Voluntary sector virtual network – 6^th May
stay connected. More info can be Cambridge Council for Volunteer Services will be running a voluntary sector virtual network especially  for Fenland groups on 6^th May, which looks set to be a great way to found here
http://www.cambridgecvs.org.uk/training-events/view/339
CVS are also there to answer any questions charities or community groups may have, this is under the Support Cambridgeshire banner but please feel free to contact them on the main email enquiries@cambridgecvs.org.uk 

Business Grants still to be claimed
Despite having contacted eligible businesses, several hundred are still yet to make a claim to Fenland District Council for a Small Business Grant or a Retail Hospitality and Leisure Grant to which they are entitled.  These grants do not need to be repaid. If you have friends or family that run a potentially eligible business, please encourage them to email covid19.businessgrants@fenland.gov.uk  
More information can be found here:
https://www.fenland.gov.uk/coronavirusbusinessadvice 

Volunteer guidance issued to the Good Sam Network
The Royal Voluntary Service have issued guidance to the NHS Good Same Volunteers.  It is worth a read as the principles are likely to apply to many groups and businesses who are also volunteering.
https://volunteering.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/documents/2-rvs-getting-started-as-a-community-response-volunteer-v116-981.pdf

Food Hygiene advice for those handling food
I know a number of you are preparing and delivering food to residents.  Just to update you on the guidance in its current state; Environmental Health colleagues have kindly provided the following useful links.   They note that: “You do not need a food hygiene certificate to provide food for charity or community groups. However, you need to make sure that you handle food safely”

https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/food-safety-for-food-delivery

https://www.food.gov.uk/safety-hygiene/food-safety-for-community-cooking-and-food-banks

Again I hope this is of use.
Best wishes
Isabel
Isabel Edgington
Senior Events and Projects Officer
Fenland District Council

Why not join in for just one minute

There will be a minute’s silence across the UK at 11:00 BST on Tuesday to remember key workers who have lost their lives to coronavirus.

Government workers will take part, and No 10 said it hoped others will too.

Boris Johnson has backed the plan, following a campaign by the Royal College of Midwives, the Royal College of Nursing, and Unison, the union.

At least 90 NHS staff have died since 25 March, as have many care and transport workers.

The prime minister’s official spokesman said the government supported the idea.
“We will be asking everybody who works in the government to take part and we would hope that others will take part nationwide as well,” the spokesman said.

I will comment on this in a day or so, but what  a ‘spin story’ – surprisingly Mr Ellworthy at The Cambs Times© must be getting a bit slack in his advancing years.
More to come – The Real Sums -?