Coronavirus COVID-19 Response – Key Message to all CVS Members and the Local Community 

As you are probably all aware, the Covid-19 Pandemic is causing a great deal of concern and worry across the country and we are all responding to Government guidance which continues to change and adapt every day.

Please do continue to follow the instructions and advice over these coming weeks and months. For up to date information please follow the link below which is updated at 3pm everyday:

www.derbyshire.gov.uk/social-health/health-and-wellbeing/health-protection/disease-control/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19.aspx

As an organisation, High Peak CVS also have a responsibility to our staff and volunteers and as a result we have made the decision to close our office in Whaley Bridge from 5pm on Wednesday 18th March 2020 until Monday 6th April 2020. Obviously we will keep you updated with any changes and information as and when we receive them.

Our staff will continue working from home and our priority will be to support our groups, members and the local community during this difficult time. We are working with the Local Authorities, GPs, voluntary sector colleagues and health authorities to create an action plan for the foreseeable future and again will keep you informed of this.

Currently, the advice is for those over 70 years old, those showing symptoms and/or those with underlying health conditions to stay at home and we are aware this is going to cause issues for many. We will be contacting all our members to offer support and advice during this time and if you have any concerns or would like advice on what support is available for you please do contact us on 01663 735 350 and leave a message. These will be monitored regularly and a member of staff will call you back. Alternatively you can email us at: hello@highpeakcvs.org.uk

We will be monitoring the phone and email messages between 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday.

For medical or health related concerns please contact 111 or in an emergency contact 999.

Age UK have released some great tips for people to follow that are self-isolating and will help reduce the pressure on local services:

• If a neighbour or friend offers some help say yes! You can always repay their kindness in other ways and for many people being able to help you will really help them feel they are making a positive contribution.
  
  
• If you attend a group what about arranging a telephone buddying system so everyone gets a chat in the next few months.
  
  
• Follow the advice and guidance given by the government and trusted agencies like your local council or charities. Scaremongering won’t help so don’t let other people panic you.
  
  
• Keep calm and carry on! Remember all your normal routines don’t need to change and its best if you keep to them. Replace a group or activity you enjoy with another – call a friend, watch a favourite film, read a book or practice a hobby.

For more information and advice from Age UK you can visit:

www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/conditions-illnesses/coronavirus/

If you are currently part of a group, please consider organising a telephone buddying structure. The buddying system just needs two people to agree and share their telephone contact details and agree a frequency of calling. The aim is to ensure that nobody is left alone and isolated during this period. At High Peak CVS we are happy to co-ordinate this to ensure that everyone has a buddy. Please do get in touch if you feel this would be helpful for you or someone you know.

Our overall message is that you are not alone. High Peak CVS along with many other organisations are working hard to support those that need it the most but we are also aware of the affect this could have on groups so please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your worries and we will do our best to help. Please do check our website www.highpeakcvs.org.uk for the latest news and follow us on both Facebook – highpeak.cvs and Twitter - @HPCVS for the up to date advice and support.

Remember, look after each other, be kind and the community across the High Peak, Derbyshire and indeed the country can pull together to get through this.

Take Care - James Bromley, Chief Executive at High Peak CVS