Author: Mundford Parish Council

As urgent plans to support Norfolk’s population are rolled out across the county, it is important to understand patients’ reaction to these necessary service adaptations, as well as their receptiveness to information and messages being promoted by Norfolk’s health and care system. 

To facilitate this aim, we have launched a public survey which asks participants broadly about their experience of accessing information, care and support during the COVID-19 outbreak. The survey can be completed by anyone, but also contains specific questions around emergency support for our shielded population and those highlighted as clinically vulnerable.

As responses gather and trends start to emerge, we will report findings back to Norfolk’s ‘Recovery and Resilience Cell’ and will also ensure that partners from NHS trusts and the county’s clinical commissioners are aware of feedback.
We hasten to emphasise that we do not intend to criticize or penalise providers for their responses to dealing with this unprecedented public health emergency. Rather, we are aiming to solicit constructive information from service users that can provide real-time insight into community need, experience and awareness of available support.

In order to accurately represent Norfolk’s population in these challenging times, we are requesting support from our colleagues within the NHS, local authorities and third sector to help us reach as many people as possible by disseminating the survey throughout your networks.

The press release from Healthwatch Norfolk Ltd

Working together with the East of England Ambulance Service, Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service and other public service partners, Norfolk Police are hoping to spread some positivity and happiness through these difficult days of lockdown. 

We are grateful to our local communities who have listened to the Government guidance to stay at home in order to help protect the NHS and save lives – and now we want to say thank you and show solidarity for the stay at home message in support of the emergency services and all key workers.

To compliment the NHS Rainbow campaign and to demonstrate how the blue light services and other agencies are working together to help protect and support the NHS, we are encouraging communities to display Sunflowers in their windows. These can be drawn, painted, knitted, or created in any other way. Find out more on our website > https://www.norfolk.police.uk/news/latest-news/20-04-2020/sunflower-campaign-supports-frontline-services

There is now a central contact point in place for all residents in Norfolk requiring support. Individuals in need should call 0344 8008020.  More details can be found by clicking here.

A team at the County Council will assess calls, identifying existing Children’s and Adult’s Social Care clients and passing other requests through to district community hubs to implement the support needed.

All residents will have received letters sent by their district council providing details of support options. Individuals who have been identified as vulnerable may also have received additional letters from the NHS and local GPs. Local District Councils have also been calling individuals who have been identified as vulnerable as part of a collective effort to get help where it is needed.

An Easy-Read format of this information is available by clicking here.

Mundford Parish Council were awarded funding from Norfolk Community Foundation to support volunteers by purchasing protective gloves to enable them to deliver food supplies and pick up prescriptions for the vulnerable. This will also provide urgent food supplies to the vulnerable should they be struggling to buy basic necessities.

Quote from Norfolk Community Foundation
Jenny Bevan, Head of Programmes, said: ‘Norfolk Community Foundation is delighted to support this much needed project that will make a real difference in the community. We wish them every success with their work.’ For further information on applying for funding go to Norfolk Community Foundation’s website www.norfolkfoundation.com.

The link below is to assist with finding the latest information about what public transport services are operating during Covid-19 social distancing. If a member of the public in Norfolk is having trouble accessing essential services or supplies please call 0344 800 8020.

Click to view full details of the services available

The Princes’ Countryside Fund Press Release

Farming Help providing support for farmers affected by Covid-19

The Farming Help Charities – Addington Fund, Farming Community Network (FCN), Forage Aid, Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (R.A.B.I), and RSABI, supported by The Prince’s Countryside Fund – are working together to support the Farming Community during the current Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak.

We recognise that this could be an anxious time for many farmers and farming families and periods of poor health or self-isolation may result in temporary practical difficulties on farm.

This initiative is in conjunction with The National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs, The National Farmers’ Union, and the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust.

Utilising our Farming Help helpline (operated by FCN) and respective organisations/volunteer networks, we can offer the following local support. Get in touch on 03000 111 999 if you:

·       Feel concerned or anxious and would like to talk to someone who understands farming, will listen to you and help you think through your options

·       Would like help to draft a contingency plan to ensure you and your farm are prepared, should you be unable to work for a time.

·       If you or people you rely on become ill or are self-isolating and you need to find help locally- we will endeavour to find support for you in your local area. We will source contact details of local organisations and groups who may be able to assist you in finding help to feed livestock, collect shopping or collect prescriptions if you are unable to do so. This directory will be revised and updated in the coming weeks and months.

Call 03000 111 999 or visit www.farminghelp.co.uk