Apr192020

Another update during the COVID-19 emergency

Fraser Macpherson
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Further update – for Sunday 19th April – from Councillor Fraser Macpherson (West End)​ and Councillor Craig Duncan (Broughty Ferry)

FURLOUGH SCHEME EXTENDED 
The Job Retention Scheme is being extended by one month to reflect continuing social distancing measures.

GET EMERGENCY CARE
The number of people attending Emergency Departments has dropped. Some seriously unwell patients are delaying coming to hospital or dialling 999. If you need help don’t wait.

MEDICINES
The advice is to please follow your normal repeat prescription ordering pattern and only order the medicines you need as there are no issues with the supply of medicines so there is no reason to stockpile.

Due to significant demand being placed on local pharmacies, some will close for short periods, or operate reduced opening hours.  NHS Inform has a complete list of local pharmacies at: https://www.nhsinform.scot/scotlands-service-directory/pharmacies
Prescriptions may take longer to process because of the additional workload on pharmacies.

PETS 
New advice relating to owners of pets, companion animals and livestock who may be required to self-isolate as part of government advice on coronavirus (COVID-19) is available https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-animal-owners/

Dundonians urged to maintain mental health
Dundee City Council has launched a new social media campaign urging people to look after their mental health during the coronavirus pandemic. The initiative offers advice and sources of information such as helpline numbers.

It is reminding people who may be experiencing difficulties of organisations including Breathing Space (0800 83 85 87), Samaritans (116 123) and Childline (0800 1111).


DOMESTIC ABUSE
There is concern that domestic abuse may increase during the lockdown.  You can access help here:

EXERCISE
New advice on travelling to exercise has been issued by the police in England.  We have checked and it does not apply to Scotland. The advice continues to be to only exercise from your own home.

SUPERMARKETS
For Sainsbury customers who do not have access to the internet they offer a telephone order service – 0800 917 8557.

Scottish Community Councils
A website has been providing useful links for community councils that offer advice, information, funding and resources to help during Covid-19.  This is available at www.communitycouncils.scot/information-on-coronavirus-for-community-councils.html 

Support offered to unemployed from Barnardo’s
16-29, Living in Dundee, unemployed and needing help to prepare for the job market? If Yes, Barnardo’s can help you with their Employability Pathway programme and Barnardo’s Best programme.

Participants will be allocated a Project Worker who will take them through the registration process; create a clear action plan which will consider the above support areas plus any barriers to employment getting in the participant’s way to securing and sustaining employment, and also provide them with virtual training and support in vocational areas such as CV writing, job search skills, completing application forms and preparing for interviews.

Social Security Scotland – devolved benefits

The Scottish Government has temporarily changed eligibility for a number of Social Security Scotland’s benefits. This is to help people who are impacted by coronavirus and can’t get an application in on time – due to illness or caring responsibilities – to still get the support that they need.   


INFORMATION
Scottish Government Updates: www.gov.scot/news
Dundee City Council updates: www.dundeecity.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19
Covid community helpline for food, shopping, prescriptions, finances, personal care: 0800 952 0330  – People in Dundee on the shielded list only – 0300 123 1403.  People in Dundee who are vulnerable but not on the shielded list – 0800 111 4000
NHS Tayside website: www.nhstayside.scot.nhs.uk 
Helpline for those who do not have symptoms but are looking for general health advice Tel: 0800 028 2816.
Health Protection Scotland Guidance www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/a-to-z-of-topics/covid-19
Federation of Small Businesses: www.fsb.org.uk/coronavirus
Helpline for small businesses, Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm. Tel: 0300 303 0660.
Ready Scotland Information – www.readyscotland.org/coronavirus
Tayside Cares – www.taysidecares.co.uk 

SUPPORT AND ADVICE

This is an anxious and uncertain time but we want you to know that we are here to try to help constituents in whatever way that we can.

CONTACT DETAILS

WEST END WARD – Bailie Fraser Macpherson
Phone – Dundee 459378 (home)

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