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Day 31 of Lockdown – the Baked Potato edition

Thank You Baked PotatoDay 31 of Lockdown

Day 31 sees a couple of serious announcements, two new or updated initiatives for things to do during the lockdown and a Matt Lucas special.

More PPE Needed!

Essex companies have donated unopened and unwanted stocks of Personal Protective Equipment.  This PPE will support those working in adult and children social care across Essex.  While the council is incredibly grateful for this stock, much more is needed, in particular:

  • masks,
  • disposable gloves,
  • aprons,
  • eye goggles and also
  • any sanitising gel.

This will be provided to front line staff who are caring for the most vulnerable residents in Essex over the coming days and weeks.

The council recognises there may be a variety of reasons why companies have ended up with some PPE that they cannot currently reuse or distribute and would particularly appreciate hearing from those with larger volumes.

Councillor John Spence said:

The response from local companies has been great and we welcome efforts the government is making to ensure PPE is sourced and available, but we equally recognise the challenge they face in reaching beyond the NHS into other parts of the caring system.

Quite simply we need more stock and so if you are able to help please get in touch, particularly if you have large quantities of items.

How To Donate

Essex County Council may be willing to purchase any stocks if needed. To donate or advise us of stock please email [email protected] with your PPE supply details including quantity and postcode, plus a contact name and phone number, and someone will be in touch.

ECC will collect any items offered that are suitable, observing social distancing and hand hygiene.

Colchester CemeteryColchester Cemetery Reopens

Colchester Borough Council reopened its cemetery yesterday following a change to the coronavirus emergency legislation.  The Council closed Colchester Cemetery to the public, except for funerals, earlier this month following the Government’s new coronavirus health protection regulations.

The Government has now updated the legislation and, accordingly,  the Council have reopened the gates to the Cemetery.

Councillor Andrea Luxford-Vaughan, Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Customers, said:

The decision to close Colchester Cemetery was taken out of my hands as we had to comply with the Government’s new coronavirus laws. It was not something I ever expected or wanted to do, and I realise it has been upsetting, especially for bereaved families who would like to visit and pay their respects.

At the time the Government legislation was enacted, we said we would do all we could to reopen as quickly as possible and that’s what we have done.

To ensure safety for all, we ask you to follow social distancing guidelines and stay two metres apart.

Essex Youth Service Activities

Essex Youth Service has risen to the unprecedented challenges presented by the COVID-19 outbreak.  It is continuing to support young people across the county developing new ways for them to stay connected.

The service has adapted many existing projects, including moving sessions and resources online, so that young people can still access information and take part in enriching schemes like the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.  It also remains a lifeline for many vulnerable young people, young carers and those who may be at risk. The service undertook more than 2,700 phone and video calls with young people in just one week in April.

Wide range of opportunities

Essex Youth Services offers a range of opportunities for young people to get involved:

  • Online activities
    Weekly online activities for all young people looking for something fun and quirky to do to pass the day.  Based on Zoom video sessions approx. 30-minutes long.
  • Good Man and Sisters in Strength
    Five-week mentoring programmes for young people aged between 13-18 who are at risk of entering into abusive relationships in the future and/or who are at current risk within an abusive relationship.
  • Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
    Available to young people aged between 13-24 who are looking to learn new skills.
  • Support for school leavers
    The Opportunity Ready programme will pair young people with an advisor to give hands-on, one-to-one support to help with finding the right training, education and employment opportunity.
  • Post-16 traineeship support
    Young people who have left school can apply for the next phase of this course.  The course aims to maximise a young person’s potential and prepare them for the future.
  • Year 6/7 transition
    Online one-to-one support for any Year 6 pupils moving to secondary school.
  • Essex Young Carers Service
    Arrangements have been made to continue supporting young carers at this time. Referrals can be made by young carers themselves, family members, or professionals.

Fitness For All Ages

Keep Essex ActiveThis is as an initiative to keep the residents of Essex healthy and moving despite the barriers they may be facing due to the current Covid-19 pandemic.

We will be showcasing our brand new ‘Keep Essex Active’ YouTube channel! This channel will feature local, trusted instructors who have tailored routines for all audiences from family to over 65 workouts! A live time-table will be accessible all week online so you can plan out your weeks’ worth of activity!

The timetable will soon be launched on their website.  The YouTube channel is here.

Matt Lucas’ Baked Potato Song

You can now order the #ThankYouBakedPotato soft toy! Squeeze it and plays the song http://thankyoubakedpotato.com/selling-stuf All profits go to #FeedNHS.

What is FeedNHS?

It started late in March when 14 restaurant chains joined forces with actors Damian Lewis, Helen McCrory and Matt Lucas.  They launched a campaign aiming to deliver 5,600 hot meals a day to critical care staff, in five major hospitals.

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