General Points:

• Advice concerning the Coronavirus epidemic is frequently being reviewed and updated. The latest advice is widely available on Government and Heath Service websites, and in the media/press.
• There are particular concerns surrounding vulnerable persons aged over 70 years and/or persons with underlying medical issues.
• We are fortunate to live in relatively small village communities where most people are known to their neighbours.
• Hopefully most of those who are vulnerable within our community are being adequately supported by their family, friends or neighbours We need to be particularly mindful of those who may fall outside this close support network.
• At a national level, in recent days over 750,000 people have volunteered to offer their support if needed to the NHS.
• The Government is in the process of setting up a data base of vulnerable people who may need additional volunteer support.

KINGSLEY PARISH COUNCIL

The Parish Council want to assist in any way required. That said, we are anxious not to replicate the good work and community support arrangements which have already been established in our villages, or other ongoing arrangements which are being implemented at a national or district level.

If you do need assistance in the present crisis or you know of anyone else who needs help, please contact either:

Carmen Worthington (Parish Clerk) Tel:  01782 550741/07590 536753 or by email kingsleyparishcouncil@hotmail.com

Ken Unwin (Parish Council – Chair) Tel: 01538 756131 or

Your local Parish Councillor (contact details on the Parish Council ‘Contact Page’).

There has been a very encouraging response to the present situation in our local communities as follows:

KINGSLEY HOLT

The Kingsley Holt Newsletter – Facebook page have created a specific ‘Covid -19 Support Group’ which already has around 80 members. The group have around 15-20 volunteers who have offered to help if needed. We are not aware of any vulnerable persons who are in immediate need of wider support.

KINGSLEY

Kingsley Village Hall have supported the creation of a Facebook page called ‘Kingsley in Need‘ support group which already has around 100 members. The page is used to share news and offer support. It is a means of identifying those in need and mobilising the necessary support.

WHISTON

 Pre-existing support arrangements from family and neighbours are already in place and appear to be responding adequately to the present crisis. A WhatsApp group has been established by the Whiston Village Hall Committee which forms a useful means of communication within the village.  The existing community network should flag up individuals needing any additional support as the situation develops.

Ken Unwin (Chair)                                                Dated:    30^th March 2020