The Role of the Troon Community Council

We implemented Scottish Government guidance on Enhanced Professional Clinical and Care Oversight Of Care Homes from 18 May last week. This guidance stipulates that every Health Board and its Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) colleagues in the Local Authority must put in place a multi-disciplinary team comprised of senior professional roles. This team is responsible for providing support to each care home in their area, with particular focus on infection prevention and control, but also to provide appropriate expert clinical support to residents who have Coronavirus regarding:

1. Care needs of individual residents;
2. Infection prevention and control measures, including PPE and cleaning requirements;
3. Staffing requirements including workforce training and deployment;
4. Testing arrangements for outbreak management and ongoing surveillance

In South Ayrshire, the Chief Nursing Officer is overseeing the process and daily meetings are taking place. HSCP staff are arranging isits to all 26 care homes to provide assurance and support in relation to PPE, workforce, infection control procedures and basic care provision, and are linking in with the Care Inspectorate. Three visiting teams have been set up and
the first visit took place on Friday 22 May, with the remainder beginning from today.

Communication

We continue to post information and updates through the local media, in hard copy, on a range of social media channels such as South Ayrshire Council Live Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and on our website.​

South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership will issue a weekly briefing to provide information on the planning and preparation for COVID-19.

Confirmed Cases

The Scottish Government publishes an updated picture of cases and testing at 2pm each day. For more information, please click on the link to the Scottish Government website: https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/

The National Records of Scotland have published figures of all deaths where COVID-19 was mentioned on the death certificate by the doctor who certified the death. This includes cases where the doctor noted that there was suspected or probable coronavirus infection involved in the death. For more information, please visit the National Records of Scotland website: https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/covid19stats

Scotland figures

• As at 17th May, there have been a total of 3,546 deaths registered in Scotland where COVID-19 was mentioned on the death certificate. The first mention of COVID-19 in a registered death certificate was the week beginning 16th March 2020.
• Of the total number of deaths registered in week 20 (11 to 17 May), there were 332 where COVID-19 was mentioned on the death certificate, a decrease of 83 from the previous week (4 to 10 May). This is the third weekly reduction in a row.
• Three quarters (76%) of all deaths involving COVID-19 to date were of people aged 75 or over.
• The proportion of COVID-19 deaths which took place in care homes has risen over time but has dropped back in recent weeks and now represents 55% of all COVID-19 deaths in week 20.

Ayrshire and Arran

• The number of COVID-19 deaths registered between weeks 1 and 20 (year to 17 May) of 2020 in Ayrshire and Arran was 241.
• Of the 241 deaths in Ayrshire and Arran, 113 occurred in hospital, 109 happened in care homes and 19 occurred at home or non-institutional setting.
• Overall, the rate of COVID-19 deaths in Ayrshire and Arran was 6.5 per 10,000 population.

South Ayrshire

• The provisional figures on deaths registered where COVID-19 was mentioned on the death certificate in South Ayrshire between weeks 1 and 20 (year to 17 May) of 2020 was 93.
• Of the 93 deaths in South Ayrshire, 45 occurred in care homes, 43 happened in hospital and 5 occurred in home or non-institutional setting.

Shielding

South Ayrshire now has 4527 individuals who are Shielding in South Ayrshire. Because of the long term nature of their self-isolation, work is now being developed regarding on both supporting their mental/emotional and physical health. Work continues to support them in practical ways – for example food and medication. As the initial shielding period becomes more imminent (18th June) there is more planning both nationally and locally, to look at supports for this group in the medium/longer term.

Resources for South Ayrshire Families

South Ayrshire Council continue to provide food boxes to families with children receiving free school meals. If services would like any other resources distributed to families along with their food boxes, please contact Linda Warwick on 01292 559403 or Linda.Warwick@south-ayrshire.gov.uk.

South Ayrshire Speech and Language Therapy Service (attached)

From Monday 25th May, the Speech and Language Therapy service will stop running on a pan-Ayrshire basis and resume as a South Ayrshire only service.. If you are concerned about speech, language or swallowing difficulties, call 07970 657 681 Monday to Fridaybetween 10am and 2pm.

Foster Care Fortnight

During these unsettling and challenging times, dedicated foster carers are making a difference to children’s lives across South Ayrshire. We’re supporting Foster Care Fortnight (11 to 24 May), an annual campaign which raises the profile of fostering. We are actively encouraging people to consider how they might be able to help a child and you can find more about foster care; adoption; supported care placements and shared care here. There will also be a radio campaign seeking to recruit more foster carers across South Ayrshire, so there are a range of ways to find out more, if you or any one in your family or social groups are interested.

Learning Disability Week

This week we have been celebrating Scottish Learning Disability Week 2020 (18 – 24 May). The theme for 2020 is ‘My Environment – my place, my planet.’

Scottish Learning Disability Week 2020 is an opportunity to share the stories of people with learning disabilities getting involved to help make positive change in their environment – whether it be in their own home and community, or in the wider world.

The team in the Learning Disability Service have been full on organising a whole range of activities and events. So far, they have:

Organised an Art Colouring competition currently running with over 70 entrants.

o Planted up 2 shrubs and 3 planted patio containers which were hand delivered to Girvan Core and Cluster.
o Planted up 2 patio containers which were hand delivered to Ardfin Court (Turning Point).
o Planted up 2 patio containers which were hand delivered to Margaret Blackwood Housing.
o Hand delivered 10 recycled water bottles to service users with “a message in a bottle”.
o Hand delivered 36 bunches of flowers to carers between yesterday and today.

Mental Health Awareness Week

This week has also been Mental Health Awareness Week 2020 (18 – 24 May).

This year’s theme is ‘Kindness Matters’. In these difficult times, it’s never been more important that we are kind to ourselves and support our family and friends with their mental health.

Kindness is defined by doing something towards yourself and others, motivated by genuine desire to make a positive difference. We know from the research that kindness and our mental health are deeply connected. The research shows that kindness is an antidote to isolation and creates a sense of belonging. It helps reduce stress, brings a fresh perspective and deepens friendships. Kindness to ourselves can prevent shame from corroding our sense of identity and help boost our self-esteem. Kindness can even improve feelings of confidence and optimism.

To view the Kindness Matters video, please click here.

Patients and service users of mental health services, provided by South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership, have been reflecting on the current lockdown and have reported positively on the continuity of contact from services, reassurance that other people feel similar regarding the current situation and some feel that their personal resilience is stronger than they thought.

Other positives highlighted are neighbours/communities helping each other out and looking out for one another and families are reconnecting via video calls and people enjoying family time together. A service user stated that she now has more contact with her family than ever before. They are engaging in a video call each week with her son hosting a quiz.

The NHS Ayrshire and Arran App has lots of information on mental wellbeing. Please see attached poster for information on how to download the app.

Samaritans Scotland is encouraging everyone to be kind to themselves with their new, free self-help app. The app is full of simple techniques and activities which can help you feel better. Find more information here.

Young Scot’s ‘Aye Feel’ campaign gives information on how young people can look after their own wellbeing, available support from organisations and tips on how to promote a positive mindset. Find more information here.

Penumbra, one of Scotland’s leading mental health charities has produced a useful information pack for young people on responding to change and managing wellbeing during COVID-19.

Status For immediate release

Our Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) will re-open on Monday 1 June at 8:00 am.

We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to get everything ready for the much anticipated re-opening of our HWRCs.

In addition to our HWRCs at Ayr, Girvan, Maybole and Troon, we will also set up two pop-up sites in Ayr and Girvan for general/black bag waste. Information about their locations and operating hours will be made available on our website.

We know that many residents will be eager to access the sites, so we expect that they will be extremely busy in the first few weeks of re-opening. No trailers, vans or horse boxes will therefore be permitted within any site before Monday 15th June.

Our priority is to keep our employees and residents safe while accessing our HWRCs, so to help us to do this we ask that residents:

• Do not go to any of the sites if you or anyone in your household has symptoms of Covid-19, or is ‘shielding’ because of an underlying health condition;
• Bring proof that you live in South Ayrshire in the form of a driving licence, or a council tax bill. If you don’t then disposal of waste may be refused;
• Adhere to the site rules. Make sure only one person steps outside your vehicle to unload it, and adhere to social distancing within the site;
• Only come along to the sites in the first few days of opening if it’s absolutely necessary. We have extended opening hours on our sites from 8:00am to 6:00pm Monday to Friday, so please try to avoid peak times. If your visit to the HWRC can wait a bit longer, then please hold off;
• Don’t bring items that are too big or heavy to handle yourself, as our site attendants will be unable to help you unload your car and dispose of your waste;
• Sort your waste before you arrive to minimise the time you need to spend on the site;
• Follow the temporary traffic management and queuing systems which are in place at all sites as there will be a reduced number of vehicles allowed into any site at any one time. Plans for each HWRC will be made available soon on our website;Allow extra time for your trip – it’s likely that there will be traffic delays at, and around each site;
• Do not touch your face, and bring sanitiser if you can, to clean your hands before you drive away;
• Be courteous and patient with our staff who are there to help you.

Councillor Ian Cochrane, South Ayrshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Environment, said: “I understand that many local residents will be keen to dispose of their waste. While it’s great news that the national guidance has changed to allow us to re-open our Household Waste Recycling Centres, I’d urge people not to overwhelm the service in the first few days of opening.

“We know that when these centres opened in England, there was traffic congestion and delays, so please only visit the centres if it’s absolutely essential.

“I’m very proud of the work our Waste Management team in South Ayrshire have done to make sure the sites are ready to re-open safely on 1 June, particularly the additional effort that has gone into developing the temporary pop-up sites.

“It’s still not business as usual, and restrictions apply in all of our centres to keep the public and our employees safe, so I’d urge residents to work with us as we resume this service. The ongoing patience and support of the public is much appreciated as we begin to come through to the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

For the latest updates on our services visit https://beta.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/coronavirus

Delivery of Critical Services

We continue to provide critical services and these are currently operating without issue.

Reopening of Golf Courses

The First Minister confirmed today that golf will be able to return within a few days of the easing of lockdown restrictions on the 28th May. We have already put in considerable work to plan for reopening in anticipation of a change to current restrictions. We are awaiting further details from Scottish Golf and Sport Scotland as to what measures have been agreed with the Scottish Government to allow golf courses to reopen for play as we must ensure that our draft plans comply with these. We are informing golfers of the situation through social media and our links with clubs. We will provide further updates as soon as we receive clarification on the national guidance.

Schools

The First Minister announced today that schools will reopen from 11 August using a blended model (part school based and part online learning). The Depute First Minister and Cllr McCabe of COSLA have also published specific guidance for schools today. Central teams and head teachers will now develop plans for a phased return consistent with the guidance to ensure we open safely and in line with Covid guidance. Teaching staff continue to support pupils using online and digital learning. We will discuss proposals for schools with Elected Members where there is an element of local authority decision making. Further information will be made available as we work through the advice published today.

Early Learning and Childcare

The First Minister announced today that Early Years Centres will reopen from August. The Scottish Government has removed the duty to increase the number of free early learning and childcare hours from 600 to 1140 as a result of the Covid pandemic.

This reduction in free allocation, along with the public health guidance and physical distancing measures we must put in place, means that fewer children will be able to attend each Early Years Centre and hours and sessions available may change.

As always, the safety and wellbeing of children, parents, carers and staff is our absolute priority.

We will contact eligible families over the next week to confirm the offer of an early learning place. Once restrictions are lifted, these families will be able to benefit from their full allocation of the additional hours.

We continue to provide critical services and these are currently operating without issue.

Shielding Residents

We have now contacted all 4409 residents on the shielding list by phone, email or letter. Of these, we have spoken to 3813 residents and completed initial checks with them to establish and coordinate the help they need. We issued letters last week to the 596 people for whom we have no phone number or who have not responded to our calls asking that they get in touch with us. To ensure the wellbeing of people who have not responded to our letters or calls, our 19 employee volunteer pharmacy drivers will call at each address from today to offer any help or support.

Deterring Unwanted Callers

Our Trading Standards and Environmental Health (TSEH) Team have received reports of residents receiving unwanted doorstep calls and leaflets from people offering a range of services. Residents, particularly those who are self-isolating, are concerned this may put them at an increased risk and that some of the services on offer may be scams. We have therefore produced a door sticker which can be used to deter unwanted callers and mailers. Residents can request a free doorstep warning sticker via the Covid helpline (01292 616101) or by downloading one from our website.

Lockdown Lowdown Survey

The Scottish Youth Parliament, YouthLink Scotland and Young Scot partnered recently to deliver LockdownLowdown – a survey of nearly 2,500 young people from across Scotland on their concerns about COVID-19. Key findings have been published, outlining what young people are worried about and the impact that COVID-19 is having on their lives. Young people can continue to submit any concerns through a weekly check-in on social media on @YoungScot’s Instagram stories. You can find out more and view the survey findings here- https://syp.org.uk/our-work/political-work/covid-19/ or on Twitter using the hashtag #LockdownLowdown.

We continue to provide critical services and these are currently operating without issue.

Connecting Scotland – Widening Digital Access To Young People

As part of the national Connecting Scotland strategy, we are working to reduce digital exclusion and widen access to online learning for local young people. Education Services and ICT staff have worked in partnership with schools to identify children and young people in South Ayrshire with limited or no access to ICT equipment or broadband.

We have identified 6 pilot schools – Girvan Academy, Sacred Heart Primary School (PS), St Cuthbert’s PS, Newton PS, Tarbolton PS and Dailly PS. We are repurposing devices from existing school equipment and the ICT team have worked to make sure that all devices can be used safely and appropriately outwith the school environment. We are issuing approximately 50 laptops or tablets to young people who need them in this first, pilot phase. In some cases we are also providing dongles to make internet access available to young people at home.

It is our intention to continue to roll out this approach, working with schools across South Ayrshire and the Scottish Government to provide further devices.

Support For Local Businesses

The Economy and Regeneration Team launched the seventh issue of their e-magazine Business Beat. This issue focusses on support for tourism related businesses and can be accessed here.​

South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership will issue a weekly briefing to provide information on the planning and preparation for COVID-19.

Confirmed Cases

The Scottish Government publishes an updated picture of cases and testing at 2pmeach day. For more information, please click on the link to the Scottish Government website: https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/

The National Records of Scotland have published figures of all deaths where COVID-19 was mentioned on the death certificate by the doctor who certified the death. This includes cases where the doctor noted that there was suspected or probable coronavirus infection involved in the death. For more information, please visit the National Records of Scotland website: https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/covid19stats

Scotland figures

• As at 10th May, there have been a total of 3,213 deaths registered in Scotland where COVID-19 was mentioned on the death certificate. The first mention of COVID-19 in a registered death certificate was the week beginning 16th March 2020.
• Of the total number of deaths registered in week 19 (4 May to 10 May), there were 415 where COVID-19 was mentioned on the death certificate, a decrease of 110 from the previous week (27 April to 3 May). This is the second weekly reduction in a row.
• From 4 May to 10 May, three quarters (76%) of all deaths involving COVID-19 to date were of people aged 75 or over.
• The proportion of COVID-19 deaths which took place in care homes has risen over time but has dropped back slightly in the latest week to represent 57% of all COVID-19 deaths

.

Ayrshire and Arran

• The number of COVID-19 deaths registered between weeks 1 and 19 (year to 10 May) of 2020 in Ayrshire and Arran was 220.
• Of the 220 deaths in Ayrshire and Arran, 103 occurred in hospital, 98 happened in care homes and 19 occurred at home or non-institutional setting.
• Overall, the rate of COVID-19 deaths in Ayrshire and Arran was 6.0 per 10,000 population.

South Ayrshire

• The provisional figures on deaths registered where COVID-19 was mentioned on the death certificate in South Ayrshire between weeks 1 and 19 (year to 10 May) of 2020 was 84.
• Of the 84 deaths in South Ayrshire, 41 occurred in care homes, 38 happened in hospital and 5 occurred in home or non-institutional setting.

Shielding

South Ayrshire now has 4438 patients identified in the Shielding category – many of them requesting assistance for food and medicine supplies. GP Practices have contacted patients and, in most cases, an updated Anticipatory Care Plan (Key Information Summary) has been put in place.

The Partnership is working closely with colleagues in South Ayrshire Council, Voluntary Action South Ayrshire (VASA) and local community projects to provide support.

Joint Letter to Care Home Staff in Scotland

A letter has been issued to all care home staff in Scotland from Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport, Jeane Freeman, and Scottish Care CEO, Donald Macaskill, and can be accessed here

Public Health Response to Care Home Admissions

This is a Public Health response to a query received from SA HSCP/Care Homes regarding admission of residents to care homes with an ongoing COVID 19 outbreak.

“In general, we would not recommend admission of a person from their own home to a care home while a COVID-19 outbreak is ongoing. Also, we would not recommend the transfer of a resident from one care home to another if either the discharging or receiving care home has an ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. However, there may be certain circumstances in which we might support admission/transfer – for example if there is a section of the receiving care home that is physically clearly separate from other sections containing residents with COVID-19 and with separate staffing arrangements. Also, repatriation of a care home resident to a care home from hospital. It would be helpful if SA HSCP and care home managers could contact us in Public Health in order to risk assess any proposed admissions to a care home with an ongoing COVID 19 situation.”

Supporting our Unpaid Carers (attached)

South Ayrshire Carers Centre is working hard to support unpaid carers, in the face of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. As well as providing practical and emotional support, the Centre has produced a letter which can be used as identification, for example, as carers pick up prescriptions, or get shopping for the vulnerable.

All unpaid carers currently registered with South Ayrshire Carers Centre will be issued with the letter in the next two weeks. The letter identifies the owner of the letter as someone who is caring for the vulnerable.

Kayleigh Hamilton, manager (South Ayrshire Carers Centre) said: “In the current lockdown situation we are acutely aware that many carers are worried they may be challenged if they have to travel to carry out their caring role. We hope this letter will give carers peace of mind when they are out in the community due to their caring commitments. The Carers Centre has liaised with Voluntary Action South Ayrshire (VASA) to raise awareness of this initiative with local retailers and supermarkets. South Ayrshire Council and South Ayrshire Health and Social Care partners have also been in contact with the South Ayrshire Division of Police Scotland so their officers are also aware of the scheme.”

If you are or know an unpaid carer and not currently registered with South Ayrshire Carers Centre and feel this letter would be of benefit, please contact the Carers Centre on 01292 263000, email or via Facebook www.Facebook.com/SouthAyrshireCarersCentre

The Partnership has also developed a Supporting Unpaid Carers during Coronavirusdocument (attached) which can also be shared. This is a working document which will continue to be developed and updated during the COVID-19 pandemic

Testing for Unpaid Carers

Unpaid carers and young carers have been included in the priority groups of key workers who are able to access testing for coronavirus (COVID-19).

If you are a carer or young carer, you can find further information on eligibility and access to testing here https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested/

Guidance for Households with Possible Coronavirus Infection

It’s very important that you stay at home if you have symptoms that may be caused by coronavirus (COVID-19) or you live with someone that has symptoms. Household isolation will help to control the spread of the virus to friends, the wider community and the most vulnerable.

Household isolation means you and all household members should remain at home and shouldn’t go to work, school, public areas or use public transport. You shouldn’t go out to buy food or other essentials.

Avoid close contact with others by:

• not having visitors
• not using taxis or public transport
• asking a friend or neighbour to get your shopping or arranging for a delivery to be left at your door
• not sharing towels, clothes, toothbrushes or razors
• The 14-day period starts from the day the first person in your house became ill.

For detailed information and advice please go to the NHS Inform website

Self-Isolating Warning Sticker

South Ayrshire Council Trading Standards designed a door sticker to prevent people receiving unwanted mail. The sticker also provides useful contact numbers people on the inside whilst relaying the message that no unwanted mail or cold callers are welcome on the outside. These stickers are currently being printed and will be distributed soon. They are being sent to those living in South Ayrshire who are on the shielding list and will also be distributed by the communities team and by VASA.

To request a sticker, please call Trading Standards on 01292 616101. It would be very much appreciated if you could share that these stickers are available and encourage your service users to request these direct at the number above or you can request these on their behalf. If you would benefit from a small supply to distribute yourself then please contact Samantha.McCluskey@south-ayrshire.gov.uk.

Mental Welfare Commission Advice

The MWC has published new advice on the coronavirus situation for people who use mental health, learning disability and dementia services and for their family or carers. Please click here to access the latest information.

Healthcare for Refugees and Asylum Seekers

NHS Inform has published guidance to make it clear that everyone, no matter their immigration status, has free access to COVID-19 treatment. Click here for more information.

The Scottish Refugee Council have updated the health and support section of their website, with information about food, helplines and using technology in various languages. Click here for more information.

Child Contact and Coronavirus: Answers to Common Questions

The Scottish Women’s Rights Centre has published information and answers to frequently asked questions around child contact between parents. Please click here for more information.

Parent Club

Parent Club provides information for parents and expectant parents on a variety of topics including looking after yourself and your family, learning at home and feeding your family. Click here for more information.

New Click Helpline for Women who Sell/Exchange Sex

The CliCK service has launched a new helpline for women who sell/exchange sex or images online to get in touch with a CLiCK women’s worker.

The helpline number is 0300 124 5564 and is available during the following times:

• Tuesday from 3pm to 5pm
• Wednesday from 11am to 7pm
• Thursday from 6pm to 9pm
• Saturday from 12pm to 2pm

For more information on the CLiCK service, visit https://www.click.scot/

Be Aware of Scams

There has been reports of fraudsters posing as charity volunteers offering to help with shopping, offering fake virus testing or claiming to be raising funds for charity. If you have any concerns, contact 0300 123 0900 and ask for Trading Standards and Environmental Health.

Lives in Lockdown: Parents’ Accounts

Parenting Across Scotland (PAS) is asking parents and carers to share their experiences of life in lockdown. Their aim is to share parents’ views with the Scottish Government to give parents and carers the best support possible during the pandemic. If you, or any parent or carer, that you know would like to share their story, please email Alison Clancy or complete the online form.

Centre for Youth and Criminal Justice Seeking Young People’s Views

The Centre for Youth and Criminal Justice (CYCJ) is looking for young people over 18 years old who are in contact with youth justice services or have previous experience of the youth justice system to share their views and experiences of COVID-19 and lockdown. For more information, please click here or call 0141 444 8622.

Stay Connected Funding

Due to the incredible response the closing date of the STAY CONNECTED fund is now WEDNESDAY 20th MAY 5pm.

Champions for Change South Ayrshire Champions Board have launched our Stay Connected Fund. This fund is designed to support young people with care experience, aged between 14-26, with the impact of Covid-19 and the social changes that come with it. Young people can apply for up to £250 which will help them to:

• Cope with social distancing or isolation
• Improve or maintain their physical wellbeing
• Improve or maintain their mental wellbeing
• Help stay positive with creative outputs or activities

For easy access to the application form please follow the link below and scroll to the top of the page: https://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/grants/#grantsource

The Champions Board have specifically ring-fenced some of this funding to invite young people to apply for £240.00 which will cover one year’s worth of mobile phone data. This is a great deal and would encourage young people to take up this offer to help them stay connected.

If you or a young person have any questions about the Stay Connected Fund, please email

Dawn.parker@south-ayrshire.gov.uk Tel: 01655 884882 or Marion.Young@south-ayrshire.gov.uk Tel: 01292 612626

Neighbourhood Watch Scotland Booklet

Neighbourhood Watch Scotland have produced a booklet packed with practical tips on how to keep you, your family and your community safe, including protection from scams, doorstep crime and rogue traders.

Please share with family, friends, neighbours and community groups.

Website: Changes to South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership Services

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sahscp

Delivery of Critical Services

We continue to provide critical services and these are currently operating without issue.

Shielding

We received a list of 164 new names yesterday, bringing the total number of residents on the shielding list to 4442.

Covid Testing

Residents who meet the eligibility criteria can access Covid testing at Prestwick Airport. The service currently has capacity and residents can check if they qualify and book a test at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/apply-coronavirus-test

Private Water Supply User Assistance

As a consequence of the very low rainfall we have experienced recently, Environmental Health have been contacted by two private water supply (PWS) users requesting assistance with an emergency supply. We have contacted the Scottish Government and Scottish Water who have supplied emergency supplies of bottled water so we can assist those PWS users who are uffering a scarcity of supply. We have also advised SEPA of these requests for their records. South Ayrshire residents with PWS supply issues should contact Environmental Health for advice and assistance by calling 0300 123 0900.

Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs)

As detailed in previous Briefings, Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) across Scotland are currently closed in line with national guidance in response to the Covd-19 pandemic. As it stands, travelling to a recycling centre to dispose of excess household waste is not classified as an essential journey and would therefore be open to challenge by Police Scotland.

We cannot re-open centres until these guidelines are changed. Councils in Scotland are working together through the Waste Managers’ Network, CoSLA, SOLACE, SEPA, Zero Waste Scotland and the Scottish Government to develop a Scotland wide approach to the re-opening of HWRCs. A recent State of Readiness survey across all councils in Scotland suggests that councils would require on average 2-3 weeks to re-open after any change to national guidelines is made. In anticipation of this, in recent weeks we have been working on our own plans and are close to finalising arrangements for each site in South Ayrshire. Given the work already undertaken by the service, we would expect to be in a position to re-open HWRCs within a week to ten days of the guidelines being altered.

Unlike many other authorities, we are continuing to provide a full household collection service, other than special uplifts, and this should mitigate to some degree the impact when centres re-open. We do, however, anticipate that many residents will want to take their excess waste to a centre in the days immediately following re-opening, resulting in queues. We are therefore considering the use of temporary sites in key locations to alleviate pressure during the first two weeks of opening. We have engaged with an external Traffic Management organisation to draw up plans for each centre and have begun discussions with local Police to analyse and organise likely additional support requirements.

We are also developing a communications plan to try to prevent congestion at sites. We will provide further updates when any change in national guidance is announced.

Supporting Unpaid Carers

South Ayrshire Carers Centre is supporting unpaid carers to cope with the (COVID-19) pandemic. As well as providing practical and emotional support, the Centre has produced a letter which carers can use as identification when they are accessing goods and services for those they care for e.g. collecting prescriptions or shopping. All unpaid carers currently registered with South Ayrshire Carers Centre will be issued with the letter over the next two weeks. Carers can find out more by contacting the Carers Centre on 01292 263000, at https://www.facebook.com/SouthAyrshireCarersCentre or by email.

Support For Local Businesses

The Economy and Regeneration Team launched the sixth issue of their e-magazine Business Beat. This issue focusses on funding your business during the pandemic.

Communication

In addition to the regular information and updates which we provide in a range of ways, we are focusing each week on how the council has made a difference to people during the pandemic. This week we are covering some of the key achievements to date. This will be communicated in a number of ways including through a press release and social media.

A new resource has been published to support community organisations to carry out their vital work safely during the Covid-19 outbreak.

www.scdc.org.uk/news/article/2020/5/15/supporting-communities-safely-advice-for-community-groups-organisations-and-volunteer-networks

A direct link to the resource is available here:

https://www.scdc.org.uk/supporting-communities-safely

The resource is designed to be interactive and they will seek to respond to questions and observations from users and update where appropriate.

Delivery of Critical Services

We continue to provide critical services and these are currently operating without issue.

Business Support Grants

We have received 1785 applications for Business Support Grants and, of these, we have processed and paid 1299. We aim to process and pay all applications within 10 working days, however this is not possible where applicants have not provided all the information required. In many of the applications which are outstanding, applicants have not registered as
ratepayers, which is a requirement to be eligible for the Grant. We are actively contacting customers where we need more information and have issued communications
on our website and through social media to explain the situation and to reiterate information on how to register as a ratepayer. We are advising customers that we will contact them if we need more information.

We went live with Phase 2 of the Business Support Grant (Multiple Applications for Same Ratepayer) on Thursday 7 May.

Foster Care Fortnight

We are promoting Foster Care Fortnight, highlighting the ways in which dedicated carers can make a difference to children’s lives in South Ayrshire. We are actively encouraging people to consider how they might be able to help a child by getting involved in oster Care Fortnight #changeafuture. More information about foster care; adoption; supported care placements; and shared care can be found on our website at: www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/icare/

Communication

The VE Day coverage across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram was extremely popular, reaching a total of 69,405 people and generating 4,265 engagements.

Confirmed Cases

The Scottish Government publishes an updated picture of cases and testing at 2pm each day. For more information, please click on the link to the Scottish Government website: https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/

The National Records of Scotland have published figures of all deaths where COVID-19 was mentioned on the death certificate by the doctor who certified the death. This includes cases where the doctor noted that there was suspected or probable coronavirus infection involved in the death. For more information, please visit the National Records of Scotland website: https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/covid19stats

Updates from Scottish Government

· Emergency loan fund for SME housebuilders (07 May 2020)

· Getting people online (07 May 2020)

· £75 million boost for Scottish university research (06 May 2020)

· Extra payment for unpaid carers (06 May 2020)

· Preparing for economic recovery (05 May 2020)

· Aid for private rental landlords (05 May 2020)

· Looking after each other during COVID-19 (04 May 2020)

· Short-term prisoner release (04 May 2020)

· Supporting mental health (03 May 2020)

· Supporting people affected by drug use (03 May 2020)

· Support for autistic people (03 May 2020)

· Testing expansion (01 May 2020)

· Pupil Equity Funding (01 May 2020)

Shielding

South Ayrshire now has 4278 patients identified in the Shielding category – many of them requesting assistance for food and medicine supplies. GP Practices have contacted patients and, in most cases, an updated Anticipatory Care Plan (Key Information Summary) has been put in place.

The Partnership is working closely with colleagues in South Ayrshire Council, Voluntary Action South Ayrshire (VASA) and local community projects to provide support.

VE Day Celebrations (attached)

Nursery Court Day Service

Nursery Court Day Service had organised VE Day afternoon tea parties this week for service users, however, due to the current circumstances these have been cancelled. So staff have been delivering a VE Day gift to every service user which consists of a commemorative coin and tribute certificate (see attached). Service users are delighted to receive these and some have been recalling stories of tea parties in their street on 8th May 1945. Service users from Nursery Court Day Service also took part in a very moving tribute of ‘We’ll Meet Again’. To watch the video, please click here.

Scotland’s Service Directory

NHS Inform has developed Scotland’s Service Directory where you can find the names, addresses, opening times and service details for all NHS health services in your local area. The SSD will expand to include all health and wellbeing services within Health and Social Care Partnerships.

Stay Connected Funding

Champions for Change South Ayrshire Champions Board has launched a Stay Connected Fund. This fund is designed to support young people with care experience, aged between 14-26, with the impact of Covid-19 and the social changes that come with it. Young people can apply for up to £250 which will help them to:

· Cope with social distancing or isolation

· Improve or maintain their physical wellbeing

· Improve or maintain their mental wellbeing

· Help stay positive with creative outputs or activities

Applications will be screened weekly.

The Champions Board has specifically ring-fenced some of this funding to invite young people to apply for £240.00 which will cover one year’s worth of mobile phone data. We think this is a great deal and would encourage young people to take up this offer to help them stay connected.

If you or a young person have any questions about the Stay Connected Fund, please email

Dawn.parker@south-ayrshire.gov.uk Tel: 01655 884882 or Marion.Young@south-ayrshire.gov.uk Tel: 01292 612626

For easy access to the application form please follow the link below and scroll to the top of the page

https://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/grants/#grantsource

GP and Community Pharmacy Opening Hours on Public Holiday

All GP Practices will be open, providing normal contracted hours, on the public holiday. Please find details here https://www.nhsaaa.net/news/latest-news/pharmacies-open-in-south-ayrshire-this-bank-holiday/

Voices from Individuals and Community Organisations

Policy Scotland is supporting the pooling of expertise and knowledge to understand the implications of the sudden economic and social changes resulting from COVID-19. Policy Scotland has published an Evidence Round-Up : Voices from individuals and community organisations which highlights the impact of COVID-19 at a local level.

Supporting our Unpaid Carers

South Ayrshire Carers Centre is working hard to support unpaid carers, in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As well as providing practical and emotional support, the Centre has produced a letter which can be used as identification, for example, as carers pick up prescriptions, or get shopping for the vulnerable.

All unpaid carers currently registered with South Ayrshire Carers Centre will be issued with the letter in the next two weeks. The letter identifies the owner of the letter as someone who is caring for the vulnerable.

Kayleigh Hamilton, South Ayrshire Carers Centre manager said: “In the current lockdown situation we are acutely aware that many carers are worried they may be challenged if they have to travel to carry out their caring role. We hope this letter will give carers peace of mind when they are out in the community due to their caring commitments”

“South Ayrshire Council and South Ayrshire Health and Social Care partners have also been in contact with the South Ayrshire Division of Police Scotland so their officers are also aware of the scheme.”

If you are an unpaid carer not currently registered with South Ayrshire Carers Centre and feel this letter would be of benefit, please contact the Carers Centre on 01292 263000, email or via Facebook www.Facebook.com/SouthAyrshireCarersCentre

Clear Your Head and Feel Better

A campaign is underway to help people cope during the coronavirus pandemic. ‘Clear Your Head’ highlights the practical things people can do to help them feel better whilst staying at home, acknowledging these are worrying and uncertain times for many.

The campaign website – clearyourhead.scot – offers tips on how people can look after themselves if they feel things getting on top of them. This includes things like keeping to a routine, staying active within the current guidelines, making time to do the things you enjoy, and keeping in touch with people. The website also points to sources of advice including NHS Inform, and helplines including NHS24, Breathing Space, SAMH and the Samaritans – encouraging people to reach out if they need help.

Human Trafficking and Exploitation – Message from Police Scotland

Across the world many countries are in the midst of the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this circulation is to work together to protect and safeguard the vulnerable and those most at risk of human trafficking and exploitation.

Police Scotland National Human Trafficking Unit continue their ongoing engagement with key partners to ensure we are actively looking for and responding effectively to any incident or report of Human Trafficking or exploitation. We recognise that communities can provide valuable information which can assist us in this regard.

With restrictions on movement and activity being in place, we recognise that there are fewer opportunities for potential victims of human trafficking to be reported to the Police and partner agencies. This raises concerns about reaching out to those who are most vulnerable to exploitation and trafficking.

The current situation will see the demand increasing for the hiring of labour in the retail, delivery, food production and agricultural sector. We are asking our communities to be vigilant to the possibility that people are being exploited and to help us tackle it.

People may see an increase in the following:

· groups of people waiting to be collected for work or dropped off where this was not previously apparent;

· houses of multiple occupancy where potential victims may be living; or

· sudden increase in homelessness.

This list is by no means exhaustive. Communities will be aware of what goes on within their own areas. We would actively encourage any changes which raise suspicions or concerns to be reported. These reports can be reported anonymously to the following numbers:

· Police Scotland – 101

· Modern Slavery Helpline – 0800 121 700 – www.modernslaveryhelpline.org
· Crimestoppers – 0800 555 111 – www.crimstoppers-uk.org

The information provided will assist the Police and partner agencies in identifying potential victims of exploitation and ensure that the most vulnerable are protected.

For more information, click the following links:

· Modern slavery and COVID-19: What to look out for and how to get help – Information from the Home Office

· Modern slavery and COVID-19: Information from NHS England

Information for People with Dementia, their Carers and Families

Alzheimer’s Scotland has created a suite of information resources for people with dementia, their carers and families throughout the coronavirus pandemic. This includes information on activities, support for families and what to do if you have to go into hospital during this time. This is being updated on a regular basis as the situation progresses, so please check back to see the most up-to-date information. For more information, please click the following link: https://www.alzscot.org/information-during-coronavirus?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Website: Changes to South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership Services

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sahscp

As the nation rallies together against coronavirus we wanted to update you on how we’re keeping the gas flowing to homes and hospitals.


The pandemic has impacted all our lives, bringing with it challenges to our usual ways of working. Although we’ve paused most of our planned activities our engineers are continuing with safety-critical work and responding to gas emergencies.
We continue to operate the 24/7 National Gas Emergency Service across the south of England and in Scotland, attending properties and making the situation safe, as always. If we do need to visit a property in an emergency, we have extra safety precautions in place to protect both our customers and our engineers.

As the pandemic progresses, we’re ensuring we keep our customers updated on the changes to our ways of working. We’re keeping in touch with our communities through a range of channels, including our website, Facebook and twitter, local press, radio adverts, letters and onsite signage. If you’re able to help us spread the word further within your own networks, we really would appreciate you sharing our email and social media updates. Thank you.

We’re here to keep you safe and warm during these challenging times. All day, every day.

Coronavirus FAQs
Will you still visit homes and businesses in a gas emergency?
Why are your engineers working in my community during COVID-19?
How are you protecting your employees from COVID-19?

Supporting communities
We’ve joined forces with seven other utility companies to provide a £500,000 boost to Community Foundations who are providing frontline community support during the coronavirus pandemic. Our funding is helping foodbanks, volunteer centres and outreach programmes look after the most vulnerable members of our communities now and over the weeks and months to come.

“Providing an essential public service as we do, we get to know the communities we serve really well. We’re delighted to be directly supporting the Community Foundations in our network areas to help those most in need during the coronavirus outbreak.”

As the situation regarding the current crisis continues there have been a number of changes and updates to organisations and the support they are providing.

Below is a wealth of information and resources which you may find useful.

Alzheimer Scotland have created a suite of resources for people with dementia, their carers and families to use throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

Community Pharmacy Update
As Scotland responds to the COVID-19 pandemic, community pharmacies in NHS Ayrshire & Arran are working tirelessly to ensure that everyone’s medicines and healthcare needs will be met over the coming days and weeks. Community pharmacy teams are a critical part of NHS Scotland, working on the front line in our local community. Over the past few weeks, community pharmacies have seen demand for over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, other products, advice and reassurance soar.

To help support community pharmacies, we are asking patients and members of the public to follow some simple steps:

• Avoid pharmacies if you are showing symptoms of COVID-19. If you have a new persistent cough and/or a high temperature or shortness of breath please avoid entering your local pharmacy as you would any other healthcare setting.
• Be patient and be kind. All pharmacies are under immense pressure and working around the clock to ensure that you get what you need. Community pharmacies have a zero tolerance position in respect of verbal and physical abuse towards their staff at this difficult time. Queuing systems and restricting access to community pharmacies are in place to ensure both staff and patients using the community pharmacy remain safe and have two-metre physical distancing in place to prevent the transmission of COVID-19.
• Order medicines as normal. There is no need to stockpile medicines. Ordering extra prescriptions and buying more OTC medicines than you need causes unnecessary disruption to the medicines supply chain.
• If you have ordered medicines over the past few weeks, please remember to collect them from your community pharmacy. We are aware of large volumes of uncollected prescriptions awaiting uplift from community pharmacies.

Pharmacies will remain open wherever possible. You may notice that some are now having to reduce the hours during which they can admit members of the public. This is to ensure that community pharmacy teams can carry out tasks such as preparing medicines, restocking shelves and cleaning, so that community pharmacy services can continue safely.

Most pharmacies can be contacted by phone and email, and many have their own websites and social media channels. Please use these methods to contact your local community pharmacy if you are displaying the symptoms of COVID-19, and need pharmacy advice or support.

National and Local Support for Communities

National Assistance Helpline – The Scottish Government has established a National Assistance Helpline for people who are:

• disabled
• receiving mental health support
• have dementia
• over 70 years old
• pregnant
• received the flu vaccine for health reasons

The helpline is dedicated to helping those who cannot leave their home and who cannot get help online. The number is 0800 111 4000and the line is open Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm.

Bereavement Support
Please see below National bereavement support charities for support to your staff and service user/residents family members.

http://www.crusescotland.org.uk/

http://www.samaritans.org/

and Ayrshire Cancer Support on 01563 538008

and Scotland’s first Bereavement Charter for Children and Adults Bereavement Charter

The outbreak of COVID-19 means that many aspects of children’s normal routines have been significantly and abruptly changed. Most children are spending all their time at home with their immediate family and are not able to have physical contact with their wider family, friends or teachers. This will be an anxious time for many children – they may have questions about how COVID-19 may affect them or other members of their family. It is important to give the time to listen and talk to your child about any concerns they have.

The following link provides support information Supporting children and young people to cope with loss and bereavement

South Ayrshire Carers Centre
The South Ayrshire Carers Centre head office in Ayr is closed and all carer support groups have been suspended until further notice. Support is being provided for all unpaid carers including young carers via telephone and social media. For further information please call 07919004480, email Southayrshire.carers@unity-enterprise.comor visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SouthAyrshireCarersCentre/

National Advice for Unpaid Carers
For the latest national advice for unpaid carers please visit www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-unpaid-carers-march-2020/ and https://young.scot/campaigns/national/coronavirus

Helplines
NHS 24 (111)
Breathing Space (0800 83 85 87)
Samaritans (116 123)

Clear your Head and Feel Better
A campaign is underway to help people cope during the COVID-19 pandemic. ‘Clear Your Head’ highlights the practical things people can do to help them feel better whilst staying at home, acknowledging these are worrying and uncertain times for many.

The campaign website – clearyourhead.scot – offers tips on how people can look after themselves if they feel things getting on top of them. This includes things like keeping to a routine, staying active within the current guidelines, making time to do the things you enjoy, and keeping in touch with people. The website also points to sources of advice including NHS Inform, and helplines including NHS24, Breathing Space, SAMH and the Samaritans – encouraging people to reach out if they need help.

Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland Support
Support from CHSS can be accessed by calling 0808 801 0899 or visit www.chss.org.uk/coronavirus

Resources for Gypsy/Traveller carers, supported people and communities during COVID – 19
MECOPP has produced a series of short film clips to raise awareness of the different types of financial help available during the pandemic. For example, changes to the welfare benefits system, Government grants and loans, help with food and bills and other forms of help such as food banks and hardship funds. The films can also be found on a dedicated Facebook page set up to support the community.
https://www.facebook.com/GypsyTravellers-ScotlandCoronavirus-information-100442048272006/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel&eid=ARAhzpSQiBxk3cj_Lp8MMRdcUP0oWYcwTuTXTLYom9x3Sz42gQwBcY-LNx6IAJIWaU2u_Ee3ona11bIb

Information for People with Dementia, their Carers and Families
Alzheimer’s Scotland have created a suite of information resources for people with dementia, their carers and families throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes information on activities, support for families and what to do if they have to go into hospital during this time. This is being updated on a regular basis as the situation progresses, so please check back to see the most up-to-date information. For more information, please click the following link: https://www.alzscot.org/information-during-coronavirus?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

NHS
A new campaign is underway to encourage people to seek medical help for health issues which are not related to COVID-19. Figures indicate patients are delaying going to the GP surgery or Accident & Emergency during the pandemic, that there has been a drop in urgent suspected cancer referrals, and a reduction in families bringing children for immunisation.

PPE for Unpaid Carers
A process has been established for unpaid carers (including young carers) to access PPE where appropriate. South Ayrshire Lifeline are supporting the model as the single point of contact (0800 432 0510). South Ayrshire Lifeline has been given a limited stock of PPE which we can deliver out to carers. This will be a week’s supply which can then be repeated.

A video has been produced to demonstrate how to put on and remove PPE which may be of use to unpaid carers: https://vimeo.com/393951705

Police Scotland – Human Trafficking and Exploitation
Across the world many countries are in the midst of the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this Police Scotland circulation is to work together to protect and safeguard the vulnerable and those most at risk of human trafficking and exploitation.

Police Scotland National Human Trafficking Unit continue their ongoing engagement with key partners to ensure they are actively looking for and responding effectively to any incident or report of Human Trafficking or exploitation. They recognise that communities can provide valuable information which can assist them in this regard.

Scottish Government

£100m funds to help business (30 April 2020): https://www.gov.scot/news/gbp-100m-funds-to-help-business/
Aid for private rental landlords (05 May 2020)
Looking after each other during COVID-19 (04 May 2020)
Short-term prisoner release (04 May 2020)
Supporting mental health (03 May 2020)
Supporting people affected by drug use (03 May 2020)
Support for autistic people (03 May 2020)
Testing expansion (01 May 2020)
Pupil Equity Funding (01 May 2020)

Online Support/Guidance documents

Coronavirus in Scotland
https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/
Scottish Government testing update
https://www.gov.scot/news/covid-19-testing-update/
NHS Inform
www.nhsinform.scot/coronavirus
Scottish Council of Voluntary Organisations
https://scvo.org.uk/support/covid-19/resources
Near Me / Attend Anywhere
https://www.nhsaaa.net/services-a-to-z/near-me-attend-anywhere/
Citizens Advice Bureau
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland/
Advice for Employees and Self-Employed
COVID-19 Guidance for Employees and Self Employed
NHS24
https://www.nhs24.scot/

The Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems
COVID-19 advice for heavy drinkers
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and People with Alcohol-related Problems
Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland – Support available
Breathing Space – Listening, information and advice
Mental Health Foundation – Mental health and psychosocial support
Support in Mind Scotland – Mental health support
See Me – Resources to help challenge mental health stigma
SAMH – COVID-19 mental health information hub
Marie Curie – Information and support