A group of volunteers from the village have very kindly set up a service to help residents in need of assistance. You can contact them on the following details:
Email: [email protected]
Linda Webster 01366 347563
Mhari and Anthony Blanchfield 01366 347849
Liz and Andy Stephen 01366 347549
Janice and Chris Parsons 01366 347983
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bartonbendishvillage
Coronavirus support is available for extremely vulnerable persons
Register if you have a medical condition that makes you extremely vulnerable to coronavirus. For example, you’ll be able to ask for help getting deliveries of essential supplies like food.
If you’re not sure whether your medical condition makes you extremely vulnerable, register anyway.
You can register yourself, or for someone else. Please ask family or friends for help to register if you are unable to access a computer
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable
Before you start
You’ll be asked for your NHS number (but you can still register if you do not have it). You can find your NHS number on any letter the NHS has sent you or on a prescription.
If you are a vulnerable person in need of help, you can call the County Council helpline on 0344 800 8020 or contact the Borough Council on 01553 616200.
Updates from existing services
Age UK Norfolk
Our two main services are still operational; our Information and Advice Helpline and our Telephone Befriending service although the help line is now running as a call back service.
Age UK Norfolk Information and Advice Helpline:
T 0300 500 1217 Open 10am-4pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday and 10am – 1pm Tuesday and Thursday (this is currently a call back service)
Age UK Norfolk Telephone Befriending Service:
T 01603 785 223
Carers Matter Norfolk
Carers Matter is still very much open for carers (both adult and young carers) to access and we are still receiving referrals?
Our Carers Matter Norfolk service delivers a free 7-day a week Advice Line, 1:1 support, Counselling, Education & Training and Carers Voice to adult carers supporting someone in Norfolk. Much of the support we usually deliver in face to face or in group settings is now not possible due to the tighter social distancing restrictions and the increased health risks for the cared-for.
In response to this we are increasing the number of carers we contact directly and the frequency and channels by which we contact them. Carers who already access the different sources of support will be offered regular calls during this difficult time. We are also identifying and contacting carers who look after someone in the ‘at risk’ groups and those carers who are more ‘at risk’ themselves. As the situation becomes clearer and carers themselves identify the support they need, we will add to and develop our services accordingly. For further details, please read the full Service Delivery Update for CMN Adult Carers during COVID-19.
For regular updates about the service and other means of support available, please follow Carers Matter Norfolk on Facebook and Twitter and visit the Carers Matter Norfolk website or call the Advice Line on 0800 083 1148.
Community Action Norfolk
Lists voluntary organisations in the area. Tel 01362 698216
Community Support Service – Homegroup
The Community Support Service which supports customer to prevent homelessness remains open for referrals. Currently all colleagues are working at home and contacting customers by phone but if you do have a customer with a housing concern please email [email protected].
Early Childhood & Family Service (ECFS)
Our bases in West Norfolk are now unmanned, all staff are working from home, if a professional needs access to the building for an essential purpose then they should contact me in the first instance, and I will arrange access.
Kings Lynn Foodbank
We are trying to keep the Foodbank provision going as well as we can to ensure that those who are in greatest need can get through the coming weeks and months. As you know, we rely a great deal on our lovely team of volunteers to pack and hand out the food parcels. Unfortunately, the majority of our team are unable to come in as they are in the high-risk category either by virtue of their age or their health. This means that we are VERY short of people to ensure that the Foodbank provision can continue, especially at a time when more people are likely to need the food we provide.
Therefore, I am emailing to ask if any of your congregation who are not in the high-risk category would be able to come and help us, to please get in touch by email or phone and let us know which day or days you would be able to help:
07582 558143
We normally open Monday – Friday 12:30-2:30pm
Helen Gilbert King’s Lynn Foodbank Project Manager
Forward Day Centre, Kings Lynn
Forward is currently closed for at least twelve weeks. We are staying in regular contact with all of the people we support to see if they are ok and setting up facetime slots with those who want them.
Lily
Information site with full listings of services and support for local area. Tel: 01553 616200
or
https://www.west-norfolk.gov.uk/info/20168/lily_careline_and_care_and_repair/234/lily
Matthew Project;- Supporting young people with drug and alcohol related issues
Matthew Project are still supporting our clients but from home and we have our helpline number if required and we can take new referrals though it would only be phone support at this time.
Sharon Parnell Team Manager
(t) 01603 216420
(m) 07881847728
(f) 01603 216424
Advice Line:0800 970 4866 (Monday to Friday, 9am – 8pm)
Money Advice Hub
Money Advice Hub have been very busy over the last week developing our new Coronavirus information site, which I would encourage you to have a quick look at and direct residents to…
Link: https://sites.google.com/moneyadvicehub.org.uk/coronavirus-advice-hub
National Autistic Society West Norfolk Branch
NAS west Norfolk branch have a very active public Facebook page we are posting lots of information on If that also helps
And anyone can email in [email protected] for more information if they need support during this time .
Nelsons Journey Child Bereavement Support
As you will know, Coronavirus is having a huge impact on society and the economy, including having a devastating impact on the fundraising income to many local charities. This week, with a significant reduction in our fundraising income, we have no choice but to take further steps to protect the charity’s future by temporarily laying off the majority of our staff with immediate effect, using the Government’s Job Retention Scheme. We are maintaining our Support Line which has already begun to receive calls following deaths due to the virus. All other support services have been paused until further notice.
This decision was made with a very heavy heart. Our priority is to the children and young people we were set up to support, we must ensure that Nelson’s Journey is able to respond to the inevitable increase in demand both now and in the future. We have therefore prioritised the most responsive element of our service to ensure adults are given the professional guidance and support they require to assist them in supporting children and young people.
As things develop, we will keep you updated but, in the meantime, thank you for your ongoing support and patience. Please bear with us during these challenging times.
Norfolk Registration Service – births/deaths/marriages
Please note: the Downham Register Office is now closed. The service is trying to contact all customers with appointments at the Downham market office, but if you think you might have been overlooked or uncontactable please go to the Registration website and complete a fresh appointment request form
Prospects
I am still providing the usual support service for Prospects, but this is being provided via telephone support only. I am still accepting referrals from any agencies.
[email protected] M: 07702 877341
Youth Support Worker – King’s Lynn and West Norfolk
Swan Youth Project Downham Market
During this uncertain time, we are still here for all young people aged 8-18 in our area. Our sessions may now be remote, and our discussions may be online or by phone, but we are here for you
We can currently offer
- 1:1 Sessions online or by phone (subject to need and demand)
- ‘Check-in’ calls to young people
- Instagram live sport sessions
- WhatsApp small groups for peer support
- Princes Trust Achieve Programme – online
Please check out our social media for regular updates for days and times available
Facebook: theswanproject1
Instagram: dmswanyouthproject
Twitter: DMSwanYouth
West Norfolk Help Hub
West Norfolk Help Hub Multi-Agency Conference Call Meetings are cancelled until further notice.
The Help Hub will remain open to receiving referrals, but these will be dealt with on a priority basis and I will coordinate the appropriate support for the case independently, between myself and the referrer.
As a BCKLWN employee I am continuing my role as a coordinator by supporting the running of our ‘Community Hub’ which involves organising assistance to those in isolation that require food, medicine and other necessities.
The service is now fully operational so if you know someone in isolation who needs help, please contact Norfolk County Council on 0344 800 8020 (option 5)
Further information on what we are doing can be found on https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/care-support-and-health/health-and-wellbeing/adults-health/coronavirus/community-support-for-people-at-home/help-with-home-food-and-finances/help-if-you-are-self-isolating
Amy Attlesey
West Norfolk Help Hub Coordinator
New Community Groups
North Lynn Methodist Church
Last week, we were very busy, making sure the large number of elderly folk in our churches were ok. Thankfully, most have family living nearby, who are shopping for them.
However, this does mean that we have a team of about 10 people who are ready and willing to do shopping for others- but with few people to shop for at the moment.
Please can you advertise, in the next newsletter, that any agencies needing help for specific families in the North Lynn or Kings Lynn areas to please contact me. My number is 01553 379142. I will deal with the money side of things (obviously cash only, and I will wear my dog collar so people know its genuine) but then I will share out the shopping itself.
Becca Phillips
Downham Market & Surrounding Area -Mutual Aid Covid-19
If you are unable to leave your home because of C-19 and need help we are here for you. We’re a group of local residents supporting the community we lie in and to ensure nobody is left isolated or without support.
We don’t ask for anything in return we just believe in helping each other in a time of difficulty. We’re your Local neighbours and not a professional body
Do you need support we can offer help within reason in ways we can also stay safe
Arranging deliveries, picking up shopping and medication, a friendly phone call, topping up electric or gas key, posting mail, urgent supplies
Call or text 07943 682216 or visit our Facebook page www.facebook.com/Covid-19mutalaidfordownhammarket
If you wish to volunteer, please message on Facebook or email [email protected] Please leave the phone line clear for people who need help.
Volunteer to support Covid-19 Response
Voluntary Norfolk, Momentum and Community Action Norfolk are working with Norfolk County Council and local health providers to recruit volunteers for a county wide effort to respond to the Coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis.
We are particularly keen to hear from people who have the skills to volunteer in health and social care roles, which have been identified as priority areas and those people who have current DBS checks.
After you submit your details, you will receive a call back in due course from a member of our Covid-19 Volunteering Response Team to discuss what you can offer, what volunteers are needed in your local area and the next steps. Please be aware that this may take a bit of time as we coordinate our efforts with our partners. As you can imagine there has been an amazing response from the public offering their time and commitment, with over 1200 people registering to volunteer in the past week, so we will be working our way through everyone’s registration as quickly as we can, but it might take us a few days to get back to you.
Please also note that volunteers must be over 18 and children should not accompany adults who are undertaking volunteering activities.
Useful Advice and Guidance
Just one Norfolk Coronavirus FAQS
https://www.justonenorfolk.nhs.uk/covid-19-coronavirus-faqs
GOV. UK Coronavirus Information Service WhatsApp
The new free to use service aims to provide official, trustworthy and timely information and advice about coronavirus (COVID-19) and will further reduce the burden on NHS services.
This will help combat the spread of coronavirus misinformation in the UK, as well as helping ensure people stay home, protect the NHS and save lives.
The GOV.UK Coronavirus Information Service is an automated ‘chatbot’ service which will allow the British public to get answers to the most common questions about coronavirus direct from government.
The service will provide information on topics such as coronavirus prevention and symptoms, the latest number of cases in the UK, advice on staying at home, travel advice and myth busting.
The service will also allow the government to send messages to all opted-in users if required.
To use the free GOV.UK Coronavirus Information Service on WhatsApp, simply add 07860 064422 in your phone contacts and then message the word ‘hi’ in a WhatsApp message to get started.
A set of menu options is then presented which the user can choose from and then be sent relevant guidance from GOV.UK pages as well as links to GOV.UK for further information.
Prof Yvonne Doyle, Medical Director, Public Health England, said:
This service will help us ensure the public has a trusted source for the right information about coronavirus, updated with the latest public health guidance and providing assurance that they are not misled by any of the false information circulating.
Coronavirus Information for Single Parents
We know many single parent families are worried about the impact of the coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, on their families. This page collects together information that is especially helpful to single parents.
You can also read:
- our coronavirus FAQs pagefor answers to common questions.
- the latest government guidance.
- the latest NHS advice.
For practical advice, you can contact our expert advisers on our Single Parent Helpline. Our helpline will continue to operate as normal and information on the opening hours is available here. Please understand we are receiving a lot of calls so it may take a long time to connect you.
https://www.gingerbread.org.uk/coronavirus/
Learning resources
Below is the link that NCC is using to put additional learning resources for schools and families including those with SEND to use. Further resources are being added regularly.
https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/education-and-learning/schools/educational-resources
Library Updates
Your library account
We’ve automatically renewed all borrowed items, including books, DVDs and music, until further notice and we are asking you to keep them at home for the time being. Don’t worry – you will not be charged overdue fees, and any existing charges you may have on your account won’t increase over time. You will not be able to reserve items or request inter-library loans whilst our libraries are closed.
People can still join the Library Service online, so tell your friends.
Keep up to date with the latest information by following us on social media:
Twitter: @NorfolkLibs
Facebook: @NorfolkLibrariesUK
Instagram: norfolklibraries
eBooks, eAudio and online newspapers and magazines
Did you know you can download six books straight away through the Libby App? All you need to do is sign in using your library card and PIN number and you’re ready to go. We’ve been busy adding lots of new books for children and adults.
Check out our new eBook collection for Book Clubs, with 25 titles carefully chosen by library staff. Over the coming weeks we’ll be featuring a book a week and inviting anyone at home to send us their comments, whether you’re a book club member or not.
Did you know you can also read thousands of books, newspapers and magazines for free using the RBdigital and PressReader apps? All you need is a library card number. Read or listen on your computer, smartphone, or tablet. To find out more and to start your journey visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/ebooks
If you’re missing your book group or chatting about books with friends, then why not join our Norfolk Borrowers Facebook group? You’ll be able to share what you’re reading with others and get lots of recommendations to add to your ‘to be read’ piles.
BBC Novels ‘Coming of Age’ survey
As part of the BBC’s Novels that Shaped our World campaign, Norfolk Libraries want to hear about a novel that either meant a great deal to you when you were growing up, or is something that you read as an adult that made you feel differently about the world.
Use our online survey to nominate your favourite book and tell us why it’s special to you. If you have a story that you’d like to share, you can also choose to become part of our Coming of Age novel podcast.
Keeping the kids busy
For those of you with children at home, we have lots to help keep them occupied. Our eBook apps above have content for all ages, from picture books like Scaredy Squirrel, to longer novels like Harry Potter and the Hunger Games.
They can also read the latest Beano, along with lots of other fun children’s magazines, using the PressReader app. Just log in using your library card and PIN.
Whilst you’re not able to join us in the library for groups and activities we’d love you to join us online. Follow our Facebook page and tune in for events including Storytime every weekday at 12pm, Brick Builders Club every Wednesday at 4pm and Bounce and Rhyme Time every Tuesday at 10am.
Next week we’ll be launching a reading challenge to keep you busy throughout April, so stay tuned to our social media to find out more.
