Supporting those in Peterborough that need it most

Last week people across the country stood on their doorsteps and gave a round of applause for NHS staff who are working tirelessly to help those suffering from the effects of the Coronavirus, or indeed other conditions or illnesses, writes leader of Peterborough City Council, cllr John Holdich.
One of the videos recorded to support residents who do not speak EnglishOne of the videos recorded to support residents who do not speak English
One of the videos recorded to support residents who do not speak English

I have always had a huge amount of respect and admiration for our NHS and consider it to be one of the best health services in the world. We are now seeing this, day in, day out.

For me, the pandemic has also shone a light on the services that we provide which residents need and rely upon in times of crisis as much as they do every other day of the year. Care for the elderly, support for children in care, bin collections and burial services are just a few examples of those services which we have no choice over providing.

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Our adult social care staff are playing a crucial role in helping the elderly and vulnerable adults to stay safe in their own homes, particularly those who are self-isolating, providing personal care and assistance.

Last week they supported 65 people out of hospital and back into the community, freeing up beds at the hospital. Home care plans and packages have been put in place for each person so that they can recuperate at home and regain their independence.

Our housing team continues to support rough sleepers in the city and has provided self- contained accommodation for every vulnerable rough sleeper to allow them to self-isolate.

Council staff, working in partnership with the British Red Cross, are preparing and delivering parcels of food and emergency supplies for the most vulnerable who are shielding from the Coronavirus. The Government has promised that a national food distribution scheme will be up and running very soon, but until then we’re ensuring that those residents who need food, medicine and emergency supplies are looked after.

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If you are at home and shielding because of serious health or medical conditions and we have not been in touch, please contact us at www.peterborough.gov.uk/coordinationhub or on 0345 045 5219.

Our co-ordination hub, which I told you about last week, continues to target support for those most at risk. If you’re someone who wants to help, but aren’t necessarily sure how, then please visit www.peterborough.gov.uk and register your interest.

I know that many people appreciate the efforts made by council officers such as those I have mentioned – there are many more I have not name checked.

It made me smile to learn that residents have been leaving messages of support on their wheelie bins for our Aragon Direct Services bin collection crews! These staff cannot work from home and they know the service they provide is vital.

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I would like to put my own thanks on record, for every council staff member who is working around the clock to keep people safe and well and informed, for every NHS worker, every police officer, every supermarket staff member and for each and every person who is working together to get us through this most testing time.

At the moment I see or hear things daily that make me proud of the community spirit being shown by people in our city.

Last week three design technology teachers at Jack Hunt School made 61 protective visors for staff at Peterborough City Hospital to wear when treating patients. They’ve said they can make more if the hospital needs them. What a fantastic thing to do.

City College Peterborough is cooking and delivering meals to the homeless that are self- isolating and identified as vulnerable, in liaison with Cross Keys Homes. Last week they cooked and delivered 100 meals, whilst on Monday they achieved 100 meals in a day andhit 120 on Tuesday. That’s quite an achievement!

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There are countless other examples which also deserve praise.

Whether it’s offering to deliver food supplies or picking up prescriptions, or regular phone calls checking on their wellbeing, there are lots of ways we can all keep an eye on people, without the need to make physical contact.

You may have noticed that we’ve been producing video blogs in a variety of languages tant public health messages such as the need to stay at home to limit the spread of the virus.

So far, we have received more than 30 translations thanks to people across our communities, which is fantastic.

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We need everyone to understand the important messages around how they can stay safe and well and these video blogs are a great way of reaching as many people as we can for whom English may not be their first language.

If you know someone who cannot read or understand English, please ask them to view the translations we have produced on our Facebook page or at www.peterborough.gov.uk. Other languages are being added daily.