Tag: NEN

Emergency Fund to provide a lifeline for unpaid carers struggling to cope with Coronavirus

  • There are an estimated 7 million unpaid carers in the UK providing care to family members and friends with long-term illnesses, disabilities, poor mental health or substance addictions.
  • Hundreds of thousands of carers are providing care round-the-clock, experiencing isolation and poor physical and mental health as a result.
  • Huge upsurge in queries from carers regarding concerns caused by Coronavirus.

Carers Trust is launching today an emergency appeal to help unpaid carers who are struggling to cope with the enormous impact of Coronavirus and self-isolation while still providing care and support to family members and friends.

All donations made online by the public will go straight into Carers Trust’s Carers Emergency Fund. The Fund will be used to ramp up Carers Trust’s existing grants programme, providing more small grants more quickly to those carers who need them most. It will provide grants of any amount up to £300 directly to carers, helping them overcome the hurdles that Coronavirus is throwing up on a daily basis.

Carers Trust has been receiving a huge upsurge in communications through its Network from carerslooking after people, young and old, whose lives have been made extremely challenging as a result of the Coronavirus lockdown. 

One Carers Trust Network Partner has reported a 100% increase in the number of emails it is receiving from carers since the outbreak of Coronavirus. The same Network Partner reports a 177% increase in people visiting its website (an average of 466 visitors per day). All communications from carers, whether calls or emails, are prompted by concerns about Coronavirus.

Examples of problems described by carers

These problems will be addressed through grants made available by Carers Trust to carers in need:

  • Lack of money for petrol from a carer whose 98 year-old father was released from hospital after 28 days battling Coronavirus. The carer did not want paid care workers coming into the house and risking re-infection. With her only income being Carers Allowance of £67.25 per week, however, she could not afford to make the 18 mile round-trip three times a day to care for him properly.
  • The lack of money to meet the cost of purchasing a small tablet so that an unpaid carer can keep in regular contact with the person they care for, reducing their loneliness and isolation and ensuring their health doesn’t deteriorate.
  • A carer had no money to buy a cooker after ordering one from Bright House just before they went into administration. She had no further funds to get one in any other way. The carer has three children with disabilities who need very particular foods.

Launching Carers Trust’s emergency appeal, CEO Gareth Howells said: “Unpaid carers are the backbone of our society, providing huge levels of care to family members that are some of the most vulnerable people in our society. But all too often the commitment and sacrifices they make go unnoticed.

“At Carers Trust we are constantly hearing about the daily struggles of unpaid carers and how their lives have now been thrown into turmoil as a result of Coronavirus.

“Some unpaid carers simply cannot find food because food banks have closed. Others are spending considerable amounts of money caring for their family members because it’s not safe for the social care workforce to do so.

“That’s why we are launching the Carers Emergency Fund. It will increase the number of grants we are able to make and ensure this happens as quickly as possible to ease the pressures on unpaid carers.”

“This Fund also shows Carers Trust’s determination to stand by these heroes, keeping them afloat so they can continue to care for their loved ones. I’d urge anyone able to do so to visit the Carers Trust website to donate and show their support for unpaid carers who really are the backbone of our social care system.”

Sir Trevor Pears CMG, Executive Chair, Pears Foundation, added: “The Coronavirus crisis has made an already difficult situation for carers far, far worse.

“That’s why we think it is so important to support the Carers Emergency Fund which will significantly increase funds that can speedily be turned into grants for carers. These grants will serve as a real lifeline at this time of crisis, getting financial support swiftly to vulnerable unpaid carers.”

Emergency Free Meals: More food deliveries through £70m Food Fund

More community food projects will receive funding to provide emergency free meals to those most in need during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Around £700,000 has been allocated from the £70 million Scottish Food Fund to 19 projects, including a £350,000 grant to the Wheatley Group to provide 8,500 emergency food deliveries to people most in need in 17 local authority areas as part of its own EatWell service over the next three months.

A further 18 schemes will share £400,000 to provide emergency food through a range of projects working with minority ethnic households, family support groups or mental health teams.

The Food Fund comprises £30 million for food deliveries for the ‘shielded’ groups at highest clinical risk, and a further £30 million to local authorities for free school meals and food support for older people, those with long-term health conditions and pregnant women.

The remaining £10 million is for critical third sector and community response organisations, which includes funding so far of £500,000 each for Social Bite, FareShare and Cash for Kids.

Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said: “As part of Scotland’s £70 million Food Fund, we’re making an initial £10 million available to help support community food projects, and these latest grants will help ensure people are not only fed but treated with dignity.

“I am very grateful to be working alongside the Trussell Trust, FareShare and other members of the Independent Food Network to provide people at risk in our communities with the basic essentials their families need. I’m particularly pleased that FareShare is now working closely with many councils to strengthen local responses.

“The existing close partnership working we already had with these leading food charities has significantly stepped up to ensure people who are in the greatest financial risk as a result of the impact of the pandemic have access to food and basic essentials.

“Uniquely among the countries of the UK, the ‘cash-first’ elements of approach mean that where people can safely get out to buy food, we make sure they have access to the cash to do so.

“This is the most dignified way we can provide food support and we will continue to do all we can to help people overcome any barriers in their way. I am pleased that these charities have welcomed this approach as the most dignified way of supporting people with food insecurity.”

Martin Armstrong, Chief Executive Officer of Wheatley Group, said: “We are delighted the Scottish Government has agreed to help fund our EatWell emergency food delivery service over the next three months.

“This support will be very much appreciated by the thousands of individuals and families in Wheatley homes across the country relying on this vital service. I am confident that by continuing to work well together, we will be able to tackle the considerable challenges posed by the coronavirus crisis.”

Emma Revie, CEO of the Trussell Trust, said: “We all deserve the dignity of having enough money to buy the essentials we need for ourselves and our families, so we welcome the cash-first approach from the Scottish Government that aims to get money to people who are financially vulnerable due to this crisis.

“Despite these efforts, we know that there will still be households across Scotland that will be unable to afford basics such as food.

“In response, we have been working closely with independent food banks, FareShare and the Scottish Government to overcome significant challenges in the supply chain and ensure food will be available to those most in need of help.”

Sabine Goodwin, Coordinator, Independent Food Network, said: “While supporting independent food bank teams working tirelessly to cope with increasing need across Scotland, the Independent Food Aid Network has appreciated being able to work collaboratively with the Scottish Government, FareShare and the Trussell Trust. 

“However challenging it is to distribute emergency food parcels to people who cannot afford food, we are trying to keep one eye firmly on the future and our joint vision of a Scotland without the need for charitable food aid.

“We very much welcome the Scottish Government’s support of communities at this time and particularly its prioritisation of cash first solutions and investment in the Scottish Welfare Fund.”

Gillian Kynoch from FareShare said: “The Scottish Government has worked hard to ensure we are integrated into the Local Authority response in each area to coordinate support for the self-isolating, over 70’s, and those experiencing – and at risk of – food insecurity.

“Many community food organisations that normally provide cooked meals to support vulnerable or low income people, older people lunch clubs, after school clubs, community cafes, have had to close their doors.

“These same groups and many others have adapted quickly and swung into action providing food parcels and hot meals delivered to people at home.  The scale of this challenge has been significant but our collective ramp-up has been helped by a big response to our call for volunteers. So many that we are now operating reserve lists – which is fantastic.”

Road to Recovery? Council Leader chairs tourism roundtable

Experts from across Edinburgh’s tourism and hospitality industries have been brought together by the Council to discuss the impact of the coronavirus on the city’s visitor economy.

In what is the first in a series of meetings with key sectors, members of ETAG, Edinburgh Airport, Festivals Edinburgh, Visit Scotland, Essential Edinburgh and the Chamber of Commerce joined a virtual roundtable this week (Thursday 16 April) chaired by Council Leader Adam McVey to kickstart work on a city recovery plan.

During the tourism oversight group’s first meeting, the sector:

  • Reaffirmed its commitment to the aims of Edinburgh’s new Tourism Strategy – a 10 year plan which focuses on managing tourism and balancing the needs of local residents, businesses and visitors.
  • Discussed initial ideas for economic recovery in the sector, including options for recovering local footfall and business tourism once lockdown measures have been eased.
  • Agreed to carry out urgent work in a number of priority areas, which will be reviewed when the group meets again in three weeks’ time.

Council Leader, Adam McVey, said: “There is a real willingness from all sides and sectors to use our city’s strengths as a platform for working together over the coming months so that we can recover from this global emergency.

“It is so important to the future of our Capital that we remain committed to sustainable and responsible tourism when businesses open again and keep our focus on the priorities we agreed last November – to put our people, place and environment at the heart of our plans.

“We entered this outbreak with Edinburgh’s key sectors and local businesses in good health. I believe this will stand us in good stead as our City and economy recovers. Our contribution to the world, whether it’s the arts or academia, has been enormous and we know it’s left a strong impression on so many people’s experience of our Capital.

“The road to recovery may be long, but tourism is an important engine for Edinburgh’s economy. We’ll need to work together to share the benefits of tourism across Edinburgh, and our new tourism strategy is central to achieving this.”

Donald Emslie, Chair of the Edinburgh Tourism Action Group (ETAG), said: “This week’s meeting was extremely welcome, as it demonstrated the Council’s recognition of the huge challenges that the tourism sector is facing and the need for a positive and proactive response.

“ETAG will be playing a leading role in this and engaging with the tourism industry and key stakeholders to ensure that we work together as “Team Edinburgh” to support the development and delivery of the recovery plan.”

Depute Leader Cammy Day added: “Tourism has been an important topic of conversation in our city for a long time and residents’ feedback over the last 12 months helped us to shape Edinburgh’s new Tourism Strategy.

“This feedback and the ambitions of this 10 year plan need to remain central to our efforts and those of everyone in the sector, as we seek to help Edinburgh recover economically.

“We’ve always been proud to be a small city which made it big on the world stage – a place which is recognised as an enviable city to live in and visit. When these difficult times are behind us, we look forward to being able to come together once again to sample all that makes Edinburgh the inspiring place it is.

“Managing this will involve a range of measures to support the sector and workers, and we’re committed to working together to put a strong recovery plan in place.”

The group’s findings will inform a citywide recovery plan, which will involve senior Councillors and Council officers seeking feedback from industry leaders across various sectors.

Earlier this month, the Convener of Housing, Homelessness and Economy Chaired a meeting of Edinburgh’s Economic Advisory Panel featuring business leaders and major employers, to gather views on the impacts to Edinburgh business of coronavirus.

Such work will continue as we coordinate findings and next steps for Edinburgh’s recovery strategy.

 

More funding for local government in war on Coronavirus

Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick on the government’s response to COVID-19, additional funding for local government … and Captain Tom:

Good afternoon,

Welcome to the coronavirus press conference from Downing Street.

I’m joined by Steve Powis, national medical director of NHS England.

Steve will provide an update on the latest data on coronavirus shortly.

But, first, let me update you on the steps we are taking to defeat it, and the decisions we have taken today.

Our fight against this virus is happening all across the country, in every home, in every community.

Today’s data shows that:

460,437 tests for coronavirus have now been carried out across Great Britain, including 21,389 tests carried out yesterday

114,217 people have tested positive, that’s an increase of 5,526 cases since yesterday

17,759 people are currently in hospital with coronavirus in Great Britain, down from 18,711 yesterday

And sadly, of those hospitalised with the virus, 15,464 have now died. That’s an increase of 888 fatalities since yesterday.

These are heart-breaking losses for every family affected.

Every part of our government, from Whitehall to your local town hall is working together in this national effort.

And nowhere is that clearer than on the front lines in our communities.

And today as Community Secretary I want to provide an update.

Councils are delivering essential supplies to clinically vulnerable people – those we have asked to shield themselves, paying out financial relief to businesses to enable their local economies to weather the storm as much as is possible, ensuring our bins continue to be collected, ensuring that schools remain open for the children of key workers and vulnerable families are kept in regular contact, and they are helping rough sleepers off the streets to protect them from the virus.

This effort, alongside the endeavours of all our public servants, is making a difference in this fight.

But I know it is our responsibility in government to make sure that those front-line workers have the resources they need to keep up this essential work.

At the beginning of this emergency I told local councils that we would give them the resources they need to do the job. And I meant it.

And that is why today I am providing an additional £1.6 billion of new funding to support councils with the pressures they face as they respond to COVID-19. This funding takes the total amount given to councils to help them through the pandemic to over £3.2 billion.

We are backing councils to ensure vital services such as adult social care, children’s services, support for vulnerable people and waste collection continue despite the increased pressures.

We are also helping councils with inevitable cashflow challenges by deferring £2.6 billion in business rates payments to central government and paying them £850 million in social care grants up front this month.

Working with councils and charities, we’ve made huge progress in protecting the vulnerable during this national emergency.

Our plans to shield the most clinically vulnerable people have progressed well.

Three weeks ago I reported at this press conference that the first government organised boxes of supplies had been delivered by wholesalers to those at highest risk across the country. Today 250,000 have been delivered. The packages include cereal, fruit, tinned goods, teabags, biscuits, toiletries and other essentials.

And this coming week we expect to be delivering 300,000 boxes – all from a standing start just a few weeks ago.

And our call centre is making up to 130,000 calls a day to those who are shielded, to see if they need this service, to see if they still need it or want to move to a priority delivery slot at their local supermarket.

In addition to this, councils are organising their own calls, often led by volunteers, including our 750,000 NHS volunteers, to check in and chat with the shielded.

And they have organised their own efforts to support those who may not have one of the clinical conditions to be shielded but are nonetheless vulnerable or isolated. And there are truly extraordinary efforts underway in this regard, in every village, parish, town, ward, estate and city, the length and breadth of the country.

We have all been humbled by the gestures, large and small, by people across the country to show support for those working so hard to protect the NHS and to save lives. None more so than Captain Tom Moore, who has raised an astonishing £23 million this week for NHS charities.

I can’t think of a more worthy person to be the guest of honour at the opening of the new Nightingale hospital in Harrogate next week – also, fittingly, the county of his birth, Yorkshire. I am sure everyone will join me in thanking Captain Tom for his truly heroic effort.

I have also been proud of the effort of councils to help vulnerable people in their areas, including securing safe accommodation for rough sleepers.

And our plan to protect rough sleepers has resulted in over 90% being offered safe accommodation.

I want to thank all those who have made this possible, including local councils, charities and other organisations and those continuing to help the small number of people still regrettably on our streets today.

Of course, this is not the end of rough sleeping. And there is a great deal of work to be done and my departments and I will be at the heart of that.

I want to also say something about support for our high streets and local businesses by local councils.

I’m delighted that so many cafes, restaurants and other businesses have taken up the opportunity to switch to offering delivery, takeaway and click and collect services. This expands the supply of food available to people alongside the supermarkets, as well as allowing businesses that would otherwise have closed to remain open and keep paying staff.

This simple freedom has been taken up by enterprising people the length across the UK. The same enterprising people whose enguinity, sometimes assisted by government in modest ways like this, will help us to rebuild our economy.

Councils have worked hard to pay out over £1 billion worth of business grants from government.

But it’s vital that we all ensure that all eligible businesses get the support that it needs, and I urge councils who have been slower in making progress to their accelerate efforts in the days to come.

Let me address two other topics that I know are of concern to people.

Firstly, there have been examples of some parks around the country closing.

This cannot be right.

While the virus does not discriminate, we know that the lockdown is much harder for people who don’t have a lot of living space, who don’t have a garden, and who don’t have anywhere for their children to run around.

People need parks.

That’s why I have made it clear to councils that all parks must remain open.

For the health of the nation, people should be able to safely enjoy fresh air and green space.

And, for the health of the nation, people must abide by social distancing rules and not congregate in groups in parks.

Secondly, there have been some reports of mourners being turned away at funerals.

The tragedy of the death of Ismail Mohamed Abdulwahab, a 13 year old boy from Brixton, was compounded by the fact that his family were unable to attend his funeral.

That is not right and it shouldn’t have happened.

For clarity – funerals can go ahead with close family present.

Social distancing measures must be respected, but families must have the opportunity to say a respectful goodbye to those that they love.

We will be publishing more guidance on this shortly. And I’m also asking councils to keep open or indeed reopen cemeteries and graveyards. Not for people to congregate in. That must not happen. But for people to make that private visit. To seek solace in a word at the grave of someone you have loved. Or to privately lay flowers. There have been times in my life when I have needed to do that. I’m certain there are people who need to do it today.

These are small steps. But small mercies can make a big difference.

And local councils, at their best, can help to make life, even in times like this, more liveable and more humane.

They represent and can harness the networks of familiarity and loyalty upon which a society is based.

The sense that we belong together. And that we will stand by each other in a real emergency.

Those relationships can only be built from below, by people, to people, in communities.

To all the unsung heroes of local councils. For all you are doing for us all.

Thank you.

Fire risk warning over refuse and rubbish build up

Communities and key workers across the country are being asked to store the excess waste safely and securely during a national reduction in refuse collections.

Allowing flammable rubbish to build up in homes and businesses could have devastating consequences, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has warned.

The changes to bin collections come as councils and waste collections services work to reduce the risk of infection to both staff and communities amidst the ongoing coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

However, firefighters are warning that allowing waste to build and increase the risk of a potentially devastating fire breaking out in or around homes and business premises, and have appealed to communities to help minimise the risk to families, staff and properties.

Assistant Chief Officer Stuart Stevens is the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Director of Service Delivery. He said: “The build up of rubbish and waste, particularly bulky items such as large amounts of cardboard or furniture, represents a real fire risk to our communities at this challenging time.

“We are working extremely closely with our local authority partners to minimise risk wherever possible, but the real work starts in the home.

“Some simple measures can help protect you, your family, your property, your staff, business and those around you from the potentially devastating consequences of a fire at this time.”

SFRS is issuing safety advice across the country as more and more people adhere to the UK-wide guidance to stay at home.

This includes information on how to avoid risks while cooking, working from home, and smoking indoors.

However, the Service is extending its advice to outdoor spaces and gardens as householders and dutyholders seek to store excess waste and bulk rubbish or consider burning excess waste.

ACO Stevens said: “If you can, store your waste such as cardboard, wood, or packaging in a safe, locked location such as a garage or shed.

“If you must store it outdoors – keep it away from the property if possible.

“If you are keeping anything inside, store it away from heat sources and open flames, or electrical outlets and equipment.

“Where possible, we would recommend you avoid lighting a bonfire to dispose of garden waste or other items – there is a great risk of fire spread and damage to the environment.”

Many rubbish and bin fires in Scotland are also started deliberately.

ACO Stevens continued: “Fires in rubbish can be started by many things – such as warm embers or smoke ash.

“However, many are started deliberately – we are also asking everyone to ensure that they and everyone in the household including the young people in their lives are aware of the potentially devastating consequences of setting a fire.

“It can endanger lives, destroy family homes and while we continue to respond to respond to 999 calls, it could unnecessarily draw upon SFRS resources at this time of national emergency.”

UK Government confirms an additional £155 million for Scotland

Scotland will receive an additional £155 million in funding from the UK Government to help tackle coronavirus.

UK Government minister Douglas Ross said: “The UK Government is doing whatever it takes to help people across the UK during the coronavirus crisis.

“This extra £155 million follows additional funding from the UK Government for council workers who are at the forefront of local efforts in keeping people safe and keeping public services open for those that need them the most.

“The new money for Scotland is on top of the substantial coronavirus funding package that has already been announced, meaning that Scotland will receive a total cash boost of more than £3.4 billion to help tackle coronavirus.

“We know that the current measures will remain in place for a further three weeks and people are facing many challenges. I would like to thank everyone who is following the advice to stay at home, as we protect our NHS and save lives.”

Other UK Government support available to people in Scotland includes:

  • The UK military providing both the Scottish Government and the NHS with additional specialist skills and expertise
  • The UK-wide PPE strategy meaning our heroic front-line workers in Scotland have the protection they need to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.
  • The UK Government expanding testing capacity right across the UK with centres opened recently at Glasgow, Aberdeen and Edinburgh airports.
  • A £330 billion package of loans and guarantees to help UK businesses survive the economic fallout from coronavirus including:

● Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme enables any employer in the country to contact HMRC for a grant to cover 80 per cent of the salary of retained workers up to a total of £2,500 per month.

● Self-employment Income Support Scheme pays self-employed people, who have been adversely affected by Coronavirus, a taxable grant worth 80% of their average income over the last three years, up to £2,500 per month, for at least three months.

● deferring VAT and Income Tax payments so VAT-registered businesses can defer any payment due between 20th March 2020 and 30th June 2020 until a later date if they want and self-assessment tax bills due by 31st July 2020 can be deferred until 31st January 2021.

● A Statutory Sick Pay relief package will repay employers the current rate of SSP that they pay to current or former employees for periods of sickness due to coronavirus starting on or after 13th March 2020.

 

Patients sign up for COVID-19 clinical trial

Over 100 patients are taking part in a clinical trial for COVID-19 treatment at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. 

Patients in Glasgow have started receiving potential treatment for COVID-19 as part of a clinical trial at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, with 120 patients recruited so far. The RECOVERY clinical trial is one of the fastest growing trials looking at potential treatment of COVID-19.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde anaesthetists, respiratory physicians, emergency medicine consultants, pharmacy teams and nurses are leading the board’s involvement in this UK-wide study, funded by the UK government.

The RECOVERY trial aims to find effective treatment for coronavirus patients by testing pre-existing medicine. This includes steroids, antivirals and antimalarial agents. Antibiotics may also be added at a future amendment.

The trial is adaptive in design so treatments that show promise will be used more frequently.

All patients with COVID-19 that are treated at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, IRH and RAH will be offered to take part in the clinical trial. It is a randomised-controlled trial where patients are given an active drug or standard care.

This is part of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s efforts to move forward research and development related to COVID-19 as fast as possible.

Dr Jennifer Armstrong, Medical Director of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, welcomed the move and said: “Our teams have been incredible in rising up to the challenge of COVID-19.

“Not just in the care and treatment of patients but also their dedication to improving our knowledge of the virus through clinical trials. This means our patients are receiving the most up to date treatment available.”

Professor Julie Brittenden, Research and Development Director, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “I want to thank all of our staff for their efforts during this incredibly challenging time.

“Our research, development and innovation teams are working hard to improve the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19.

“We’ve been able to rapidly mobilise our teams to take part in clinical trials like RECOVERY and this is a testament to their dedication to the cause.”

Dr Kathryn Puxty, Intensive Care Consultant at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, said: “As we care for more and more patients with COVID-19, we are seeing first-hand the need for effective treatment.

“We will be asking patients with COVID-19 who we treat in hospital, if they want to be involved in this study in the hope that we can improve care as quickly as possible.”

Working with partners across UK, Scotland is leading, enabling and delivering world-class COVID-19 research as part of coordinated efforts to gather reliable evidence.

Facilitated through the Chief Scientist Office (CSO) of Scottish Government and NHS Research Scotland, a single, national prioritisation process for COVID-19 research draws on expert advice across the UK. This prioritises studies which hold the most potential, prevents duplication of effort and ensures the resources and capacity of the health care system are not exceeded.

Charles Weller, General Manager, NHS Research Scotland said: “RECOVERY has been the fastest growing clinical trial in medical history; and a crucial part of our efforts to better understand and tackle COVID-19. I want to thank all teams for their commitment and professionalism to this national priority study.”

HSE advises on the importance of fitting RPE correctly

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is advising healthcare workers currently using respiratory protective equipment (RPE) on the importance of ensuring it is fitted correctly. A respirator that is incorrectly fitted will not protect the wearer.

Tight-fitting respirators rely on having a good seal with the wearer’s face. It is vital that before using a respirator for the first time, or before using a different brand of respirator, wearers pass a fit test for the model and size of respirator they are going to use. This is to make sure the equipment fits to their particular facial characteristics.

In these unprecedented times, to protect front line health care workers and reduce the risk of transmission during the coronavirus outbreak, if support is required in carrying out a fit test, it should be done following government advice on social distancing. This means making sure instructions are delivered verbally and observations are made from a distance of 2 metres (6ft) where possible. If closer observation is required, those being fitted should keep their respirator on to minimise the risk of transmission.

Once the wearer has been fit tested for the model of respirator they intend to use, they must ensure they have put it on correctly to protect themselves and others. Wearers should follow three simple steps: R-P-E

Read the guidance

HSE has step-by-step guidance on the correct way to fit the respirator and carry out a fit check. Wearers must familiarise themselves with the guidance and follow the manufacturer’s instructions when fitting their equipment.

Put your respirator on using a mirror

When fitting a respirator, wearers must make sure the straps are in the correct place and are not twisted or crossed over. The easiest way to do this is using a mirror.

Ensure your own safety

https://youtu.be/iVVlTBcN5eA

Dr David Fishwick, Chief Medical Adviser for HSE and respiratory physician said: “Before entering the workplace, wearers must carry out a fit check to ensure their respirator is on correctly.

“This allows the wearer to check they are experiencing no leakage around the face seal, and that they have put the respirator on correctly.”

Andrew Curran, Chief Scientific Adviser for HSE said: “Ensuring RPE is put on correctly is crucial. Any gaps between the wearer’s face and the mask face seal, whether through incorrect moulding of the nose clip or by facial hair, will compromise the protection of the wearer.

“Users must ensure they have been fit tested for the size and model of respirator they are going to use, and that they carry out a fit check each time RPE is used.”

For further information, see HSE’s RPE video on our website.

You can also sign up to our newsletter to receive updates and ongoing information. 

Old Waverley Hotel becomes a haven for city’s homeless

The city council has partnered with the national homelessness charity, Bethany Christian Trust, in providing further hotel accommodation and specialised support for people who would otherwise be sleeping rough.

Working together on a range of services, this latest initiative ensures single occupancy en-suite bedroom accommodation as an alternative venue for Bethany’s Care Shelter and provides additional temporary accommodation for the local authority.

Bethany is relocating its Care Shelter team of 14 professional support staff to the Old Waverley Hotel on the capital’s iconic Princes Street and our Council staff are working flexibly at short-notice to join the team during daytime hours to provide advice, support and positive move on options for guests in this new environment.

The project is dependent on the tremendous good will of hundreds of volunteers who also provide the fresh ingredients for the two course hot meals prepared in advance to serve at the hotel with current safe distancing measures. Providing a safe place to sleep, three meals a day and a range of support from experienced staff and multiple partner agencies including health, housing and advocacy support, the service will be a lifeline for many over the next three months.

Alasdair Bennett, Chief Executive of Bethany Christian Trust, said: “The Care Shelter has provided 10,000 bed spaces to 730 unique individuals over the last 200 nights, and we are relieved to now also be able to offer self-contained en-suite accommodation to men and women who have already suffered so much without having to be on the streets any longer.
“I am very grateful to the support of an anonymous trust who are providing the resources to extend the staffing into the Summer, the Council for their proactivity in procuring the hotel beds, the Scottish Government for supporting the initiative with significant additional bed purchases, and the Old Waverley Hotel team for stepping forward to make such a positive difference in saving lives.
“This means an amazing amount to the people we support and the next step is to turn this moment into permanently improved solutions for rough sleeping predicaments in our shared national homelessness response.
Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council, Councillor Adam McVey, said:  “We’ve been working with a number of hotels to provide us with suitable and safe accommodation to help us house anyone without a home. The response has been encouraging and we’ve now secured more than 200 bed spaces in hotels across the city and 66 additional private flats. 
“The shelter operated by Bethany Christian Trust is an important refuge for people who might otherwise find themselves rough sleeping, for any number of reasons. These are some of our most vulnerable people and with the outbreak continuing, we’ve been partnering with Bethany to find an alternative place for the shelter they run.
“The Old Waverley Hotel is the ideal city centre spot and I’m grateful that they’ve partnered with us on this. Edinburgh is a city that pulls together in times of need and this is a perfect example of that attitude. Our thanks go to Bethany’s staff and volunteers, who will be on hand day and night at the new shelter to provide meals and a relaxed space for those in need during this challenging time.”
Bethany’s Care Shelter began as a two-week pilot over Christmas in Edinburgh in 1996. It has since grown to operate 32 weeks a year in response to need and is a lifeline for hundreds of people who would otherwise be sleeping outside.
To date, the Care Shelter has provided over 114,000 bed spaces in total, and since re-opening in September 2019 has supported over 680 people in moving on from needing to access the service again.
Ruth Longmuir, Bethany’s Care Shelter Manager said: “The partnership approach combined with the professional Care Shelter support staff, who work tirelessly and compassionately on behalf of others, results in a positive move on journey for our guests.
“Being able to offer a hotel facility at this time is a fantastic enhancement. We are indebted to all our church partners including Diadem our existing venue for being so adaptable in rising to the challenges of a new environment.”
One delighted new guest said:  “What everyone’s done for us here is just a different world. The kindness in here is amazing. There is so much appreciation for this amongst us all tonight.”
The Old Waverley Hotel is a vibrant merger of Victorian charm and modern comfort providing traditional elegance and cosy, comfortable accommodation.  Built in 1848 it is a familiar name on the Capital’s most famous street.
Leon Kiteley, General Manager, said: “We are very pleased to be able to work together in opening up this wonderful hotel as a short term initiative during the Covid-19 Pandemic to serve people in difficult circumstances.
“We hope that it will be a springboard for new opportunities and positive next steps for all our guests.”
Established in 1983, Bethany Christian Trust supports almost 7,000 people each year across Scotland. The charity’s services focus on Homelessness Prevention, Crisis Intervention and Housing with Support, alleviating the suffering and meeting the long term needs of homeless and vulnerable people in Scotland.

Support for vulnerable households facing higher energy bills during lockdown

With an estimated 16.8 million more people across the UK staying at home during the Covid-19 pandemic, concerns have been raised over vulnerable households in Scotland facing higher fuel costs as their energy consumption increases during the lockdown.

Bills are expected to rise by about 30%** in the coming months as, even with the weather starting to turn warmer, households are using more power to run their hot water, heating, computers and other appliances during the day when previously the home would be empty.

Whilst the government has signalled it may step in to support vulnerable households and the initial crash in the price of oil has provided some relief to the 135,000 oil heated households in Scotland, there is concern many will still struggle, particularly if they face reduced incomes or additional costs of looking after relatives.

In response OFTEC, the trade association for the oil heating industry, is alerting households to the support available and providing advice on how to reduce energy consumption. This includes:

  • Identify the benefits available to you. Several new government measures have been announced including extended statutory sick pay (SSP) for those self-isolating, enhanced Employment Support Allowance (ESA) for the self-employed and higher housing benefit payments if your income has dropped due to Covid-19. Contact Citizens Advice for information on the support you could claim.
  • Speak with your energy provider. Customers in financial distress must be supported by their supplier, according to the government. This could include a reassessment or pausing of debt repayments. For oil households, some suppliers are prioritising deliveries to vulnerable groups such as older people, families with small children or those with underlying health conditions.
  • Only heat the rooms you are using. Turn off individual radiators in rooms you are not using to save money. Also, in the rooms you use regularly, ensure radiators are not blocked with furniture as this reduces their effectiveness.
  • Adjust your heating timers. You may have a new routine if you are working from home so check when you heating is set to turn on. For example, if you are getting up later in the morning you may not need your house to warm up as early. With the worst of the cold weather seemingly behind us, you could also start to reduce how long your heating is on for.
  • Keep in contact with vulnerable neighbours and friends to ensure they are keeping well, especially as the lockdown could increase feelings of loneliness. There are many free video-calling platforms to stay in touch or a regular phone call can make a real difference. If you need to visit them to drop off food or other essentials, ensure you carefully follow the government’s social distancing guidelines.

“During these unsettling times, many households may be feeling anxious about higher energy bills because they are spending more time at home during the day”, says Malcolm Farrow of OFTEC.

“However, new announcements about the support available are being made every day by the government and energy suppliers so it’s important to identify those which apply to you, or to family and friends who you know are struggling.

“The warmer weather will help to reduce reliance on heating and other measures such as adjusting timers and radiators may seem trivial but, over several weeks and months, the savings can really add up. They are also usually simple jobs most people can do themselves.”

More information and advice, including what to do if your heating systems needs emergency repair work during the Covid-19 lockdown, is available here: https://www.oftec.org/consumers/covid-19-consumer-information.