Dundee Rainbows!

Rainbows have become a symbol of hope during this challenging time and Dundee City Council would love to share them!  
🌈   🌈

It is looking to update the side bar images you see on its website with lots and lots of pictures of your rainbows!

Please use the #DundeeRainbows hashtag on Facebook or Twitter with them!    🎨

Local food deliveries

The Dundee.com website is continually updating its “Dundee Eats Buy Local” list where residents can find an up to date list of local businesses that are delivering food or open for collections.

The list can be accessed at www.dundee.com/DundeeEats_BuyLocal 

An update from Dial-OP and GO

Dial-OP & GO is here to support the community during these challenging times. 

Its commitment remains to: 

• operate as an information resource on support locally available and

• ensure the most vulnerable in our communities don’t feel disconnected and isolated.

Through the Information Line, Dial-OP holds an internal up to date list of local organisations and agencies that can help during this uncertain time. If you have any questions or concerns, please phone the Dial-OP Helpline regarding any enquiry about current services relating to your wellbeing including shopping, food provision, collecting prescriptions, befriending and morning calls, etc. 

The call handlers will provide organisations and the general public with the most up to date information and will signpost or arrange onward referral to the relevant services.  You can email dialop@dvva.scot or call 01382 305757, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

For referrals to Dial-OP Blether Buddies (weekly friendly chat) and Dial-OP Morning (short, daily welfare check between 8:00am and 10:00am, Monday to Friday), email dialop@dvva.scot or download it from our website and we will arrange a companionship and/or welfare calls.

Please note that Dial-OP Information Line does not provide advice or advocacy, but signposting opportunities and onward referral to relevant services. 

Dial-OP Blether Buddies and Morning Call are not a counselling or crisis service, but able to link folks with friendly telephone buddies to speak to for up to 30 minutes once a week, or morning callers who check in with them to make sure they are well.   Emergency Contact and/or Next of Kin is required on referral for non-response scenarios.

Growing with what you've got : Live Workshop Q & A

A great live workshop Q&A from Dundee tomorrow!

This on-line workshop tomorrow has as the guest growing guru Kate Treharne who has been documenting ideas for lockdown gardening in her online channel, making do with things she's got at hand. 

Stand by for lots of tips on what's worked and what hasn't for her so far, followed by the usual Q&A powered by several growing gurus.

Booking is required.   

More details at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/growing-with-what-youve-got-live-workshop-q-a-tickets-103406561810.

Another update during the COVID-19 emergency

Further update - for Sunday 26th April – from Councillor Fraser Macpherson 

(West End) and Councillor Craig Duncan (Broughty Ferry) 

NON-COVID: IF YOU NEED HELP, CALL THE NHS

People are being encouraged to seek medical help for urgent health issues which are not related to COVID-19.

During the lockdown, patients have been delaying seeing their GP, and there has been a urgent cancer referrals and families getting their children vaccinated.

The campaign will encourage people to call their GP surgery, or 111 out of hours, if they have urgent health concerns. In emergencies, they should still dial 999.

CASH

There is a new service which allows friends and families to be able to withdraw cash for those who are self-isolating and drop it to them securely and safely at their home.

Banks can now send vouchers to customers by text, e-mail or post which they can then share with a trusted individual to withdraw cash on their behalf. All UK Banks, Building Societies and Credit Unions are able to use this service and customers can contact their bank to find out if they have signed up.

https://www.itv.com/news/2020-04-13/post-office-helps-self-isolating-people-access-cash-more-easily 

www.postoffice.co.uk/post-office-payout

LOCK DOWN EXIT DISCUSSION

The discussion document published by the First Minister on Thursday sparks a national conversation on not just how we exit the lockdown but how we change our lives for the next few years. The lockdown is saving lives from Covid 19 but it is also impacting on our mental health and is exacerbating inequalities. Our plan must fully include ways of addressing these problems.

The UK wide approach that has been adopted has been broadly effective at keeping the public health guidance clear. It is important that the Scottish Government backs up the need for clarity.

We are prepared to contemplate different measures for different parts of Scotland and the UK, but we are not prepared to support being different for its own sake. There is a risk from confused messages from different governments and that must be avoided to help keep people safe.

Please take time to read the document and contribute to the discussion.

https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-framework-decision-making

AGE SCOTLAND ADVICE

Age Scotland has some helpful advice for older citizens at https://www.ageuk.org.uk/scotland/information-advice/health-and-wellbeing/coronavirus/about-coronavirus 

PHISHING E-MAILS

National Cyber Security Service now has a phishing reporting service so people can simply forward dodgy emails to report@phishing.gov.uk.   This is even more of an issue during the current health emergency.

Read more at https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/information/report-suspicious-emails 

INFORMATION

UK Government news: www.gov.uk/search/news-and-communications

Scottish Government Updates: www.gov.scot/news

Dundee City Council updates: www.dundeecity.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19

Covid community helpline for food, shopping, prescriptions, finances, personal care: People in Dundee on the shielded list only - 0300 123 1403. People in Dundee who are vulnerable but not on the shielded list - 0800 111 4000

NHS Inform - https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19 

NHS Tayside website: www.nhstayside.scot.nhs.uk

Helpline for those who do not have symptoms but are looking for general health advice Tel: 0800 028 2816.

Health Protection Scotland Guidance - www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/a-to-z-of-topics/covid-19

Federation of Small Businesses: www.fsb.org.uk/coronavirus

Helpline for small businesses, Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm. Tel: 0300 303 0660.

Ready Scotland Information - www.readyscotland.org/coronavirus

Tayside Cares - www.taysidecares.co.uk

SUPPORT AND ADVICE

This is an anxious and uncertain time but we want you to know that we are here to try to help constituents in whatever way that we can.

CONTACT DETAILS

WEST END WARD – Bailie Fraser Macpherson

Phone – Dundee 459378 (home)

E-mail – fraser.macpherson@dundeecity.gov.uk

Facebook updates : www.facebook.com/dundeewestend

Support for vulnerable residents during the COVID-19 emergency

I thought it would be useful to give a reminder of the Dundee helpline to provide lifeline support and supplies for vulnerable people who have been advised to shield themselves against coronavirus, but have no way to access services.

The Freephone number for Dundee - 0300 123 1403 - allows those who have been identified by Scotland’s chief medical officer because of specific health conditions to speak to council advisers, who will then be able to target emergency aid directly.

People in Dundee who are vulnerable but not on the shielded list should use a different number - 0800 111 4000.

A single point of contact internet portal has been launched at www.taysidecares.co.uk to help provide a joined-up response in the wider Tayside local resilience partnership area, which includes Angus and Perth & Kinross.

Deaf Links services during Covid-19 crisis

Following government advice, Deaf Links has temporarily suspended its normal 1:1 Sensory Advocacy Service, Social Groups, BSL Classes, Activities and Training. Tayside Deaf Hub Community Centre, the Charity Shop and No 23 Café are also closed until further notice. 

All Home visits and 1:1 appointments with Advocacy Staff are cancelled, but if a Deaf Links service user had an appointment booked, a staff member will be in contact with you.

However, its 1:1 Advocacy Service staff are still working hard and support will continue via phone calls, text messages, video calls and emails across Dundee, Angus and Perth & Kinross. Please do not feel lonely or afraid, just get in touch.

If Deaf Links Service users need other support such as help with shopping, collecting medication, pet care or hearing aid battery supplies please get in contact one of its staff :

Vix Paulo: 07745 347567

Tricia Mill: 07926 568529

Lucyanna Mclaughlin: 07721 866937

Alana Harper: 07711 462385

No.23 Café will be offering local groups and charities a range food while the café is closed to the public, which is great news.   Contact Brian Jones at brian@deaflinks.org.uk for more information.

Latest update during the COVID-19 emergency

Further update - for Thursday 23rd April – from Councillor Fraser Macpherson (West End) and Councillor Craig Duncan (Broughty Ferry) :

START UP BUSINESS SUPPORT

Start-up businesses are to be allocated £1.25 billion by the UK Government. It includes £500 million loan scheme for high-growth firms, called the Future Fund, and £750 million of targeted support for small and medium sized businesses focusing on research and development.

It will be delivered in partnership with the British Business Bank and will start in May for UK-based companies with between £125,000 and £5 million with private investors at least matching the government commitment.

These loans will automatically convert into equity on the company’s next qualifying funding round, or at the end of the loan if they are not repaid.

To be eligible, a business must be an unlisted UK registered company that has previously raised at least £250,000 in equity investment from third party investors in the last five years.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/billion-pound-support-package-for-innovative-firms-hit-by-coronavirus

SCOTTISH BUSINESS SUPPORT

More detail is now available for the £100 million Scottish Government fund announced last week.  

• £34 million Newly Self-Employed Hardship Fund with £2,000 grants, managed by councils, for the newly self-employed, facing hardship and excluded from the UK scheme.

• £20 million Creative, Tourism & Hospitality Enterprises Hardship Fund, managed by the Enterprise Agencies in partnership with Creative Scotland and VisitScotland for creative, tourism and hospitality companies not in receipt of business rates relief.  It is for companies of up to 50 employees who will receive £3,000 hardship grants or larger grants up to £25,000 where it can be demonstrated support is needed.

• £45 million Pivotal Enterprise Resilience Fund, managed by the Enterprise Agencies for vulnerable SME firms who are vital to the local or national economic foundations of Scotland

• £1 million to top up Creative Scotland’s Bridging Bursaries in the not-for-profit sector.

More details on how to apply will be out soon.

BUSINESS SUPPORT IN DUNDEE

As of yesterday, more than 1000 businesses across Dundee had been supported to the tune of £12.1m by the Coronavirus Business Support Fund since its launch earlier this month.

Grant payments are being made under the Scottish Government scheme offering help to small businesses in receipt of Small Business Bonus Scheme Relief or Rural Relief and hospitality, leisure and retail businesses with properties with a rateable value between £18,001 and £51,000.

The first of the 1056 grants of £10,0000 to small business and £25,000 to hospitality, leisure and retail businesses were paid at the start of April and payments continue to be made on a daily basis.

Advice for local businesses, including ways of accessing financial support, is available at https://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/service-area/city-development/planning-and-economic-development/covid-19-advice-for-business

CORONAVIRUS JOB RETENTION SCHEME

The Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme went live this week, with businesses able to claim up to £2,500 a month towards staff wages. More than 140,000 firms applied for help to pay their wage bill through the government's job retention scheme, when the portal went live on Monday.

Employers can apply for direct cash grants through HMRC’s new online portal - with the money expected to land in their bank accounts within six working days.

The job retention scheme, announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak as part of a package of support to protect jobs and businesses, allows employers to claim for a cash grant of up to 80% of a furloughed employees wages, capped at £2,500 a month.

Millions of people across the UK are expected to benefit from the scheme, with businesses including Pret a Manger, Brewdog and Timpsons using it to ensure staff keep their jobs and are paid whilst many high street businesses are closed.

HMRC’s portal has a step by step application process and up to 5,000 staff will be manning phone lines and webchat services to ensure any questions can be answered.

Last week the Chancellor announced the scheme will be extended for a further month until the end of June, to reflect continuing Covid-19 lockdown measures.

*Employers can furlough anyone they employ, provided that on or before March 19 they were on PAYE payroll and HMRC has been notified of payment via the RTI system.

It's recommended that you take a screenshot of your successful online submission in case you need to provide that information to your bank or have any queries at a later date.

Here are some useful links:

• The CJRS Online Portal - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wages-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme

• Guidance on Business Support  - https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/financial-support-for-businesses-during-coronavirus-covid-19

• Support Finder for Business - https://www.gov.uk/business-coronavirus-support-finder

• Step By Step Guide - https://d15k2d11r6t6rl.cloudfront.net/public/users/Integrators/BeeProAgency/459211_439271/Coronavirus_Job_Retention_Scheme_step_by_step_guide_for_employers.pdf 

• Make the claim yourself by logging into your PAYE account https://www.gov.uk/paye-online

• Set up a PAYE account if you don’t already have one https://www.gov.uk/paye-online/enrol

• If you do have one but have forgotten your details https://www.gov.uk/log-in-register-hmrc-online-services/problems-signing-in

TESTING FOR CARE HOMES

All potential new residents to care homes will be tested for Covid 19, something that Willie Rennie MSP had asked for to give confidence to residents and their families about the protection in care homes. This is one part of new measures which also include NHS Directors of Public Health taking on enhanced clinical leadership for care homes.

Covid-19 patients discharged from hospital to a care home should have given two negative tests before discharge. Other new admissions to care homes will be tested and isolated for 14 days in addition to the clear social distancing measures the guidance sets out.

Willie raised the issue of safety in care homes for the last two weeks with the First Minister and raised it again on Tuesday.

NEW NHS AND SOCIAL CARE FRONT LINE SUPPORT

Willie Rennie MSP also asked the First Minister to support the Liberal Democrat five-point plan for to support front line health and social care staff. It includes a £29 a day active duty payment and measures on mental health support, bereavement support, PPE and a service medal.

https://www.scotlibdems.org.uk/support_package

SHIELDED GROUP  

Some people with health conditions are concerned about whether they fall into the highest clinical risk group and should follow shielding measures or whether they fall into the increased risk group and should follow social distancing measures.  To find out more on the categories: https://www.gov.scot/publications/covid-shielding-contacts/pages/highest-risk-classification/

Letters have been issued to all the people in the shielded group based on information in the central NHS databases, prescribing data or through GP and hospital clinicians.

GPs and hospital clinicians are also identifying individuals they feel should be in the highest clinical risk group but do not have one of the conditions identified. Those added will also receive a letter.

If you think you are in the highest clinical risk group, and have checked the guidance using the above link, you can contact your GP or clinician to discuss.

Guidance for those with specific medical conditions but not in the shielded group:

https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-tailored-advice-for-those-who-live-with-specific-medical-conditions/  

If you have queries about the support available, please email:  Shielding.Correspondence@gov.scot  

The Dundee helplines to ensure the best possible support across a range of services are : 

For Shielded Individuals this is via  - 0300 123 1403

For other vulnerable individuals and/or families this is via  - 0800 111 4000

Both helplines are now available from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday.

Additional information and frequently asked questions are available via :

https://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/support-%26-helplines

https://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/humanitarian-helplines-frequently-asked-questions

FUNERAL LINK UPDATE

Linda Sterry, Service Manager at Funeral Link writes, “I wanted to provide a brief update which I hope you will share with your networks. We know this is really challenging but we are here to help support our community. There are so many heart-warming stories of our community response emerging but these are tempered by stories of those who are losing loved ones.

I just wanted to reassure you all that we are still here, albeit working slightly differently, and will continue to be here for the foreseeable.  

Our phone line is open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, please do give us a call on 01382 458800 if you need our support or drop us a private message via Facebook Messenger. If you get our voicemail please do leave us a message and we will get back to you as soon as we can.  I can promise we will do what we can to help and we can call you back if you haven't got phone credit or are worried about the call cost.”

Funeral Link’s Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/funerallinkdundee/ 

FURTHER LOCAL INFORMATION FOR THE WEST END :

The Bridge at City Church (The Friary at Tullideph Road) continues to operate from the garden ground on a Monday 10.30am-12.30pm offering tea, coffee and food parcels.

Dundee West Church is maintaining contact with many regular Making Dundee Home attendees offering support and food as required.

The West End Community Fridge at Millers Wynd operated by the Gate Church Carbon Saving Project continues to offer free food daily from 11am-4pm.

SUPPORT AND ADVICE

This is an anxious and uncertain time but we want you to know that we are here to try to help constituents in whatever way that we can.

CONTACT DETAILS

WEST END WARD – Bailie Fraser Macpherson

Phone – Dundee 459378 (home)

E-mail – fraser.macpherson@dundeecity.gov.uk

Facebook updates : www.facebook.com/dundeewestend

Community Health Team - useful information

The Community Health Team in Dundee has a very good resource that gives residents excellent advice as to how to access vital services during the current COVID-19 emergency.

You can access it here.

Dundee & Angus College offer 'Discover Digital' learning

I wanted to make residents aware of a free online learning opportunity ‘Discover Digital’ which is being run by Dundee and Angus College to support learners looking to strengthen their ICT and digital skills to enhance their daily life.

In the current unprecedented business environment there may be individuals that you are aware of who have the time and could benefit from this opportunity and in those cases where work has been substantially affected as a result of the global pandemic, time may be available to upskill.

Dundee and Angus College appreciates the requirements associated with furlough. However if this is not considered as a mandatory training requirement for the business and individuals would like to undertake this for personal interest, this would be an available opportunity for them to develop and improve upon existing digital skills and knowledge.

The online programme is based on the UK Government’s Essential Digital Skills Framework and further information about this may be obtained here.

In summary, there are five categories around which the Essential Digital Skills Framework is based, namely :

Ø Communicating – including use of e-mail, messaging platforms and video communication tools

Ø Problem Solving – involving the use of the internet to find relevant information utilising digital tools and online services e.g. to help solving problems at work

Ø Transacting – setting up accounts online and managing transactions

Ø Handling Information and Content – developing the skills to critically evaluate available information as well as handling data securely e.g. via a cloud storage account

Ø Being Safe and Legal Online – gaining skills associated with staying secure, legal and confident online

The online programme is split into six sections based on key components of the Framework with a section on foundation skills for those not presently using digital technology, or if so in limited ways.

Learners will be supported online via the Dundee and Angus College Learning and Digital Resources Team at ldr@dundeeandangus.ac.uk.

Please note that prospective candidates must have registered by 1st May 2020 with the training programme having to be completed by 31st July 2020.

Individuals wishing to enrol should send an e-mail to ldr@dundeeandangus.ac.uk referencing ‘Discover Digital Course’ in the subject box.

Bus services - latest update

With thanks again to Suzy Scott, the dundeebuses.info bus timetables summary during the COVID-19 emergency has been again updated.

You can access the full information here.

Another update during the COVID-19 emergency

Further update - for Sunday 19th April – from Councillor Fraser Macpherson (West End)​ and Councillor Craig Duncan (Broughty Ferry)

FURLOUGH SCHEME EXTENDED 

The Job Retention Scheme is being extended by one month to reflect continuing social distancing measures.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/chancellor-extends-furlough-scheme-to-end-of-june

GET EMERGENCY CARE

The number of people attending Emergency Departments has dropped. Some seriously unwell patients are delaying coming to hospital or dialling 999. If you need help don’t wait.

MEDICINES

The advice is to please follow your normal repeat prescription ordering pattern and only order the medicines you need as there are no issues with the supply of medicines so there is no reason to stockpile.

Due to significant demand being placed on local pharmacies, some will close for short periods, or operate reduced opening hours.  NHS Inform has a complete list of local pharmacies at: https://www.nhsinform.scot/scotlands-service-directory/pharmacies

Prescriptions may take longer to process because of the additional workload on pharmacies.

PETS 

New advice relating to owners of pets, companion animals and livestock who may be required to self-isolate as part of government advice on coronavirus (COVID-19) is available https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-animal-owners/

Dundonians urged to maintain mental health

Dundee City Council has launched a new social media campaign urging people to look after their mental health during the coronavirus pandemic. The initiative offers advice and sources of information such as helpline numbers.

It is reminding people who may be experiencing difficulties of organisations including Breathing Space (0800 83 85 87), Samaritans (116 123) and Childline (0800 1111).

Online help is also available at www.suicidehelp.co.uk, www.samh.org.uk/about-mental-health/suicide and www.dundeehealth.co.uk/content/coronavirus

DOMESTIC ABUSE

There is concern that domestic abuse may increase during the lockdown.  You can access help here:

https://www.scotland.police.uk/keep-safe/advice-for-victims-of-crime/domestic-abuse/

EXERCISE

New advice on travelling to exercise has been issued by the police in England.  We have checked and it does not apply to Scotland. The advice continues to be to only exercise from your own home.

SUPERMARKETS

For Sainsbury customers who do not have access to the internet they offer a telephone order service - 0800 917 8557.

Scottish Community Councils

A website has been providing useful links for community councils that offer advice, information, funding and resources to help during Covid-19.  This is available at www.communitycouncils.scot/information-on-coronavirus-for-community-councils.html 

Support offered to unemployed from Barnardo's

16-29, Living in Dundee, unemployed and needing help to prepare for the job market? If Yes, Barnardo's can help you with their Employability Pathway programme and Barnardo's Best programme.

Participants will be allocated a Project Worker who will take them through the registration process; create a clear action plan which will consider the above support areas plus any barriers to employment getting in the participant's way to securing and sustaining employment, and also provide them with virtual training and support in vocational areas such as CV writing, job search skills, completing application forms and preparing for interviews.

Further enquiries can be sent to dundee.pathway@barnardos.org.uk or barnardosworkstayside@barnardos.org.uk

Social Security Scotland – devolved benefits

The Scottish Government has temporarily changed eligibility for a number of Social Security Scotland’s benefits. This is to help people who are impacted by coronavirus and can’t get an application in on time - due to illness or caring responsibilities - to still get the support that they need.   

Read more at www.socialsecurity.gov.scot/news/making-sure-people-impacted-by-covid-19-get-our-support 

INFORMATION

UK Government news: www.gov.uk/search/news-and-communications

Scottish Government Updates: www.gov.scot/news

Dundee City Council updates: www.dundeecity.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19

Covid community helpline for food, shopping, prescriptions, finances, personal care:  People in Dundee on the shielded list only - 0300 123 1403.  People in Dundee who are vulnerable but not on the shielded list - 0800 111 4000

NHS Inform www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19

NHS Tayside website: www.nhstayside.scot.nhs.uk 

Helpline for those who do not have symptoms but are looking for general health advice Tel: 0800 028 2816.

Health Protection Scotland Guidance www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/a-to-z-of-topics/covid-19

Federation of Small Businesses: www.fsb.org.uk/coronavirus

Helpline for small businesses, Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm. Tel: 0300 303 0660.

Ready Scotland Information - www.readyscotland.org/coronavirus

Tayside Cares - www.taysidecares.co.uk 

SUPPORT AND ADVICE

This is an anxious and uncertain time but we want you to know that we are here to try to help constituents in whatever way that we can.

CONTACT DETAILS

WEST END WARD – Bailie Fraser Macpherson

Phone – Dundee 459378 (home)

E-mail – fraser.macpherson@dundeecity.gov.uk

Facebook updates : www.facebook.com/dundeewestend

Marie Curie Information and Support

From Marie Curie :

If you, or someone you know, is affected by a terminal illness and concerned about coronavirus (COVID-19), our Support Line team are ready to help with the information you need when you need it.

Call free 0800 090 2309 (Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm, Saturday and Sunday 11am to 5pm. Your calls may be recorded for training and monitoring purposes.) You can also find more information on our website here.

Support provided across the whole of the UK. 

Latest update during the COVID-19 emergency

Further update - for Friday 17th April – from Councillors Fraser Macpherson

(West End) and Craig Duncan (Broughty Ferry)

NEW SUPPORT FOR BUSINESS

Around £220 million of further grants are being made available for businesses.

The Scottish Government measures include £120 million to extend the Small Business Grant scheme to ensure that, in addition to a 100% grant on the first property, small business rate payers will be eligible to a 75% grant on all subsequent properties.

A £100 million fund is also being made available to protect self-employed people and viable micro and SME businesses. This fund will be channelled through local authorities and enterprise agencies to target newly self-employed people and businesses who are ineligible for other Scottish Government or UK Government schemes.

Applications will be open by the end of the month, and the new arrangements for the Small Business Grant will be in place to receive applications on 5 May.

https://www.gov.scot/news/additional-support-for-business/

SUMMARY OF CORONAVIRUS (SCOTLAND) ACT 2020

A summary of the key measures contained within the Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020 which came into force on Tuesday, 7 April can be accessed at https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-stakeholders-on-the-coronavirus-scotland-act-2020/.     The guidance for is primarily for central and local government and public bodies but will be of interest to a wider audience too.

STUDENT DECISIONS

Prospective university and college students are being reassured that they will receive their results on time, and universities and colleges will assess those qualifications as part of the admissions process. Universities are also being urged to observe a moratorium on changing offers made to undergraduate students. The UCAS May deadlines are being extended by two weeks to give students more time to make decisions about their future.

https://www.gov.scot/news/reassurance-for-students-during-coronavirus-outbreak/ 

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

After Willie Rennie MSP asked the First Minister to increase mental health support during the pandemic, we are pleased that new support is now available. It includes an investment of more than £1 million towards the expansion of the Distress Brief Intervention (DBI) programme to help people in distress. People who are in distress but do not need clinical intervention will be referred to the DBI programme by frontline staff, including NHS 24.

DONATE PPE

Medical Supply Drive UK (Scotland) is a voluntary organisation started by medics and medical students to free up dormant supplies of PPE for front line health workers. Local man Michael Farrell is volunteering for them. Do you have Personal Protective Equipment that you could donate to frontline NHS staff?

https://www.medsupplydrive.org.uk/scotland/

https://www.facebook.com/medsupplydriveuk/

CORONOVIRUS TESTING CAPACITY CALL

The UK government is requesting industry involvement in the manufacture of Coronavirus testing capacity and testing kits.   Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce is kindly amongst those spreading the word with its members and sharing the specification criteria.     Businesses who meet this specification should review the guidance on helping the government increase testing capacity and register at https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus-support-from-business.  

COVID-19 – BUSINESS HUB

Alison Henderson, Chief Executive of Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce  advises – “The Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce Covid-19 Hub is an information & signposting service for ANY business looking to understand how the current situation impacts them, their staff and their future. At this time, we make no distinction between a member or non-member business looking for our support. To get our business and communities through this crisis will mean a partnership approach and there is no wrong door to helping a business access the support they need, or to see them survive. There of course remain many membership services that are only accessible to our members and we will continue to use every avenue at our disposal to maintain our strong community and  to be a trusted partner to businesses across Dundee & Angus. Please call us on 01382 228545 if we can help."

Cycles for Key Workers

SUSTRANS has launched 'Cycles for Key Workers', a single online map helping key workers find free and discounted cycles, equipment, and bike-sharing schemes as well as repair and maintenance services in their local area.

SUSTRANS is calling on the cycling industry, local authorities and professional bodies representing an occupation that the government has defined as key, to get involved and support the campaign to help key workers travel safely during the crisis.

The online map is accessible at https://www.sustrans.org.uk/campaigns/cycles-for-key-workers/ 

SUPPORT AND ADVICE

This is an anxious and uncertain time but we want you to know that we are here to try to help constituents in whatever way that we can.

CONTACT DETAILS

WEST END WARD – Bailie Fraser Macpherson

Phone – Dundee 459378 (home)

E-mail – fraser.macpherson@dundeecity.gov.uk

Facebook updates : www.facebook.com/dundeewestend

Young Carers Shopping e-card

Dundee Carers Centre has developed an electronic shopping card for young carers who have responsibilities for shopping and/or picking up medication for family members. The card entitles young carers to access supermarkets and pharmacies during protected times.

The launch, the first of its kind for young carers in Scotland, has already attracted interested from other carer organisations, with some hoping to create their own versions.

So far, we have issued 20 e-cards to young carers and continue to take referrals.

If you are a young carer and have a responsibility for shopping and/or collecting medication on behalf of someone you care for, please contact Dundee Carers Centre on 200422 or email centre@dundeecarerscentre.org.uk.

Latest Friends of Wighton update!

From Sheena Wellington :

Hello everyone, I hope you are fit and well!  

We can’t invite you to the Wighton at the moment but we can invite you to enjoy the music some of our friends are providing online

First up, the great Thursday evening session at the Fisherman’s Tavern, Broughty Ferry, has gone digital and international.    It can be enjoyed at your leisure so catch it here.

And from our PhD student Mary-Jannet Leith and partner Thomas Allery :  

"#Ensemble Hesperi at Home - LIVE lunchtime concert series every Friday!

Having mainly figured out how to live stream, Tom and I will be giving a live concert every Friday lunchtime at 1pm from our little West London living room. Having reviewed the various options for platforms, we have decided to go 'live' on Facebook, rather than Twitter as previously advertised.

As far as we understand, you don't need to have a Facebook account to watch - just head to here and we should, fingers crossed, be there.

We'll be performing for about half an hour, and chatting a bit about what we're up to, so please join us - it would be great to see you! There will be some Scottish Baroque, Handel, Fontana, Geminiani, Sammartini and some live chat if that turns out to be possible."

Hands Up for Trad are also trialling a Hands Up for Trad Afternoon Show which goes out twice a week live on their Facebook page with live interviews and videos. If you can't make it along at 2pm you can always watch later!

In May Feis Rois are having a virtual festival here.

Enjoy, keep safe and we’ll see you sometime!