SitRep Update 25

This update only contains the new content that was added to the SitRep today, in no particular order. For the full SitRep, please go to https://oxfordvirusaction.wixsite.com/home/sitrep

A directory of support for Roma and Traveller communities can be found here - https://www.gypsy-traveller.org/services-directory/Domestic abuse safe space: People suffering domestic abuse can now access safe spaces in Boots pharmacies where they can safely contact services for help and advice. Ask staff if you can use the consultation room.

Translated resources: Healthwatch Oxfordshire, Oxford Community Action Group, and the Somali, Syrian, Sudanese, East Timorese, and East African communities in Oxford have teamed up to produe coronavirus information leaflets in Somali, Arabic, Tetum, and Swahili. Over 700 leaflets have already been distributed to households. You can download the leaflets here: https://healthwatchoxfordshire.co.uk/coronavirus/ under Translations.

Update to Government food parcels info: If you have unwanted food parcels to donate, Oxford Mutual Aid can make sure they get to people in need. Please email joanna@oxfordmutual.org or text +44 7933 763752 to arrange collection from your doorstep - these take place on Wednesdays (usually 4.30pm-6pm). If it's raining, just text and the volunteer will knock on the door.

Up-to-date information on supermarket operations and shopping guidelines: The consumer organisation Which? is compiling information on opening times, product restrictions, and the different measures in force in different shops here: https://www.which.co.uk/news/2020/04/supermarkets-coronavirus-latest/

Childcare providers: Oxfordshire Family Information Service has a compliled a list of early-years childcare providers still operational in Oxfordshire. If you are a key worker who needs childcare, see https://fisd.oxfordshire.gov.uk/kb5/oxfordshire/directory/service.page?id=T7hU5oSlQUQ&familieschannel=900

Mental health: Rethink Mental Health is running a survey to find out how people with mental illness are coping with the challenges of the current crisis. If you live with mental illness yourself or care for somebody who does, you can fill out the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/83MYJ3G

Oxfordshire Period Drive now also has baby clothes, toys, and books available. If you need any of these items, or any sanitary products, fill out the form at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1NkX4ZR4NMEZjg0u0MSyuM1opA-ZyhO5gnxsMBDU2S8Y/viewform?edit_requested=trueAre you a furloughed charity staff who wants to volunteer with organisations in the voluntary and charity sector? Or a charitable organisation looking for more volunteers? Team Oxford have started a furlough exchange that seeks to match these two groups up here: https://mailchi.mp/6aa331b83ef5/tofurloughex

Small businesses can now apply for Government-backed "bounce back loans" of up to £50,000 in value - https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-bounce-back-loans-to-launch-today The Government is also in the process of implementing a new business grants scheme for businesses falling outside the scope of previous grant schemes - https://www.gov.uk/government/news/top-up-to-local-business-grant-funds-scheme

Oxford Mutual Aid are looking for donations of old laptops and tablets for children who currently have no way to access online learning. Please email comms@oxfordmutualaid.org if you can help.

Oxford Mutual Aid are looking for insured drivers with refrigerated vans to help with their food deliveries. Please get in touch with comms@oxfordmutualaid.org if you can help. 

The Council is implementing a Carers ID scheme to help carers access further support. Find out more at https://news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/coronavirus-carer-id-scheme-launched-during-lockdown/

20th May is national Thank A Teacher Day. Get involved at https://thankateacher.co.uk/

Gloucester Green Bus Station will be closed 4th-11th May for essential maintenance works

New food businesses in Cherwell - including those offering hom delivery services - need to register with the Council - https://www.cherwell.gov.uk/news/article/707/new-food-outlets-should-register-with-council

OxLEP are offering free business skills webinars for startups, small businesses, and charities - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/oxlep-business-14802888923If you have a question about health and social care services, need information and support or want to tell them about your experience of care, you can contact the friendly team at Healthwatch Oxfordshire. You can get in touch with them by phone: 01865 520520; through their website www.healthwatchoxfordshire.co.uk; or by email: hello@healthwatchoxfordshire.co.uk.

Call for volunteers: Oxford Hub is looking for morePhone Link volunteers. You'd be responsible for calling between one and five people daily, or less often (depending on your capacity). Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScQjHUV7J7zPb9djmWTUg9lW1_06XqYdmKRB3Nkj9tPaKnaGA/viewform?mc_cid=3149caf26c&mc_eid=b5d7f2acf9 Volunteers are assigned to a "pod" of other volunteers to work with. Your job when chatting to people is just to provide some light social relief, have a laugh, and signpost people to support resources if they should need them. The Hub is specifically looking for people with experience working in mental health support, but you are still welcome to sign up if you do not have relevant experience.