The Plymouth Chronicle Central & Waterfront June 2020

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Central & Waterfront

June 2020 Casper the cat has been re-united with his owners - three years after he went missing See page 15

COVID UPDATE See inside for news and information from Plymouth City Council Pages 2 to 6

Massive response in Plymouth to appeal for more PPE equipment for key workers See pages 12 and 13

ALSO INSIDE: • Dial the Experts • Cross Rhythms • Community Job Experience Shop • Useful numbers

COVID grant lifeline for Street Factory Plymouth’s Street Factory hip hop collective has been given a £35,000 emergency grant to help maintain its vital work in the community - much to the delight of co-founders Toby and Jo Gorniak • See story on page 8

2 June 2020

2 June 2020

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Plymouth - you’ve been amazing in dealing with COVID-19 It has been incredible how Plymouth has pulled together in the face of one of our biggest ever threats.

People have really rallied round to support each other during the COVID-19 pandemic and have been keeping everyone safe by staying in and safe distancing. This has made a real difference and lives have been saved as a result.

There’s been amazing support for our carers and key workers who have been working so hard in very difficult circumstances. It’s great that they are getting the recognition that they so deserve.

It has been remarkable to see how quickly a small army of volunteers came together when we launched the Plymouth Good Neighbours Scheme. More than 800 people have generously offered their time and skills to help others.

As a council, we’re determined to do whatever we can to ensure that Plymouth emerges from this national crisis in a strong position.

We’ve been working hard to support businesses and protect jobs. We are developing a plan with our partners to ensure Plymouth’s economy recovers as quickly as possible. We have a lot of existing strengths that mean we are well placed to do this.

The changes to the lockdown arrangements announced nationally can seem confusing but we will ensure we are clear about how and when these affect what we do in Plymouth.

Please continue to stay safe, protect yourselves and your friends and family and support the NHS. Councillor Tudor Evans Leader of the Council

Huge effort under way to support Plymouth through COVID-19 crisis Plymouth City Council has been doing everything it can to support and protect Plymouth through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Its priorities have been to protect the people of Plymouth, keep key services running as long as possible and support the local economy.

The majority of employees have been working from home but some have continued to deliver key services that cannot be delivered from home.

Refuse collectors have continued to empty 30,000 bins each day, cleansing teams have been working hard to keep Plymouth safe and clean, while highways maintenance crews are carrying out essential repairs to keep roads and footways safe.

The council has helped implement one of the largest humanitarian efforts in peacetime Plymouth, coordinating support for those residents who have been identified as being the most vulnerable.

Caring for Plymouth, an alliance between the Council, Livewell Southwest and a large number of voluntary and community sector organisations, is ensuring they receive food, medicines and emotional support.

The council also launched the Plymouth Good Neighbours Scheme to recruit and coordinate volunteers who can support those who need help during COVID-19.

It has also sent out teams with the aim of getting all rough sleepers off the streets and accommodation was offered to 39 individuals.

Families can be under immense pressure at this time and children’s services teams have been supporting vulnerable children and young people in need of protection.

Most schools have been opening to take vulnerable children and children with special needs, as well as the children of key workers where no alternatives are available.

Social care teams are supporting Derriford Hospital in ensuring people can leave

Plymouth City Council helped light up the Royal Albert Bridge over the Tamar and the toll booths to show appreciation for NHS workers and carers

hospital by securing beds in the community.

The council has also been arranging Council Tax Support for more than 12,000 households.

It made car parks free for emergency services, the NHS, care workers and lifted the restrictions on times for using concessionary bus passes to help older people to take advantage of the dedicated shopping hours.

It has also been providing extensive support to businesses and have paid £38 million in grants.

Plans are now be developed for how services that have had to close can be resumed safety when the Government advises that it is safe to do so.

June 2020

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Some city firms still to claim business grants

Hundreds of eligible businesses in Plymouth have not yet applied for grants to help them through the COVID-19 pandemic.

The City Council is looking for and contacting businesses that could benefit from the Small Business Grant Fund and the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund, which offer grants of up to £25,000.

It has so far approved more than 3,800 grant applications and paid out more than £38 million directly to businesses.

The Small Business Grant Fund and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund were announced by the Government in March and it sent letters to Plymouth businesses with details of how to apply.

Any business currently in receipt of Small Business Rate Relief is eligible for a £10,000 grant.

Any retail, hospitality or leisure business in receipt of Expanded Retail Discount with a rateable value of less than £51,000 is eligible for a grant per property based on a number of eligibility criteria.

Many businesses eligible to receive Small Business Rate Relief may not realise it.

If you think your business might be eligible you can ring the business grant helpline on 01752 308984.

There’s also information, including contact details, at: investplymouth.co.uk/ covid-19.

3

Resurgam plan launched to help get Plymouth back in business Plymouth City Council is working to help get Plymouth back in business through Resurgam – a programme to oversee the city’s economic recovery.

The name is Latin for ‘I shall rise again’ and became part of Plymouth’s history when it appeared on a wooden sign over St Andrew’s Church after it was bombed.

Announcing the programme, Council Leader Tudor Evans said the council would work with Plymouth’s business community to address the impact of COVID-19 on the city’s economy.

Councillor Evans said: “This is the biggest economic challenge this city has faced since the Blitz, but I am certain we can rise to the challenge.

“Over the last few years we have made huge strides in creating and sustaining jobs and prosperity. We have great partnerships across the city. We need to harness the energy and expertise that we have built up – not just from within the council – but across key business organisations and companies to work together to make sure Plymouth is ready to emerge from the lockdown.

“We will also be looking at how the Council’s own economic footprint can help restart the economy through our procurement, capital programme and projects pipeline. If we can get these restarted quickly it will be an immediate and massive boost to the economy.

“Recovery is something the entire world is grappling with. But we need to remind ourselves there was so much Plymouth was getting right before the lockdown.”

As well as paying out grants to city businesses, the council has been lobbying for extra support alongside the Devon Chamber of Commerce, The Federation of Small Businesses and Plymouth Manufacturing Group.

Richard Stevens, Chair of Plymouth Growth Board said: “Plymouth City Council’s plans to help kick-start the local economy are well founded in pragmatism and ambition. I believe that the plan strikes the right balance of public and private partnership having outlined meaningful interventions that will aid economic recovery and help businesses get back on their feet.”

Plymouth Federation of Small Businesses and Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce are also supporting the Resurgam plans to get Plymouth’s businesses, community and economy thriving again.

For information on the advice and support available to businesses visit: Investplymouth.co.uk/covid-19

NEW ONLINE MARKETPLACE MAKES IT EASIER TO SHOP LOCAL Plymouth residents can now shop local and support independent retailers from the safety of their own home.

A new online marketplace called Shop 4 Plymouth is showcasing local traders that are open and following Government guidelines or which have adapted to offer a delivery service instead.

The initiative has been set up by the City Centre Company and Plymouth City Council, with support from Plymouth Waterfront Partnership, in response to COVID-19.

The website makes it easy for users to find what they’re looking for in three different categories: Food and Drink, Art and Craft and Home and Gifts.

Steve Hughes, chief executive of the Plymouth City Centre Company, said: “Our independent businesses have been hit particularly hard by this crisis, so we wanted to take action and give them the helping hand they need.

“Shop 4 Plymouth will give them an online marketplace and the opportunity for shoppers to support their local traders by continuing to shop locally from the comfort of their homes.

“People have had to change their shopping habits and, in many cases, they are enjoying reconnecting with the traditional values provided by local, independent traders.”

There’s a huge range of items available to buy from Plymouth retailers. Enjoy a treat at home with a takeaway cream tea or freshly cooked pasties, or order wine and gin to your door.

The Shop 4 Plymouth website also lists independent

shops selling fresh produce including fruit and vegetables, meat, fish and baked goods, offering a local alternative to supermarket chains.

There are already more than 80 local businesses listed on the website and the number continues to grow.

Councillor Mark Lowry, Cabinet Member for Finance, said: “Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic we’ve been working hard to support local businesses as much as possible.

This has included the creation of the successful Call 4 Fish initiative, offering quay to doorstep deliveries of fish, and ensuring swift payment of business grants to those eligible.

“We’re doing all we can to ensure local businesses survive this unprecedented time and Shop 4 Plymouth will make it easier than ever for people in the community to purchase the items they need, while shopping local and supporting local jobs – it’s a win-win.

“What these businesses need now is for the public to get behind them and show their support, using this platform to shop for Plymouth.”

Garry Haine, owner of The Art Side said: “We have been promoting our services online with the support of the Plymouth City Centre Company and we have been picking up new orders. This new website is a great idea to get people to return to shopping locally but in a different way.”

Ben Shearn, owner of The Treasury bar and restaurant, has been doing special deliveries during the lockdown which he will now be promoting on Shop 4 Plymouth.

He said: “It’s been inspirational to see how independent businesses have risen to the challenge in the last few weeks.

We have been delivering ‘boxes of happiness’, quintessential afternoon teas for delivery, perfect as gifts to raise a smile.”

Find out more and start shopping at shop4plymouth.co.uk.

If you run a business that is operating an adjusted service and would like to be added to the directory, please email info@citycentrebid.co.uk.

4 June 2020

4 June 2020

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Big-hearted bikers volunteer to deliver medicines A group of big-hearted bikers is helping deliver medication to vulnerable people shielded by the Caring for Plymouth hub.

The Biker 19 Group came together from different clubs to help with the community response to COVID-19 and had been assisting Age UK Plymouth and a mental health charity before helping with medical deliveries.

Led by Martin Hendy and assisted by Paula Slade, the voluntary group is mainly made up of current and former service personnel from the army, navy and police, all with a common passion for bikes.

Massive team effort shows Plymouth is a city that cares Plymouth has come together to support the city’s most vulnerable through the coronavirus crisis.

Caring for Plymouth is the huge operation to shield our most vulnerable residents from the effects of the virus and organise a wide range of care and support.

The City Council and Livewell Southwest are the lead partners but Caring for Plymouth would not be possible without the support of

a vast amount of community and voluntary organisations who have been helping residents in their homes and remotely.

Hundreds of food packages have been delivered to the homes of those who need it and vital medicines are also being collected and delivered to the homes of people who are self-isolating.

Councillor Kate Taylor, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “I’ve been blown away by the hard work and dedication that has gone into helping others. From mental health services, to financial and legal advice and everything in between, Caring for Plymouth has been able to provide aid for the most vulnerable at a time when they’ve really needed it.”

There has also been an incredible effort following the launch of the Plymouth Good Neighbours scheme to co-ordinate volunteering activities across the city.

It is going from strength to strength with more than 800 people now registered to be deployed to various tasks around the city.

Countless businesses have also offered help and support, including staff, premises and vehicles.

The scheme has also evolved into a mutual aid group for other community and voluntary organisations that have sprung up to help deal with the pandemic.

Cabinet Member for Housing Chris Penberthy, said: “The work that everyone is doing out there is outstanding and as a council we want to make sure we’re supporting groups so that they can continue to help the people who need it.”

The Good Neighbours scheme is now supporting Caring for Plymouth in pharmacy deliveries and has recently started delivering shopping to people too vulnerable to leave their homes.

If you need support, or know someone who does, call 01752 668000.

If you are interested in volunteering visit the Good Neighbours Scheme page at www. plymouth.gov.uk

VULNERABLE? SELF-ISOLATING? NO SUPPORT NETWORK?

CALL 01752 668000

First recruits for Proud to Care campaign

The first group of healthcare assistants recruited through the Proud to Care campaign are now looking after some of Plymouth’s most vulnerable residents.

The new healthcare workers were recruited as part of the campaign, run by Plymouth, Devon and Torbay councils.

Healthcare assistants are a frontline role to support Plymouth’s NHS and social care providers, as coronavirus puts even greater pressure on existing services and staff.

Since its launch at the start of April there have been more than 150 enquiries in Plymouth.

Councillor Kate Taylor, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “The response we have had to the Proud to Care campaign has been fantastic. We are seeing a high standard of applicants coming forward to help support the health and social care sector during these unprecedented times.”

There are a range of temporary and permanent roles available covering all aspects of the health and social care sector.

Following a huge amount of interest on the Proud to Care website for roles in Plymouth, Gemcare, a South West care provider, responded immediately to offer their support to fast track applicants into positions across the care provider market.

Roger Putt, Director of Gemcare, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with the council and other providers across the city to support with the recruitment of applicants to the health and social care sector in this time of need.

Each successful applicant is fast tracked through the recruitment process, before being deployed to a variety of settings.”

Councillor Taylor added: “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Gemcare for helping with the Proud to Care recruitment campaign and I’d also like to thank all our fantastic health and social care providers for everything they to do support some of our most vulnerable residents. You are all amazing.”

There are still lots of roles available. If you are interested just register your details at proudtocaredevon.org.uk.

Vouchers for healthy food available to families on low income If you have had a drop in family income due to COVID-19 you may be eligible for the Healthy Start Scheme, which offers vouchers to buy fruit, vegetables, milk and vitamins.

Families with children under four years old and women who are at least 10 weeks pregnant qualify for Healthy Start if the family is receiving: • Income Support or income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, or Child Tax Credit (with a family income of £16,190 or less per year) • Universal Credit (with a family take home pay of £408 or less per month)

Only 58 per cent of eligible households in Plymouth are currently using the scheme and those not claiming could be missing out on around £50 a month to spend on food.

Councillor Jemima Laing, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People said: “We know that here in Plymouth there are many families who are eligible for this scheme who have not yet taken it up.

“I encourage all parents and parents-to-be to check their eligibility online. Finances are more uncertain than ever during this period and having access to free fresh produce can make a huge difference to families.”

You can find out more about the scheme at healthystart.nhs.uk

June 2020

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Quiet roads help A38 verges clean up Keeping Plymouth City Council teams have removed almost three tonnes of debris and rubbish during its latest clean-up along the Plymouth stretch of the A38.

It has to carry out this work regularly between the Tamar Bridge and Plympton Hill to help keep the route clear of any potential hazards.

The crews worked over four days, collecting waste that had accumulated along the roadside, including car tyres, food and bottles, nappies, plastic sheeting, timber and even televisions.

Drivers caught dropping litter can be fined up to £2,500 and find themselves in court.

There is no limit on the fine for fly-tipping, which could even lead to a prison sentence.

Residents can report flytipping at plymouth.gov.uk/ streetcareandcleaning.

How to help city’s refuse crews keep Plymouth safe and clean Waste crews have had an even bigger job than usual emptying bins from around 30,000 properties a day.

With everyone staying at home, they’ve had more waste to collect.

To ensure the council has enough drivers and loaders to keep the collections going, it has temporarily suspended garden and bulky waste collections.

The council says its crews would like to say a big thank-you to everyone who is following health advice to double-bag used tissues and wipes (if anyone is showing symptoms) and keeping them aside for 72 hours before putting them in outside bins.

Cleaning bin handles and washing your hands after putting bins out and bringing them back in is also helping to keep you and our crews as safe as possible.

It is now asking for help from Plymouth households as its crews are seeing lots of bulky, DIY and garden waste in bins, which makes them very heavy for crews to move, can be dangerous and can cause problems when the waste is processed.

The council is also finding waste from green bins being ‘contaminated’ with non-recyclable items, which causes delays at its materials recycling facility.

It says that while it’s tempting to get that clear-out, DIY or gardening done at the moment, unless you have somewhere to store the extra waste please postpone these projects.

If you already have waste hold onto it until full services can be resumed. Keep garden waste dry or consider composting at home – there are lots of useful tips at www.rhs.org.uk.

It asks that you don’t leave any waste on the street, in back lanes or next to your bins. This is fly-tipping and obstructs access – often for refuse or emergency vehicles.

There are businesses that will dispose of waste for a charge – but check you use a registered carrier as you will be responsible if your waste ends up fly-tipped.

Visit the Environment Agency website at environment.data.gov.uk/ public-register.

streets and green spaces clean and safe

Street Services teams have been out working to keep Plymouth moving, safe and clean during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Highways crews are carrying out essential repairs to ensure roads and footways are safe and key workers and vital supplies can get where they need to be.

The council has been maintaining sports pitches and cutting grass in children’s play areas to prevent them from deteriorating during lockdown and becoming unusable when it is finally able to open them again.

It has resumed grass cutting within our parks and green spaces so they can be enjoyed by people taking their daily exercise.

Local residents may also see workers carrying out weed spraying on key routes to help avoid weeds becoming so embedded that they become very difficult to eradicate in future.

The council says it won’t be able to weed widely in the city or in neighbourhoods so would appreciate it if residents help out by keeping the area around their property boundaries weed-free.

Chelson Meadow re-opens for limited range of items Chelson Meadow household waste recycling centre has re-opened for garden waste, electrical equipment and bagged household waste only.

The decision has been taken in line with the latest Government guidance and measures are in place to ensure social distancing at all times and protect customers and staff.

Councillor Sue Dann, Cabinet Member for Environment and Street Scene, said: “We’d like to thank everyone for their patience while our recycling centres have been closed.

“Re-opening Chelson Meadow is not a return to normal.

We would ask everybody to carefully consider whether they desperately need to use the site at this time.

Government advice clearly states that you must only travel to the site if it is absolutely necessary.

“We will be working at a significantly reduced capacity, only accepting certain items and we cannot provide assistance with unloading.

“We know that people will be keen to get rid of their waste but we strongly urge people not to visit the site unless it’s absolutely essential.

“The official Government guidance makes it clear that if you can continue to store your waste safely at home then you should. We would ask everybody to carefully consider whether they desperately need to use the site at this time.”

Traffic management is in place to control queueing and maintain access for local residents and businesses and people should be prepared for much longer waiting times than normal.

If the queue is ‘full’ visitors may have to come back later.

The centre is only accepting garden waste (not soil), electrical equipment and bagged household waste.

The following items will not be taken: • Antifreeze, asbestos or chemicals • Batteries (car or household) • Fluorescent tubes or low energy lamps • Gas bottles • Hazardous waste • Plasterboard • Paint • Oil (cooking or engine) • Soil or hardcore The number of cars allowed onto the site is restricted, with a maximum of two adults per car and strictly no children. No vans or trailers are allowed and there will be is no pedestrian access to the site. Staff are not able to help with unloading vehicles.

Visitors are asked to stay in their cars while queuing to maintain social distancing and to not get out on site until they need to. Anyone who doesn’t comply with the social distancing guidance in place will be asked to leave. Noone should visit if they are unwell.

The centre is only be open Plymouth residents and visitors should display proof of address, such as a council tax, gas or electricity bill, in their windscreen.

Opening hours are 8am to 6pm, seven days a week.

Weston Mill recycling centre remains closed until further notice.

Further details can be found on the waste page at plymouth.gov.uk/covid-19.

5

6 June 2020

6 June 2020

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Shining a light on Plymouth’s famous landmarks Some of Plymouth’s most famous monuments are to get their permanent moment in the spotlight.

Could you be a foster carer?

The contribution made by Plymouth’s foster carers has been celebrated during Foster Care Fortnight as the City Council looks for people who might be interested in joining them.

Plymouth City Council has submitted plans for the Royal Air Force and Allied Air Forces monument and the Merchant Navy and Armada statues on the Hoe to be bathed in soft white lighting.

Sir Francis Drake will also be lit with a system that will allow the colour to change.

The low-energy lights will be installed in the ground with special seals to take account of our salty coastal environment.

There are also plans to light up the major Naval War Memorial and discussions are ongoing with the War Graves Commission about this.

Council leader Tudor Evans said: “We have committed to shining a light on Plymouth’s incredible history and celebrate our heritage wherever we can.

“When the time is right we want people to enjoy being out in the evenings and visit our amazing waterfront. There’s no doubt we need some light at the moment.”

There are currently more than 400 children and young people in care in Plymouth and there is an ongoing campaign to recruit new carers to help look after them.

Fostering can be for as little as a few weeks or a few months until a child is able to return home to their family or longer term until a child grows up.

For anyone interested in becoming a foster carer, the City Council’s fostering service is still able to offer initial home visits following social distancing guidelines where appropriate, or a virtual initial visit.

Full training and support is given to foster carers, who are paid an allowance reflecting the real cost of looking after a child.

If you are interested in finding out more you can contact the fostering team on 01752 308762 or visit www.fosterforplymouth.co.uk.

Births, deaths and marriages

Big rise in numbers exploring city’s online library services from home

The Register Office is currently closed and birth registrations, notices of marriage, civil partnerships and ceremonies have been suspended for now.

The registration service is only conducting death registrations over the phone at the moment. Please do not call the service as it will be provided with next of kin details as well as the medical certificate of cause of death by the doctor/hospital involved and will then contact you.

Funeral services

There’s been a huge rise in the number of people borrowing eBooks and magazines from Plymouth libraries’ online service during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Plymouth City Council continues to run services at Efford and Weston Mill but sadly have had to limit the number of mourners allowed to attend funeral and cremation services to a maximum of 10 people.

If you have an enquiry about a burial or cremation email cemeteries@plymouth.gov.uk or call 01752 306104 or 01752 304837.

With people staying at home audiobooks, eMagazines and eBooks have been virtually flying off the digital shelves.

Almost 7,000 digital books and 1,700 audiobooks have been downloaded since social distancing measures were put in place, up a massive 235 per cent from this time last year.

The most popular book has been Stephen Fry’s performance of JK Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone.

Meanwhile, eMagazine numbers are up 316 per cent, with nearly 10,000 checkouts over the last month. The most popular magazine is the New Scientist International Edition.

Councillor Pete Smith, Deputy Leader of the Council said: “It is fantastic to see such a huge increase in people using our online library services.

“At a time when we’ve all been asked to stay at home more I hope our libraries are making things a little more bearable for people by providing these wonderful resources free of charge.”

Libraries staff have been busy at home, making sure as many regular services as possible are still available. Follow them on Facebook and Twitter for digital Storytime, book reviews and ideas for things to do with kids.

To use the online library visit plymouth.gov.uk/libraries

Council Tax payments

If you are worried about your ability to pay Council Tax due to your income being impacted by COVID-19 the Council is offering revised payment options.

It is also arranging Council Tax discounts for those who receive Council Tax Support. If you are of working age and on Council Tax Support you will automatically get a £150 discount off your Council Tax bill for 2020/21.

If you are self-employed you can defer payments for a few months if necessary. For more information visit plymouth.gov.uk or call 01752 668000.

Enforcement teams return to patrol Plymouth streets and parks Environmental enforcement officers have returned to the city’s streets in a bid to curb a recent increase in dog fouling.

Since social distancing measures were introduced, Plymouth City Council has seen a rise in reported cases of owners failing to pick up after their pooches.

At the beginning of the coronavirus crisis, enforcement was not deemed an essential service. However, because of the hazardous nature of dog waste and its dangers to children, officers returned to work at the end of April.

Uniformed and plain clothed officers are now patrolling areas of the city where complaints have been received.

Councillor Sally Haydon, Cabinet Member for Customer Focus and Community Safety, said: “It really is so

disappointing that a very small number of dog owners are refusing to respect the city and other residents.

“My colleagues and I have received email after email from members of the public about this issue and I hope that a deterrent of a steep fine will make people stop and think.”

Environmental enforcement officers have the power to issue fixed penalty notices for £100 to owners who they catch not picking up after their dogs. If an FPN is not paid, it could end with a criminal conviction.

Although the main purpose of the patrols are to catch irresponsible dog owners, officers will not be turning a blind eye to other issues such as littering.

Dog control issues within areas clearly signed as covered by a Public Space Protection Order will also be monitored.

Find out more at plymouth.gov.uk/dogcontrol

Help is on hand for anyone worried about domestic abuse Families can be under a lot of pressure during this difficult time and support is available for those worried about domestic abuse.

The Plymouth Domestic Abuse Service (PDAS) is working closely with the City Council to make sure that safe accommodation and support is available to everyone who needs it.

PDAS has introduced a 24-hour helpline for anyone who needs support. You can call them on 0800 458 2558 or visit victimcaredevonandcornwall.org.uk.

Silent 999 calls are not automatically transferred to the police. If you have made an emergency call but can’t speak (because you believe you will be in danger if you are heard), dial 55 when asked to do so by the emergency operator.

If you are a young person who has been the victim of a crime, you can access support by calling The Zone on 07867358184 or find them online at thezoneplymouth.co.uk.

If you believe someone is in immediate danger you should call the police on 999.

June 2020

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Council leader pledge to ‘fight on’ for fishing

New supplier of PPE signed up by council

Plymouth City Council leader Tudor Evans has vowed to continue his fight for more support for the fishing industry brought to the brink of collapse by the COVID-19 lockdown.

While he welcomed the announcement of £10 million for fishing and aquaculture businesses in England as ‘a step in the right direction’, he said much more needed to be done to keep the fishing fleet - and its supply chain - above water.

Councillor Evans said: “We’ve been lobbying hard to support the fishing industry so we do welcome this as a step in the right direction.

“While it rightly acknowledges there was a problem, this announcement doesn’t solve it.

“Fishing is part of our city’s heritage. It is a Plymouth success story. We will not sit by and watch it fade away. Sadly £10 million shared across the country is a drop in the ocean and without the full details of the scheme, we aren’t confident that it will be simple for businesses to access.”

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the council has campaigned alongside the local fishing industry to lobby Government for urgent additional support.

The council gave a cash grant to the Call 4 Fish initiative, which connects the public and organisations directly with suppliers who deliver fish direct to doorsteps.

Councillor Evans continued: “It’s been a phenomenal success. And it has gone from strength to strength, spreading nationwide to support fishers across the country and proving that the nation has an appetite for fresh fish.”

Fishing is a key sector in the South West and supports more than 2,000 jobs in Plymouth alone. Over £110 million of fish are landed across the three ports of Plymouth, Newlyn and Brixham every year.

7

Plymouth City Council has a new PPE supplier to help the organisation continue to source vital supplies of protective equipment during the COVID-19 crisis.

The show must go on!

Plymouth Philharmonic Choir are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year but when the pandemic caused their first, concert to be postponed they were determined the show would go on.

The sea-themed programme of music, including Vaughan Williams’ A Sea Symphony, was to be the first of two concerts as part of the Mayflower 400 commemorations.

Undaunted by the necessary cancellations, determined to put everything learned into practice and to share the fun and thrill of the nautical music, the choir swapped the Guildhall’s grandeur for comfort, as they performed ‘A Concert In Our Homes’.

Keith Watterson, the choir’s concert manager, started the evening with a very witty introduction to the anticipated audience of 37 dogs, 15 cats, two budgerigars, one grey parrot, a very quiet Norwegian Blue, 174 Teddy Bears and several bemused teenagers.

Photographs of singers, many dressed up in vivid sea colours for their concert, have been shared in a montage on the choir’s Facebook page.

Catherine Hamilton, the highly acclaimed and much-admired international soprano soloist, who was to be singing with the Plymouth Philharmonic Choir, also joined in the fun by sending a selfie.

For further information visit the choir’s website at plymouthphilchoir.org.

An emergency short term contract for PPE has been signed to ensure the flow of supplies gets to the right people at the right time.

The council buys PPE for its front line staff as well as for social care providers and the contract covers a variety of PPE set out in the COVID-19 emergency policy issued by Public Health England and the Government.

It includes various types of face-masks, eye protection such as goggles and face shields, hand sanitiser, aprons, gowns, coveralls and gloves.

Over the last six week weeks 82,000 items of PPE and over 120 deliveries have been made to providers across the city who have requested supplies.

In normal times, care homes and providers would source their own supplies. But as the requirements for PPE have increased, supply chains have struggled to respond and the council has taken a role in sourcing protective equipment.

Gary Walbridge, head of Adult Social Care said: “It’s been a constant and ongoing battle for everyone involved. The whole PPE market is extremely volatile as demand has grown in the UK and across the world, placing significant pressure on the supply chain.

Up and down the country care homes and organisations have been responding to the changing government guidance that advises us on what PPE is required.”

There has been a huge leap in demand for face masks and eye protection in care settings, which has led to the council bulk buying thousands of facemasks to help providers cope with the weeks ahead.

8 June 2020

Plympton pub takes gigs online to raise money for charity

8 June 2020

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Award-winning Hospital Radio Plymouth Hospital Radio Plymouth volunteers at their AGM (pre-coronavirus restrictions)

Plympton’s Post Office Inn is organising

weekly online concerts to raise funds for local charities, including St Luke’s Hospice.

Every Sunday, Danny Jones, operator at Post Office Inn, is performing and streaming live gigs which can be viewed via the pub’s Facebook page - providing the local community with musical entertainment and giving them the opportunity to donate money to the local charity.

The news, which comes after the Government requested the closure of all pubs, with the exception of those offering takeaway services, clearly demonstrates the continued desire and passion of operators and publicans across the country to act as a hub for their communities.

Danny will be performing concerts every Sunday at 6.30pm with the aim of raising money for St Luke’s Hospice and NHS charities.

The Post Office Inn, which is part of the Craft Union Pub Company, has been keen to continue supporting their customers and local residents during this time, serving at the heart of the local community.

Danny said: “We understand that this is a challenging and uncertain time for many members of our local community. The pub has long been the central hub and support network for communities and we’re determined to continue playing our part, despite being closed.

“We have been raising funds for St Luke’s Hospice and other NHS charities to show our gratitude for those giving care throughout the pandemic. These online concerts are a fantastic way to bring members of the community together, to boost morale and to help local health services. Please do tune in to enjoy some live music, communicate with the community and help raise some money for a great cause.”

Barnardo’s blog to help young people through pandemic young people - especially those Isolated feeling particularly vulnerable during the

pandemic - are invited to support each other by sharing their thoughts and experiences on a new blog.

Plymouth HYPE (Helping Young People Engage) is managed by children’s charity Barnardo’s and aims to give a stronger voice to those using local mental health services.

In response to the pandemic, young people have worked with the charity to create a new blog which offers peer support and positive messages to help others cope with the crisis.

Posts are anonymous but can include poems, paintings, photographs, music, short films, ‘top tips’ and coping strategies.

The blog is aimed at young people from across the city. Barnardo’s children’s services manager Anthony Hill said: “Increased isolation and a barrage of negative news can sometimes feel overwhelming. Young people told us they wanted to create a safe and positive space where they can express themselves, reach out to others and develop more peer support in their local community.”

One of the young editors who helped to create the blog said: “We’re doing this because we want to help as many people as possible.

“Sometimes self-care can be overlooked but it’s actually the most important thing we have to maintain good mental health.

“We hope this new blog will allow us to have our voices heard and to share our thoughts, skills and knowledge.”

The blog is mainly aimed at young people aged 21 and under who have accessed local mental health services.

There may even be an opportunity to showcase some of the work in an exhibition when the lockdown ends.

Search for Barnardo’s HYPE Blog on Facebook or email hype@barnardos.org.uk

Volunteers at Hospital Radio Plymouth (HRP) are celebrating winning an award and being shortlisted in five other categories in the Hospital Broadcasting Awards.

Representatives from the charity were due to attend a special gala dinner in Bolton, which forms the highlight of the annual Hospital Broadcasting Association Conference. The event had to be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, but organisers moved the event online. Presented by ‘Voice of the Balls’ Alan Dedicoat and BBC Radio Lincolnshire’s Sean Dunderdale. There were also ‘appearances’ from Ken Bruce, Jason Manford and Jeremy Vine.

Hospital Radio Plymouth won Bronze in the Best Speech Package Category for a programme put together with students from Tor Bridge High to mark Carers’ Week.

Station Manager Keith Jolley said: “The standard of entries for these awards are getting better and better every year, so it’s great to see our name up there with all the others.

“I’d like to thank Andrew and Charlotte, who put together the Carers’ Week programme, and all our other volunteers who help to keep the station running 24/7, 365 days a year.”

Hospital Radio Plymouth has continued broadcasting throughout the coronavirus pandemic thanks to volunteers broadcasting from home and taking requests via email and social media – providing a way for patients and staff to connect with friends and family whether they listen on FM or online.

HRP is celebrating 50 years of visiting patients, collecting requests and broadcasting to Derriford Hospital and its offshoots this year.

The multi-award winning station has a team of volunteers who visit patients in hospital, collect requests, put together programmes and make sure there is a friendly voice at the patient’s bedside 24/7.

Hospital Radio Plymouth has been serving the community for 50 years, visiting patients, collecting requests and broadcasting to Derriford Hospital and its offshoots. Run exclusively by volunteers, the charity has overcome a series of challenges over the decades, including changes in technology, several moves and constant fundraising to keep the station on air.

The station has previously won many awards for the quality and breadth of entertainment it provides to patients, staff and visitors to Derriford Hospital. HRP now also broadcasts online, so patients and their families can share the experience however far apart they are.

Street Factory gets a £35,000 COVID lifeline to secure its vital community work in city Plymouth’s Street Factory has been awarded a grant of nearly £35,000 from the Arts Council England Emergency Response Fund. The grant means that the hip hop social collective and Community Interest Company now has a COVID-19 ‘lifeline’ ensuring Street Factory can continue to offer classes, programmes and sessions for at least the next six months.

Street Factory co-founder Jo Gorniak said: “Like every organisation, the COVID crisis, and the lockdown, poses us with a complicated set of challenges – both in terms of how we retain our vital levels of individual and group support for all of our service users and members, but also, as a Community Interest Company, how we have the necessary funds to pay the rent, bills and necessary support costs that normally allow us to open and to work every day.

“The lockdown period is challenging for everyone in terms of mental health, anxiety and uncertainty, so a number of our vulnerable Street Factory cases actually need more of our input and support now, We are therefore extremely grateful to have received this lifeline Arts Council England Emergency Funding, via National Lottery resources, and on behalf of all our members, we cannot thank the relevant teams, and the public who buy lottery tickets enough. This critical financial support will enable us to thrive and to continue our community outreach work which has now gone online and virtual.”

In a normal week, founders Toby and Jo Gorniak would be working from their Plymouth theatre base in Millbay, teaching classes, leading groups and providing their innovative forms of social, community and personal care

Street Factory’s Toby Gorniak... ‘incredibly grateful’

and mentoring to in excess of 300 people. Toby, Jo and their various hip-hop educators also regularly provide outreach classes for over 400 students in a range of on-site school sessions as well as additional training programmes and projects as required in other locations citywide.

Some of the issues and challenges facing the Street Factory community include bullying, mental health issues of all kinds, low aspiration, racism, poverty, ageism, special and

additional needs, homelessness, unemployment and lack of immediate opportunities. The Street Factory service therefore supports a major number of people through these personal journeys on a day-to-day basis, making the COVID lockdown all the more serious for a number of these vulnerable community members.

Toby said: “We are so blessed to receive this funding, it will help us no end in delivering our work. This

could be a negative time and we are determined to keep positive, keep connected and keep communicating, and we are blown away with the amount of people logging in from all over the city, and all over the world, to take part in our free sessions – and now we know we can keep on running those and helping everyone stay positive, whilst they stay safe.’’

Toby added: “We have found working digitally has enhanced our reach and connected us with even more members of our community who do not normally access culture, or such positive activities, and they have said they feel inspired, less isolated and are learning new skills.

This ripple effect of the crisis is one we want expand on.

“We know many in our vulnerable community have no family connections and are struggling, and that also a number are not able to readily access the internet, so we are keeping in contact by telephone and other methods. We are all incredibly grateful to the teams at the National Lottery and Arts Council England for their work in making this grant possible, and to all of the members of the public who contribute to the National Lottery on a weekly basis.”

The emergency funding will help Street Factory continue with their essential operations and digital, online and social media-driven projects. Alongside support from the Rank Organisation, it will support the costs of all of the classes and individual coaching and mentoring programmes, enabling the Street Factory team to continue to virtually reach out, working with, and staying connected to, the surrounding vulnerable community. It will also help the team keep their Hip Hop Theatre venue safe, covering costs of rent and utilities which will ensure they have a focal point and physical base for the community to return to when the crisis recedes

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It may not be opening in May but there’s lots going on at...

Although the official opening of The Box has been delayed, there has been plenty of activity taking place behind the scenes.

With the support of many organisations and individuals across the city, The Box will be delivering this year’s Plymouth History Festival online until May 31.

Content will be shared on a daily basis on its social media platforms to highlight The Box’s projects and collections, and planning some special content to share on the original launch date of May 16. Over the coming weeks there will also be a series of competitions for people to actively participate in.

The Box has also been providing support for artists, makers, and the museums sector by using its platforms and networks to share information about funding opportunities and other forms of support. Mentoring and bidwriting advice to smaller museums and sector colleagues has also been provided.

A series of commissions for local musicians linked to the Plymouth After Dark project was recently announced along with a series of commissions for contemporary artists in Devon and Cornwall.

In the coming weeks The Box will be livestreaming reminiscence activities into some of the city’s care homes and have set up a postal knitting challenge for the members of the Women’s Traditional Craft Group. Art supplies and activities have been sent to the ‘Arts and Minds’ dementia group to help them stay creative.

Before the opening was postponed, The Box had recruited nearly 200 potential volunteers.

Over the last few weeks a digital training programme has been created which is enabling them to develop their skills and knowledge in preparation the opening.

To support parents, carers and teachers a series of weekly curriculum challenges has been created as well as a set of online resources covering themes such as Ancient Egypt, Prehistory, World War I and II. We’ll be sharing these at regular intervals throughout the rest of the summer term.

Plymouth City Council Leader, Tudor Evans said: “We’re still focused on our ultimate goal of The Box being the most significant UK cultural attraction to open in 2020, but recognise that in these most unusual of circumstances, we have an even greater role to play.

“The Box has always been a symbol of Plymouth’s determination to use culture as a catalyst, not just to put the city on the map but to inspire people, bring them together and make them proud. This is an amazing response to the situation we’re currently living through and I can’t wait to see all the results it creates.”

To stay up-to-date with The Box visit www. theboxplymouth.com To enjoy this year’s Plymouth History Festival visit www.plymouthhistoryfestival.com

COMMUNITY

10 June 2020

@PlymChronicle

JOB SHOP Survey reveals survival and closure within Advertise your vacancy FREE in Job Shop

Local businesses, voluntary groups, organisations, groups and individuals are invited to post their job vacancies in our Community Job Shop feature. This must be for part-time and voluntary jobs only and should contain no more than 50 words, including contact details. All you have to do is send the details via e-mail to info@cornerstonevision.com Deadline for each issue is first Monday of the month prior.

Please note that these vacancies were all posted prior to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Anyone interested in one of the vacancies is advised to contact the organistion concerned and check to see if the post is still available.

GARDENING AT YMCA PLYMOUTH Volunteers wanted to help at our community garden at Honicknowle. All produce from the garden is destined for an emergency food provision charity. Can you help us please. A few hours here and there would be great.

Contact, Vic Hibbert, YMCA Plymouth on 01752 761004 or vic.h@ymcaplymouth.org.uk HEAD SPACE VOLUNTEER Head Space offers an out-of-hours service for people who consider that they are approaching a mental health crisis. The service aims to provide a non-clinical setting with a safe, calm and structured environment, where individuals can go to access peer support. Volunteers will work alongside staff to provide support in both group and 1:1 settings. We provide comprehensive training and support, and the opportunity to join a successful and likeminded team. All travel costs are covered and you will be able to develop new skills and experiences and have fun whilst helping make a difference To get involved contact us for an initial discussion T: 0800 9230 039 or visit www.colebrooksw.org/head-space/ HELP AT HOME COMMUNITY SUPPORT ASSISTANTS Age UK Plymouth are recruiting Help at Home Community Support Assistants for domestic tasks/ shopping for clients. This is a zero hour contract at national minimum wage, mileage is paid. Please visit www.ageukplymouth.org.uk for full details and to complete an application form. Alternatively call on 01752 256020 for further details.

VOLUNTEERS Local charity Hearts Together is looking for willing volunteers with a little time to spare to help out at Derriford Hospital. If you can assist with general gardening, bed making and transport then we’d love to hear from you. The time you give to us can be totally flexible and we will cover your out of pocket expenses. Contact 01752 315900 or e-mail rachel@ heartstogether.org.uk. For more information go to www.heartstogether.org.uk ROYAL VOLUNTARY LIBRARY SERVICE Derriford Hospital needs help for the book trolley ward rounds weekdays between 10 am - 12 noon. If you are interested in the service and can spare the time, please contact Pat Hamilton on Thursdays 9.30 am - 3.30 pm on 01752 430880 for further information.

VOLUNTEER DOG CUDDLERS WANTED Offer a short break to some of our pawsome dogs.

Due to high demand we are looking for dog lovers to have a doggy home board with them while their owners are away. You will be fully insured, licensed and supported 24/7 by us. One dog at a time, guest dogs come with everything they need and only at times to suit you. It’s the perfect way for retired people, work at home and stay at home parents with school age children to have a ‘part time pooch.’ You must have a secure garden. Please contact Jennifer or Carolyn to discuss. 01752 769453.

DISTRIBUTORS Cornerstone Vision, publishers of the Plymouth Chronicle, are looking for distributors, to help deliver leaflets across the city and surrounding area.

Transport an advantage, own phone number essential.

We are particularly looking for people to help cover Efford, Ernesettle, Saltash, Ivybridge and Torpoint, although other areas may be available. Please email chris.etherington@cornerstonevision.com or call 01752 225623.

city’s voluntary and community sector Plymouth’s voluntary and community sector is showing an extraordinary level of resilience and innovation despite being severely affected by the conditions put in place to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.

A survey of the sector carried out by POP+ (Plymouth Octopus Project) revealed that although 80% of community activities across the city have been put on hold, many new or adjusted services have been set up. While the response to the POP+ survey identifies an extraordinary level of commitment from projects and organisations to the people they support, it also shows that the sector has taken a massive financial hit and some organisations may not survive the crisis.

Of the 125 organisations that responded to the POP+ survey 81% have reported being financially affected by the lockdown: a fall in donations, the cessations of contracts and the loss of trading income – and in some cases, all three – have left Matt Bell many in a vulnerable position and likely to need support if they are to survive.

Simply Counselling has been supporting people in the city since 2006. Last year it supported 365 clients including victims of domestic abuse. With three of its five staff furloughed it is relying on the goodwill of its volunteer counsellors to keep the service running on-line and over the phone.

As its administrator, Kayley Churchill explained, financially, it has taken a massive hit. “We’ve lost about three quarters of our income. We’ve had some emergency funding which has helped to pay for training to use zoom and our landlord has waived the rent for three months, but we’ve still got bills to pay. We are just about keeping our head above water but, to be honest, if it wasn’t for our volunteer counsellors - who are just amazing - then I don’t know where we’d be.”

The POP+ survey also identifies that those

most at risk appear to be organisations with an income of less than £10,000 a year.

The chief executive of POP+, Matt Bell, said everyone should be concerned, while they are small, they are invaluable. “We feel that that during this crisis, funders should be prioritising organisations with incomes of less than £10,000 a year. We know from our survey that these groups are particularly vulnerable yet are putting in huge amounts of time and energy to continue offering support to people. We must ensure that they are still operating when all this is over.”

Plymouth’s social economy has experienced a rapid and critical shock. Many groups, clubs and support services that make up the city’s vibrant voluntary and community sector have ground to a halt affecting people from all areas of the city in all manner of circumstances. Furthermore, the survey has found that 75% of the services recently terminated – such as the weekly drop-in session at the All Nations Ministries in the City Centre – existed to help the most vulnerable.

And yet, as Matt Bell observes, while much has been lost, there is much to celebrate.

“Our members are showing an extraordinary level of commitment to their communities. It is remarkable,” said Matt, “that while many

are facing financial uncertainty, they are reaching out to ensure people stay connected and supported.”

Nearly two thirds of those who responded to the POP+ survey have adapted their services or offered something new. A significant amount of innovation is being made through employing digital technology with all manner of services springing up connecting all sorts of people, in all sorts of places and all sorts of circumstances.

In Stonehouse, Nudge Community Builders working with the University of Plymouth and local company Outerstage, has provided free wi-fi to residents in and around Union Street enabling them to access the internet from their homes while RIO is opening its (physical) doors to Devonport Guildhall, providing people without any means of connecting to the internet with free, sociallyacceptable-distance, access to computers every Thursdays.

Meanwhile, Memory Matters has been ensuring it enables people with dementia (and their carers) to remain connected and supported through the provision of dementia therapy workshops and activities on-line.

POP+ is doing its best to help. Aware that not everyone is ‘tech-savvy’ POP+ has been hosting popular play sessions on Zoom where people (open to everyone as well as POP+ members) can try it out and make mistakes.

In the first week it trained more than 50 people.

One group embracing the change is The Ark Community Project in Southway which supports military and civilian families in the North of the city. Jenn Collings, one of its pastoral care workers, says having these practise sessions has helped her to set up weekly coffee mornings on zoom; “I don’t feel confident using it and didn’t even know it existed until a few weeks ago, but now we’re using it to bring isolated parents together. We’re hoping that as word gets out, more people will join in.”

For more information or to contact POP+ phone 395131 or email info@ plymouthoctopus.org

Helping young victims of domestic abuse There are fears of a major surge in the number of children needing counselling as families, caught up in domestic abuse, are suffering as a result of lockdown restrictions.

Now Simply Counselling, based in Stoke, is launching a fundraising campaign, ‘Why don’t they leave?’ in order to help cope with the predicted increase.

“In an abusive household a parent can escape the control of their partner and leave the house and get some counselling support,” said the organisation’s chief executive M-L Wilson, “But the lockdown has changed all that – and it’s even tougher on children.”

She added: “Their parents may be more stressed and angry so things can get even worse than usual. And of course everyone is cooped up together pretty much 24 hours a day, creating a highly pressurised environment.”

According to recent statistics the impact of lockdown has meant that deaths in the UK as a result of domestic abuse have more than doubled in recent weeks – as have calls to the National Abuse helpline.

Domestic violence in Plymouth alone is estimated to cost the city £10 million a year.

She cited the case of one client who told her that she felt unable to protect her children. “She said she didn’t know what to do and where to go because she didn’t know who to fear the most - the aggressor inside her home who could kill

her or the virus outside that could also kill her.”

Simply Counselling offers sessions on a oneto-one basis for adults and children as well as families.

For children, that may include drawing pictures or using toys to illustrate family situations

because they find it difficult to put their feelings into words.

“We have been continuing with some counselling sessions online,” M-L Wilson added. “It gives adults and children a chance to talk about how they feel.

“Inevitably this situation is going to mean we will see a lot more people, but especially young people, needing help over the next few

months and beyond.”

Simply Counselling was set up in 2006 in the police cells at Devonport, with the aim of offering affordable counselling for everyone. Fees are set on a sliding scale according to household income.

The organisation is able to use money from fee-paying clients to offer low cost or free counselling for people who cannot afford to pay. Two years ago it was also awarded continuation funding from the National Lottery. They now hope to raise £5,000 through crowdfunding.

“I know that these are difficult times for everyone,” she added. “I’m just hoping there are people out there who feel they can make a donation for those who are less fortunate.

“The ripple effect from domestic abuse means that one situation can have an impact on many people for years to come.

We hope that what we do helps to reduce that.”

She added that although counselling is available free of charge through the NHS, it was often limited to six sessions. Some clients with Simply Counselling may qualify for up to 60 sessions for adults, children or the whole family.

Donations to ‘Why don’t they leave?’ can be made at www.crowdfunder.co .uk/why-dont-theyleave To find more about Simply Counselling go to www.simplycounselling.org

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12 June 2020

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Magnificent Plymouth re Sewing skills at Makers HQ used to produce PPE out of hospital curtains for a local surgery Makers HQ, a community interest fashion sampling studio and training centre, have responded to the call for PPE by putting their sewing skills to use during lockdown, producing protective gowns for a local medical practice.

In response to an urgent appeal for PPE from GP Dr Amanda Harry at West Hoe Surgery, Makers HQ jumped into action producing vital clothing construction kits. Local volunteers from Plymouth College of Art and the wider community, with technical knowledge of fashion design and production, used the kits to manufacture gowns and scrubs from medical curtains — fabric usually found dividing patient beds in hospitals.

Makers HQ provides high-quality sampling services to the fashion and textile industry as well as offering a diverse range of qualifications and short courses from pattern making to stitching.

The studio has now made its machinery and skills available to facilitate the production of vital PPE. Studio manager Sophie Glover said: “This is a difficult time for our business as we’ve had to pause most of our operations and furlough some staff. At the same time, we want to do everything we can to help the NHS, and it’s great that we’ve been able to draw on our partnership with Plymouth College of Art to support this project.”

“Our hope is that we can coordinate with all the relevant bodies so that we can help the NHS on a bigger scale while also being able to sustain our business and put more of our employees back to work.”

Volunteers who helped make the visors at ADS Window Films

Plymouth company appeals for more help to continue providing hundreds of visors for local key workers Plymouth-based ADS Window Films has turned its hand to making emergency PPE equipment for key workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While the company normally tints windows, the film they use is also ideal for making visors needed for key workers. ADS Window Films have sent out over 500 so far, and with more volunteers to help, they plan to make thousands more.

It’s part of the #MakeTheVisor campaign, which window film companies from across the UK are taking part in, in order to make and supply visors to people who need them, free of charge.

As well as the film, the visors are made from elastic and sticky-backed neoprene, and neoprene in particular is proving difficult to source. It’s normally used as draught-excluding tape or shockproofing.

ADS Window Films managing director Gary Chapman said: “If people feel they want the masks and are in harms way, we’re doing our best to supply them.

“I’m going to run out of neoprene before I use up the rest of the materials, so if anyone has any or can help us acquire any, it will help us to protect more key workers.”

So far, visors have been sent across Plymouth as well as Devon and Cornwall, with requests for even more from businesses including nursing and care homes, funeral directors and surveyors.

Anyone who wants to request visors or contribute towards the materials can visit www.adswindowfilms.co.uk/makethevisor.

Donations have already kindly been made Niki’s Soft Furnishings (elastic), Diamond Logistics (delivering masks free of charge), Llumar (film) and Solarshield (film), and Excel Plymouth (cutting visors).

City-wide consortium works to protect A Plymouth-wide consortium has come together to provide 3D-printed face shields to frontline staff dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Makers HQ studio manager Sophie Glover with one of the protective gowns

Staff at the Beacon Surgery in Plympton were among those to receive free visors from ADS

Babcock International, Plymouth Science Park, the University of Plymouth, Plymouth College of Art, the Royal Navy and independent 3D printing enthusiasts are using state-of-the-art technology to create components for the face shields.

They have worked collectively since early April to produce hundreds of the face shields.

Andrew McMinn, chief procurement officer at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, said: “This situation is unprecedented, but has led to amazing shows of community support for all frontline health and social care staff. The equipment donated by this consortium will be distributed to GPs, care homes and police across Plymouth and help to protect them as they go about their vital work in our city.”

To support the city-wide initiative, hundreds of parts a day are being produced at Plymouth Science Park, in the University’s Digital Fabrication Laboratory and Electron Microscopy Centre, by Babcock’s Devonport Royal Dockyard’s Additive Manufacture Team,

and in Plymouth College of Art’s Fab Lab, as well as other private facilities in and around the city.

The Royal Navy also has a team of people who have started 3D printing in a workshop in Devonport Naval Base.

With Babcock coordinating the team effort, the staff at the various sites work on a rota basis, to ensure they observe Government guidelines over social distancing.

The open source components are then assembled and packaged in Devonport Royal Dockyard and delivered to frontline workers.

Babcock’s Additive Manufacture Team uses its state-of-the-art 3D printing skills and technology to undertake rapid prototyping and parts manufacture in support of Ministry of Defence customers.

Mike Homer, Babcock managing director, said:”This is a critical time for the country as a whole, and for the NHS in particular.

Together the consortium have been able to react quickly, using our experience to deliver innovative solutions in support of the MOD, and we’re delighted to be able to work with the community to support the NHS to save lives.”

CEO of Plymouth Science Park, Ian

McFadzen, said: “The NHS identified a need for visors to help keep frontline staff as safe as possible during the COVID-19 crisis, and it’s good that we can contribute, even in just this small way.

“The visor and full face shield were developed by Czech company Prusa, who issued the relevant downloadable files under a non-commercial licence so long as they were donated to those in need for free. Steve Holland, our estates and facilities manager) has been using our own 3D printing capability and working closely with a tenant from the University of Plymouth, Dr Oliver Tills.

“Together we have been working flat out, providing hundreds of essential parts for the NHS and across the community, organisations are coming together to help in so many different ways.”

Technical and research staff from the University’s Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business and the Faculty of Science and Engineering are using state-of-the-art knowledge and technology to create the components.

Rupert Lorraine, development and partnership manager within the Research and Innovation Directorate, said: “We are

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esponse to appeal for PPE City College donates PPE to St Luke’s

Partnership aims to provide more than 20,000 recyclable face shields a week for COVID-19 essential staff

City College Plymouth has joined the effort to ensure key workers are protected during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Along with a number of local businesses, the college has donated personal protective equipment (PPE) to St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth, to keep the hospice’s supplies topped up while its staff continue to provide essential end-oflife care to patients.

Dave Wright, the college’s health and safety manager, said: “During the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important that organisations within our community are able to support each other by any possible means. As we have entered a period of remote delivery, City College Plymouth was keen to be able to put residual items of PPE to good use to offer our support.

“The care and support offered to the people of Plymouth by St Luke’s is so important, and we at the college are pleased we can help them to continue to do this safely.

“We wish everyone at St Luke’s and fellow organisations all the very best and are extremely thankful for their continued efforts throughout the pandemic.”

Nicola Keen, corporate partnerships fundraiser at St Luke’s Hospice, said: “The world we currently live in has changed for so many, but the support we have received is nothing short of both humbling and truly appreciated at this time! From responds to help for services, supplies and contractors, contacts sharing their contacts. I can’t thank you all enough!”

Essential staff working through the COVID-19 pandemic could be protected as they go about their daily work thanks to a new initiative developed in Plymouth.

Engineers at the University of Plymouth are working alongside staff from Plympton-based Prestige Packaging to design and manufacture a new series of recyclable face shields.

Currently undergoing full testing and certification to ensure they meet BSI standards, 20,000 of the shields have been manufactured and are immediately available for procurement for use by healthcare workers. If there is sufficient demand, that number could rise to 100,000 a week.

The finished products can then be supplied directly to frontline workers in hospitals and other healthcare environments, but also used in shops, hairdressers and other settings as the COVID-19 lockdown begins to ease.

The initiative was first conceived by Dr Antony Robotham, associate professor in Mechanical Engineering at the university, with the aim of providing a safe form of protection for frontline staff that had the least possible environmental impact.

He then began working with Mike Corran, managing director of Prestige Packaging, and the company’s designer Dave Lewis - a former Plymouth University graduate - to make a high-speed manufactured product which is cost effective, but also recyclable.

The finalised face shield costs just £1 per item and is designed to provide eye and face protection against contamination to the eyes from respiratory droplets and splashing of secretions, including respiratory secretions.

Once the face shields have been

constructed at their factory in Plympton, they will be packaged and delivered in a safe manner, minimising the risk to personnel involved at every stage of the process.

Mr Corran said: “Our business ethos is all about finding sustainable ways to produce packaging and other items. So when Antony

approached us we were delighted to try and help the workers helping those affected by the virus.”

Any organisations wanting to find out more about ordering the protective face shields can contact Mike Corran at Prestige Packaging on 01752 393333, or email mike@prestigepkg.co.uk.

contribute to the shortage of PPE available to our vital frontline medical key workers.

“Utilizing our four 3D printers, we’ve been able to accommodate the production of

components for medically approved facial visors. This is a great example of how working together can inspire creative and innovative solutions.”

t frontline staff during COVID-19 crisis delighted to be able to help in some small way to assist our fantastic NHS at this unprecedented time.

“This collaboration really highlights the concentration of talent, creativity and innovation in Plymouth and demonstrates both the significant scale of the digital fabrication capability available across the city and how quickly it can be mobilised to help businesses and the community. We look forward to continuing to work together with everyone involved.”

The Fab Lab, based on site at Plymouth College of Art, has been using its four stateof-the-art Ultimaker 3D printers to assist the project.

After a deep clean, the team of technicians has been working on a sociallydistanced rotating basis and creating up to 100 components a week which are then disinfected and processed and assembled.

Fab Lab manager Ben Mundy said: “When we were approached regarding the project, we knew the Fab Lab was perfectly positioned to get involved.

“Thanks to open source designs, we’re able to put our facilities to good use while Plymouth College of Art is closed and

Completed components at Plymouth Science Park

Marine Laboratory plays its part too Plymouth Marine Laboratory has supported COVID-19 efforts in the Plymouth area and beyond through donations of personal protective equipment to local care homes, support to hospitals and computing power.

A total of 10,000 pairs of gloves from the

laboratory were donated between West View care home in Bere Alston and Asheborough House in Saltash, two organisations with close links to PML. Asheborough House provided excellent care to a PML employee’s father who sadly passed away earlier this year, providing support to the family, and two partners of PML employees work at West View.

Trevor Atkinson, director at West View, said: “We would like to thank PML for their thoughtfulness and generosity in supplying us with a large quantity of boxed nitrile disposable gloves for use in our Care Home. It was a gesture of support and a recognition of our respective roles in looking after our people and their environment.”

Professor Steve Widdicombe, PML director of science, said: “These gloves would have been used during our day-to-day research activities, but with these activities greatly reduced under the current circumstances, the gloves became available and this is an excellent use for them.

With care homes, in particular, struggling during this very difficult time, PML is delighted to be able to help in some small way to protect vital workers.”

At Exeter Hospital, one of PML’s hi-tech machines, which can be used to detect the presence of genetic material, is now being used in COVID-19 testing efforts. At Derriford Hospital PML PhD student Patrick Downes has volunteered his time in the microbiology laboratory, training as a lab technician to help in times of staff shortages.

14 June 2020

14 June 2020

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Plymouth Commandos are running virus test centres Royal Marines from Plymouth are helping key workers in the South West test for coronavirus as they ran two mobile centres.

Personnel from 42 Commando at Bickleighhave been drafted in as part of the nationwide response to the pandemic, assisting the running of Mobile Testing Unit in Salisbury and Torquay.

The centres are two of eight around Britain established to test key workers and their families who may have shown symptoms of COVID. At those eight sites, they are directed to drive through a lane where military personnel provide them with instructions on how to conduct the test – which involves a mouth swab – and to how to dispense with it safely upon completion.‚ The Commandos, who are normally used to supporting the Fleet’s front-line operations such as board and search duties, ship protection and rescuing downed

aircrew from behind enemy lines,underwent comprehensive training at their base near Plymouth.

They set up their mobile centres at a park and ride car park in Salisbury and at Torquay coach station.

Key workers – who remain in their vehicles at all time – drive up, show their ID to the commandos, who are wearing PPE, and then receive instructions on how to perform the tests themselves, all courtesy of a series of signs.

“Afterwards, they return the test kit to us which we deliver to Bristol Airport – our regional testing centre,” explained Lieutenant Ben Wagstaff, part of the team assisting in Salisbury.

“The team has been working really well together and the public have been very friendly and inviting.

“We’re just happy to be here, supporting the NHS and doing what we can to help the country.”

Survey suggests COVID-19 could have some long-term benefits for family life Parents forced to work from home as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic believe the experience could ultimately be a positive one for their family, according to a new report.

Charlie Crabtree, who gained paid employment through Project SEARCH

Interns needed for Project SEARCH

An award winning project that supports young adults with learning disabilities to find and keep paid employment is seeking interns for its eleventh year starting in September 2020.

Project SEARCH is a partnership between University Hospital Plymouth NHS Trust, Pluss and City College Plymouth who create employment opportunities for young adults with Learning Disabilities.

They provide supported work based experiences in Derriford Hospital Plymouth, where they learn the skills that all employers need together with specific skills for individual jobs.

The scheme supports adults aged between 18 and 24 with learning disabilities who live in Plymouth. They experience three supported internships within Derriford Hospital and complete a Level 1 Diploma in Employability Skills.

In its first nine years, 64% of the project’s interns have gone on to achieve competitive paid employment.

Project SEARCH intern, Charlie Crabtree, who gained employment as a catering assistant at Warrens Goodness at Greens Restaurant within Derriford Hospital, said: “Being on Project SEARCH was wonderful and I got paid work with Warrens because I was able to prove I could work well.

“Being on Project SEARCH was awesome and I learnt a lot about being at work and getting the job was just fantastic.”

Pip Critten, Pluss employment advisor, commented: “Charlie was the 33rd Project SEARCH Intern to gain paid employment within Derriford Hospital with another 20 gaining employment elsewhere in the city.

“Working with these young people who are so keen and committed to employment is a privilege and they make reliable long term employees.”

Project SEARCH is now recruiting for their eleventh year and keen to hear from students and their families who want to find out more. For further information, contact Pip Critten on 07771 967804.

A survey by academics at the University of Plymouth showed the lockdown had resulted in more family time, with parents feeling more connected to their children as they were able to achieve a better work-life balance.

Parents said the reduced travel to and from work, and more opportunities for exercise with their children, were having real benefits for the family as a whole.

They enjoyed being more involved in their children’s education, despite mothers reporting that they often felt levels of stress and guilt at times when they had to work and could not give their children as much attention as they wanted.

Mothers also reported that they were enjoying having home-prepared meals as a family, the increased ease of managing general household chores, less rushing around and the increased involvement of partner.

Both mothers and fathers said they would consider an increased level of working from home after the pandemic and would explore other changes to working practices such as varying hours and wider use of technology.

The findings are among the preliminary results of a survey by Dr Jasmine Kelland, lecturer in Human Resource Studies and Leadership in the Plymouth Business School.

Lions Club donation to city Foodbanks Plymouth Lions Club have presented cheques to two Foodbanks in the city.

The club was given £500 from the Lions Club Foundation of Britain to support local community initiatives during the COVID 19 crisis and they chose the Oasis Centre Foodbank and the Plymouth North Centre Foodbank to receive £250 each.

Lions President George Poad found a fishy, but legal solution to make the presentation during social distancing to Andrew Denham of Oasis and Alan Jones of Plymouth North.

Over 10 days in April 2020, she surveyed 134 working parents of school-age children asking them how their daily routines had changed as a result of the current lockdown.

Speaking about the current study, she said: “As a mother of three, I was really interested in how the pandemic was affecting my family, and whether my experiences were being shared by others.

“I also wanted to see if any of the patterns being adopted now were believed to be better than before and if it will alter the way people want to work going forward.

“The results showed both mothers and fathers were overwhelmingly positive about spending

more time with their families, having less travel time, and doing more exercise. I think the result will be a dramatic rise in requests to work from home and companies who have previously refused flexible working for parents will find it hard to still argue it isn’t possible.”

Dr Kelland has previously looked into how employees can achieve a better work-life balance, with one study showing that fathers can face ‘forfeits’ when applying for part-time employment.

She plans to expand on the current study over the coming months, in particular to see whether those who responded to the survey have made actual changes to their working patterns once the lockdown has been lifted.

June 2020

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15

Cat missing for three years reunited with city family - after being found 55 miles from home!

A cat which was found 55 miles away from home has been reunited with his owner three years after he went missing, thanks to his microchip.

Casper, an all-white five year old, arrived at Cats Protection’s Cornwall Adoption Centre when a person who had been feeding him in Truro became ill and unable to care for him.

Casper was taken to the centre where he received an admittance health-check which included being scanned for a microchip. The centre staff were surprised to find that it showed him registered to an address in Plymouth.

Upon contacting his registered owner, Anna Day, it was discovered that Casper had gone missing for a few weeks at a time during 2017, always returning home, until one day he did not come back and had not been seen since.

After receiving the call, Anna and her partner Paul made the 110-mile round-trip from Plymouth to the adoption centre in Carnon Downs near Truro, to collect her beloved cat that same day.

She said: “It was such an unexpected surprise to hear than not only had he been found but that he was alive and we could collect him and bring him home. We have no idea how he came to be in Truro but he‚‘s always been a friendly laid back cat who explores and roams, loving to make friends with people.

“Before he went missing he was very much loved by the local community and well known for his trips to the local school and for sitting outside the church asking to be stroked as people walked inside.

“I was heartbroken when he didn’t come back. I certainly didn’t expect to see him again but I’m so

glad that not only did we have him microchipped but that we kept our details up-to-date.

“Casper has settled right back in and seemed to remember us straight away. Since he’s been home he has gone straight back to his favourite spots and even remembers our other cats. He knows Willow does not play with him, but that Elvis is still his best mate, when we brought him home they ran up to each other, touched noses and it’s as if he’s never been away. Casper even likes our new dog!”

Libby Jepson, Centre Manager, said: “Casper’s story really highlights the importance of microchipping and as a charity we are actively campaigning to make microchipping for owned cats across the UK compulsory, as it is for dogs, to help reunite more cats with their owners.

“Without his microchip we would have had to rely on our detective skills to find out whether Casper had been previously owned but with the chip we were able to call Anna on the day he arrived in care.

“We’re really grateful to players of People’s Postcode Lottery who are supporting microchipping this year and have provided us with 10,000 microchips for 36 of our centres, helping to ensure that every cat that leaves our care is microchipped already and starts their new life with a permanent means of identification.”

Anyone wishing to find out more about Cats Protection’s Cornwall Adoption Centre, should visit www.cats.org.uk/cornwall or for any cat related advice or emergency care during the COVID-19 outbreak please visit www.cats.org.uk/coronavirus or call the charity’s central National Information Line on 03000 12 12 12.

Casper safely at home again with Anna and Daniel

16 June 2020

16 June 2020

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Alison appointed to key role at City College Plymouth City College Plymouth has appointed a new director of People and Organisational Development.

Alison Hackett, who is a member of the Chartered Institute for Personnel Development, joined the college’s Senior Leadership Team last month and brings a wealth of experience in leadership management and talent development.

Alison’s previous roles include assistant director of People and Organisational Development at Kingston and Sutton Councils and Assistant Director of HR (People and Talent) at the University of Reading.

Alison’s experience means she is highly knowledgeable in both local governance and education.

Alison’s appointment comes as the college begins to implement its new strategic plan, and she will be looking at the organisation of the college as a whole and identifying the best way in which to bring the new plan to fruition.

Alison said: “I was very much attracted to this position as it

provides the opportunity to be part of the process in taking what is already great about City College, and working to make it even better.

My role goes beyond just looking at the people working at the college: it involves looking at all of the systems, processes and, more importantly, the culture.

“The college is currently on an incredible journey and I was excited at the prospect of working for such a forward-thinking organisation and being able to use my skills to help further this.”

Principal and chief executive, Jackie Grubb, said: “We are delighted to welcome Alison to City College. Alison not only has the skills and experience to help us create a truly outstanding college for our students, but also shares the values and vision we have for both the college and the role it plays in the community. “The health and wellbeing of our students and staff is at the core of every decision we make moving forwards, and Alison will play a crucial part of developing this commitment further.”

Just some of the devices that were donated in the first week

Recycling old digital devices to help families get online Two Plymouth enterprises have joined forces to recycle old computers and digital devices to help local families get online.

The two organisations - Borrow Don’t Buy and Nudge - are giving the devices a new lease of life and making them available for local people who would otherwise not be able to access the internet.

Rob Wick of Borrow Don’t Buy said: “We have been stunned by the generosity of the people of Plymouth.

Devices have come rolling in from across the city, many of which have already been recycled and readied for distribution.

“This has been made possible not only by the efforts of the team, with the kind support and help of Nudge, but also by the high quality and in

many cases excellent condition of the devices that have been donated.”

Wendy Hart from Nudge said: “We realised families might be finding it hard to juggle home schooling and sending in schoolwork and there are people living alone without the ability to get on-line and connect with families, friends and services.

“This gives us an opportunity to find ways to make use of old and unloved devices and give them out to people who can make use of them.

Volunteers are making bags for them to go into so that anyone receiving a device will feel the love that has gone into them.”

It can cost anything from £30 upwards to get a digital device working again and Nudge have funded this from a Big Lottery Grant

as well as opening up their wi-fi network, with help from Plymouth University, for people to use free wi-fi along Union Street by logging on to ‘Stonehouse Free Wi-Fi.’ Anyone with old digital devices which they no longer need can take them to Union Corner while Union Soup operates its take-away service on Monday to Friday between 12 noon and 2pm or call 07868 728298.

A new Stonehouse Care Line has been launched where local people can call or text for support. This facility can also be used to provide details of devices which can be donated. Call 07723 494413 and a volunteer will collect the device.

Any local families or individuals who need a device should call the same number to receive information on how they can get online.

From Plymouth to New York - getting people up and dancing in lockdown Plymouth’s award-winning Rhythm City Dance Studio have been running free online dance classes on social media which has attracted dancers and teachers from all over the globe.

Dancers from across the UK have been joined by dancers from America, Canada and Singapore. As well as their dance faculty running sessions they have also had guest teachers from London, Reading and even New York take over their social media to help share and bring people together.

Rhythm City Dance Studio believe the dance classes are important in bringing people together, which can help with their wellbeing. They have also kept people active and dancers training during the lockdown.

The classes have been running weekly with Rhythm City using their social media to let everyone know in advance when the classes will be, where and with who.

When Rhythm City had to shut its doors they decided to put everything on hold, telling members they did not want any of their payments at this time. Instead

they decided to run classes online for free, as a way of keeping their dancers and anyone else who wanted to get involved active.

Founding director Chris Gilchrist said: “The time we are in is scary and it’s easy for people to lose motivation and feel low and alone. Myself and the Rhythm City team wanted to give back to the community and keep people moving. Since we started we have had dancers from all over the world not just join us but actually run a class on our channel.”

New York City-based ChryBaby Cozie, a pioneer of Street Dance style Litefeet, saw what Rhythm City were doing and wanted to get involved. Chrybaby said: “I love what you are doing for you community and if I can be apart to help share and educate then I’d love to.” Chrybaby has been to Plymouth on two occasions to run workshops for Rhythm City.

Anyone can get involved with the classes which can be found on the Rhythm City social media: Facebook: RhythmCityDs and Instagram: RhythmCity_DS

18 June 2020

18 June 2020

Age UK Plymouth has provided support for older people in Plymouth for nearly 80 years and is working on the front line to help older people get through this unprecedented crisis and stay resilient and well.

Age UK Plymouth’s specialist knowledge, expertise and practical support services are in demand like never before. It has responded to the situation caused by COVID-19 by making signification adaptations to what it does to meet the needs of the day and immediately stepped up to offer support and services to older people in the city.

In response to the problem that older people could not get to supermarkets, were unable to wait in the long queues or able to get online delivery slots Age UK Plymouth set up its own home food delivery service from scratch in just three days. Staff and volunteers are working seven days a week to respond to requests and ensure older people receive a food delivery within 24 hours.

The service is supported by volunteer packers and drivers - including members of the local Harley Davidson motorbike owners club - and is in partnership with the city council’s ‘Caring for Plymouth’ initiative set up in response to the pandemic.

By May 5 the organisation had provided 2,654 phone friend calls; dealt with 938 calls for information and advice; run online exercise classes viewed by 626 people; delivered over 300 shop n drops; collected

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Providing vital support and help for elderly residents in the city

Brian Dymond, Age UK Plymouth’s delivery leader dropping off a food box

and delivered 163 prescriptions and delivered over 700 food boxes.

Age UK Plymouth is taking guidance daily from Public Health England and will soon be able to re-introduce some of its vital services on a reduced or restricted basis to ensure it can keep clients, staff and volunteers safe.

Comments from beneficiaries “Our two food boxes were delivered today.

Thank you to the kind young lady who called

Margaret Tranter with the surprise birthday gifts from Age UK Plymouth

on us and to all at Age UK Plymouth. Your help is much appreciated.”

“This is marvellous what you are doing, thank you for all your help, love to you all from the bottom of my heart” “Amazing help from Age UK Plymouth they are helping my father when we are not able to.”

One lady was really grateful saying that she was ‘considering having to go into a care

Scott College lockdown learning support for St Luke’s Hospice Students of Scott Medical and Healthcare College in Stoke are not only proving they’re as well motivated as ever despite lockdown, learning from home via lessons online, they’ve shown that when it comes to kindness they’re also top of the form, fundraising for local hospice care.

The specialist mainstream school for 13 to 19 year-olds, where students study towards careers in medicine and healthcare, chose to get behind St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth, recognising that now more than ever the charity needs support from the community to continue providing its vital service for local families.

So, ditching their usual lockdown attire of casualwear, students from every year group dressed in their school uniforms for a ‘reverse mufti day’, raising £250 for St Luke’s in the process.

Being a partner of St Luke’s through the charity’s Compassionate Schools initiative, which helps school staff better support students who are facing bereavement or have already lost someone close to them, the College was so determined to show its support that even the teachers dressed in school uniform to enter into the spirit of the occasion.

But that’s not all because during one online lesson, students received a special surprise when two St Luke’s nurses ‘gatecrashed’ to thank them for their support and take part in an online question and answer session, providing an insight into their work

home’, but having the food boxes has meant she can stay in her flat.

Margaret Tranter is a client at the Age UK Plymouth Day Centre, but who now has to stay at home and is unable to visit. It was her 90th birthday on May 2 so while the food deliveries were being made Brian Dymond, the organisation’s delivery leader, dropped off a surprise fruit basket and chocolates to her at home.

Intensive care nurse talks about COVID kindness A senior nurse at Derriford Hospital has shared stories of the kindness she has experienced during the COVID-19 outbreak.

St Luke’s healthcare assistant Samm and nurse Theresa

looking after terminally ill people who are dying.

As part of the session, the nurses explained how they are coping with the changes brought about by the COVID-19.

St Luke’s health care assistant Samm Croft said: “We are used to being there for our patients at a very difficult time so we are resilient, but it is hard not being able to hug them or hold their hand because it is second nature to us to show them that compassion. We still provide lots of reassurance for them though, and we’re doing lots to help them keep in touch with their families, recognising how very hard it is for them not to be together at this time.”

Headteacher of Scott Medical and Healthcare College Martyn Cox said: “As a specialist school, we place great emphasis on equipping our students

with the vocational skills they need for exciting careers in healthcare, so it was hugely valuable to them to hear from the St Luke’s nurses about the challenges – and rewards – of working in hospice care.

“I’m very proud of the way our students and staff embraced the idea of the reverse mufti day to show their support for the service St Luke’s provides, which we should never take for granted.”

Penny Hannah, head of fundraising at St Luke’s, said: “It’s heart-warming that these students preparing for their careers and adult lives have made such an effort to show people who are at the end of their lives that they haven’t been forgotten. We’re very grateful for their fantastic fundraising, which will help us be there for more local families who need us.”

Kate Tantam, who is a specialist senior sister in the Intensive Care Rehabilitation Team said that staff at Derriford been pulling together to make remarkable things happen.

Teams from across the Trust and external contractors had worked tirelessly to put together a new Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and continue to support the team in many different ways to support patient care.

“We’ve been really lucky we’ve had lots of people volunteer to come and help us in intensive care and we’ve had lots of people who have been redeployed to help us,” said Kate. “They’ve all come in and been keen and enthusiastic and well supported.”

Kate also expressed her thanks to members of the community for their kind gestures and donations.

With the support of kind members of the public, the ICU team have started a ‘knitted heart’ scheme.

Local people have been making crocheted hearts for patients in ICU so one heart can stay with the patient and another is sent to the family.

The team are sending the knitted hearts to the families along with a

photo of their loved one holding their own version to give them a sense of connection.

“The morale lifting gestures have just been beautiful, remarkable, humbling and just so kind,” said Kate. “So thank you to everyone who has donated.

“The response we have had from our local and national community, in support of us and our work has been absolutely heart-warming.

Whilst we are extremely grateful for this generosity, we would ask that if you are considering making a donation, please make sure to read our guidance on how to do so safely before coming on site at www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/ donating-covid-response.”

Local people are reminded to also consider all key workers and frontline services across the city such as Livewell South West, South West Ambulance Service, Plymouth City Council, the police and also Foodbanks and charities who support vulnerable people as well as the many other services supporting our community through the COVID outbreak.

The Trust has received many phone calls about making charitable donations. Plymouth Hospitals Charity has set up a Coronavirus fund to accept these kind donations. Visit www.plymouthhospitals. charitycheckout.co.uk

June 2020

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Improving Lives Plymouth: meeting the needs of many vulnerable people in the community Improving Lives Plymouth is providing essential services to support many vulnerable people in the community as the coronavirus takes its toll.

They are part of the Caring for Plymouth initiative, led by the City Council and involving charities and community organisations, providing support to the most vulnerable.

George Plenderleith, CEO of the charity said: “It’s been a massive effort on the part of our service teams to move our operations from our two main centres to staff and volunteers working from home, online and by telephone. However, it’s all been worth it to make sure we are still able to support so many people and families.”

Some of the Improving Lives team have been creating easy exercise videos for groups of service users and other activity support, available through new Facebook groups. The Zoom video platform has been put to good use, to set up Carers support groups, virtual Brew and Banter Sessions with quizzes and other activities and shared lives.

The Improving Lives Mannamead Hub has seen a big upswing in the need for shopping and prescription pickups for those vulnerable people isolating. Whatever the next steps are out of coronavirus, the need for their valuable services will still be greatly needed and the committed staff and volunteers will be on hand to provide support.

Case Studies “I am a carer registered with Caring for Carers, and also used to go along to a writing group that was held regularly at the Mannamead address.

I stopped going some time ago because of work and timings, but really used to enjoy it. Although I am a published author, I had only ever completed stories and tales. However, because of the group

I did find poetry as a new source of writing, and it has since become a huge comfort to me in many of my own experiences not only as a carer but as someone dealing with my own personal health issues. I thought I would share a new poem I wrote about this odd and strange new place we are in.

“I would like to thank you and your colleagues for still working and supporting people at this time and wish them all well and wish you all to keep safe too.”

The Virus

This deadly new virus Has caused a national crisis New rules to follow Must be today and not tomorrow Every day a new update No time to wait Corona it’s called Sounds so innocent and small But its trick is it’s clever It leaves no trace not ever People scoffed at first So what a cough not a curse Some people listened a bit A few who saw the many sick

Some people laughed and joked Others joined in just to poke But the numbers are rising Across the world and the horizon This disease, this curse Is stretching the economic purse People please stop You must listen, take stock Yes there are the cured You have not misheard But listen to the politicians Not to the faker’s own fiction This next bit is hard The virus still sweeping a path Taking with it oh so many Parents, siblings, family a plenty This avalanche, sweeping down Further, creeping into towns When will this virus stop?

Clearing through humans like a crop We must listen and do What we can to get through Don’t be selfish and ignore Come together and do more Strength comes from within So dig deep and let’s win Stay in and keep safe Wash your hands in every place Come together, close your doors Let’s stop this thing and say no more.

When the staff at Sensory Solutions were completing welfare checks on its clients, they spoke to a 90 year old gentleman with NHS hearing aids. His hearing aids needed cleaned, retubed and new batteries issued and as the conversation continued it was found out that his wife and daughter (who live in the same house) also needed their NHS hearing aids maintained

19

and new batteries. Due to their ages all were selfisolated so were happy that the team were able to collect their aids using social distancing and return them within a couple of hours working as they should.

In Improving Lives usual line of work, the Harbour Centre refer clients to Active for All, mainly to the walking group and its buddying service. Through its ‘keeping in touch’ emails, Improving Lives have been informing its network of professionals of the service developments.

As a result, Harbour have referred two clients to Improving Lives for support around shopping, prescriptions and even collecting frozen rats for a pet snake!

One lady was particularly frail and normally has her shopping delivered by an online supermarket, but has fallen foul of the lack of delivery slots and did not know when she will be able to use that service again. Improving Lives will be supporting her on a regular basis with shopping. On delivering her shopping to her she was overwhelmed with the service provided and called the team ‘absolute angels’.

A Harbour worker commented: “Thank you so much! What you are providing is so valuable.”

Meanwhile the Veterans and Family Hub have been supporting the family of a local veteran with dementia, who had a nasty fall in the garden resulting in a mini stroke. He regularly attends the Brew and Banter sessions with his sister which gives his wife some respite but with the current self-isolation guidelines in place, his wife is struggling in the caring role and his sister is unable to help due to self-isolating herself.

The Veterans and Family Hub are keeping in regular contact with both his wife and sister to ensure they are all ok. A wellbeing pack is being put together for them.

20 June 2020

20 June 2020

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Captain Tom is such an inspiration...

THE

Experience I am going to be very vulnerable at the start of this article and share how I have been literally brought to tears by the many acts of unselfish kindness I have observed on local and national media through these unprecedented times.

Some of the news stories have been nothing less than inspirational. So as we Chris Cole

By Chris Cole, founder of Cross Rhythms Charity

clap the NHS every Thursday evening, we need to say well done Plymouth to all who are working in the public sector, especially the NHS, but also the army of volunteers who selflessly have given of their time and energy to serve others.

When life throws challenges our way, it is often then that the character and strength of individuals is often seen. One thing is certain we are all in this together. There are two simple commands Jesus gave to us.

Love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and the second is like it, to love our neighbour as ourselves.

Within this pandemic we have been celebrating and commemorating the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) day which happened on May 8.

Probably no other event has captured the nations heart and attention more deeply than Captain Tom Moore, now honorary Colonel Tom, who celebrated his 100th birthday at the end of April and who fought in that war. In many ways Captain Tom has united us all in a very poignant way through VE day and this pandemic.

He represents ‘Britain’s Greatest Generation’, a wonderful BBC series, by the way, which I would so encourage you to watch if you have BBC iPlayer. The generation of great resolve, many of whom are now in our care homes and who typified ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’ as a true British trait and who fought and laid down their

lives for the freedoms we enjoy today.

They experienced their own type of lockdown and deprivation for almost six long years, even as children growing up in those times, especially with the fear of invasion and domination from the evil of the Nazis.

This is especially relevant as we remember and pray for those we have seen in our care homes with COVID-19 - many with underlying health issues and the reality that this invisible enemy is another fight this generation must endure.

Captain Tom, I am sure just wanted to play his part and after his hip operation and battle with cancer found the fortitude, despite his age and health, to endeavour to raise £1,000 for the NHS. I can guarantee you one thing: nobody was as surprised as Captain Tom himself at not only the staggering amount of money he raised – which has been just under £40 million – but the way he became an instant national treasure with 150,000 birthday cards from all over the world. That is really the point.

When we live with a world view and conviction that puts other first and celebrates kindness and self-sacrifice, then amazing things happen. I have no idea from a faith perspective what motivated Captain Tom Moore, but as a Christian I salute his actions and know that God sees him and his heart motivation and perhaps

the outcome of Tom’s action of kindness brought a resonance from heaven to us all.

As he lives out his final years it is my prayer Captain Tom will know deeply that he has been greatly used to lift all our spirits during these challenging times.

Inspiration...Capt Tom Moore

Listen to Cross Rhythms Plymouth on 96.3FM or online at the new Cross Rhythms Plymouth website www. crossrhythms.co.uk/plymouth

‘Outstanding’ care praised at Abbeyfield Tamar House in Derriford Staff and residents at a Derriford care home are celebrating after the Care Quality Commission’s ‘Outstanding’ rating for the quality of its care.

Abbeyfield Tamar House in Brest Road was inspected in March and was rated ‘Good’ in four of five key areas, with an ‘Outstanding’ rating in the fifth, quality of care.

This led to an overall rating of ‘Good’ for the care home.

The CQC met with most of the 27 residents and spoke with 10 people in more detail about the care they received.

They also spoke with 10 visitors, six staff members, the registered manager, deputy manager and two visiting professionals.

Care records of three people, medicine records, records of accidents, incidents, compliments and complaints were also reviewed as well as staff recruitment, training, support, audits and quality assurance reports.

Trevor Addis, executive trustee at Tamar House said: “All in all, the report confirmed the exceptional standard of care provided by Abbeyfield Tamar House, which is a registered charity and affiliated to the Abbeyfield Society.

“It is also reassuring to know that the area has such a facility of which we can all be very proud.”

22 June 2020

22 June 2020

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Local animal rescue groups hit hard by lockdown Gables appeal for funds as it faces £50,000 shortfall Plympton’s Gables Dogs and Cats Home has had to close to the public, cancel all boarding services and cancel all scheduled fundraising events until the end of June.

As Gables receives no Government funding they rely solely on the generosity of the public and the income generated via these avenues. This means that they are now facing a huge funding shortfall of more than £50,000 – yet they still face the daily challenge of caring for more than 100 unwanted and abandoned dogs and cats waiting for their forever homes.

From the middle of March until the end of June, Gables will lose at least £25,000 in boarding income, £6,000 raised through

Woodside’s urgent appeal for support during lockdown

Hoofbeats founder Sharon Vieira with two of the ponies currently being cared for

A local animal sanctuary is trying to find ways to raise funds following the closure of its seven charity shops which is their main source of income.

Woodside Animal Trust is currently caring 145 animals during this lockdown period. Founder Carole Bowles said: “ With our shops closed and adoptions halted we are desperately thinking of other ways to produce much need income to make up the short fall. Woodside already have two sponsorship schemes and have introduced a third which will run during the lockdown “It involves a one off sponsorship for any of the animals on site, costing just £10. We are a unique centre as we are more than just a cats and dogs home, we care for as many as nineteen different animal species at anytime.”

For a limited time Woodside has introduced Lockdown Sponsorship. Simply choose an animal from the website’s homing or residents page and pay £10. In return sponsors will receive a photo and brief biography of their chosen animal and a copy of Woodside’s latest newsletter.

The scheme will be available until the end of June. To support the programme simply look at the homing pages at www. woodsidesanctuary.org.uk and choose an animal to support. Then either telephone the sanctuary on 01752 347503 and make the payment over the phone or click on the Support Us page on the website and select the Lockdown sponsorship option and complete the forms.

Once completed send a quick email to management@woodsidesanctaury.org. uk and confirm the name of the animal chosen.

In view of the current coronavirus lockdown measures we have held over the usual Community Directory listings as most if not all the events/meetings will not be taking place

Equine charity urgently needs funds to buy hay A Plymouth equine charity has launched an urgent appeal for hay as funds run low due to COVID-19.

Hoofbeats Sanctuary, based on the outskirts of Plymouth, rescues and rehomes a variety of horses and ponies from its countryside sanctuary which overlooks the moors. The charity, which is run entirely by volunteers, has rehabilitated and rehomed over 150 horses in need since it first began 20 years ago.

As a non-profit making charity which survives on donations alone, Hoofbeats has made the heart-breaking decision to cancel all of its fundraising events for the foreseeable future, despite them being key to the survival of the small charity.

Launching the appeal, the charity’s founder, Sharon Vieira said: “We know that given the current situation, people’s funds are at an all time low - but that includes us as a small charity. We know times are hard for everyone, but as a charity surviving on donations alone our funds are at risk of running low, and these horses and ponies really need our help.

“When Hoofbeats takes on horses

and ponies, they forever remain our responsibility.

“Sadly, some of our adopted horses and ponies have already been returned to our care due to the unavoidable effects of the pandemic. This, on top of decreasing donations, cancelled fundraising events and the harsh wet winter we’ve all just endured means that we are in desperate need of support.”

With 23 horses and ponies currently in their care, the bill for winter hay provisions alone can cost the charity thousands of pounds a year.

A bale of hay costs the sanctuary £35, and will last one pony one month, meaning hay alone costs the small charity over £1 a day for each animal in its care.

The Plymouth charity’s hay appeal can be found at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ laura-sheppard10, or alternatively donations can be made via Paypal using fundraising@hoofbeats.org.uk To find out more about the work of Hoofbeats visit www.hoofbeats.org.uk, or follow their Facebook page for updates at www.facebook.com/teamhoof

animal adoptions and £5,000 from shop sales. It is also estimated that they will lose a minimum of £12,000 in funds that would have been raised at their events. If the lockdown is extended, the detrimental effect to the charity’s income will be even worse.

Gables are committed to looking after all the animals currently in their care on and off site, but the Government restrictions have prevented them from rehoming or fostering any animals. This means that the number of available pens is limited while the number of animals needing help in our local community is set to rise over the next few months. Sadly the current Coronavirus pandemic won’t stop animals being abused or neglected so the charity will be assisting local RSPCA Inspectors with emergency cases where possible.

The Gables staff have been trying to keep everybody’s spirits high by creating fun videos and sharing their daily activities via Facebook Live streams, in the hope of making the local community smile by giving them an insight in to what goes on behind the scenes.

Claire Sparkes, general manager said: “I have been at Gables for 13 years and have never known a situation such as this. We have faced fires, snow blizzards, power cuts and numerous breakdowns but have never experienced financial hardship on this scale before. Fortunately we have an incredibly dedicated team of staff working here, who have been designated key workers by the Government.

“They are working tirelessly to care for our animals as well as generate funds wherever possible. We also have a fantastic group of volunteers who we are missing greatly and we know would be here with us if they could. We appreciate that this is a very difficult time for everyone but any gift, large or small, would make a significant difference to the work we do and will help to protect our future.”

Gables is a true non-euthanasia charity and believe in giving all their animals the best chance at having a normal life. If you can help by making a contribution to the ‘Coronavirus Crisis Appeal’ please call 01752 331602 or visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/ fund/coronaviruscrisis to donate online.

At the time of going to press the appeal had raised more than £12,500 donated by nearly 500 supporters.

USEFUL Preston’s 7,500 sit-ups for the NHS! NUMBERS June 2020

@PlymChronicle

Plymouth student Preston Wilkins has raised £575 - and counting - for the local NHS, by completing an astonishing 7,500 sit-ups!

He said: “I wanted to give up a few times, but Mum and Dad were encouraging me and telling me about all the sponsors coming through. That kept me going because I didn’t want to let anyone Stoke Damerel Community College Year 11 down.” student Preston set himself the gruelling target Preston planned to raise £150 so has far of 7,500 sit-ups in under 12 hours, and he did it exceeded that target already. Mum Donna said: in 11 hours 22 minutes. He started the challenge “We are so proud of Preston. He woke up bright as at 10.15am and finished at 11.22pm, stopping only a button the day after the challenge but did admit for comfort breaks and to eat. He chose 7,500 as to feeling a bit sore in the it tied in with the 75th anniversary days following.” of VE Day. Preston Wilkins Preston plans to join the Preston is donating the money Royal Fleet Auxiliary and is to the Plymouth Hospitals Charity currently in the second phase at Derriford, because of its role in of application. He is keeping the local community. He has set up his fingers crossed that his a JustGiving page for people who plans are not delayed due to would like to support him.

COVID-19.

Preston explained the inspiration Preston’s tutor at Stoke behind his challenge: “My Auntie Damerel Community Colllege, Debbie is a nurse and due to being Alicia Smith said: “It is high risk, she had to leave my little wonderful to see Preston cousin with family for six weeks,” he being a role model to all of said. us during this trying time.

“I wanted to do something to Throughout his schooling, say thank you to my Auntie and to Preston has always shown everyone working in the NHS.” determination to achieve Preston trained in advance of the and be successful at what is challenge and afterwards he felt important to him, and this tired but was “not in too much pain”.

23

Preston on his way to 7,500 sit-ups

Ella Moore is the daughter of Jessica Moore, a Marie Curie senior healthcare assistant who is providing frontline care for dying people in their homes throughout the Coronavirus crisis.

Jessica said: “My daughter is forever proud to support Marie Curie, she wears her daffodil badge everywhere and tells everyone ‘my mummy works for Marie Curie’. She wants to donate her pocket money that she earns during this time off to ‘help all the poorly people.’

“She’s delighted to have raised £64 so far, she is doing lots of chores at home to raise extra money and is setting up her own sponsored silence too. Anyone who knows Ella knows she is a chatterbox and just doesn’t stop talking so this is a massive challenge for her.”

“Ella is only six, but she understands about Coronavirus and asks after every shift, ‘mummy have you washed your hands, have you stayed safe and are all your patients okay!’. It’s so sweet. She really is one in a million.”

Jess is a member of Plymouth’s awardwinning End of Life Urgent Care Team, a service provided in partnership by Marie Curie and St Luke’s Hospice, caring for terminally ill patients in their homes in Plymouth, West Devon and East Cornwall.

Speaking about working during the Coronavirus crisis, Jess said: “It’s a worrying time for us all, we’re under a lot of pressure right now but we’re working hard as a team and keeping our spirits up.

“Earlier this year I bumped into the wife of a patient we had looked after. She instantly remembered me and burst into tears. She said she would never forget the support and care I gave her and her husband. She said she will always remember Marie Curie because of me! I was and still am so proud to be a part of Marie Curie. It’s times like these that make it all worthwhile.”

Jessica’s team, along with Marie Curie teams all over the UK, are working harder than ever providing essential end of life care in the community, keeping critical care beds free

for Coronavirus patients, easing pressure on hospitals and the whole NHS system.

However, while demand for Marie Curie services is rising, the charity has been hit by a devastating fundraising crisis and urgently needs to raise money to fund its vital work.

Natalie Garland, Marie Curie South West fundraising manager, said: “Last year our teams provided 175,000 hours of direct care for over 3000 people in the South West, allowing them to die at home where they wanted to be.

“When the NHS and public need us most, we are facing huge struggles raising vital funds.

Along with the cancellation of hundreds of high street and supermarket collections, we’re losing income from the closure of our charity shops and from cancelled fundraising events Thank you to everyone who has already donated to our emergency appeal, it is making a difference but we need to keep up the momentum.”

Donate online at: mariecurie.org.uk/ emergency

Police, Fire, Ambulance or Coastguard 999 or 112 Police general enquiries 101 Derriford Hospital 01752 202082 Electricity, Western Power Distribution 0800 678 3105 Gas, Wales & West Utilities 0800 111999 Water, South West Water 0344 3462020 Environment Agency (Emergency) 0800 807060 RSPCA 0300 1234 999

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just proves what can be done with his passion to succeed.

“I couldn’t be more proud to have been a tutor and teacher to such an amazing young man. The Royal Fleet Auxiliary would be lucky to have him.

Awesome job Preston, you smashed it!”

Six-year-old Ella donating pocket Plymouth’s Feast of Fun going money to help ‘poorly people’ ahead - at home!

A six-year-old Plymouth girl is donating her pocket money and doing a sponsored silence to raise money for the charity her mum works for.

Emergency Numbers

The Feast of Fun initiative to help families in Plymouth and tackle food poverty will now take place in family homes thanks to grants from local charities and businesses.

Feast of Fun usually takes place during the school holidays with churches across the city providing free holiday clubs for children with a lunchtime meal included.

It had been feared it would not be able to take place this year because of the coronavirus restrictions and cuts to charity budgets.

But the Transforming Plymouth Together (TPT) charity, which organises Feast of Fun, has managed to secure new funding from the Devon Community Foundation and Western Power which will enable it to go ahead.

TPT has worked with churches in Plymouth to put together food hampers and “boredom buster” craft packs and activities for more than 65 families (around 250 adults and children). The new outreach has been dubbed Feast of Fun at Home.

A number of packs have already been delivered with more going out this week.

The Trussell Trust which runs foodbank across the UK has seen an 83% rise in demand since the lockdown began in March.

Research by the Food Foundation shows that five million families living in households with children have experienced food insecurity since restrictions started and more than 200,000 children have had to skip meals because their parents couldn’t access food.

Chris Forster, development manager for TPT, said: “In these strange times it is right that churches step up and support their local communities.

“This really shows how we can respond to the needs of communities with God’s love in a very practical way.”

For more information visit transformingplymouthtogether.org.uk

Age UK Plymouth 01752 256020 Adoption UK 0844 848 7900 Al-Anon Family Groups 020 7403 088 Alcoholics Anonymous 0800 917 7650 Carers UK 020 7378 4999 Childline 0800 1111 Christians Against Poverty (Debt Advice) 0800 328 0006 Crossline Listening Service 0300 111 0101 Cruse Bereavement Care 0870 1671677 Devon & Cornwall Food Action 01752 651800 Disability & Information Advice Line 01302 310123 Drug Addicts Anonymous: Helpline 07818260811 Money Advice Plymouth (Debt Advice) 01752 208126 NSPCC Child Protection Helpline 0808 8005000 National Missing Persons Helpline 0500 700700 NHS Direct 0845 4647 National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000247 Osteoporosis Support Group 075958 500314 Overeaters Anonymous 07000 784 985 Parentline Plus 0808 8002222 Relateline 0845 1304010 Samaritans 116 123 Talk to Frank 0800 776600 Shelterline 0808 8004444 Stop Hate Crime 24/7 Helpline 0800 138 1625 Stroke Helpline 0303 3033 100 West Country Landlords Assn 01752 242980

Travel

RAC Green Flag Rail Travel, national enquiries Plymouth Citybus National Express Coaches Brittany Ferries Cremyll Ferry Torpoint Ferry Tourist Information Passport Office, National Helpline

08000 828282 0800 400600 08457 484950 01752 662271 08717 818181 08705 360360 01752 822105 01752 812233 01752 266030 0870 5210410

Entertainment Theatre Royal 01752 267222 Barbican Theatre 01752 267131 Devonport Playhouse 01752 606507 Plymouth Athenaeum Theatre 01752 266079 Plymouth Pavilions 01752 936363 Plymouth Pavilions Ticket Store 03337 727727 Cineworld 03303 33444 Vue Cinema 0345 308 4620 Tourist Information 01752 306330 National Trust Saltram 01752 333500 Plymouth City Museum & Art Gallery 01752 304774 Plymouth Arts Centre 01752 206114

Leisure Plymouth Life Centre 01752 606900 Brickfields Recreation Ground 01752 563320 Manadon Football Dev’ment Centre 01752 201918 Plympton Swimming Pool 0870 300 0020 Plymouth Pavilions 0845 146 1460 Megabowl, Coxside 0871 5501010 Tourist Information 01752 306330 The Beckly Centre, Plymstock 01752 484433

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If you think your organisation would benefit from being listed in our Useful Numbers guide please e-mail your details to info@cornerstonevision.com or write to: Plymouth Chronicle, 28 Old Park Road, Peverell, Plymouth Tel 01752 225623

Please note that whilst the Publishers have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of telephone numbers in this Directory, and dates in the What’s On section, no responsibility can be accepted for any errors.

24 June 2020

24 June 2020

@PlymChronicle

‘Crafty’ army of volunteers working from home to provide essential PPE An army of more than 150 volunteers are working from home across Plymouth and other parts of Devon to provide vital PPE back up for local NHS and healthcare front liners after a community fundraising appeal netted more than £2,000 in just one week.

The talented crew of craftspeople are stitching and cutting around the clock to provide essential scrubs, laundry bags, and headbands, as well as printing 3D visors, to help protect key staff in hospitals, care homes and in the community.

Devon Scrubs started out as an appeal called Scrubs For Plymouth on a social media site before taking off across the county.

Founder Georgia Simone from Plymouth, has worked as a professional pattern cutter and sewer and wanted to use her skills to support local healthcare services after learning of shortages in other parts of the country.

Georgia said: “I have a background in sewing and have worked professionally in that field, and I know many other people with the same background and skills. I knew that with these talented people and the resources that we could access, we would be able to help make a difference, so I decided to set up the group page to see who was interested in helping and I then set up the fundraiser to be able to raise enough funds to buy the materials we would need.”

Fellow supporters quickly signed up, including Jessica Bevan who works for NHS Devon Clinical Commissioning Group, which is coordinating the drive to secure PPE supplies, and Kelly Lee who works at a company called Riverbridge in Ivybridge.

Bosses Steve Newton and his son Dave Newton stepped in to offer workshop space, covered the cost of some materials, and made themselves available to support the project. ”The generosity of Riverbridge has made all of what this group was set up to achieve, possible to be done on a large scale,” said Georgia.

IT manager Gordon Wells was already 3D printing visors

Sue Botterill at her home in Plymouth, making scrubs bags destined for University Hospitals Plymouth

Claudine Tradesmans busy at work in her Plymouth garden

from his home in Buckfastleigh and added his weight to help establish the group, printing and distributing over 1000 visors.

Seamstress Leah Matchett, a good friend of Georgia’s from Plymouth, brought valuable support and professional knowledge as a seamstress, and Kala Whyte also from Plymouth and a good friend of both Georgia and Kelly, helped to get things off the ground and even learned new skills to help in

Advertise to

over 23,000 homes in Central and Waterfront

the production of badly-needed items.

Georgia said: “I want to thank each and every person who donated and every single volunteer. Without the generosity of these people, it would be impossible to achieve our goal.”

Just over a week after the fundraiser was set up, the group had beaten its own target and raised £2,500 - but this was just the first hurdle.

“I had a lot of trouble sourcing

The Central and Waterfront Chronicle is delivered door to door every month to homes in Hartley, Mannamead, Compton, Efford, Laira, St Judes, Mt Gould, Lipson, Greenbank, Prince Rock, Cattedown, Barbican, Hoe, City Centre, Mutley and Peverell. The July edition of the Plymouth Chronicle in Central and Waterfront will be published on June 19 with a copy deadline

the materials as there are shortages the world over,” said Georgia.

“Eventually we managed to source fabrics online and have got other materials such as elastics, threads, labels and also 3D printing materials from all sorts of places, both online and from wholesalers around Plymouth.

The online group has attracted over 300 members in less than two weeks and around 150 volunteers so far.

“We are being very vigilant to stick to the social distancing and essential travel policies set by the government, as there would be no point in trying to help the healthcare services if we were risking further spread,” said Georgia.

“Therefore people are working at their own houses, other than the few of us who are in the workshop, which is also working to the distancing rules.

“To minimise people on the roads and the distances that are travelled, I have drivers that work within their areas to collect items from makers near them and deliver them to where they need to go.

“It would be quite an undertaking even without the social distancing and lockdown orders in place, so in the current situation it has been a major challenge, but thanks to the cooperation of everyone involved, we are able to realise our ambition.”

So far the group has already delivered nearly 1800 visors including Gordon’s contributions, to the CCG’s central supplies collection point in Exeter; to Derriford Hospital and to district nurses, care agencies and other NHS practices across Devon.

They have now started delivering laundry bags and ear protectors and are in the process of cutting and preparing the fabric pattern pieces for scrubs so that they are ready to be stitched together.

The group is planning to continue to make as many items as possible to support the front line workers in local healthcare services.

Anyone interested should visit www.facebook.com/ groups/1455995621225627

of June 8. The Central and Waterfront edition is one of four hyper local editions delivered to a total of more than 90,000 homes throughout the city.

We welcome submissions but cannot guarantee publication. We accept press releases in the form of text documents and images in JPG or TIFF format (high resolution please).

City College praised by Ofsted for the quality of its courses and business links

City College Plymouth has been praised by Ofsted for creating an environment in which students are able to reach their potential thanks to the extensive knowledge and experience demonstrated by teaching staff.

Following an inspection in March this year, Ofsted has announced that the college continues to be a ‘good’ provider with outstanding features, and the inspectors were particularly impressed with the quality of the teaching, which they described as ‘highly relevant to the jobs, careers and education to which learners aspire’.

The report also highlighted the levels of care and support shown throughout the college, commenting that students felt safe and it was evident that the wellbeing of students and staff was at the heart of the college’s culture.

During the two-day inspection, the inspectors were also impressed by the close links between local employers and the college.

The report said: “Learners gain an insight into the industries they want to move into because teachers and leaders have built excellent relationships with local employers. This ensures the content of courses reflects current practice.”

Jackie Grubb, principal and chief executive, said: “We are delighted to read such positive comments following the inspection in March.

The wellbeing of our students and staff is paramount to everything we do at City College and this report demonstrates the commitment shown by staff to our students and ensuring their progress.

“The current situation means we are unable to celebrate this report properly, but I want all of the students and staff to know how proud I am of their hard work and commitment something that has continued to be evident in these challenging times.”

The Ofsted report was released just a few weeks after the college was placed first in the South West for the achievement of apprentices, students aged 16 to 18, and students of all ages studying for a level 3 qualification.

The college is accepting applications for September, and those wishing to apply can do so online at www.cityplym.ac.uk.

Chronicle Plymouth

June 2020

Casper the cat has been re-united with his owners - three years after he went missing See page 13

COVID UPDATE See inside for news and information from Plymouth City Council Pages 2 to 6

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Central & Waterfront

Massive response in Plymouth to appeal for more PPE equipment for key workers See pages 10 and 11

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