Citivision Magazine - COVID-19 edition

COVENTRY

Citivision News...features...plus more about how the city is responding to COVID-19

Special Edition

• A personal message from Cllr George Duggins, Leader, Coventry City Council.

This is one of the most important issues of Citivision we have ever produced. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected every area of city life, and the personal lives of each and every one of us.

It is important that in this edition we bring you the information you need to access Council services and other support for you and your loved ones. But it is also important that we celebrate how our city has joined together as one.

We are fortunate to have strong communities and a united city, and that is something we have always been proud of, but this drastic change to our way of life has shown just how powerful that community spirit really is.

Our wonderful NHS, medical and caring staff, businesses, faith centres, emergency services, Council teams and countless other organisations, charities and individuals, are working as One Coventry to help those in most need.

It is heartwarming to see your stories on social media, so please share at @coventrycc and @CCCLeader so we can tell others. Thank you all for everything you are doing.

These uncertain times will not last for ever, and our city will emerge strong and ready for the exciting future that awaits us.

Extraordinary response as city unites to fight coronavirus The people of our city are facing challenges they never have before. Our whole way of life has changed in a very short space of time. But those weeks have also seen the city pull together in an amazing way to help those in need and the brave people helping them. Coventry has a proud history of overcoming adversity and joining together as one close-knit community - and that spirit has really been shown in recent weeks.

From big business to education, charities to faith centres and sports clubs to individual volunteers, everyone has joined forces to help fellow residents.

In the world of business, Arrowsmith Engineering is making ventilators instead of building aircraft engine components; Amtico has donated face masks to a hospice; and staff at aerospace firm Meggitt have stitched thousands of straps to full-face masks – even giving up their own time.

In education, the University of Warwick has donated thousands of items of Personal Protective Equipment to help frontline workers, made hand sanitiser and even created online sports classes for the community.

Coventry University has also donated gloves and goggles to protect care workers; paramedic students have been supporting the ambulance service; equipment has been loaned to help research, and 3D printers

are being used to make visors.

The two universities have also launched a joint project “Coventry Creates”, which will fund local artists who are often self-employed and have been hit financially by COVID-19 to continue projects.

Coventry’s Pet-Xi Training is providing free virtual oneto-one support to Coventry families of children on free school meals and staff and students at Sherbourne Fields School have recorded their own music video to encourage social distancing – a remake of the classic ‘Can’t Touch This’. Police in Hillfields delivered some essential supplies – and some Easter treats – for residents in sheltered accommodation and fire crews ran an Easter Egg collection.

Stay Home, Protect the NHS, Save Lives

People have helped the Heart of England Group raise almost a quarter of a million pounds for its Coronavirus Resilience Fund, while Coventry Charity CV Life is working through Operation Shield to ensure vital medicine and food gets to those who need it.

Continued on Page 2 ››› If you are helping out, let us know by going on Twitter or Facebook and using the hashtags #StayHomeSaveLives or #KeepCovHappy.

Thank you for all you are doing and please stay home, stay safe and save lives.

Partnership

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Extraordinary response as city unites to fight coronavirus – continued from Page 1 Volunteers at Langar Aid are working day and night to cook and take food to the vulnerable and those in self-isolation, and that work is being echoed by

Let’s hear it for our health workers

temples, mosques, churches and gurdwaras around the city.

There are countless other firms, charities, organisations, Council teams and individuals

We all know our NHS, medical and caring staff are heroes – now more than ever before.

And we have been taking the opportunity to show how much we think of them in an amazing city-wide show of support. We’ve all been out on our doorsteps on Thursday nights clapping and showing how much we appreciate everything they’re doing for us!

A BIG thank you to everyone who is working to keep us safe and healthy – including all of our health staff - and countless other workers, volunteers and organisations

Remember - stay home and save lives Council, health, and police bosses are sending a reminder to Coventry residents to stay home, protect the NHS and save lives. With the good weather and longer days, residents are urged to follow the national advice in a collective effort to protect the NHS and save lives.

@droneboydronegirl

People should only leave their homes for limited purposes, including one form of exercise a day, to fetch basic necessities infrequently, for medical needs and to go to work but only where it is not possible to work from home.

When people are away from their home they need to follow social distancing guidelines and stay two metres apart from others. No more than two people should gather in public, unless they are members of the same household.

Cllr George Duggins, Leader of Coventry City Council, said, “I’d like to thank the vast majority of people in Coventry who are following the national advice and doing all they can to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

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It is a national effort that we all have responsibility for, so everyone needs to play their part, as the lives of our friends, families and people within our communities are at stake.

“It is short-term pain for long-term gain and together we can get through this and enjoy much happier times in the future.”

Chief Superintendent Mike O’Hara from Coventry Police, said: “Our officers and PCSOs are patrolling across our city engaging with people, explaining the restrictions and encouraging people to comply, with enforcement being a last resort.

Emergency neighbourhood food network

helping those in need, and some of those stories are in this special edition of Citivision – but there would never be enough room for them all.

“We have been touched by the acts of kindness and generosity people from Coventry have been displaying towards each other. We are working closely with Coventry City Council and other partners to ensure everyone continues to play their part in saving lives and protecting the NHS.” Dr Sarah Raistrick, local GP and Chair of NHS Coventry and Rugby Clinical Commissioning Group, added: “All patients must first call their surgery to discuss their needs and they will then be offered a telephone or video consultation initially, or a face to face appointment only if absolutely necessary.

“Patients should not go to their practices unless asked to do so by their GP.” Government guidance on coronavirus is available at www.gov.uk/coronavirus There is also advice on how people can protect themselves and their families from coronavirus at nhs.uk/coronavirus

A network of 10 Emergency Food Hubs has been set up across the city to offer vital support to residents during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Unsung Heroes putting children first Three members of Children’s Services staff went way beyond expectations when they selfisolated in a children’s home.

When one of the children at Broad Lane Children’s Home began to feel unwell last month, the staff, Tim, Dawn and Emma, made a selfless decision.

It all started when a young person there felt unwell and was taken to hospital for tests.

Luckily, they were soon back at the home, but told to self-isolate – and that’s when the staff decided they would too.

Here’s what happened in their own words: “We decided that the best course of action for the young people would be to self-isolate for the 14 day period. In these challenging and uncertain times we also wanted to offer a level of support to our colleagues so the risk of the staff team potentially catching the virus was reduced.

“So that’s what’s happened, family supported with bringing in clothes and other personal items and Broad Lane staff and other residential staff supported us on a daily basis.

“We would also like to mention the two amazing young people we have living at Broad Lane. We are so proud of the way that have supported each other and us.

“We definitely made memories over those two weeks, plenty of giggles, a birthday and a feeling of togetherness. Although we were apart from our families, we received so much support that will not be forgotten.”

Thankfully, the young people and staff remained symptomfree and are now out of selfisolation.

How to get in touch

Residents who do not have any existing support from neighbours, family or friends can access the service, by contacting Coventry City Council on 08085 834 333 or visiting Emergency Food Network www.coventry.gov.uk/emergencyfoodnetwork The Hubs are staffed by a dedicated team of local volunteers who have all selflessly come forward to help those who are more vulnerable and need some extra support at this time. Based in 10 locations throughout the city, the Emergency Food Hubs provide a range of communitybased offers.

These build upon the many other schemes that have been set up in neighbourhoods in

Coventry to assist people who find it more difficult to get access to food and other deliveries because of selfisolation guidance.

Cllr Tariq Khan, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, said: “Setting up the Hubs over the past couple of weeks is the result of an outstanding effort between the community, the Council and the Coventry Foodbank.

The Hubs offer food parcel collection or delivery for people who would normally use a foodbank voucher, who are either currently accessing foodbanks or newly referred due to loss of work or other economic hardship.”

Other activities taking place at the Hubs include; Social Supermarkets, Grub Hubs, Good Neighbours Coventry, and others. They provide a variety of neighbourhood services such as supporting people with shopping and pharmacy supplies, providing cooked and frozen meals, and befriending.

Cllr Khan added: “The support has been overwhelming. It is important that we get help to those who desperately need it.”

The scheme is being delivered in partnership with a number of voluntary sector organisations including Trussell Trust and Coventry Foodbank. Thanks also to Moat House, Henley Green Community Centre, Feeding Coventry and Hope Coventry and many other partners for supporting the development of the model and already delivering emergency food services across the city.

Thanks to a wide range of support from “ Severn Trent, City of Culture Trust, both universities, the Fire Service and the Diocese of Coventry.

Operation Shield suppor ting the vulnerable

Caring police officers donate fresh fruit and veg to local care home Neighbourhood officers in the Hillfields area of Coventry have worked with a local food wholesaler to donate a bumper crop of fruit and veg to a care home.

Officers were patrolling in Swan Lane when they were offered the generous donation from Charlie’s Multi Foods as

the owner wanted to express his thanks to the city’s police during these testing times.

Officers thought it was a lovely gesture but decided the fresh produce would be better directed towards some of the more vulnerable people in our community.

PCSOs Alex Insull and Lauren Galloway (pictured) delivered the hampers to a retirement and independent living home in Berry Street.

City schools continue vital support Coventry’s schools continue to provide vital support for children of key workers during the current lockdown.

Most city schools were even able to stay open over the Easter holiday so parents who are key workers could continue their incredible work to help the city and country fight the pandemic.

They are also providing places for some of the city’s most vulnerable children.

Some schools have been giving parents an emergency number so they can call them to open should a key worker unexpectedly need to work.

Cllr Kevin Maton, Cabinet

The Government has produced guidance for people, including children, who are at very high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 (coronavirus) because of an underlying health condition.

These health conditions include people who have had organ transplants, who have specific cancers, respiratory conditions, rare diseases and therapies that increase the risk of infections and women who are pregnant with significant hear t disease.

This guidance includes the use of ‘Shielding’ as a measure to protect. People identified are strongly advised to stay at

Member for Education and Skills, said: “Schools have played an absolutely crucial role in supporting the children whose parents are key workers and our most vulnerable children.

“I want to thank all the staff for all their efforts.”

home at all times and avoid any face-to-face contact for a period of at least 12 weeks from the day they receive a letter from the NHS. By registering, they can then request support, including a weekly food parcel, medicines and social contact.

Coventry charity CV Life is leading this response in our city, working closely with Coventry City Council. CV Life is using volunteers from its own organisation and partner organisations to call people to check if they have registered with the national scheme.

More than 7,000 people have been contacted.

Kirston Nelson, Director of Education and Skills, said: “The support from our schools has been overwhelming with staff working relentlessly and we want to express our gratitude to all of them on behalf of the Council, Health Teams and the Police.

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Can you help with life-saving equipment?

Binmen collect compliments along with the waste

Our bin crews have been doing a fantastic job in making sure collections continue, while keeping to strict guidelines about social distancing.

And they’ve also been raising a few spirits as well. The crews have been getting a great response from residents, and they’d like to thank everyone who has been so supportive. From handmade drawings, to thumbs up, a friendly wave and a simple smile - your support means a lot!

When we ran their story on social media, the news was read and shared by around 10,000 people, with comments including:

“My 2-year-old twin boys love it when the binmen come down our street, they climb on the sofa bang on the window and wave at them and they wave back.

You all are doing a fab job well done.”

“Thank you all so much.

I saw one of your binmen yesterday and said thank you to him. I don’t think they get the appreciation they deserve.”

“You are all doing an amazing job and we really appreciate your efforts at this time.”

“I can never fault my bin crews in Chelveston Road.

But big round of applause in this tough time.”

“Thank you. We really appreciate the hard work to ensure our bins have been collected.”

The Council has issued a call to all businesses in the city to see if they can help source some vital supplies.

Thanks to everyone, and to make life easier for our crews, please follow these tips:  Please be considerate and excess bags of rubbish when parking your car on only ser ve to slow down our a collection day, this will staff. This might mean that help to ensure the collection our collection staff have to vehicles can access your roa d. come back on another day.  Due to reduced traf fic,  Please make sure that any collection times may change . waste that may transmit the Residents should put their virus, such as tissues are bins out early and leave securely bagged and placed them out until they’ve been in your green lidded bin. emptied.  Cllr Patricia Hether ton, Residents should make Cabinet Member for City sure their bin lids are firmly Ser vices said: closed to help prevent crews unnecessarily touching them.

“Our bin crews have been  Residents must wash their doing a fantastic job out on hands before and after the frontlines during these touching their bin. challenging times. I know a  Please pack any recycling into lot of residents are really bins as much as possible to grateful to them and have maximise space and only put been showing their suppor t. bins out when they are full.

“However, the best thing we  Do not overfill your bins. can do to suppor t them, is to While time in social isolatio n hel p them do their job in an might appear to be the effi cien t and safe manner. By per fect time for some spring foll owi ng these tips, you’ll go cleaning, overflowing waste a long way to doing that.”

Flytipping warning for Coventry residents Coventry residents are being urged not to illegally dispose of their waste.

for flytipping, or illegally disposing of your rubbish.

“Our teams are still monitoring and enforcing fines for people who flout the rules and dump their waste.”

Cllr Abdul Salam Khan, Deputy Leader of Coventry City Council, requested that people help their local communities during these unprecedented times.

He said: “We’re grateful to the vast majority of people who are disposing of their waste

properly and bearing with us as we work hard to maintain our essential services.

“This means that people will have to hold on to some things they would have normally disposed of at the tip, or their garden waste, for longer than normal – but it is no excuse

Report flytipping online at www.coventry.gov.uk/flytipping

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The flytipping of controlled waste is a serious criminal offence which carries a fine of up to £50,000 (unlimited if dealt with at Crown Court) or an offender may face a prison sentence.

As well as individuals dumping rubbish, people who pay unlicensed waste carriers to dispose of their rubbish can also be fined.

Think twice before lighting bonfires in your garden COVID-19 restrictions mean we are all spending time at home – and for many, that means some extra gardening.

But please remember, while bonfire smoke is annoying, it is an altogether more serious matter for our residents who are suffering from respiratory health issues.

The Council is particularly in need of items such as masks and hand sanitiser for staff who have close contact with the public – including the very vulnerable.

There has been a great response so far, with lots of generous donations, but more is still needed.

As a Council, we work in all areas of the city, in a variety of locations and a variety of ways, from schools to social care settings. We provide a wide array of services for the people of Coventry, including those who are most vulnerable.

To support that work, we are asking all our city’s businesses if they could offer help in sourcing some vital supplies that will help our teams in their duties around the city.

We need a good supply of hand sanitiser (any size, smaller size the better) and PPE including IIR/FFP2/FFP3 face masks, nitrile/latex gloves, visors/goggles and aprons.

If you have any of these items that are surplus to your needs that you would be prepared to donate or sell, or you have contacts who could help us, it would be much appreciated.

Every piece of equipment will help us to support our residents through the current crisis, and help us to save lives.

If you can help in any way, please contact covid19EquipmentRequest@ coventry.gov.uk.

Cheers for support

tion came One generous dona Dhillon’s. ry we bre from local near the The brewery, based nated 100 Ricoh Arena, has do ectant litres of surface disinf d is an d which it has create lp the he to offering to others fe. sa y sta y people of the cit

Supporting local businesses More than £23 million in small business grants was paid to hundreds of eligible Coventry businesses in just the first three weeks of two new funding schemes.

Ashley Hatton, Managing Director of Vigour Ltd, said: “We applied for the fund as soon as we heard about it. I was pleased that the whole process, from application to the payment of the grant, was quick and professional. I recommend that every business, that can, takes advantage of this opportunity as soon as possible.”

The grant funding comes from two Government schemes, Small Business Grant Fund and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund, which are designed to help small and medium sized businesses that have been affected by COVID-19.

Coventry City Council is responsible for administering the schemes, and Council officers are hard at work trying to get local businesses access to the support they need. Officers are currently processing a further 1,800 applications. The full eligibility criteria for both these grants can be found on www.coventry.gov.uk/ coronavirusadvicebusinesses.

Cllr George Duggins, Leader of Coventry City Council, said: “Small businesses are the foundation of this city’s economy and we’re doing everything we can to process this government cash.

“While it’s fantastic that we’ve been able to get so many businesses help during the first week of the scheme, we know many more still need help. Rest assured that our officers are working really hard to ensure that businesses get this vital support.”

And three other programmes, aimed at supporting small and medium sized business in Coventry and Warwickshire, have been extended until June 2023

and provided with additional funding.

The three programmes, entitled Business Support, Green Business and Innovation, will now run for a further two years until 2023. They have also been boosted by a further £8.1 million of funding.

Since the programmes were launched in 2016, 390 local businesses have received grant funding totalling £9.1m.

Cllr Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs and Regeneration, said: “This news could not have come at a better time.

The uncertainty caused by coronavirus is providing a challenge for businesses all over the country but it’s hitting smaller local businesses particularly hard.

“Small and medium sized businesses are the lifeblood of this city’s economy and it’s vital we do everything we can to support them during these difficult times. By supporting them now, we’ll ensure our regional economy is able to tackle this crisis and emerge from it in a strong position.”

To learn more and see what other support is available for Coventry Businesses during this time, please visit our website www.coventry.gov.uk/coronavirusadvicebusinesses

Teams working hard to protect residents Coventry’s Trading Standards and Licensing Teams are still working hard to protect the public from unscrupulous behaviour from individuals and businesses during this difficult time.

The number of complaints to Trading Standards has​almost doubled in the last few weeks with the everyday issues of faulty goods and mis-selling now being joined by many COVID-19 related issues.

New complaints cover areas such as unfair pricing, premises being open when it is alleged they should be closed, social distancing within

open premises, employees being made to go into work in non-essential businesses and COVID-19 related scams.

Cllr Abdul Salam Khan Deputy Leader, Coventry City Council, said: “People need to continue to be vigilant where scams are concerned and to let us know if they have details

about businesses flouting the instructions set out.

“This is a very difficult time for everyone, and the vast majority of people are following the advice and guidance in order to protect the NHS and save lives, but our Trading Standards Team will investigate complaints where necessary.”

For more information, visit www.coventry.gov.uk/tradingstandards

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Domestic abuse support For anyone in the city who may be a victim of domestic abuse and violence, coronavirus can bring frightening and lonely times. If you know someone whose family member or partner is threatening them, controlling their behaviour or being violent, there is help and support available.

The Safe to Talk helpline is available Monday to Friday 8.30am - 5.30pm and Saturday to Sunday, 10am - 1pm. For support call 0800 111 4998.

The Coventry Rape and Sexual Assault Centre (CRASAC) works with women and men who have been raped or abused at any time in their lives. They are not offering face-to-face support at this time but there are various digital and telephone options available if you are in need of support. To make a referral, contact their helpline on 024 7627 7777 and leave a message

on the answer machine or email helpline@crasac.org.uk.

If you cannot make calls because your abuser is listening, Coventry Haven have their own ‘live chat’ function, open Monday to Friday 2pm-4pm, which can be accessed via www.coventryhaven.co.uk.

A new #NoExcuseForAbuse campaign is being led by the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner – supported by the police, health, local authorities and domestic abuse specialist agencies.

If you are in imminent danger and cannot speak, dialling 999 and pressing 55 will allow the operator to remain on the line and listen and transfer the call to the police.

New Community Co-ordinators A community partnership group was set up early on following the COVID-19 outbreak to co-ordinate Coventry’s response.

As part of this work a network of community co-ordinators was set up covering the 18 wards across the city.

The role of each co-ordinator is to build on and support existing and new community social action and the voluntary sector and help to deploy this across the city.

Cllr Tariq Khan, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, said: “The amount of support from local people has been amazing. People looking in on neighbours more than ever; providing help where

Council Tax and Hardship Fund If you have been affected by coronavirus and you are concerned about making your Council Tax payments, visit www.coventry.gov.uk/ coronaviruscounciltax, call

and when it’s needed. It has been extraordinary.”

The co-ordinators link with existing mutual aid COVID groups and support local people to establish groups where ones don’t not exist. Their role is also to steer people who need help to charities in the city offering services to support people.

Dozens of partner agencies are involved as part of a One Coventry approach to helping the work of co-ordinators and lots of other neighbourhood

support; these include Coventry Law Centre; Citizens Advice; Coventry Independent Advice Services, Good Neighbours Coventry; Age UK; Faith Organisations; Community Centres; West Midlands Fire Service; West Midlands Police; NHS GP Groups and many more.

For which we are very grateful.

Offers of support have been received from a variety of sources including: local businesses, religious organisations and independent funders, community groups and individuals.

If you are supporting communities in your area and want to make people aware of your work, contact us at communityresilience@ coventry.gov.uk. If you need help call the Council on 08085 834 333 024 7683 1111, or email counciltax@coventry.gov.uk putting ‘COVID-19’ in the subject box so we can give your email priority.

You can also contact our Benefits Team for advice and support if your income has been affected by coronavirus at benefits@coventry.gov.uk,

by calling 024 7683 1800, or visiting our Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support page.

The Coventry Law Centre is providing extra help to the Council to provide advice on benefits issues.

Call between 10am and 3pm on 024 7622 3053.

Please get in touch as soon as possible if you’re struggling because of the current situation.

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Residents kept entertained

Support for rough sleepers During the COVID-19 emergency, all known rough sleepers and people using night shelters in Coventry have been offered accommodation. This includes those with No Recourse to Public Funds.

Coventry City Council’s Community Resilience Team has assisted Langar Aid to secure two grants from Crisis (homelessness charity) and the Heart of England Community Foundation that will assist them with feeding homeless people and families during the current pandemic.

Langar Aid and As Suffa are both continuing their important work providing food to people who are homeless, isolated and vulnerable.  Langar Aid 024 7663 1783 or email langaraid@khalsaaid.org A s Suffa call 0121 285 2777 or email info@as-suffa.org

Help for carers These are difficult times for carers. Thousands of people in the city look after relatives and loved ones, but still need to follow government advice.

If you are providing essential care for a vulnerable or elderly person you can still do so, but if possible, you are asked to refrain from entering homes – leaving care packages on doorsteps and talking from a safe distance to check on them.

See if you can use phones or tablets to keep in touch but if you need extra help, contact Adult Social Care Direct on 024 7683 3003.

There is lots of advice and help available, from groups such as MIND UK, Mencap and the Carers Trust. There is also a new online support group for Coventry Carers - Coventry Carers coronavirus support.

Visit www.coventry.gov.uk/ coronaviruscarers

Staff at care homes and supported accommodation across the city have been making sure residents are entertained and busy.

Remember the Five Ways to Wellbeing While we’re at home and out of our daily routines we need to make sure we think about our mental wellbeing. Here are five easy tips to help us all stay well.

At ​Eric Williams House, staff have had to think of ways to bring some joy to residents living with dementia who are currently unable to see their families, and they work hard to create new, inventive ways to ensure residents’ mental wellbeing is protected.

They staged a performance in the garden that residents were able to watch through the windows and sing along to.

At Cottage Farm Lodge, staff and residents did not let social distancing stop the annual Easter Bonnet competition!

They are also enjoying lots of other activities, including quizzes and singalongs.

At Copthorne Lodge, residents are being helped to use things like Facetime to keep in regular contact with their families.

 Connect: Think about how you can stay in touch with friends and family while you are at home – by phone, messaging, video calls or online.  Keep learning: You could try reading more or watching movies, having an exercise routine, trying new relaxation techniques, or finding new knowledge on the internet.  Be active: Keeping up your physical health is also important for your mental health  Give: Think about what activities you can do at home that might benefit others in your neighbourhood.  Take notice: Bringing nature into your everyday life can benefit both your mental and physical wellbeing and make you feel more relaxed.

Proving that Coventry is a great music city Coventry City of Culture Trust is commissioning up to 30 local artists to produce a visual album.

The project will feature up to 15 new pieces of music, each of which will have a video created to accompany it by different creatives including animators, filmmakers, graphic designers and videographers.

It comes at a time when those working in the arts and cultural sectors have been hit hard financially by the coronavirus outbreak and the project aims to support artists who have been most affected by the loss of income from live gigs, concerts and exhibitions.

The project is created by the Trust in partnership with The Tin Music and Arts, The Empire, Warwick Arts Centre, The West Indian Centre and Coventry City Council and Coventry promoter Sam McNulty.

Jon Davis, the Senior Producer from Coventry City of Culture Trust working on the project, said: “The visual album is a great opportunity for us to prove that, even in these times, Coventry is a great Music City.”

To keep us entertained and in touch with our City of Culture, there are plenty of online activities and projects you can take a look at www.coventry2021.co.uk

Enjoy your libraries online For more mental health and wellbeing support available during COVID-19, visit www.coventry.gov.uk/ coronavirusmentalhealth

There’s lots going on at Coventry libraries to help you through the trials of social distancing.

You can join the library online at www.coventry.gov. uk/libraries and then enjoy free e-books, e-audiobooks, e-magazines, e-comics and e-newspapers. While libraries are closed you can phone phone 024 7683 2314 Monday to Friday 9am to 12noon and 1pm to 4pm.

NHS open for business Local GPs and Accident and Emergency departments in Coventry are still open during the COVID-19 situation, though how you access them might be slightly different than you’re used to.

Ring your GP practice first (don’t go to your GP practice) if you have any health concerns not related to coronavirus. Examples include: a new lump, unusual bleeding a new problem that you think is significant or are struggling with a chronic condition such as diabetes or asthma.

Also contact your GP if you have concerns about cancer, heart disease or a child who is ill.

Remember call 999 in a life-threatening emergency without delay. An emergency is when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk and can include:  loss of consciousness  a sudden confused state  fits and seizures that aren't stopping  chest pain  breathing difficulties  severe bleeding that can't be stopped  severe allergic reactions  severe burns or scalds Call 999 immediately if you or someone else is having a heart attack or stroke. Every second counts with these conditions.

REMEMBER: If you have symptoms of coronavirus - a high temperature or a new, continuous cough, use the online service 111.nhs.uk Call 111 if you can’t get online.

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Looking ahead

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our lives in ways we would have never imagined.

In the next edition of Citivision, we will focus on how the city will emerge from the COVID-19 emergency and create the foundations for a strong recovery.

Family hubs - here to help Coventry’s Family Hubs are providing reassurance and practical support to children and young people (0-19) and their families across the city despite the pandemic.

All Early Help practitioners from the Council’s eight hubs are continuing to work and support families, and can help access other services.

Keep fit and active With gyms and classes closed, social distancing and homeworking, it can be hard to get that all-important daily exercise, but there are still ways.

Local organisations, charities and clubs in Coventry have been helping out by putting together exercises and challenges. You can see them all on Coventry Sport's Twitter (@CovSport) and Facebook (@CoventrySport) pages under #KeepCoventryMoving.

There are bootcamps, children’s indoor activities and lots more from a variety of

groups – with new and exciting ideas added every day.

Ideas that are inclusive of all ages and abilities can be found on Coventry Sport social platforms too along with disability or age specific ones and Sport England's Join the Movement campaign hosts physical activity ideas from organisations outside of the city.

See more at www.sportengland.org/stayinworkout

Four of the city’s hubs remain open including:  Mosaic Hub CV4 9PL  Wood Side CV3 3GL  Harmony Family Hub CV1 5GR  Park Edge Family Hub CV2 1NE If you need help call 0800 887 0545 between 8.30am–5pm or visit www.coventry.gov.uk/ familyhubs

Take a stroll in your local park – but remember social distancing All of our city’s beautiful parks, including Coombe Abbey Park and War Memorial Park are still open but car parks are closed.

“I’d like to thank the vast majority of local people for complying with the guidance.

We all need to do our bit to stop the spread of this virus.

They offer the chance for a walk, which is good for health and mental wellbeing. You can help us keep them open by keeping a two metre distance between yourself and others when you visit. Now is not the time for picnics, BBQs and mass gatherings. Toilets, car parks and all play areas in parks across the city are closed. Areas for older children and gym equipment are also closed.

Cllr Abdul Salam Khan, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Parks said,

“People are still encouraged to take up to an hour’s exercise once a day and we are very fortunate that here in Coventry most people have a park, woodland or open space near where they live. But it’s also very nice to see people enjoying a stroll or a run in their own neighbourhood and with much less traffic on the roads, a local walk can be really enjoyable.

“Along with the Police we will continue to monitor how our parks are used. But if people carry on being responsible they will be able to stay open for people socially distancing to enjoy.”

Need to talk to us?

As a result of the COVID-19 outbreak our Customer Service Centre in Upper Precinct is now only supporting services for our most vulnerable people and those facing particularly challenging situations, services such as: homelessness, community care grants and children’s services.

If you need to access other services please use our online facilities wherever possible.

Our website is available 24/7 and if you’re signed up to My Account you can manage things like Council Tax online.

There is also the option to have an online chat with an advisor or call us on 08085 834 333.  How we’re responding as a Council: www.coventry.gov.uk/coronaviruscoventrycc Written and produced by the Communications Team, Coventry City Council on behalf of the communities and organisations of Coventry working together to support local people during the COVID-19 outbreak. More details available at www.coventry.gov.uk/coronavirus Contact us: To get in touch with the Coventry Citivision newsdesk e-mail communications@coventry.gov.uk To sign up to weekly e-mail news updates visit www.coventry.gov.uk/newsemails. All details correct at the time of going to print (22 April 2020).

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