Coronavirus A message from Councillor Spencer Flower, Leader of Dorset Council I want to reassure you that Dorset Council is working hard to make sure we are able to provide essential services. We have plans in place so we can still support our most vulnerable residents and continue with the other services that are essential to everyone in Dorset. Colleagues across the council are adapting plans as and when we learn more. However, this is an everCouncillor Spencer Flower changing situation, and as time progresses we may not be able to do everything we usually do, and some services may be slower. Please bear with us. We are also working with our partners, including the NHS and police, to do everything we can to keep you and your families safe. It’s also important we support each other, and many of you are working tirelessly for your local communities. Thank you. We have great community spirit here in Dorset. My plea to you all is please take this matter seriously. We are in a battle with a horrible virus. Comply with the lock down announced by the Prime Minister and follow official advice. Stay at home unless it is essential for you to go out, we need to protect the NHS and save lives. If you are able to help, please get involved with your local volunteer groups. Above all, be brave. We will come through these difficult times and be able to get back to a more normal way of life. However, this can only happen if we all accept the current restrictions on movement and distancing. Please stay safe and well. NHS services - For medical advice, go to NHS 111 online at 111.nhs. uk/covid-19 or call NHS 111 or your GP practice. Always use trusted sources of information: gov.uk/coronavirus: NHS. uk/coronavirus: dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/coronavirus If you don’t have internet access, and you need help or have a question about council services, call Dorset Council on 01305 221000.
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VIEWPOINT April 2020
Businesses urged to seize lifeline
Dorset Chamber has urged businesses to take full advantage of the government support on offer to survive COVID-19. It has warned that the financial impact of the pandemic has already become severe with a huge number of enquiries flooding in as the crisis deepens. The Chamber delivers the Dorset Gateway programme on behalf of the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), which has ramped up resources to increase the support available.
Ian Girling
The Chamber is also: • regularly updating a special coronavirus section on its website • publishing a digital newsletter with details of the latest help available • providing support online, including webinars • giving updates through a daily video message on LinkedIn by chief executive Ian Girling • signposting other support available through local authorities and organisations Ian Girling said, “It is evident that the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic is already severe. “Businesses must seriously consider taking full advantage of the support available from the government. “There is no shame in doing this, the support is there for a reason: to help businesses through the worst of this period. “The Chamber has had huge numbers of enquiries from concerned businesses in Dorset so we know just how much of a need there is.” The Dorset Gateway, funded by the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership and delivered by Dorset Chamber, provides an informed and bespoke service, free to any Dorset based businesses. To request support visit https://www.dorsetchamber.co.uk/businesssupport/coronavirus-covid-19/
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