2 Feb 2021

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Community News, Derbyshire County Council.

Information for local groups, societies, clubs, parish and town councils

2 February 2021

Welcome to the latest issue of Community News. We've written this for local groups, clubs and parish and town councils, to keep them up-to-date with news from the council. Our aim is to send this newsletter out every fortnight.

Please feel free to share this newsletter with your members or residents, or use the information in the newsletter on your website, or in your publications.

If you’ve any queries please email us at news@derbyshire.gov.uk


Thank you for getting tested

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Thank you to everyone in the Swadlincote area who’s been getting tested to help stop the spread.

Our centres in Swadlincote, Heanor, Shirebrook and South Normanton are open for people who live or work locally to the centre.

Swadlincote was the first area to get community testing in Derbyshire and since then 246 people have tested positive at the three sites which opened before the latest national lockdown was introduced in December.

That means 246 people were identified who didn’t know they had symptoms.

The centres in and around Swadlincote were set up on a temporary basis but we’re keeping the Midway Community Centre open so that people in the Swadlincote area can continue to get regular checks to see if they have the virus.

Keep an eye on our website and social media channels for updates on community testing including when it will be available in your area. 

Find out more here


Government launches new coronavirus campaign

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Got coronavirus symptoms? You must book a test and stay at home – no matter how mild your symptoms might be.

While it might be tempting to nip to the shop for essentials, go for a walk or even pop into work, self-isolation really does mean staying at home. And a short film produced by the Government serves as a stark reminder as to why it's so important to self-isolate if you have the virus or symptoms and why we should all be staying at home as much as possible.

Focusing on accounts from nurses, doctors and Covid-19 patients on the seriousness of this second wave. You can watch the video here.

We know self isolating can be a challenge for some people but help is at hand. Our Community Response Unit can help with things like delivering prescription medication or shopping if you have no friends or family to call on. You can request help online or call 01629 535091. They can even arrange for someone to call you for a chat if you are lonely and have no one to talk to.

And you may be entitled to a £500 payment if you need to self-isolate cannot work from home.

Keep going Derbyshire. Together we’ll get there. #DerbyshireSpirit

Find out more here


Free childcare for two-year-olds

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Have you got a child who is two or almost two-years old?

You could be eligible for free childcare.

Childcare is an important part of a child’s development. It can help them improve their speech and language skills, make friends and get ready for school.

It’s quick and easy to apply.

Find out more here


Competition time for writers and poets

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Are you a budding writer or poet?

Derbyshire libraries have received funding from Arts Council England to take part in BBC Novels That Shaped Our World – a programme that celebrates the novel and reading.

As part of the project, our libraries are exploring the theme of ‘isolation’ through a writing competition open to all residents aged 16 and over who live in the county, not including the city of Derby.

The competition opened on 1 February 2021 and closes on 31 March 2021. Entrants must write up to 500 words. They can submit fiction, memoir or poetry, but all entries should centre on the theme of isolation.

Entries should be sent to ask.library@derbyshire.gov.uk with the name of the participant and a contact number or email.

Find out more here


Sign up to ShopAppy

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Looking for that perfect gift? Or perhaps a treat for yourself? Why not ShopAppy and support local businesses at the same time?

ShopAppy is a website that allows shops, cafes, restaurants and other local businesses and community organisations to display their goods and services online.

Simply log on to Shopappy.com and search for businesses in your areas.

Around 270 Derbyshire businesses have already signed up to the scheme. And we're offering free membership for Derbyshire businesses up until the 30 November – so if you run a business sign up today.

ShopAppy runs five webinars each week for businesses to find out how it works, listen to the experts and ask any questions. 

Find out more here

Community response unit advert