All posts by Sarah Richardson

New scheme to make solar panels and home battery storage accessible to all

News

A new scheme from Warwickshire County Council and IChoosr aims to make solar panels and home battery storage accessible to all.

Solar Together Warwickshire is an innovative new scheme offering the procurement and installation of high-quality solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. It is a group-buying scheme, which brings Warwickshire households together to get high-quality solar panels at a competitive price helping residents through the process and keeping them informed at every stage.

The Scheme is provided in partnership with expert provider, IChoosr, who have already had great success in Warwickshire helping residents to get the best deal on their gas and electricity bills with the Switch and Save Warwickshire collective energy buying scheme.

For those residents who already have Solar panels installed on their homes, Solar Together Warwickshire can also help with the procurement and installation of innovative battery storage technology.

How does Solar Together Warwickshire work?

Step 1 – Registration: Residents can register before 23 March 2021 for free and without any obligation at: https://www.solartogether.co.uk/warwickshire/home

Step 2 – The Auction: A supplier ‘auction’ will be held on 23 March, when all approved solar suppliers will bid for the work in Warwickshire. The more people that register, the better the deal should be for each household. The auction is a reverse auction, meaning the lowest bid wins and so do residents!

Step 3 – Personal Recommendation: After the auction, from 12 April, residents will be contacted with a personal recommendation, based on the specifications of their roof.

Step 4 – Residents’ decide: The decision is then residents’ as to whether they want to accept their recommendation. There is no obligation to continue. Residents will have until 21 May to decide and will be invited to an online information session where they can hear more from the winning installer.

Step 5 – Installation: If residents’ decide to accept their personal recommendations and are happy to proceed following their personal information session, arrangements will be made for installation.

Find out whether Solar is right for your home and how affordable it can be by registering today: https://www.solartogether.co.uk/warwickshire/home

Cllr Heather Timms, Warwickshire County Council’s portfolio holder for Environment, Heritage and Culture, said: “Many people may assume that solar power is not right for them or that it is too expensive. At Warwickshire County Council we are keen to see as many homeowners as possible join the solar evolution and embrace solar power and home battery storage solutions. Solar Together Warwickshire is here to ensure the process of deciding on Solar is as easy and, most importantly, as cheap as possible.

“There is already lots of fantastic work going on within Warwickshire County Council and our communities across the county to help reduce Carbon footprints and minimise the effects we all have on our fast-changing climate. Solar Together Warwickshire is a shining example of how we are helping our residents to make Warwickshire the best it can be, sustainable now and for future generations.”

For more information about the scheme and to sign-up visit: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/solartogether

For more information about how Warwickshire County Council is facing the challenges of the climate change emergency, visit: https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/strategies-policies-legislation/facing-challenge-climate-change-warwickshire

Avon Dassett Coronavirus Support Group Community Equipment

News

Warwickshire County Council are requesting  that any unused community medical equipment be returned. For full details including drop-off points, please see: https://www.avondassett.com/2021/02/05/community-equipment-needed-drop-off-at-fenny-compton-fire-station/ The nearest drop-off point to Avon Dassett is Fenny Compton Fire Station.

However, if residents would like to drop off any equipment they wish to return to The Thatches, Avon Dassett the Parish Council Covid Support Group will arrange for items to be delivered to a local drop off point.

However, if you have any equipment you would like to return but are unable to or are uncomfortable with dropping it off at The Thatches, please contact the Covid Support Group helpline on 07860 702749 or by email at covid19@avondassettparishcouncil.com and they will arrange for collection.

Community Equipment Needed – Drop off at Fenny Compton Fire Station

News

Warwickshire is looking for any spare community equipment that you may have had from hospital or your GP. Nationally there appears to be shortage of this equipment – so we just want to ensure we have enough to go to those people who need it.

It could be anything from walking frames through to crutches. The complete list of equipment we are looking for includes:

·       Wheeled trollies

·       Wheeled or mobile tables

·       Perching stools

·       Crutches

·       Walking Frames (with or without wheels)

What to do

If you have had any of the above then we are asking that you or a friend or family member bring them to one of the local drop off points below.

Health and Social Care staff

If you are a key worker who visits people in their own homes – then please check to see if they have any unused equipment that they no longer need.

Where to take equipment

The unused equipment can be dropped off at any Fire and Rescue Service station in Warwickshire.
Location Drop-off days and opening times

Location  Drop off Day  Drop off time 
Polesworth Fire Station Monday nights 7pm to 9pm 
Atherstone Fire Station 7 days a week
Monday night 		 8am to 6pm 
7pm to 9pm 
Coleshill Fire Station 7 days a week
Monday night 		 8am to 6pm 
7pm to 9pm 
Nuneaton Fie Station 7 days a week 8am to 6pm 
Bedworth Fire Station Monday night  7pm to 9pm 
Rugby Fire Station 7 days a week 8am to 6pm 
Southam Fire Station Thursdays nights 7pm to 9pm 
Kenilworth Fire Station Thursdays nights 7pm to 9pm 
Leamington Spa Fire Station 7 days a week 8am to 6pm 
Fenny Compton Fire Station Thursdays nights 7pm to 9pm 
Bidford Upon Avon Fire Station Tuesday nights 7pm to 9pm
Shipston Upon Stour Fire Station Tuesday nights 7pm to 9pm
Henley in Arden Fire Station Tuesday nights 7pm to 9pm
Gaydon Fire Station 7 days a week 8am to 6pm 
Wellesbourne Fire Station Tuesday nights 7pm to 9pm
Alcester Fire Station 7 days a week 7am to 7pm 
Important information to remember:
  • These drop off points will be out-doors
  • A friendly Fire fighter will show you where to place the items
  • You will not have to book any appointments
  • Please clean the equipment with an antibacterial cleaning product prior to drop off
  • Please remember to maintain a safe distance from the member of the Fire and Rescue Service when dropping off equipment.

Large or multiple items for drop off

If you have multiple, or large items of equipment you wish to be returned e.g. hoists, beds or mattresses, you can arrange a date to have these collected from your home. Please contact Millbrook Healthcare on 0333 321 8986.
As always we ask you to remember the

Stay Safe – handling equipment

Friends and Family

Wash or sanitise hands after handling equipment.

Key Worker

Usual PPE guidance for home visits as well as hand washing protocol after handling equipment.

Local crime update

News

Unfortunately there have been two local incidents reported overnight (2/3 Feb 2021). Please take care and report anything suspicious to the police on telephone number 101.

Puppy poisoned on Burton Dassett Hills

Please see this statement from a local dog owner:

“Evening all, just thought I’d let you know that after walking the dogs on the hills this morning the puppy is now in the vets after eating something toxic. She’s poorly but hopefully will be ok, they’re keeping her in overnight until she is back to her normal self. They think she may have eaten cannabis. Anyway just letting you know so you can be vigilant with your dogs if you’re walking up there – clearly doesn’t agree with animals!”

Attempted break-in at Avon Dassett

There was an attempted break-in at a property in Avon Dassett. Although unsuccessful, it is a reminder that there have been a number of thefts in the village recently, so please do be vigilant.

Latest Coronavius Information

News
Overview

This weekly pack has been produced for community engagement partners to share key messages over the to help people protect themselves against COVID-19.

The pack includes:

  • A review of current data and intelligence to inform the key focus for communications and community engagement.
  • News release: Businesses urged to review risk assessments
  • Communications resources: shareable content e.g. social media messages, news articles and newsletter content

Community engagement partners are encouraged to use and adapt the contents of this pack across your communication channels to your audiences. This will ensure important messages can reach or be amplified to as many local groups and individuals as possible. To ensure a coordinated flow of information, to enable the recording of reach, and early identification of any issues, feedback is welcomed. Partners can email michellegravatt@warwickshire.gov.uk or make a report at the engagement meeting to advise what action has been taken, the groups reached, how well the information been received, or to make requests or suggestions for alternate formats or messaging.

Local COVID-19 dashboard

For the latest COVID-19 positive cases across Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire, click here. You can also view data by each district and borough.

In focus

  • Mental health information and services – separate pack attached to email
  • NHS vaccine update and links to materials
  • Stay at home guidance
  • Guidance on testing
  • Self-isolation and support available
Communications Resources
NHS vaccine 

Update on the current position – sent on 25th January

To date 20 local vaccination centres have opened and official figures released week show that 64,000 vaccinations have been delivered in seven weeks.  Today (25th January) will see the opening to patients of the Large Vaccination Centre at Stoneleigh NAEC. Patients who are 70 and over will be invited to this site, please note that this is an option, like the offer to have a vaccination at Millennium Point in Birmingham – this is a choice and people can wait to be called for a vaccination more locally.

Our roving teams have now vaccinated care home residents and their efforts will now turn to vaccinating patients who are housebound. These patients will be contacted by their GP surgery or by Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership Trust.

Hospital Hubs at University Hospital, Coventry, George Eliot Hospital and Warwick Hospital are continuing at pace to vaccine their staff as well as health and social care from throughout Coventry and Warwickshire.

Finally, as stakeholders you have an important role to play in helping this the vaccination programme, please encourage people not to attend or to contact a vaccination centre without an invitation. Our teams are working hard to deliver the biggest vaccination programme in history, and your help and support will be invaluable especially as it gathers pace.
Vaccine Information Leaflets
Materials available in alternative formats
COVID-19 vaccination guides for older adults are available in a range of languages, including Albanian, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, Farsi, Gujarati, Hindi, Nepali, Polish, Punjabi, Romanian, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog and Turkish.
Please click here to view them
And below is an easy read guide to the vaccine, produced by Mencap.
Here is an easy read guide
Below is a British Islamic Medical Association video.

Please click on the Twitter link below.
Twitter
Please click on the link below for a full list of leaflets available about the COVID-19 vaccine
Full list of leaflets available about the COVID-19 vaccine
Trouble accessing NHS number for vaccine bookings
There is a new Find your NHS number service available on the NHS website, which can help people when booking their vaccine, if they do not know their NHS number.
It requires users to enter their name, DOB and Post Code to receive a copy of their NHS number, the number is then sent by text.
Click here to find your NHS number
Topic – Lockdown – stay at home

We must only leave home for essential reason. If you do go out for an essential reason, it’s important to remember

  • To regularly wash or sanitise your hands
  • Cover your face
  • Stay at least 2 metres apart from other

If you have any COVID19 symptoms, then you must self-isolate and only leave to get a test. Book a test at nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119

This is available on Facebook.
Topic – Lockdown – stay at home

We all must stay at home, unless for essential reasons.

Bending the rules can spread the virus and ultimately cost lives.

#StayHome #StaySafe #SaveLives

This is available on Facebook and Twitter.
Topic – Lockdown – stay at home

The new variant of COVID-19 spreads very fast.

Stay safe at home and help to save lives.

You must only leave the house for essential reasons.

#StayHome #StaySafe #SaveLives

This is available on Facebook and Twitter.
Topic – Lockdown – stay at home – 1 in 3

Around one in three people with #COVID19 don’t have symptoms but can still pass it on. #StayHome https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-lockdown-stay-at-home

This is available on Facebook and Twitter.
Topic – Symptoms and testing

You MUST self-isolate and book a test immediately if you have any symptoms of #COVID19

  • High temperate
  • New, continuous cough
  • Loss of sense of smell or taste

To book a test visit gov.uk/coronavirus or call 119

This is available on Facebook and Twitter.
Topic – Symptoms, testing and isolation

Anyone can get #COVID19 and anyone can spread it. If you are displaying these symptoms
  • High temperature or
  • New, continuous cough or
  • Loss of sense of smell or taste
You must self-isolate immediately and get a test nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119
This is available on Facebook.
Topic – When to isolate

You must self-isolate immediately if you:

  • Have any symptoms of COVID-19
  • Have received a positive test
  • Have been identified as a close contact of a positive case

You must self-isolate and stay at home for the full 10 day isolation period.

For more advice visit gov.uk/coronavirus

This is available on Facebook.
Topic – Isolation – close contact

If you have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19 then you need to isolate for 10 full days even if you feel well.

If you get symptoms during isolation then you must book a test at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or call 119. A positive result means that your 10-day isolation period must start again from the first day of your symptoms.

This is available on Facebook.
Topic – Isolation Support

District and Borough Councils in Warwickshire can provide Self Isolation Payments to some residents who are self-isolating because of Coronavirus and need financial assistance. If this affects you, contact your local council to find out more
This is available on Facebook.
Please click here for Isolation Support information
Topic – Isolation – support

If you are struggling to feed your family or make ends meet as a result of the pandemic there is help for you, go to https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/facinghardship or call 0800 408 1448

This is available on Facebook and Twitter.
Topic – Isolation Support

Are you isolated without support from family, friends or neighbours? We will do our best to help you get the support you need at this time. For more information go to warwickshire.gov.uk/coronavirusvulnerable or call 0800 408 1447

This is available on Facebook and Twitter.
Topic – CEV

Anyone clinically extremely vulnerable to COVID-19 is strongly advised not to attend a place of work and to work from home if possible. Please speak to your employer and do not put yourself at risk. For information and support to stay at home go to www.warwickshire.gov.uk/coronavirusvulnerable or call 0800 408 1447.

This is available on Facebook.
Topic – CEV

Are you clinically extremely vulnerable to COVID-19? Please follow Government shielding guidance and stay at home as much as possible to stay safe. If you are isolated without support please call 0800 408 1447 or go to www.warwickshire.gov.uk/coronavirusvulnerable

This is available on Facebook and Twitter.
Topic – Stay safe – face covering

Do you know when and how to wear a face covering?

  • Wash your hands before and after using a face covering
  • Place the covering over your mouth and nose
  • Remove face coverings from your ears, do not touch the front
  • Wash your face covering regularly

More information bit.ly/FC_WhereToWear

Coronavirus Testing Available in Stratford

News

We have been asked to remind residents that there is a COVID19 testing centre at Stratford on Avon that provides testing to people who do not have symptoms. The aim is to protect those most at risk using rapid testing to speed up the process. This centre is in addition to the one located at Pound Lane, Leamington Spa.

Here are details about the testing centre in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Stratford-on-Avon District
Rear of The Other Place Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company, 22 Southern Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6BH

  • Pay and display car parking is available in Church Street Car Park, Church Street, Stratford CV37 6HB. There is a walkway to the test centre at the rear of the car park.
  • If you park on the street, please ensure that you park safely and are respectful of local residents. Do not park on double yellow lines or in such a way to obstruct emergency vehicles.
  • You may also wish to walk or cycle to the site.
  • We would advise against public transport if possible, in case you later test positive.
  • A small amount of Blue Badge parking is available on site.

To book please visit: Stratford-upon-Avon COVID Community Testing Events | Eventbrite

For more information please visit: Coronavirus – Community testing – Warwickshire County Council

This facility is for those without COVID-19 symptoms.

*If you have COVID-19 symptoms (a high temperature or a new continuous cough or a change to their sense of taste or smell) you must self-isolate and book a test via NHS Test and Trace or by calling 119.*

In order to understand the way COVID-19 is transmitted in communities and reduce its spread, Warwickshire is undertaking a local programme of community testing. This is part of the wider Government strategy to tackle the virus.

Avon Dassett Parish Council Covid Support Group

Avon Dassett Coronavirus Support – The Yew Tree Takeaways

News
You may be aware that The Yew Tree will be doing takeaways again every Friday from this Friday, 29th January between 5pm and 9pm.  A menu should have been delivered to you but also see here: https://theyewtreepub.co.uk/takeaway

The takeaways are on a collection basis only but, if you are an Avon Dassett resident and shielding, self-isolating or uncomfortable with visiting the pub to collect your order, the Parish Council Covid Support Group will arrange for one of its volunteers to collect on your behalf and deliver your meal to your door. If you wish to arrange this, please follow the steps below:-

Please order directly with The Yew Tree, but let the pub know that someone else will be collecting the order on your behalf.

Please leave a telephone number if they are not there to take your call.  Payment will need to be made in advance and the pub will call you (probably on Friday) to take payment.

Once you have placed the order, please contact the PC Covid helpline on 07860-702749 (by text, phone, or WhatsApp) or by email to covid19@avondassettparishcouncil.com to let them have your details, details of the order and collection time from the Yew Tree. They will then arrange for a volunteer to collect the order and deliver it to you.    Should anything change, for instance the collection time, please advise the PC Covid Helpline as soon as possible.

If for any reason, you are unable to make payment in advance by phone, please contact the Helpline to discuss and they will do their best to sort out an alternative arrangement.

The Yew Tree is also doing a special Valentine’s Day box menu – if you would like details, please call them on 01295-690844.

COVID-19 Vaccine Scams

News

Please see the poster above and attached below:

The NHS will:

  • Never ask for payment – the vaccine is free
  • Never ask for your bank details
  • Never arrive unannounced at your home to administer the vaccine
  • Never ask you to prove your identity by sending copies of personal documents such as your passport

If you receive a call you believe to be fraudulent, hang up. If you are suspicious
about an email you have received, forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk.

Suspicious text messages should be forwarded to the number 7726 which is free
of charge.

If you believe you have been the victim of fraud or identity theft, you should
report this directly to Action Fraud either online; actionfraud.police.uk or via
phone 0300 123 2040.

If you have any information relating to vaccine fraud you can stay 100%
anonymous by contacting Crimestoppers COVID Fraud Hotline online;
covidfraudhotline.org or phone 0800 587 5030.