This message is just to update you on the latest developments in the Parish and also includes some information about an emergency fund and foodbank that can be accessed for those in need

 

In general the Parish is coping well during the current emergency - it is really good to see how everyone is pulling together and helping each other - there are now all sorts of networks and delivery systems running! Please keep checking in with each other - just chatting (at a safe distance) and letting people know you are looking out for them is really important. The support group is only here as a back up to these systems.

 

Scrubs

 

There has been a huge effort nationally by volunteers to supply our frontline healthcare workers with homemade medical scrubs and our parish is no different! So far an amazing group of parishioners has produced:

 

• 31 sets of scrubs & 2 scrubs tops
• 18 caps
• 56 headbands
• 57 bags

 

For which Addenbrookes and Papworth have been really grateful. A huge well done to all of them and to Jayne and Jude for taking them to where they are needed.

 

You don’t have to be an expert with a sewing machine to help out, if you are handy cutting out patterns with a good pair of scissors that will do! If you would like to get involved please contact Sarah Clarkson on 01763 208841 or 07540 815287 or via email at thriplowcoronavirus@PROTECTED.

 

Foodbank

 

We are setting up a foodbank. If you wish to donate any non-perishable items please Contact Liz Moore on 01763 208735 0r 07788 640927 or pop them in the box by the gate at NO 5 Church Street. If you wish to use anything from the foodbank the please contact any of the corona support group numbers at the end of this letter or e mail us on thriplowcoronavirus@PROTECTED . All enquiries will be dealt with the strictest confidentiality

 

Volunteers

 

A huge thanks to all our volunteers. We are now assisting a significant number of households but still have spare capacity. If you have volunteered but have not heard from us do not worry - we are holding you in reserve. We will be contacting all volunteers shortly with updated guidance and checklists to ensure you stay safe

 

Easing of lock down

 

You may be interested in reading the official Government advice on how the new measures should be applied. This can be found here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do

 

Supermarket deliveries

 

The major supermarkets have massively increased their home delivery capability. However they are still struggling to keep up. You should only use a supermarket home delivery service if you are not able to visit the supermarket in person - that is if you are isolating, shielding or in one of the at risk groups. The delivery slots should be kept for those that need them most

 

Village shop

 

The shop is working well with people respecting the queuing and one in one out system. Please make sure you keep your pre pay account topped up. If you can't make it to the shop to do this you can do it by phone by ringing 01763 208958

 

Emergency Corona Fund

 

The Heathfield & Thriplow Coronavirus Support Group has access to a small fund to help any parishioners suffering short term financial emergencies which are a direct result of Covid 19. This message is to explain who may be eligible and how to access it.

 

Who is eligible for grants from the fund?

 

We understand that asking for or accepting help from anybody may be difficult, but we are also aware that the Coronvirus pandemic has put some residents under severe financial pressure. This fund money is available to any parishioner who is experiencing a short term financial emergency as a direct result of the Coronavirus. For example, payment of urgent utility bills that cannot otherwise be paid following a change in circumstances due to COVID 19. This money is not intended for dealing with longer term financial hardship issues.

 

How will the fund operate?

 

To access a grant, contact the Heathfield & Thriplow Coronavirus Support Group using our email address (details below) stating the nature of the financial emergency and amount of money needed. You may also telephone one of the named contacts below if this is better for you. All requests will be treated with strict confidentiality. The request will be referred to the core team of the Support Group to authorise. It is important that the fund money is used appropriately, and the core team will monitor this. We will respond as quickly as possible.

 

Contacts for emergency fund

 

Email: thriplowcoronavirus@PROTECTED

 

Telephone:

• Liz Moore (01763) 208735 Mobile 07788640927
• Sarah Clarkson (01763) 208841 Mobile 07540815287
• Andrew Parsons (01763) 209070

 

If you wish to donate to the fund or have any other queries please get in touch with us on any of the above contacts

 

 

Best wishes

 

The Heathfield & Thriplow Coronavirus Support Group