On Monday July 19^th, England moves to Step 4 of the government’s roadmap. Everyone is being asked to be cautious whilst managing the risks, as cases of COVID-19 remain high.

Key changes from July 19th

• As we move into Step 4, most legal restrictions will end. There will no longer be any limits on how many people can meet and the 1m-plus distancing rule will be removed. Nightclubs will also be allowed to reopen for the first time since March 2020 and capacity limits will be removed for all venues and events such as weddings.

• The vaccination programme will continue. All adults will have been offered a first dose of the vaccine by July 19^th and will be offered their second dose by mid-September. The booster programme is likely to begin from September, offering additional protection to the most vulnerable.

• Positive cases and their contacts will still be legally required to self-isolate, to help break chains of transmission. However from August 16^th, double vaccinated adults and under 18s will no longer need to isolate.

• School bubbles will end from July 19^th

• The government ‘expects and recommends’ that face coverings are worn in crowded and enclosed spaces, such as public transport, when mixing with people you don’t normally meet.

• While the government is no longer instructing people to work from home, a return to the workplace should be gradual and businesses should follow the published guidance.

• Organisations and large events will be supported and encouraged to use the NHS COVID Pass in high-risk settings to help limit the risk of infection in their venues.

• Full details can be found here

Local vaccination clinics

The local vaccination programme is continuing and with most restrictions being lifted on Monday, it is more important than ever to get our vaccinations:

• Several regular clinics are offering walk-in vaccinations this weekend

• Anyone who is 18 or over is eligible and there is no need to book

• The clinics are offering both first and second doses of the vaccines (second doses need to be at least 8 weeks after the first)

Book an appointment at a regular clinic

If the above dates don't suit, you can still book an appointment at the ongoing regular West Lancs vaccination clinics by:

• Booking online through the National Booking Service system
• Booking an appointment by phoning free on 119

"One jab is only half a job.  Only getting one of your jabs means you are not fully protected".

The importance of getting the second dose of the vaccine is being stressed by doctors across Lancashire, as the above video explains.

Local COVID-19 testing

Testing still vitally important to stop the spread.

We are all now being asked to get tested twice-weekly to keep infections down. 

Anyone in West Lancashire without covid symptoms is eligible to two free, rapid tests per week.

You can either:

• Take the test at a symptom free testing site
• Collect tests from a symptom free testing site to use at home later
• Order home testing kits online if you cannot attend a testing site

For information on all testing sites across West Lancs or how to order a test online, go to: westlancs.gov.uk/symptom-freetesting

If you would like a stock of home testing kits to share with the community at community centres, group meetings, church halls, voluntary groups etc, please contact CustomerEngagement@westlancs.gov.uk

Covid-19 testing for people with symptoms

• If you have covid-19 symptoms, you will need to self-isolate and get a test here.
• If you have a positive test, you should immediately self-isolate and if eligible, can apply for financial support here.

New funding scheme now open

The new Community Champion grant scheme for voluntary sector groups is now open for applications.

Grants ranging from £1,000 - £25,000 are available to West Lancashire voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise organisations, to support the work they’re doing in helping communities impacted by COVID-19.

West Lancs CVS has worked in partnership with West Lancashire Borough Council to bring investment into local voluntary sector and is launching the £200,000 grant fund, as part of the wider Community Champions scheme.

Funding focus

The grant scheme is focused on supporting individuals and communities affected by the pandemic, especially those in vulnerable groups, and the main priority areas for this grant scheme are to:

• Help people and communities to recover from the impact that COVID-19 has had on their life
• Improve health and wellbeing - such as helping people to be active
• Support the delivery of important and positive COVID-19 messages
• Reduce isolation
• Support the commitment to a greener West Lancashire

Applications can be for new project ideas or to support existing activities.

Don’t delay, closing dates are from end of July!

For full details, application forms and guidance go to the Community Champions microsite:

www.wlcvs.org/community...

Mental health and suicide first aid sessions

The following interactive online training sessions are being run by Lancashire Mind, and are for free for anyone who lives or works in Lancashire:

Suicide First Aid (lite)

An information-based session for organisations and communities on how to have a conversation that could save a life (approx 3 hours)

• Thursday 29th July 09.30-12.30

• Thursday 9th September 09.30-12.30

• Monday 20th September 13.00-16.00

• Thursday 23rd September 09.30-12.30

• Tuesday 28th September 09.30-12.30

• Thursday 7th October 09.30-12.30

• Wednesday 13th October 09.30-12.30

• Monday 18th October 13.00-16.00

• Tuesday 26th October 09.30-12.30

Virtual Mental Health First Aid (adults)

• Monday 20th September 10.00-12.30

• Tuesday 21st September 10.00-12.30

• Monday 27th September 10.00-12.30

• Tuesday 28th September 10.00-12.30

If anyone would like to book a place, please request a registration form by emailing admin@lancashiremind.org.uk

For the full range of courses including:

• Understanding Self Harm

• Managing Mental Health in The Workplace

• Youth Mental Health First Aid

• Adult Mental Health First Aid

have a look at the details HERE

Can you help us get the word out?

We are working with West Lancashire Borough Council to get accurate information into the heart of communities and would be grateful if you could pass this on to your networks.

Please join in these efforts by cascading these messages on to your work colleagues, friends and families using the share buttons below: