WBC Updates & Local Information

This new e-bulletin will tell you about the help and support that's available from West Berkshire Council in relation to coronavirus. It will let you know where you can receive advice, where the services we provide are changing and how you can stay safe, protect the NHS and help save lives. 
You can also keep in touch with us online, and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 
On our website you will find information for residents, businesses and a weekly blog from Leader of West Berkshire Council Lynne Doherty and Chief Executive Nick Carter.

• Information for residents
• Information for businesses
• COVID-19: Your Questions Answered
• Weekly updates from the Leader of the Council and Chief Executive

Community Support Hub launched
A new Community Support Hub has been set up to support those residents who are most vulnerable in our communities and provide them with the help they cannot access anywhere else.
The Community Support Hub works with local community groups to match vulnerable people who need help and support with those best able to provide it. The Hub can also help those people who want to volunteer in their community but don’t know where to begin. This includes mental health support and practical support such as picking up shopping or medication and being at the end of the phone for a chat for those who are feeling lonely; all while adhering to national guidance on staying safe and social distancing.
The hub is open from Monday to Thursday 8:30am to 5:00pm, and Friday to Sunday 8:30am to 4:30pm. You can get in touch at westberksbct@westberks.gov.uk or by calling 01635 503579.
Find out more about the Community Support Hub

Leaflet dropping on to doormats
To help raise awareness of the help that's available in West Berkshire we're delivering a leaflet to homes across the district. It provides information about staying safe during the coronavirus pandemic and tells you about help which is available from West Berkshire Council such as protecting yourself, financial support and how to get help from our Community Support Hub as we work together to minimise the impact in our district.

All households in the West Berkshire district should receive a copy of this leaflet. Should you wish to distribute copies please adhere to the national guidance of hand hygiene and social distancing - use hand sanitiser and wash your hand with soap and water for 20 seconds or more before touching anything. Keep two metres away from others and only go out if it's essential.
Download a copy of the leaflet.

New helpline for young people
We know that some young people are feeling anxious about coronavirus and are struggling to adjust to changes in their everyday lives. To support them, our Emotional Health Academy team has launched a new helpline. It provides self-help support, advice and guidance and an opportunity for young people to talk to someone about issues directly affecting them.
The helpline will be open between 9:00am and 5:00pm, Monday to Friday, and young people aged 11 to 18 can use it to access advice and support by calling 01635 503587.
More information about the Emotional Health Academy helpline

Useful links
You can find the latest health advice and guidance here:
Information about coronavirus
www.nhs.uk/coronavirus
NHS 111
use this dedicated online site to check if you have coronavirus symptoms.
www.111.nhs.uk/covid-19
Primary Care Hub for Newbury
Two special Primary Care Hubs are being set up for local people who are showing symptoms of Coronavirus but don’t need immediate hospital treatment.
Read more about the Primary Care Hubs
Gov.UK
stay up to date with national advice and guidance.
www.gov.uk/coronavirus
West Berkshire Council
Find all of the social media accounts for different services and interests here:

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram