The next meeting will take place on Thursday 18 June 2020 – 10am to 12.30pm at NHS Kernow, Trevithick room, Sedgemoor, Priory Road, St Austell PL25 5AS.

Share your experiences in a safe and welcoming space where babies and partners are welcome.

Information on NHS Kernow's May 2020 Governing Body meeting.

The Cornwall stories that are bringing some joy to the pandemic - updates  Cornwall Live

Kerbside collections of rubbish (weekly) and recycling (fortnightly) continue on their usual days.

But residents should note that bin crews may not arrive at their usual collection times over the coming weeks. Please put rubbish and recycling out by 7am, and it should be collected by 6 pm.

Please report any missed collections on the following day. 

We remind you that:

• Household Waste Recycling Centres are closed
• Bulky Collections have been suspended

Until these services start again please store any waste or recycling that cannot be put out on the kerbside collection.

Small electrical appliances and batteries should not be put in black sacks or bins. Redundant small electrical appliances can be recycled, but not on the kerbside collections. Please hold on to them until the Household Waste Recycling Centres re-open.

It is important that those households with a possible coronavirus infection follow the Public Health England guidance:

Personal waste (such as used tissues) and disposable cleaning cloths should be stored securely within disposable rubbish bags. These bags should be placed into another bag, tied securely and kept separate from other waste. This should be put aside for at least 72 hours before being placed out for collection on your next collection day. 

Our crews are doing a great job keeping the bins emptied and your recycling collected.

You can help them by not putting out extra items for collection. Please just put out your normal household rubbish and recycling.

Thank you all for keeping Cornwall’s waste and recycling properly and safely handled.

THE SEASON THAT WASN'T: Penryn Athletic miss out on St Piran League title  Falmouth Packet

Group of musicians create lock-down inspired song  Yahoo News UK

All of Cornwall’s libraries have had to close their doors due to the Covid crisis, and mobile libraries are off the road. But for as long as this unprecedented situation lasts, the service is reminding people that there is a wealth of good reading available online.

Cornwall Library Members can access eBooks, Audiobooks, newspapers and magazines, comics and eGraphic novels.

Details and links to these free services are available via the following link:

eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines

The number of people using BorrowBox across Cornwall was up 630% on the pre-Covid measures rate. Last week eBook loans were up by 56% compared to the first week of March. And Pressreader – our free newspapers and magazines platform which offers the majority of national daily and Sunday newspapers – showed that 5,600 more e-newspapers and magazines were downloaded in the second half of March than in the first half.

Cornwall Council’s Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhoods and Climate Change, Edwina Hannaford, says: “I know for so many people a good read provides comfort, calm and continuity. It is one of life’s great pleasures. In these difficult times it is sad we have had to close our libraries, though our teams and partners are looking at ways of supplying a service to those who are vulnerable or isolated.”

“But we can all take advantage of two plus points. Firstly, how lovely to explore and rediscover the books and magazines that most of us have in our own houses. You might find some that bring back treasured memories, and young ones will love hearing stories from their childhoods.”

“And whether or not you have bookshelves or lofts to explore at home, there is an exciting world of online reading available, including familiar magazine titles, classics and graphic novels, which can all be accessed through this special page on our website. Go on, give it a try.”

eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines

For those who enjoy being read to, there are many sources of good storytelling available, including:   

• ManyBooks.net website 
• Gutenberg website 
• Free-eBooks website 
• Openlibrary website 
• Amazon.co.uk (search for free ebooks) 
• BBC Sounds

Please note

All libraries, the mobile library service, the Education and Early Years Library Service and Information Service sites are now closed and non-operational. This includes reserving books online. Library members who have books or other materials on loan should keep them at home. They can be renewed as many times as needed online, but all overdue charges will be waived during this time.

 

Private hospital to work with the Royal Cornwall Hospital during the coronavirus pandemic  ITV News

Cornwall's feel-good stories that are raising a smile amid the lockdown - updates  Cornwall Live

The Council is bringing forward £687,000 of planned financial support for Cornwall’s cultural and creative sector to help organisations that have been heavily affected by the impact of the COVID-19 virus.

The organisations set to receive funding include local theatres, creative workspaces, performing art organisations, creative business support organisations, Cornish language community groups, museums and galleries and cultural community groups across Cornwall.

Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for culture, economy and planning, Bob Egerton said: “We support many creative and cultural organisations and recognise their important contribution to Cornwall’s economy.  They deliver innovative projects to create jobs and build on the already strong economic success of creative industries which make a significant contribution to the Cornish economy.  They also encourage communities to get involved with what makes Cornwall’s culture and identity so special and distinctive, not just in the UK but globally.”

“During these unprecedented times, we are accelerating a funding package to support those organisations who receive grants from the Council.  We want to help them be in the strongest financial position to be able to continue contributing to our economy and our Cornish culture and creativity when this crisis is over.”

The measures being carried out by the Culture and Creative Economy team include:

• Paying annual revenues grants and reviewing payment schedules for 2020/2021 upfront to give organisations the strongest financial viability possible
• Reviewing and renegotiating what each organisation will deliver to help them adapt their approach and enable activity to get back underway as soon as the situation improves
• Extending our 2018-2022 programme for a further year until 2023 rolling over the existing annual budget to continue to offer support in line with Arts Council England’s commitment to their National Portfolio Organisations.

To ensure appropriate support can be put in place to assist a successful recovery phase for our creative sector, all creative organisations and self-employed individuals are encouraged to take part in Baseline a survey being facilitated by Creative Kernow in partnership with the wider cultural sector including the Culture and Creative Industries team at Cornwall Council.  The survey will collect data about the impact of COVID-19 on the creative and cultural sectors in Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly.

 

Story posted 02 April 2020

Cornwall's private Duchy Hospital joins NHS in fight against coronavirus  Cornwall Live

Cornwall's private Duchy Hospital joins NHS in fight against coronavirus  Cornwall Live

Cornwall's feel-good stories that are raising a smile amid the lockdown - updates  Cornwall Live

Ahead of the Easter holidays Cornwall Council is calling on holiday accommodation providers, including letting agents and online booking platforms, to support the COVID-19 response by following the Government’s closure orders.

The overwhelming majority of holiday accommodation providers such as self- catering businesses, bed and breakfasts, caravan parks, hotels, campsites and holiday homes have shut their doors as a result of the Government ordering all non-essential businesses to stop operating and for everyone to stay at home and avoid unessential travel.

There are a number of exemptions which allow some holiday accommodation businesses to remain open, for example to provide accommodation for key workers, NHS staff and for health and care use.

One such establishment is Carnmarth Hotel in Newquay which has been providing a place to stay for people who have been in hospital, are able to be discharged, but are not ready to go home.

However, Cornwall Council has received complaints alleging that some holiday accommodation providers are still having holiday makers in their premises and operating illegally.

Ahead of the Easter holiday the Council’s enforcement team is now writing to all holiday accommodation owners, letting agents and online booking platforms in Cornwall who are not exempt to the COVID-19 orders to ask for their cooperation in complying with the orders.

The email, which is going out to holiday accommodation providers today (April 2), says: “As you know the Government passed legislation last week which requires certain businesses to close with immediate effect. We appreciate that you may have already acted on the Government’s directions and closed your accommodation, although there are a few exceptions which are covered in this letter. The overwhelming majority of businesses in Cornwall have done exactly that. Indeed, we know that some businesses have been able to provide valuable support to the community by housing vulnerable people and key workers.

“Nevertheless, the Council is receiving complaints that allege that some holiday accommodation businesses are continuing to trade. This is undoubtedly a small minority, but due to the risks involved, we are taking the precaution of writing to you to seek your support in helping to control the COVID 19 outbreak in Cornwall.”

The new legislation requires any person responsible for running a business providing holiday accommodation, whether in a hotel, hostel, bed and breakfast accommodation, holiday apartment, home, cottage or bungalow, campsite, caravan park or boarding house, to cease trading during the emergency period.

The Government’s controls are expected to remain in place until the regulations are reviewed by the Secretary of State and a direction issued to end them.

In its letter to accommodation providers Cornwall Council outlines the new legal requirements and where businesses can get further advice.

It also warns that businesses can face enforcement action if they flout the orders.

Rob Nolan, Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for environment and public protection, said: “We are calling on and trust that our holiday accommodation providers in Cornwall will do the right thing and ensure compliance with this requirement which has been introduced to protect the health of our population, NHS and other critical services at this time.

 “We understand that this legislation may have serious financial impacts upon businesses so please read the guidance to understand how you can access the financial help you need.”

Malcolm Bell, Chief Executive of Visit Cornwall, said: “It’s up to all of us to play our part in fighting this virus, as well as obeying the law, and this simply means that not only should all the traditional tourism business be closed to holiday makers, but also people letting out rooms and properties on the online booking platforms that have grown rapidly over the last few years.”

There are a number of exemptions which allow holiday accommodation businesses to remain open, including where they provide services to:

• People who live there permanently or because their primary residence is unavailable.
• Critical workers and non-UK residents who are unable to travel to their country of residence during this period.
• People who are unable to move into a new home due to the current restrictions.
• Homeless and other vulnerable people such as those who cannot safely stay in their home, through arrangements with local authorities and other public bodies.
• Those attending a funeral.
• Hosting of blood donation sessions.

Also, holiday accommodation can remain open for any other purpose requested by the Secretary of State or Local Authority.

A current list of exemptions can be found on the Government's website.

The government has produced guidance on business closures for further reference. However, if you require additional advice please do not hesitate to contact the Council’s Business Support Hub at businessadvice@cornwall.gov.uk. 

If you believe that holiday accommodation might not be complying with the new regulations then please contact Cornwall Council at businessadvice@cornwall.gov.uk.

For anyone seeking refunds due to a holiday booking cancellation Cornwall Council advises:

1. Check the small print on your booking – what does it say about cancellation due to Government intervention?
2. Check the small print on your travel insurance – will your booking be covered?
3. Register your concerns with your holiday provider – are they working to a timetable (ie most imminent bookings first)? What are they suggesting as a solution? But please be patient as businesses have to deal with many pressures at this current time.
4. If you paid for your holiday by credit card you may have additional protection through the credit card provider.

If you do still need further advice or information about cancelling a booking due to Covid-19 please call the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 040506 or contact Cornwall Council Trading Standards at businesscompliance@cornwall.gov.uk

Cornwall Council will be working with Visit Cornwall when this emergency period is over to support those affected.

 

Story posted on April 2, 2020

 

Four Zookeepers In The UK Have Turned Their Office Into Their Home  The Quint

Cornwall's feel-good stories that are raising a smile amid the lockdown - updates  Cornwall Live

The Cornwall stories shining a ray of hope through the pandemic - updates  Cornwall Live

A call has gone out for any former or retired social workers to help Cornwall’s most vulnerable people during this time of unprecedented demand.

Cornwall Council would like to hear from anyone living in Cornwall who has experience of working in social care - including retired social workers or those who have recently left the profession - to help them maintain the support provided to vulnerable families, children and adults through the Covid-19 pandemic.

Cornwall Council portfolio holder for children, wellbeing and public health, Cllr Sally Hawken said: “Those who take up the call will be deployed in their local area to work that is matched to their experience and skills.

"We need to increase our social care workforce to help and protect Cornwall’s most vulnerable children and families who need our help most at the moment.”

Our call out comes after Social Work England announced plans to contact 8,000 former social workers who have left the register in the last two years.

Cornwall Council would like to extend this invitation to local, ‘fit, proper and suitably experienced professionals’ to bolster local efforts during this emergency.

If it has been more than two years since you have worked in this area, or have worked within social care services as a registered social worker at any point, or you have worked in a supporting role within children’s or adult’s services then there may be alternative positions which you could support with.

Cllr Hawken added: “I’d like to thank our social work teams who are doing a fantastic job of supporting families during this difficult time and also to thank those who come forward to answer this call. There have never been times like these before and we need everyone to play their part to help get us all though this.”

Cornwall Council portfolio holder for adults, Cllr Rob Rotchell said: “We have recently put a call out for more carers in the social care sector and we’re very grateful to all of those who have got in touch so far.

"This campaign widens our search further, so if you have experience of working in social services and think you could help then it is vital that you get in touch and will be very grateful for your support, as will Cornwall’s most vulnerable adults, children and families who need all the help we can provide at this present time.”

To register your interest please email HRdeployment@cornwall.gov.uk who will contact you to gain further details of your qualifications and skill set.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to volunteer then please contact Volunteer Cornwall through their website www.volunteercornwall.org.uk or call on 01872 266988.

 

Story posted on April 1, 2020

Emergency legislation to register deaths by phone has now been implemented.

None of Cornwall’s Register Offices will be open except for existing appointments to register a death. No more face-to-face death registration appointments will be made.

From now until further notice, people will be able to make a request to register a death through an on-line form on the Cornwall Council website or by phoning 0300 1234 181 (Monday to Friday 8:30am to 6:00pm). We will then contact the customer only once we have received all the necessary paperwork, which may be subject to understandable delays with the medical profession.

All other Register Office services are suspended until further notice. Birth registrations are suspended, but please note the change that child benefit can now be claimed prior to registration.

We are contacting marriage/civil partnership couples who have booked with us to discuss their options, but we have over 3,000 bookings so there is a backlog. We are not taking any new bookings for marriages or Civil Partnerships until we have been able to reschedule our displaced bookings. Email us on ceremonies@registration.cornwall.gov.uk but please be aware there will be a delay in our response.

Thank you for noting this restricted service at this busy time.