New local COVID-19 App and phone line launched
to connect volunteers and people who need help:
HOME, BUT NOT ALONE
Suffolk urged to rally together as new local COVID-19 app and phoneline launched to connect volunteers and people who need help
A new Suffolk-focused community service has been set up to support people who need help during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Called ‘Home But Not Alone’, the service has been launched to help connect people who want to volunteer in their communities with neighbours who are most in need.
The service will mean willing volunteers, charities, town and parish councils, community and religious groups can all log their details and offers of support on an app, while people who need help can phone to request support. As the number of offers and requests grows, they will be matched so that the right help can be given where it’s most needed. This support could include delivering groceries, medication or essential household goods, in line with Government social distancing guidelines.
The free app, called Tribe Volunteer, can be downloaded from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. The telephone number for those in genuine need of help is freephone 0800 876 6926 and will be staffed from 09:00 to 17:00, seven days a week.
The Home, But Not Alone service was created by partners from Suffolk’s councils, police, health bodies and charitable organisations which come together as the Collaborative Communities Board. Chrissie Geeson, the board chair, said:
“In these challenging times, it has been incredibly heartening to have so many people volunteer to help others. In villages and towns across Suffolk, people have taken it upon themselves to mobilise a small army of volunteers to do what they can for people in need.
“The support service will encompass this work but will bring structure and routine to these offers of help. This is just the start of this new service, so we expect the number of offers and requests to grow. People who want to help, or need help, should let us know and we will do the rest.
“It is testament to the hard work of all Suffolk organisations and sectors that we are able to offer this invaluable help.”
The telephone line is not a general information line for COVID-19 queries, but those in need can seek information on support with care needs, loneliness and to connect with community support. This is a new service and will adapted to demand over the coming weeks. People are still being urged to check gov.uk for the latest guidance on a wide range of issues and changes caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Coronavirus Scam Advice
We are aware of emails claiming to be from HMRC offering tax rebates as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
If you receive an email, text or call claiming to be from HMRC, that asks you to click on a link or to give information such as your name, credit card or bank details, it’s a scam.
Report all scams to us via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133
Click on the following link to see how authentic a scam leaflet may look:
Needham Market Town Council Meetings Cancelled
Due to the COVID19 situation, the 18th March Town Council Meeting was cancelled and there will be no future meetings until further notice.
The Town Council office will remain contactable via telephone (01449) 722246 or email: clerk@needhammarkettc.f9.co.uk only.
Information for when Town Council Meetings reconvene:
Needham Market Town Council Meetings:
These are held on the first and third Wednesday of every month. Members of the public are welcome to attend the meetings. Town Council meetings are held in The Green Room, Community Centre, School Street, Needham Market, Suffolk, IP6 8BB
Needham Market Town Council Newsletter – April edition cancelled
Due to the COVID19 situation, the Council is reviewing how it communicates with the community. The current form of Newsletter is unlikely to be produced during this COVID19 period due to the vulnerability of our deliverers at this time. There will be no more Newsletters until further notice.
Click on the Link below to view the draft Needham Market
Neighbourhood Plan document which was the subject
of the Public Consultation Event held in January 2020:
Needham Market Neighbourhood Plan Draft Document
Needham Market Town Council
2018/2019 Year End Accounts
Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) 2018/2019:
Needham Market Community Centre
All enquiries regarding hiring or use of the Community Centre must be emailed to the Community Centre Manager, Mr Martin Spurling: needhammarket.communitycentre@btinternet.com.
or telephone: 07756 575158.
Needham Lake
Needham Lake is owned and operated by Mid Suffolk District Council and all enquiries relating to it should be made directly to them.
Please see their Website for contact details: www.midsuffolk.gov.uk