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SCC Report December 2020
Visit suffolk.gov.uk/coronavirus for health advice, service changes, business
support and schools’ guidance.
Keep up to date on the latest guidance on Covid-19 from central government
here: www.gov.uk/coronavirus
Current infection rates and pressure on county’s hospitals
among reasons for Suffolk entering tier two restrictions
Suffolk’s current COVID infection rates, local hotspots and pressure on hospitals are
among the reasons why the county will enter tier two local restrictions on
Wednesday 2 December.
Following today’s decision by central Government to place Suffolk in the High Alert
tier, public sector organisations in Suffolk have set out their goal to get the county
out of local restrictions as quickly as possible. They have also moved to help
residents, business owners and employees to understand the restrictions that will
apply across the county, and the reasons for them.
Whilst Suffolk has so far seen comparatively lower levels of infection than elsewhere
in the region and country, the current infection rate (85 cases per 100,000 people) is
more than double what it was when Suffolk entered tier one on 14 October (35 cases
per 100,000 people). At the beginning of September, there were just five cases per
100,000 people. Parts of Suffolk, especially in Ipswich and Hadleigh, are seeing
much higher numbers of positive COVID cases than anticipated. This all puts
pressure on Suffolk’s hospitals, which need to protect Suffolk’s vulnerable residents
whilst still treating non-COVID patients. There were 116 COVID patients in Suffolk
hospital beds as at 23 November.
Stuart Keeble, Suffolk’s director of public health, said:
December 2020 Monthly Parish
Newsletter
Samford Division
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SCC Report December 2020
“I fully understand that many people will be disappointed that Suffolk has not
emerged from the national restrictions in a lower tier, or indeed no tier at all. I am
too. Suffolk has done well at keeping our infection rates lower than many other areas
in the country, and for that I would like to thank people for what they have done.
“The facts facing us today are clear however. With current infection rates and
pressure being put on health services, we need to do more of what we have been
doing. We need to stick with it.
“We know what we need to do to get Suffolk back on track. Every one of us needs to
keep following the rules to stop the spread of COVID-19. We need to ensure our
hospitals can continue to care for people who urgently need help, including those
without COVID. We need to be responsible today for a better tomorrow.”
Rachel Kearton, Suffolk’s deputy chief constable and chair of the group of
public sector organisations leading the fight against COVID-19 in the county,
said:
“This week’s news about the success of COVID vaccine trials shows us clearly that
there is light at the end of this tunnel, but there is still some way to go.
“Suffolk has been at the forefront of following Government guidance and it is
precisely that which has kept infection rates relevantly low for so long.
“Now is not the time to give up and deviate from our course. Now is precisely the
time to keep following the rules and stop the spread of COVID-19, so that we can get
back to the social freedoms we miss so very much.”
From Wednesday 2 December 2020, people in Suffolk will be able to:
• Meet a maximum of six people from other households outdoors.
• Go to pubs and bars operating as restaurants with people from your
household or support bubble, consuming alcohol but only with a substantial
meal,
• Go shopping but whilst wearing a mask in indoor public spaces and
respecting social distancing rules.
• Attend schools, college or university.
• Make use of early years childcare.
• Go to the gym or leisure centre, while following their guidance.
• Get a haircut or personal care treatments, while following their guidance.
• Stay overnight with their household or support bubble.
• Attend a wedding, civil partnership or wake of up to 15 guests or funerals of
up to 30 mourners.
• Attend entertainment and sporting events, while following their guidance and
capacity limits.
• Visit places of worship, whilst following their guidance.
• Take part in exercise classes or organised adult sport outdoors.
• Visit a loved one in a care or nursing home, if allowed locally and while
following their guidance.
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Until the position changes, we will not be able to:
• Meet people from other households or support bubbles indoors.
• Visit pubs and bars not serving food.
• Stay overnight with people from another household or support bubble.
• Exercise indoors with people from another household or support bubble if
there is any interaction between them.
Everyone is encouraged to work from home and limit their journeys where possible.
Lowestoft’s Gull Wing secures Government approval, work
to start in the new year
Construction of Lowestoft’s Gull Wing bridge will get underway early in 2021,
following final approval of the scheme on Wednesday 25 November by the
Government.
The Gull Wing project team at Suffolk County Council received official confirmation
that its full business case has been approved, meaning that the £73.39m funding
from the Department of Transport can now be accessed.
With this final milestone now reached, the contract with building and civil engineering
contractor, Farrans, will be signed. Other formalities such as formally acquiring land
can also be completed, paving the way for construction work to start in the new year.
Councillor Matthew Hicks, Leader of Suffolk County Council, said:
“I’m delighted with the announcement from the Government today, which means that
the Gull Wing is go.
“With this news, the final step in our application to build this bridge is now complete.
We can now access the funding, sign the construction contract, and start building the
bridge.
“Any doubts are now over, and we will get spades into the ground early in the new
year to build Lowestoft’s third crossing.”
Peter Aldous, Member of Parliament for Waveney, said:
“This news is extremely welcome and is a real positive boost for the residents of
Lowestoft. I’d like to commend Suffolk County Council on their commitment to this
project and to the town. The official processes are now complete, and we will see
construction start in the new year. Our skyline is about to change forever, for the
better.”
Archaeology surveys have already taken place on site and further preliminary
groundwork will continue in the coming months, to allow construction work to begin
in the spring of 2021. The Gull Wing is planned to open in the summer of 2023.
Help us to help you this winter
(Press release issued on 24 November on behalf of Suffolk Resilience Forum)
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Suffolk residents are being urged to support their physical and emotional wellbeing
this winter and to get help early if they have any concerns.
As we head into winter, with ongoing restrictions on our daily lives related to the
Coronavirus pandemic, it is vital to know what support is out there and to seek help if
you need it.
Dr Mark Shenton, chairman of NHS Ipswich and East Suffolk Clinical
Commissioning Group and Professor of Integrated Care at the University of
Suffolk, said:
“The NHS is open to support people’s physical and mental health needs, and it’s
important no-one puts off seeking help as that could lead to the condition
deteriorating.
“You can seek help in a number of ways, such as NHS 111 by telephone or online.
Your local pharmacy is a very good source of advice, with many open long hours
and you don’t need an appointment to speak with the pharmacist. GP practice staff
are there to help, and we urge you to make contact by ‘phone or online. Once you
contact your practice, someone will get back in touch with you. It might not always be
a GP; it could be a physician associate, a nurse, pharmacist or physiotherapist,
depending on your medical need.
“There are lots of online resources to support your mental health available from
Wellbeing Suffolk and, if you need to talk, Suffolk has a 24/7 mental health support
line, First Response, meaning you can speak to someone anytime on 0808 196
3494.”
Support is still in place for anyone who is struggling with emotional or physical
wellbeing due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The Covid Hub acts as a
gateway to local services which can provide support for a range of issues related to
emotional and physical wellbeing. If you need ideas on how to look after your and
your family’s mental health and wellbeing, visit COVID-19 information hub at
healthysuffolk.org.uk/covidhub.
Stuart Keeble, Director of Public Health, said:
“As we head into the colder months of the year, faced with ongoing restrictions on
our daily lives in the effort to control the Coronavirus pandemic and save lives, it is
vital that we take steps to look after our physical and emotional wellbeing.
“This year has brought new challenges; we have all needed to adapt to a new
‘normal’. We must remember that this is a marathon and not a sprint and small
changes to our daily routine can help us to feel better and more able to cope with an
ever-changing environment.
“If you, or anyone you know is struggling, please remember that support is still
available. Visit the Covid Hub to find the right help for you.”
Initial report published about SEND services during the
COVID-19 pandemic following Ofsted and CQC visits to
local authorities
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SCC Report December 2020
On 23 November, an initial report was published by Ofsted and the Care Quality
Commission (CQC) on the support for children and young people with Special
Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Suffolk was visited by Ofsted and the CQC in October, as one of eighteen local
authorities taking part in the study. The purpose of the visits is for Ofsted and the
CQC to gather evidence to inform future national improvements for children and
young people with SEND across Education, Health and Care. This was not an
inspection of Suffolk County Council or Health Services.
The overall aim of these visits was to:
• Support the local area to understand the impact of the pandemic on children
and young people with SEND and their families.
• Find out what has worked well for children and young people during this time,
what the challenges have been, and what lessons have been learned.
• Work with the local area to identify opportunities for improvement that address
the challenges faced by children and young people with SEND.
• Highlight best practice case studies and share insights nationally to promote
whole system learning.
The voices of children, young people and families were gathered through case
studies and via a survey. Ofsted and the CQC also spoke to the education health
and care professionals who work with young people with SEND.
Mary Evans Cabinet Member for Children’s Services Education and Skills said:
“The Covid-19 pandemic has brought about challenges for everyone, but for children
and young people with SEND it has been a particularly difficult time.
“SCC’s SEND team and colleagues from across the system, including Suffolk Parent
Carer Network, have worked tirelessly to support families during this uncertain time
and I would like to thank them for their hard work.
“We were pleased to take part in the visit and share what we have learnt over this
time. The findings of the report will help us to understand the impact of the COVID-
19 pandemic on children and young people with SEND across the UK and identify
opportunities for improvement.”
Ofsted and the CQC provided the local area with a letter that summarises the visit
and provides more detail on the specific information shared with the visiting team; it
reflects the Suffolk response during the pandemic. Read Area SEND interim visit –
Suffolk letter here (PDF, 148KB).
Suffolk was part of the first six visits which took place in October. Read the overall
report from the first six areas visited here.
A national report will be published in spring 2021, reporting the learning from visits
across all eighteen areas.
Investing in Suffolk Trade as UK exits EU
As the end of the UK’s transition period for exiting the EU draws closer, Suffolk’s
Public Sector Leaders (SPSL) continue to pay close attention to progress.
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As part of their meeting on 20 November, SPSL heard more about how Suffolk is
preparing and proactively planning to support future economic growth by
strengthening Suffolk’s trade offer.
Throughout the transition period, which began when the UK left the EU on 31
January 2020, SPSL have maintained a keen focus on local issues through the work
of the county’s Brexit Task Group, which was set up to understand and plan for the
support and potential mitigation local businesses and residents may need.
As part of this, on 20 November, SPSL agreed to invest £490,000 over the next
three years to support the continued strategic growth of Suffolk’s economy and
business community, and to support future local and regional business interests.
The money will be used by Suffolk Chamber of Commerce to strengthen Suffolk’s
trade offer as Trade Advisors proactively represent the interests of Suffolk’s
businesses and communities by showcasing local products and services. They will
also identify, encourage and foster relationships with EU businesses, provide tailored
advice and support to Suffolk businesses looking to enter international markets, and
protect local business interests which need to operate under the new rules following
the UK’s exit from the EU.
The Suffolk Trade team will comprise the two existing Trade Advisors who were
recruited to support Suffolk’s efforts in March 2019, when Suffolk Public Sector
Leaders agreed to invest £243,600 as part of Suffolk’s allocation of Government
funding. The latest round of funding will enable the extension of these Advisor roles
through to 2023.
The £490,000 is made up from the following amounts:
• £350,000 to be used from the Suffolk Public Sector Leaders’ pooled business
rates budget.
• £140,000 to be used from Suffolk’s allocation of the Government’s Brexit
funding.
As well as covering the employment costs for two Advisors, this funding will in time
be used to recruit a further member of the Suffolk Trade team and will cover
operational costs for communications, events and web-based information that will be
used by the team to support local businesses and foster relationships with
international markets.
Councillor Matthew Hicks, Chair of Suffolk Public Sector Leaders Group, said:
“This is an investment in the future prosperity of Suffolk’s economy and our
communities. Its benefits will stretch far beyond Suffolk’s boundaries, supporting
business supply chains that cover the rest of the UK. The ambition of Suffolk Public
Sector Leaders has always been to work collaboratively to minimise the risks posed
by the EU exit and maximise the opportunities presented by the change in
relationship with international markets.
“As the EU Exit transition period ends, the UK’s relationship with the EU will change
and it is natural for many of us to feel a degree of anxiety and uncertainty. The
Suffolk Trade team will continue the great work of the existing Trade Advisors,
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SCC Report December 2020
demonstrating the importance that Suffolk Public Sector Leaders places on
maintaining a buoyant local economy and ensuring Suffolk businesses are best
placed to drive inclusive growth, which is a key aspect of Suffolk’s COVID-19
recovery plan.
“The progress of this service will be reported back to Suffolk Public Sector Leaders
on a regular basis to ensure the resources are being used in the most effective way
to support businesses and communities across Suffolk. In the longer term, we hope
to see the return on investment reflected in the levels of new inbound and outbound
investment and business across the eastern region and in Suffolk. This includes
growth in employment and skills.”
Chief Executive of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, John Dugmore, said:
“We are delighted to be working alongside Suffolk Public Sector Leaders and, at a
time when business confidence is at a historic low because of COVID-19 and EU
withdrawal, this opportunity will help our trade team promote and enhance Suffolk’s
offer to the world, drive growth and investment, and help our businesses navigate
the new norms ahead.
“Thanks to the work of the Chamber’s Trade Advisors, Suffolk businesses feel more
prepared for EU withdrawal having had access to further information, advice and
strategic counsel. As part of the 53 accredited chambers in the UK, but also 60
chambers worldwide, we have the links to help Suffolk businesses grow on the
international stage and help the county recover from the crippling effects of COVID-
19.
“Our research to date indicates that Suffolk exports nearly half a billion pounds per
annum and it is therefore vital that we continue to support businesses post 1
st
January. Key issues will include the UK’s new border operating model, supply-chain
resilience, access to new markets, and arrangements with freight forwarders and
those in the logistics/shipping industries. Our offer will now be expanded to build
long-term capacity and support our many businesses looking to grow and reap the
benefits of future trade agreements.”
Suffolk County Council delivers its largest digital care
support project in record time
Suffolk County Council has successfully delivered the largest digital care project in
its history – from procurement to delivery in just 16 weeks.
Working alongside care technology specialists, Alcove and Rethink Partners, the
council delivered over 750 Carephone devices to elderly and vulnerable people, both
in and outside of formal care settings, to help them, their families and care providers
stay in touch during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Carephone service is provided through the Alcove Video Carephone, a simple
communication device that allows people with little or no technological ability to have
two-way video contact with care workers, family members and other approved
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service providers. The project also delivered comprehensive training to both the user
and their care providers on how to get the most use from this new technology.
Real life success stories from the project include one from Jeni, an 83-year-old
retired teacher who lives in Bury St Edmunds.
Speaking about her experience using her new Carephone, Jeni said:
“The other day it was such a thrill as my niece showed me her granddaughter – who
is just over a year old. She walked straight across the room and I saw her on the
screen. It was really lovely to see her. It was the first time she had walked, and they
gave me a call straight away so I could see her do it. I have only ever seen her in
person once before, so it was such a pleasure.”
This technology is helping to keep families connected, easing the pain of separation
that all families have felt at some point since the pandemic started. It also provides
essential welfare reassurance for the family and is helping to reduce incidents of
poor mental health on both sides of the call. There are indications that this
technology can have a positive, measurable impact on loneliness in older and
vulnerable people.
The technology has also helped maintain and enhance the communication between
care giver and care receiver. The benefits of this project continue to be felt and have
provided clear insight into using this technology to improve care outcomes,
especially over the coming winter.
Speaking about the success of the project and the potential for the future,
Councillor Rebecca Hopfensperger, Cabinet Member for Adult Care said:
“The challenges of this global pandemic have been felt hardest by our vulnerable
and elderly communities. Whilst those that need face-to-face care have of course
continued to receive that level of care, this kind of digital enablement project is
absolutely vital for the future of care delivery across the UK. We must not
underestimate the positive benefits of just being able to speak to family members,
care givers, and support networks when needed. Maintaining real connections with
others is so vital for the mental and emotional wellbeing of residents and their
families. I hope we will continue to see initiatives like this, and I am pleased the
Carephone project is already having a positive impact.
I want to thank all those people who have been involved in this success story for
Suffolk. Especially our tirelessly committed social care staff, care providers, Alcove
and Rethink Partners, and voluntary and health partners.”
Download the infographic that explains how the Suffolk Virtual Care Response
Service is being delivered (PDF, 1MB)
Ipswich fire station completes temporary relocation
On 12 November, Princes Street Fire Station in Ipswich completed its temporary
relocation to the Army Reserve Centre on Yarmouth Road.
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The move is due to the refurbishments and improvements being made at Princes St,
which will see Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service and Suffolk Constabulary share a
new blue light hub in about a year’s time.
Group Commander Nigel Vincent from Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, said:
“I want to reassure people that the temporary fire station will be fully functional, with
no loss of fire cover for the residents of Ipswich or the surrounding communities that
the station presently serves.
“We have suitable bays to house the fire appliances and a new temporary building
has been constructed in the drill yard to accommodate the crews.
“We’re grateful to our colleagues at the Army Reserve Centre for being so
accommodating and cooperative. I’d also like to thank those who live nearby for their
understanding during the temporary arrangements. We have all been working hard
to ensure the new arrangements will have little or no negative impact on local
residents and the community.”
Councillor Richard Rout, Cabinet Member for Environment and Public
Protection at Suffolk County Council, said:
“The Princes St refurbishment is an exciting project and will give our crews and
Police colleagues a modern base to work from. We already have 16 stations across
Suffolk, where Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service share facilities with Suffolk
Constabulary or East of England Ambulance Service, and there are further
collaborations planned.
“These partnerships enable us all to deliver savings on the cost of running multiple
buildings, but also allow emergency services to work even more closely together in
supporting and engaging with their local communities.”
Home, But Not Alone phoneline goes live again
The Home, But Not Alone free phoneline, which supports vulnerable people in our
communities who may be struggling with the impact of Coronavirus, went live again
on 3 November.
The service was paused in August because of low demand and the lifting of Covid-
19 restrictions. However, after the announcement of the second national lockdown,
the service is up and running again.
Chrissie Geeson, Chair of the Collaborative Communities Covid-19 Board and
Head of Localities and Partnerships at Suffolk County Council, said:
“The phoneline was absolutely vital during the first lockdown and it is only right that
the same support is on offer.
“The phoneline helped thousands of people and families, who often didn’t have a
network of family or friends to call upon, access emergency support such as food
and medicine deliveries and befriending schemes.”
The telephone number is freephone 0800 876 6926 and is staffed from 9am to 5pm
Monday to Friday.
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This Home, But Not Alone phoneline complements The Suffolk Advice and Support
Service phoneline (0800 068 3131) which helps those with debt, benefits,
employment, or housing worries. This phoneline, also delivered by the Collaborative
Communities Covid-19 Board, is staffed by the Citizens Advice Suffolk Alliance,
which includes the eight Citizens Advice Bureaus across Suffolk, and Anglia Care
Trust and Ipswich Housing Action Group.
Call handlers use resources and information from across many Suffolk organisations
and specialist providers, which are tailored to individual needs.
Suffolk’s SEND Service celebrate winning prestigious
national award
Suffolk’s special educational needs and disability service (SEND) has won a
prestigious national award at this year’s Nasen awards.
Nasen is a charity that supports and champions those working with, and for, children
and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and
learning differences. Each year, Nasen hosts an annual awards campaign, which
looks to celebrate the achievements of individuals and organisations within the
SEND sector.
Suffolk’s special educational needs and disability service won the David Ryan
Publication Award, which recognises an innovative publication (including e-
publications) that have had a positive impact on children and young people with
SEND.
Suffolk won the award for the Suffolk SEND 16+ Transitions Guide. The guide, which
was initially created in 2019, was developed to support young people aged 14-19
years to plan a successful journey towards adulthood. It was created following
feedback from families of children with SEND, who said planning for adulthood was
an extremely challenging and bewildering time.
Developed with the support and input of SEND Young Persons Network, the Suffolk
Parent Carer Network, and practitioners across the sector, the guide has been so
successful that in February 2020, edition two was produced and the team are now
looking to offer further guidance through parent-led workshops.
The guide is being distributed to all Suffolk colleges and high schools, including
special schools and PRUs, and is being used by SEND and Inclusion services in
their work with young people. The guide can be found on the Local Offer website.
Julia Ilott, Engagement Hub Manager said:
“Young people told us that they rely on their trusted adults, i.e. family, teachers,
tutors, and support workers, to support them through their transition into adulthood
and that these people need to be well informed about the process. That is why a
clear, understandable guide was needed. Young people also wanted to share their
experiences of transitions in the guide to support other young people and provide
information that would help them to know what to expect. We worked closely with our
Suffolk SEND Young People’s Network and our SEND Champions, who had recently
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SCC Report December 2020
transitioned to college, to create some young people’s pages within the guide
offering their insights and advice.”
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas, hoping you can meet up with family and
friends and A Happy and Peaceful New Year.
Gordon.jones@suffolk.gov.yk 30
th
November 2020
Mbl 07860 208760