Author: Lesley Webb

Benefice Newsletter 23rd December 2022

Reminder all refuse collections are one day later this week and next week.

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Stay well and protect your loved ones this Christmas 

Somerset County Council’s Director of Public Health is urging people to take action to prevent the spread of infections within our families and communities, especially as we meet up for Christmas. Group A Strep infections have increased unseasonably both nationally and locally here in Somerset. Just like flu and Covid-19, strep A is a respiratory infection and can be prevented using basic hygiene measures that we can all adopt. 

Professor Trudi Grant said: “For the last two winters, we have all been protecting ourselves against Covid-19 and have changed our behaviours to help make sure we stay infection free. During these two years we have had much lower numbers of cases of other winter respiratory illnesses, such as flu, due to these infection prevention measures. This year, these infection numbers are back to pre-covid19 levels 

“There are simple things we can all do to help combat Group A Strep infections this winter and help prevent the spread of other respiratory infections and diseases.” 

Four simple steps to stop the spread of infections this winter include: 

1.    Let’s keep washing our hands. It sounds so simple but washing your hands with soap and warm water is one of the easiest ways to prevent yourself and others from catching illnesses like flu, norovirus, the common cold and Group A Strep. 

2.    If you are coughing or sneezing, ‘Catch It, Bin It, Kill It’. Use a tissue to cover your mouth and catch the droplets of infection, bin the tissue and then wash your hands. 

3.    If you or your children have a fever and are coughing you are likely to be infectious to others and so we would advise for you to stay at home until the fever passes without medication. This is particularly important if you are visiting older people or those with long term health conditions, who may be more vulnerable to infections.  

4.    Strep A is transmitted by droplets, that can land on surfaces from coughing or transfer to surfaces when touched with contaminated hands. The viruses live on the surface waiting to infect people who come into contact with them e.g bannisters, door handles – cleaning surfaces regularly clear these viruses and prevent onward spread. 

While case numbers are high, parents should be on the lookout for the symptoms of scarlet fever so that appropriate and timely treatment can be given.

 Scarlet fever is usually a mild illness that clears up quickly after a course of antibiotics. It usually starts with a sore throat, headache, fever, nausea and vomiting, followed by a rash that feels like sandpaper to the touch. The rash usually develops after 12 to 48 hours, typically on the chest and stomach first, then rapidly spreading to other parts of the body. 

We have just taken delivery of over 2,000 more NFC devices and lanyards thanks to funding from Bristol Water and Wessex Water in December 2022. The latest devices have QR technology as well as embed NFC chips which will store vital information about the wearer living with dementia to allow them to be offered assistance and re-united with their carer/family member if they become missing or in need of assistance. We have also been able to provide a new lanyard tag which is glow-in-the-dark for increased visibility in low light conditions.

If you have already signed up to the scheme you are welcome to collect one of our new NFC devices by calling into any of our 24 enquiry officers across the force area.

Acting Inspector Stuart King who developed and has lead the scheme on a voluntary basis (pictured) since its creation in 2015 commented “It is great to have been able to develop the NFC devices and increase the variety and options available for free to the public. We provide this service to some of our most vulnerable members of the communities we serve and our feedback has shown that it is helping to safeguard over 2,000 people living with Dementia across Avon and Somerset alone. We have been able to assist a number of other police forces across England, Wales and Scotland to trial or adopt the scheme so if you live outside of Avon and Somerset you may wish to contact your home force”

Attachments:

• free-dementia-safeguarding-scheme-nfc-devices.pdf

Bell ringers

On Tuesday, 20th December, a band of visiting ringers are coming to ring a quarter peal at our church. They will begin around 2.30pm. A quarter peal lasts for about 45 minutes and involves 1020 changes in one method or several. The ringers have been organised by the Reverend Jon Rose, who used to be vicar of Crowcombe and surrounding parishes. He was also the Tower Captain of said village. Being, what I would call ‘professionals’, it will be well worth listening to. During the quarter peal attempt, the church will not be accessible so that the ringers are not disturbed.

Urgent / emergency Road Closure:  Timberscombe To Couple Cross, Cutcombe

Please be aware that we have received a notification of a TTRN (urgent / emergency) road closure at Timberscombe To Couple Cross, Cutcombe which commenced  on 19th December 2022 – 20th December 2022 (12:30 – 23:59) for a total of 2 days.

This will enable Openreach to carry out works to replace two damaged poles and restore customers service. The contractor has indicated that access for Emergency Services through the site  is permitted on this occasion. For any further information about this closure please contact Openreach on 07305 963529, quoting reference: ttro968854WS. Please visit one.network  https://one.network/?tm=132230503 where you will see the map of the affected area (in red), together with the supplied diversion route (in blue). Please note: this diversion route could be subject to change on review.

Benefice Newsletter 16th December 2022

Exmoor Beat Police Newsletter Dec 22

People in Somerset are challenged to ditch the booze and ‘Try Dry’ this January

Just thirty-one days without alcohol can positively impact on health – improving sleep, boosting energy, reducing anxiety, and saving money, to name just a few of the benefits.

That’s why this year, Somerset County Council is encouraging residents and employees to sign up to Dry January and discover the many benefits of going alcohol-free, including the financial, physical, and medical benefits this can bring.

Drinking alcohol is linked to more than 60 health conditions, including liver disease, high blood pressure, depression, and seven types of cancer. Every day in the UK, 20 people die as a result of their drinking.

Alcohol misuse is the biggest risk factor for death, ill-health and disability among 15-49 year-olds in the UK, and the fifth biggest risk factor across all ages. Annually, it is estimated that alcohol costs the NHS £3.5 billion in England alone.

People can download an app to track their units, money and calories saved, plus many more features. Or they can sign up at www.dryjanuary.org.uk for regular support emails with tips and tricks from experts and others taking part.

Cllr Adam Dance, Executive Lead Member for Public Health, Equalities and Diversity said:

“Dry January is a really good opportunity for many people to give their body a chance to recover and feel healthier after the festive period.

“It is far too easy for regular drinking to creep up and turn in to a daily habit, and taking some time out can have a really positive impact on our health and wellbeing. Drinking less has many benefits including improved sleep, better skin and weight loss all while saving money.

“I would encourage everyone to join me in giving Dry January a go, perhaps with family or friends for support, so they can experience these benefits first hand and consider reducing the amount of alcohol they drink in the future.”

With many families put under tremendous strain during Covid-19 and the ongoing challenges with the cost of living crisis, many people have turned to increased drinking. However, as well as the short term benefits, research shows that Dry January can help people to drink more healthily year-round.

If you drink very heavily or regularly Dry January may not be for you, so check with your GP or local alcohol service before you start. Where an individual is experiencing physical symptoms when they stop drinking (which may include but are not limited to: shakes, sweating, restlessness, insomnia, nausea, stomach cramps or hallucinations) they should seek medical help urgently.

The Somerset Drug and Alcohol Service (SDAS) delivered by the charity Turning Point, provides free and confidential support for people wanting to make changes to their relationship with alcohol. For support speak to your GP, call SDAS 0300 303 8788 or visit www.turning-point.co.uk/sdas.