Dunster Benefice Newsletter 3rd December 2021
SWT Council Business Bulletins
Timberscombe school Friday News 03.12.21
Somerset Covid-19 Weekly Update 03 December
Omicron Variant
With effect from 30 November, the Prime Minister has confirmed new temporary
and precautionary measures following the emergence of the Omicron variant in
the UK.
The Omicron variant contains a large number of spike protein mutations as well
as mutations in other parts of the viral genome. Urgent work is ongoing
internationally to fully understand how these mutations may change the
behaviour of the virus with regards to vaccines, treatments and transmissibility.
Vaccines remain the best line of defence. Experts remain confident that the
current vaccines will provide protection against the new variant, but the extent of
this continues to be investigated.
Somerset Community Foundation (SCF) Surviving Winter Appeal
Somerset Community Foundation (SCF) has launched this year’s Surviving Winter
appeal, which encourages people who can afford it to donate some or all of their
Winter Fuel Payment to help vulnerable older people in Somerset who are unable to
afford to heat their homes to stay warm and well.
As we head into winter, rising energy costs mean more of our older neighbours here
in Somerset are forced to choose between heating and eating. This winter will
continue to be difficult and worrying for many in the wake of the coronavirus
outbreak, as many pensioners will need to stay at home to keep themselves safe,
and will find themselves cut off from family and friends, facing higher costs to heat
their homes while becoming even more isolated.
Every year Surviving Winter helps around 500 elderly people living in Somerset
through the cold winter months, thanks to generous local donors who, last year,
donated over £150,000 to the appeal. And this year, the first £15,000 of donations
will be boosted by an incredible 50% thanks to matched funding from the Field
House Trust, meaning your giving makes an even greater impact.
Reminder- Do you need an emergency delivery of fuel?
The CCS Oil Scheme partners AF Affinity have a great scheme where they can
deliver a fast, emergency parcel of fuel to tide you over until you can get a full
delivery! Call them on 01603 881888 between 9am – 4.30pm to order or
email somersetbuying@af-affinity.co.uk.
Need to seek help?
If you, or someone you know are feeling like things are too much, please know that
you / they don’t have to be alone. Here are some numbers of organisations that can
help:
Samaritans – 116 123
CALM – 0800 58 58 58
ChildLine – 0800 1111
Anxiety UK – 03444 775 774
Mind – 0300 123 3393
Somerset Domestic Abuse helpline – 0800 69 49 999
Timberscombe 