With children at home during this emergency parents will need to keep a close eye on their online activity. It can be hard to know how to talk to your child about online safety. The NSPCC have produced an excellent resource to help parents at https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/

It covers:

Parental controls

Sexting and sending nudes

Talking to your child about online safety

Inappropriate or explicit content

Online games

Livestreaming and online video apps

Online porn

Internet connected devices

Your guide to the latest social apps, networks and games.

 

Sadly, domestic abuse can increase at times when families are at home together.

If you need help you can call the free 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline, in confidence on 0808 2000 247. You can call them at any time.

In an emergency, call 999.

• If you are calling 999 from a mobile phone and you are unable to speak once you are through press 55 and the operator will transfer the call to the relevant police force as an emergency. The police call handler will then ask you a series of simple yes/no questions. If you’re still not able to speak, listen to the instructions you are given so the handler can assess your call and send help. Please note that calling from a mobile does not allow the police to track your location.
• If you are calling from a landline, pressing ‘55’ will not work. If you can’t speak you should stay on the line and the operator will connect you to a police call handler. If you need to put the phone down, the line will stay open for 45 seconds. If you pick it up again during this time and the operator is concerned for your safety, they will put you through to a police call handler. Calling 999 from a landline means the police may be able to retrieve information on your location to send help.

You can also contact the helpline at https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/Contact-us

 

 

If you are in a position to donate money to help those who are less fortunate survive the Coronavirus emergency why not do it today? There have been numerous  scams trying to get your money so please stick to the known and registered charities. I have selected a few suggestions.

1. The first suggestion will cost you nothing. If you purchase BT Sport directly through BT, then you will be granted a two-month bill credit for the service, or the same amount can be donated to the NHS. Go to bt.com and follow my acount.

2. Donate directly to the NHS Covid-19 Urgent Appeal by clicking HERE

3. The National Emergencies Trust (NET) , in partnership with the British Red Cross, has launched a fundraising appeal, to raise and distribute funds to support communities made most vulnerable by the coronavirus outbreak. With your help, they can make a real difference to people in their hour of need.Click HERE to donate. You can also donate by texting APPEAL to 70141 to donate £10 to the National Emergencies Trust Coronavirus appeal.Text cost £10 +1 standard message.

4. Somerset Coronavirus Appeal . Somerset Community Foundation has set up the Coronavirus Response and Recovery Fund with other funders so they can help community organisations in Somerset. If you are able and would like to donate to the Fund, please click HERE.

5. West somerset Food Cupboard are always keen to receive donations of food or money. Donations can be sent via bacs to HSBC Bank, Minehead sort code 40-33-07  Account Number 21469495. give your payment the reference DONATION.

 

 

If you know of anyone in the village that is in financial hardship at the moment then I am more than happy to pick up some food boxes from Alcombe Food Bank if they would like some support – let me know.

Best wishes, Ellie Bishop
Village Agent (Primary Care Network)
Tel: 01823 331222
Mobile: 07985 748910
Email: ellieb@somersetrcc.org.uk