| Bristol City Council has issued the following information and advice. __________________________________________________ Halloween competition kicks off a fun and safe celebration Ready for a spooky but safe Halloween? While we want you to have a spooktacular time, we need to celebrate at home this year to help control the spread of coronavirus. It is strongly advised that you and your families avoid trick or treating to minimise the risk of transmission. There are plenty of ways you can have fun at home, from pumpkin carving to watching scary movies. You can also take part in our Halloween Window Display Competition for a chance to win four tickets and a café voucher for Wildlife Photographer of the Year at M Shed. Simply send a photo of your Halloween window displays to wearebristol@bristol.gov.uk with the subject line ‘Halloween Window Competition’. Visit the We Are Bristol Kids webpage for some ‘fang-tastic’ Halloween at home ideas and for more details about the competition. |
| Food vouchers available this half-term We’re making food vouchers available for children who would usually receive free school meals in Bristol this half-term. Vouchers can be collected from local children’s centres or arranged by calling the We Are Bristol helpline.The huge swell in offers of support across the city from businesses and organisations is testament to Bristol being a caring city that recognises the right thing to do. Visit the Bristol City Council website or call the We Are Bristol helpline on 0800 694 0184, open Monday to Friday, 8.30am-5pm to find out more. |
| Safety tips for Bonfire Night We have to do things differently this Bonfire Night but please keep safe by sticking to coronavirus guidelines and advice on firework displays. The widespread cancellation of organised displays is expected to lead to an increase in those held in gardens. If you are planning a display in your garden, follow the Firework Code and keep your loved ones safe. It is also vital people continue to minimise social mixing to stop the spread of the virus, Please remember to: Stick to the ‘Rule of Six’ with those not in your household (or support bubble), both indoors and outdoorsMaintain social distancing – keep two metres apart from those you do not live withWear a face covering in mandatory settings |
| Are you eligible for a Test and Trace £500 payment? If you’ve been asked to self-isolate by the NHS Test and Trace service, you’re unable to work from home and are on a low income, you may be eligible for a payment of £500 by the Test and Trace Support Payment scheme. To be eligible for the scheme you must be:low paid employed or self-employedunable to work from home and will lose income as a resultcurrently receiving Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, income-based Employment and Support Allowance, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Housing Benefit and/or Pension Credit.If you don’t receive one of the benefits, discretionary payments may be available as long as you meet all other criteria. Find out if you are eligible on our website. |
| Getting tested for coronavirus If you have booked a coronavirus test, please ensure you remember the following:Wear a face covering at all timesGo straight to the testing site and straight home after – please do not stop anywhere in-betweenDo not use public transport to attend your test.Anyone who has a new continuous cough, a high temperature or a loss of taste/smell, must self-isolate at home and get tested. If you are not able to get a test straight away, you and your household must stay at home until you get tested and receive your result. You do not need to book a test unless you have symptoms. This will ensure people who need a test can get one. |
| Are you worried about a child or young person? Nationally, we have seen an increase in calls to Childline and our own support services for children seeking support. We understand there has been increased pressure on families during the pandemic as many younger children have had little to no contact with support services. If you are worried that a child or young person may be at risk of harm, or you’re a parent or carer that’s currently struggling, please let us know so we can help. Contact our First Response team on 0117 903 6444, open Monday to Thursday, 8am-5pm and Friday, 8.30am-4.30pm or visit our website for more information. |
| New coronavirus support for businesses and workers Last week the government announced that it will be increasing its support for businesses and workers. The Job Support Scheme, set up to replace furlough from 1 November, ensures workers with reduced hours will still get paid up to two-thirds of their usual salary. Additionally, employees now only need to work 20% of their usual hours to qualify. Find out more here. Self-employed people will now receive two additional government grants if they are unable to trade or have decreased demand due to coronavirus. You can also read more about support available on the government website. |