NEWS WARD CoUNCILLoR...

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As I write this article, we are now starting week 7 of restricted movement and for some such as myself with significant underlying health issues this means remaining in your home or garden but venturing no further. This is a challenge particularly if you live alone and it is at times like this that a phone call from a neighbour, relative or a friend is so important. To my knowledge across Mortimer ward, groups of volunteers have set themselves up to deliver shopping, collect prescriptions and phone those who are isolated and I thank those volunteers for all their hard work. It is at times like this when we most appreciate the community, we have around us and those who are continuing to work on the front line to ensure we are looked after.

You will I am sure have seen much in the news about various funding arrangements for small businesses, voluntary sector groups and for those who due to circumstances beyond their control find themselves unable to pay their bills. I felt it therefore important in this article to give you some information on what help is available to you in these difficult times. I hope that most of you who have found yourself in need of some support have already managed to apply for assistance but to ensure that nobody falls through the net, the following may be of use to you.

If you are a small business requiring a grant in order to sustain your company please email smallbusinessgrants@herefordshire.gov.uk. There are a number of business which Herefordshire Council have attempted to contact without success, if you are one of those or know somebody who may not have applied for the grant, I urge you to act.

If you are a voluntary organisation in need of a grant to continue to provide a vital service to your community email dtristram@herefordshire.gov.ukor tel: 01432 260636 if you are a Social Enterprise email elaine.edwards@herefordshire.gov.ukor tel: 01432 383030.

If you are an individual or a family suffering from financial hardship at this time and a Council Tax deferment would help you during this period email benefits@herefordshire.gov.ukor tel: 01432 260000.

I would also like to make a plea on behalf of the NHS. If you have any unwanted medical equipment, please do not hesitate to arrange for a free collection by telephoning 0300 100 0045.

Finally if for some reason you are not aware of the volunteer support in your area and you either want to offer your services as a volunteer or you would like someone to do some shopping or collect a prescription for you, please do not hesitate to contact me at carole.gandy@herefordshire.gov.ukor telephone 01568 780583 and I will happily put you in touch with someone. Similarly, if you have a problem not related to Covid19 which you wish to raise with me, please do not hesitate to contact me. There is still a lot I can do to help from the confines of my home.  Keep Safe Carole