New website for #supportDG – Shows all the support organisations registered with #supportDG.
#supportDG
COVID-19 volunteer recruitment in region tops 1100
Over 1100 volunteers have registered with Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway to help if required during the COVID-19 pandemic. The amazing amount continues to grow and volunteers are being placed as and when required. A batch has already been passed to Dumfries and Galloway Council to use in the future. With the large numbers, it is likely that a number of prospective volunteers will not be required but will remain on TSDG’s list until the end of the crisis in case they are. It is clear that the crisis will last months and opportunities will continue to become clearer and available as it progresses. A huge thanks again for thinking of others across Dumfries and Galloway. #staysafe
Message to Volunteers
If you have volunteered directly through Third sector D&G for the volunteer driver hub, being delivered in partnership with Dumfries and Galloway Council. Apologies if you have not been contacted yet regarding your volunteering. You may be aware that the Scottish Government are now involved in conversations about how food parcels are to be supplied and delivered. This has delayed local decisions with regards allocating work to volunteers. If you would like to volunteer in other ways in the meantime please let us know. Thank you for your continued support and patience as systems are developed to meet the needs of this challenging crisis.”
Pensions
Message from D&G re Pensions
We have been made aware about concern within the community regarding access to cash/ pensions, the following information has been received and may be helpful at this time, we will endeavour to keep you updated with any developments
- Pensions payments can be made directly into customers Bank Accounts to avoid the need to come into the Post Office. This can be completed by the customer calling the DWP Helpline on their freephone number 0800 055 6688. This would enable payments from their bank accounts, over the phone via their bank card in shops which would facilitate this and who could deliver their supplies directly to their home. There would still be the issue of the person accessing their cash, but could do so from a cash machine rather than the Post Office.
- Customers can withdraw up to £600 at any one time but if they do wish to increase this amount, they can call the number on the reverse of their Card and arrange to make a large collection amount (known as an Emergency Payment Amount) which would avoid them having to come in again for a longer time.
- The Post Office are also liaising with the DWP to scope out the potential for making double payments for the duration of the Covid 19 situation (similar to the arrangements for Christmas and New Year) to reduce the amount of times they would need to leave the house.
Catering Guide for Volunteers
Food Safety Advice for Community, Voluntary and Third Sector Groups, issued by #SupportDG
School Meals -Information from D&G Council
COVID-19 update – Free School Meals
roviding free school meals and ensuring the welfare and support of our children and young people is a key priority for our council. Due to the ever-changing circumstances of COVID19 we will make sure that a food pack is available to all children and young people who meet the qualifying criteria for free school meals. You must register for this service . This service will be provided every Tuesday and Friday and you can choose to have it delivered to your door or you can collect it from a central pick up point.
Find out more about Free School Meals >
Free School Meals can lead to a large saving each year, parents of primary school children can potentially save £361 and parents of secondary pupils can potentially save £370. You will also be helping your child’s school if you qualify for Free School Meals. Some Scottish Government funding provided directly to schools is linked to the numbers of pupils who are registered as entitled to free school meals.
Qualifying Criteria
Your child will receive free school meals if you are in receipt of the following:
- Income Support
- Job seeker’s Allowance (Income based)
- Employment and Support Allowance (Income based)
- Child Tax Credit on its own, with an annual taxable income of less than £16,105 (subject to change)
- Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit with an annual taxable income of less than £6,900 (subject to change)
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- Universal Credit with a monthly earned income of not more than £610
Process
1. Families in Receipt of Council Tax Reduction
Existing Families in receipt of Free School Meals/Clothing Grant
Families currently receiving Free School Meals/School Clothing Grant that are currently in receipt of Council Tax Reduction, will automatically be reassessed and payments will be issued. This assessment of Free School Meals will also include £134 School Clothing Grant for all eligible children.
If you are still eligible the following year, your award will automatically roll over. You must tell us if there are any changes to your circumstances, you can do this by completing a change in circumstances form, which can be found below.
- Change of parent/carer to be awarded the Clothing Grant
- Change of bank details
- Change of address
- Additional Children
1. Families not currently in receipt of Free School Meals/Clothing Grant.
Auto Enrolment – If you are in receipt of Council Tax Reduction and do not currently have Free School Meals, we will contact you if you meet the qualifying criteria above. This will be an auto award for Free School Meals/Clothing Grants, however, you will have the option to opt out. Please look out for your letter in the post. This assessment of Free School Meals will also include £134 School Clothing Grant for all eligible children.
2. Families not in receipt of Council Tax Reduction
Families that are not in receipt of Council Tax Reduction, will need to submit an application form and also provide proof of benefit each school year as we will be unable to check if you meet the qualifying criteria listed above. You will also need to submit an application form in the below circumstances:
· live out with the region and your child (ren) attends a school within Dumfries and Galloway.
· you are an asylum seeker receiving support under part VI of the Immigration & Asylum Act 1999
- Change of parent/carer to be awarded the Clothing Grant
- Change of bank details
- Change of address
- Additional Children
You must tell us if there are any changes to your circumstances, listed below, you can do this by completing a change in circumstances form, which can be found below.
Apply –
D&G HandyVan (SCIO)
In light of the current situation regarding Covid-19 which we find ourselves dealing with, we as a charity, would like to reiterate that we are here to help all organisations with the discharge of patients from hospitals to free up beds should they be needed. We would reassure the public that our staff are taking every precaution regarding hygiene and cleanliness whilst carrying out their duties.
We are able to supply and fit keysafes (keysafes are chargeable, installation is free) as well as supply and fit grab rails (free of charge), banister rails (client covers cost of materials) within a client’s home. We will also move furniture around the home to accommodate hospital beds or moving a bed from upstairs to downstairs to aid mobility.
We can be contacted on a free phone number – 0800 069 9173 and our office hours are 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.
Keeping Safe – Guidance for Volunteers
https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19
Help Wanted
Help Wanted- Old computers and phones.
Can’t volunteer but still want to help out your community?
Stranraer Resilience Team require equipment to support the on going response to Covid-19
Do you have a (working) old laptop that you no longer use?
Do you have any old pay as you go or sim free mobile phones?
If so please get in touch with the TEAM: (01776) 702928 or email ashley_gallowayactionteam@outlook.com or message Via Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/143766180296523/
PCDT Newsletter No 4
