Project: Covid-19
Project Aims:
The purpose of this Working Group is to develop initiatives aimed at supporting residents during the COVID pandemic. It is intended for Hartford residents who are in need of help. Recipients must be a Hartford resident, i.e., living within the Hartford boundary and paying Council Tax (directly or via support services). Businesses based in Hartford can also be supported.
That it is to be used to support needs that arise primarily from the pandemic.
Project Team:
Parish Councillors
Robin Hunter; Jane Taylor; Olivia Newey; with advice from Rita Hollins
Hartford Parish Council Clerk
Hazel Catt
CWaC Councillor
Patricia Parkes
Neighbourhood watch & Homeinstead
Gil Martin
Hartford Business Community
Michelle Phelps
Snow Angels
Holly Thompson, Emma Burrows
Making Space (Carer Support)
Haley GaylardRees
Project Location:
Hartford Parish
- Parish wide initiative
Project Details:
The aim of the group is to provide support to Hartford residents and businesses to cope with the current Covid-19 pandemic. Specifically, Home support for children in respect of home learning and isolation. Assistance to all residents in need to help with isolation & mental health. General home support in respect of lockdown such as obtaining prescriptions and shopping. Hartford business support regarding encouraging residents to use local businesses.
Barriers to progress:
- Identification of residents and businesses needing assistance.
- Unable to access information from possible sources due to GDPR.
- Delivery of assistance with social distancing.
Project Progress:
Key activity’s:
Start Date: January 2021
Estimated completion date: Unknown at this stage.
Status: Ongoing
- 11th January 2021: Hartford Parish Full council virtual meeting appoints councillors to the group and approve an initial allocation of finance for use before the next meeting of full council.
- 15th January 2021: Initial virtual working group meeting to appoint Chair, agree terms of reference and to discuss ideas.
- 19th January 2021: Virtual working Group meeting, welcome representatives from Snow Angels and CWaC Councillor Parkes to the group further discussion of ideas and possible delivery methods.
- W/C 24th January 2021: 40 Tablet computers and protective covers supplied to Hartford schools for issue to pupils without equipment to participate in on-line learning.
- 26th January 2021: Virtual working group meeting to finalise an action plan to put before Full council meeting for approval and funding.
- 8th February 2021: Chair of the working group presented the action plan to council for approval. Carried
- 9th February 2021: Virtual working group meeting welcomed Haley GaylandRees to the group representing “Making Space” carers assistance. Then to progress the action plan now funding has been approved.
- 12th February 2021: 6 Tablets have been procured to be issued to the Alzheimer’s Society for issue to Hartford residents to take part in their group activities (such as “Singing for the Brain”) and communication exercises.
- 12th February 2021: Procured 10 Sensory Tents to assist families with children with extra support needs.
- 18/02/21 : Sensory tents collected for distribution to Hartford Residents by “Tiny Steps”
- 19/02/21: Activity books received donated by HomeInstead for inclusion in the Activity packs.
- W/C 21/02/21: Leaflet providing support details for residents issued with Hartford Life
- 22/02/21: 6 Computer tablets collected for distribution to Hartford Residents by The Alzheimer’s Society.
- 23/02/21: Virtual working group meeting held to discuss:-
- Compilation and distribution of a local business directory.
- Home activity packs for both children and adults who are isolated.
- The practicality and Costs involved in possibly developing a Hartford Business Website with on-line ordering capability.
The members of the working group are continuing to obtaining further information (particularly in the business community) to enable more of the action plan to be initiated.