COVID-19 vaccine for over 70's
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Across the borough the vaccine roll out is going really well and the most vulnerable people are continuing to receive their first dose.
The aim is for everyone in the first four priority groups set by the Joint Committee on Vaccines and Immunisations to be offered the vaccine by the middle of this month and our focus is very much on supporting this.
If you know anyone aged 70 or over who hasn’t been vaccinated, they can now book their appointment online. With a recent change to the process within the last few days, they no longer need to wait to be contacted.
In the event that they are not registered with a GP, they can do this from the same booking page at the point of making their appointment.
The process is very straightforward, and they do not even have to have their NHS number to hand to register and book an appointment.
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Calling all workers in Adult Social Care - Priority appointments for vaccinations available until 15 February
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It is really important that all workers in social care get the vaccine so they can safely look after our most vulnerable residents as well as themselves and their colleagues.
By 15 February, all those working in frontline health and social care roles, as well as everyone else in the top four priority groups, should have been offered their first dose of the vaccine.
How to book your vaccine
If you haven’t received a vaccine appointment notification from your employer to book your appointment you should:
- Ask your employer to contact the Adult Social Care team by email at: adultscommissioning@kingston.gov.uk to request an appointment on your behalf
- You will then receive a link through which you can book your vaccine appointment
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Staying safe over February half term
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We are fast approaching February half term. After a very tough winter we are all looking forward to nicer weather and brighter days, but right now we are at a very important moment of the pandemic.
Cases of COVID-19 in Kingston are falling, but not as quickly as we need them to. The next four weeks are critical in our battle to suppress the spread of the virus. We must make sure the sacrifices we have all made in lockdown don’t go to waste.
It remains as important as ever to continue following the rules:
- Stay local - we are still in a national lockdown. Do not travel around the country and don’t mix households
- Continue to follow the rules if you have had a vaccination. This will help prevent the virus from spreading, protecting others and the NHS
- Testing and self-isolation rules remain the same. If you have COVID-19 symptoms, you must start to self-isolate immediately and book a test. Self-isolation should happen for ten days from when you first get symptoms and those in your household must also self-isolate
- Stay vigilant - practice 'Hands, Face, Space' at all times
In such challenging circumstances we all need to be mindful of our mental health. Visit the Every Mind Matters website for online support if you need it.
For more information about keeping safe over February half term
visit the Public Health blog. |
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Our peer advocates share their vaccine experiences
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Our peer advocates (members of staff with a learning disability) at Kingston Council tell us about their experiences of the COVID-19 vaccine, and why they think it's so important.
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Chinese New Year this Friday (12 February 2021)
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In celebration of the Chinese New Year, our Mayor, Cllr Margaret Thompson, sends a message to our Chinese residents offering hope and good fortune:
"The Chinese community contributes a great deal to Kingston. We are very fortunate that so many have made their home here and share their culture, friendship and wonderful cuisine with us.
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"Now that lots of us have had our vaccination (and I am delighted to have had mine - it was a good experience) there is hope for the future.
"I really hope that we will be able to see our friends and families again soon and that in this Chinese Year of the Ox, our lives will become happy and fortunate again. I wish everyone a happy new year and I look forward to seeing everyone again soon."
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National Apprenticeship Week
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This week we have been celebrating our amazing apprentices and highlighting the benefits apprenticeships can offer.
This year's theme is 'Train, Retain and Achieve', celebrating the diversity of opportunity and value that apprenticeships bring, and how they can help individuals and employers build their future.
We offer a wide range of apprenticeship opportunities at Kingston Council, find out more on our website.
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Keeping our children safe
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We need everyone to help protect vulnerable children during this period of national lockdown. With most children remaining at home, those at risk are having much less interaction with local services, Please spare a few minutes to watch this video to recognise some of the signs of abuse and neglect.
You can also visit the Safer Internet website for tips, advice and resources on how to help children and young people stay safe online.
If you are concerned about the safety of a child or see or hear something that doesn't sit right with you call 020 8547 5008 for advice, support and information.
Safeguarding children is everyone’s responsibility #KeepOurChildrenSafe.
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Help us improve our digital services
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We would like to talk with residents, local businesses and organisations about their online experiences with Kingston Council. We conduct research across a range of services in order to learn what our users need and to understand how to deliver services that work for everyone.
If you would like to take part in research to help us improve the website and online services, please complete this short form.
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Community groups benefit from council grants
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Two south of the borough community groups have been awarded £3,000 each following their successful bids for support from the council's Community Grants Programme.
The Friends of RAF Chessington group will be using the funding to continue their work on the Community Woodland Walk Project, building pathways through the park and supporting the redevelopment of the play area.
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The Save the World Club will be using their grant to continue supporting the 'Angels of the Hood', who deliver food to vulnerable residents across the neighbourhood.
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Kingston Race and Equalities Council:
Let's get Kingston Vaccinated
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On Thursday 4 March we will be discussing BAME residents' concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine.
In partnership with Kingston Race and Equalities Council, we will be discussing the importance of vaccination within our communities to keep everyone safe. If you have a question, share it with us via our Google Form.
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Mental health and self-care support for young people
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Check out the Every Mind Matters website for videos and tips on exercise, sleep, school and how to take care of yourself on social media, and find support if you're struggling with your mental health, or you're worried about one of your friends.
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The Warm Homes Better Health service offers energy and water saving advice, as well as referrals for insulation and heating grants to help people stay warm for less.
The service is free if you are aged 65+, or have a long term condition such as diabetes, a disability, or have a low income.
To find out more, get in touch on 0800 118 2327 or email: enquiries@thinkingworks.co.uk.
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Love Kingston, formerly part of Kingston Voluntary Action, recently achieved independent charitable status, establishing the Kingston Charitable Foundation.
The Kingston Charitable Foundation will build on the reputation and heritage of Love Kingston, which has raised funds for - and given out £116,000 in grants to - 53 organisations over the last eight years.
The Foundation will officially launch on 14 February 2021, with some exciting online activities which they would love you to join. Please see a schedule of their events.
The Foundation will also be launching an Urgent COVID-19 Appeal and will be awarding three grants of £500 in March to help small charities that are supporting people in need. Charities are invited to apply for these grants by requesting an application form from: grants@kingstoncf.org.uk.
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View council and committee meetings live on YouTube
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Keep in touch with local issues by watching council meetings as they are streamed live on YouTube.
Each meeting is also recorded and available to watch back on the Council's YouTube channel.
Upcoming committees include:
- Culture, Housing, Environment and Planning
Thursday 11 February at 7:30pm
- Response and Recovery
Tuesday 16 February at 7:30pm
- Scrutiny Panel
Thursday 18 February at 7:30pm
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Six new Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation
(SINCs) proposed for Kingston
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Following an independent review of the borough’s SINCs last year, six additional wildlife areas have been formally recommended to receive SINC status.
SINCs are an important part of our wider nature network and help ensure our most important wildlife sites are protected.
The proposed new SINCs will bring the total number of sites across the borough to 45.
Read more.
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Kingston Libraries granted £9,000 for Reading Friends
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As part of our continuing work to keep residents and communities connected, the new funding will be used to launch a service that allows those who are isolated or at risk of loneliness to benefit from the borough’s library services.
Reading Friends is a national scheme that brings people together to read, share stories, chat and have fun.
Read more.
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Frozen Flora captured in Norbiton ❄️
Thank you to Suzanne Seyghal for sharing this beautiful picture with us.
How do you connect with nature on your daily walk?
Tag us on Twitter or Instagram and include #KingstonNature
or alternatively you can now also share your pictures with us via Let's Talk.
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Get involved: Healthwatch Kingston
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Residents are invited to join Healthwatch Kingston's open meeting on Tuesday 16 February, to find out more about the COVID-19 vaccination programme, the impact of 'long COVID' and much more.
If you are interested in learning more about what we can do to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, join the Time to Change Kingston Champions on Wednesday 17 February from 4-6pm on Zoom (Meeting ID: 851 9743 8288 & Passcode: 729942).
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You can also tune in to 'South London listens' - community listening sessions taking place this month to support a new South London mental health campaign. Many people have been under high amounts of stress and pressure during the pandemic and Healthwatch would like to hear from you.
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The census is coming, and it’s about you.
By taking part, you will help inform decisions about the services you and your community need, like doctors’ surgeries and new schools.
For more information, visit www.census.gov.uk.
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Learn new skills with Microsoft
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Have you ever wanted to become a data analyst, or perhaps you are a data analyst wanting to build on existing skills? Take a look at the data analyst learning path developed by Microsoft and offered free of charge until 31 March 2021. Taught by industry experts over 8 online modules you’ll learn about data visualisation, exploring and describing data, the fundamentals of descriptive and inferential statistics and more.
Microsoft is offering a whole host of resources to support career development, finding a job during challenging economic times, and interview preparation, so if a career in data analysis isn’t for you take a look at our website and see what else is on offer.
Microsoft is also hosting live interactive virtual workshops and training sessions. Interested in growing your business or improving your LinkedIn profile? Do you want to learn about cyber security or introduce your kids to coding?
Browse opportunities for the whole family.
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Free six-week online course for depression and anxiety
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Hope in Depression is a registered charity offering a free six-week online course for people living with or caring for those with depression and anxiety.
The course explores how people can play a part in their own recovery, whether that is through medication, nutrition or simply education about brain chemistry when depressed.
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Participants will join a safe, confidential community of people who understand and relate to how you are feeling and offer relief and hope in the knowledge that you are not alone.
The next course starts on Tuesday 23 February at 7.15pm.
Find out more and register.
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Boom - your local credit union
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However tempting it may be, it’s crucial to stay away from loan sharks and high-interest lenders.
Boom is our local not-for-profit credit union and can help if you need access to fair and affordable loans, savings accounts and prepaid debit cards.
Find out more.
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With so many cases of people across our borough having the virus without any symptoms we are urging all residents to act as if YOU have COVID-19.
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Where to find the latest information and guidance
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