Coronavirus (COVID-19) latest
This page provides the latest updates on what we are doing as a town council to help tackle the spread of the virus and support the community during this challenging time. We are also pulling together updates from other community groups and services.
Guidance and advice
The government's message is Hands - Face - Space - Fresh air
Coronavirus restrictions remain in place across the country:
- Only socialise indoors with people you live with or who are in your support bubble
- Up to six people or two households can meet outside
- Work from home if you can and minimise travel
- If you have symptoms get a test and stay at home
The coronavirus situation is fast-moving and there is an increasing amount of misinformation online. We would advise following official guidance issued by trusted sources:
Council services
The town council offices are now closed and staff are working from home. You can continue to access our services online or contact us by phone or email.
All council meetings are taking place virtually The agendas for these meetings can be found here.
All other town council services are operating, although some restrictions may be in place where necessary.
Community support
There are various community groups which are helping to support residents. To help you find the right group for your needs, here’s a description of each and how you can contact them.
Lyme Regis Community Support
The group has been set up to provide support to the elderly, vulnerable, self-isolating and others in need. A bank of more than 100 volunteers are covering every street in Lyme Regis. The volunteers can help with:
- Food shopping
- Collecting prescriptions
- Social support, such as a friendly phone call
- Information about other services, such as the food bank and other helplines
Anyone who might need help should have received a postcard through their door from their street volunteer. If you haven’t received one, if you are unsure about what to do, or you have a friend or relative in Lyme Regis who needs support, you can either visit the Facebook page or contact lead coordinator Cheryl Reynolds – 01297 443814 or 07796 074849, cherylreynolds1947@gmail.com
LymeForward Foodbank at The Hub
The food bank team supports members of our community who cannot afford food and/or are experiencing problems in accessing benefits. They work with a number of referral agencies to help people in crisis to access food vouchers and the right services to sort out affordability issues. Trained volunteers offer a warm welcome, guidance and help along with a food bag that will tide people over while they seek further support.
The Hub is open from 10am until 12pm every Wednesday and is set up to provide support and food safely. If people are unable to visit the food Bank because of self-isolation and/or for other reasons please call the food bank team on 01297 441224 or 07955 772314 and leave a message, or email manager@lymeforward.com.
Times are getting tough for people, particularly with the instability brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. Food bank donations are very much needed and can be left at the Co-op in Lyme, Uplyme Stores, and Morgans in Charmouth. If businesses are able to donate and need items to be collected, please contact the food bank team. Donations can also be handed in at The Hub every Monday and Tuesday morning. Financial donations are always gratefully received; please contact the numbers above for further details.
If you can afford to buy food but are unable to go shopping, or arrange a home delivery, Lyme Regis Community Support Group can help (contact details above).
There are more than 20 foodbanks operating in Dorset - the full list is available here.
Help and Care
Help and Care is a Dorset-based organisation which provides a free, confidential helpline for anyone who is feeling unsure of where to go for help and information. They are offering ‘wellness checks’ for people who are vulnerable or isolated.
The organisation can help direct you to relevant supporting bodies if you need help with the following issues:
- Relationships and Domestic Abuse
- Parenting
- Coping with crying babies
- Mental Health
- Keep safe advice for the elderly and vulnerable
- Debt
- Loneliness
- Depression
- Low Mood
- Anxiety
- Relationship issues
- Bereavement
- Clinical issues
Call the helpline on 0303 3030153 (answer phone messages will be answered within 24 hours), or fill in an online form.
Citizens’ Advice Bureau
The Citizens’ Advice Bureau (CAB) provides free, independent and confidential on money, legal, consumer and other problems.
The CAB has a dedicated webpage about issues related to coronavirus, including paying bills, work-related matters, childcare concerns and travelling abroad.
The Bridport and District CAB is the local service and they can be contacted on 03442 451291 or email advice@bridport-cab.org.uk
Dorset Police
There is lots of help available, but it’s important everyone stays safe, whether you are providing or receiving help.
You can receive the latest information about crime, crime prevention advice and information about what’s happening generally in the local area, including any coronavirus related issues, by signing up to Dorset Police’s free community message system, Dorset Alert. For more information and to register, visit www.dorsetalert.co.uk.
Dorset Police also has a dedicated coronavirus section on its website. It includes updates from the Chief Constable, links to relevant public heath websites, updates on the impact to the services offered by Dorset Police, and frequently asked questions.
Age UK
Age UK North, South and West Dorset are providing support for older people relating to loneliness and isolation, they can help access items such as food, cash or medication, and can provide support in the home which is a direct consequence of self-isolation.
To request help, email enquiries@ageuknswd.org.uk or call 01305 269444.