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Weekly News 235

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This week’s news from around the Council.

 

Councillor Brian Edwards MBE
On Tuesday 7 September a large gathering paid their respects to the Leader of the Council, who sadly passed away on 13 August 2021.

During the day there were tributes and reflections on his life, service, and his dedication to public office. One of his proudest moments was receiving the MBE for Services to the Community in 2015.

Brian would often comment on how proud he was to be the Leader of South Staffordshire Council and how he appreciated and felt privileged to work with such dedicated Members, staff and partners serving South Staffordshire communities.

Brian’s legacy will continue with the ongoing success of i54 South Staffordshire, the Community Hub, the Council’s enterprise developments and the continuing dedication to providing high-quality services to our communities that he was so very proud to have Led for the last 16 years.

Councillor Reg Williams

On Monday 6 September, Members, officers, and friends gathered to also pay respects to Reg who sadly passed away on 5 August 2021.

Reg was a long-standing Elected Member and was first elected to the Council in 1995 and over the years had been involved in almost every committee of this Council and in 2001/02 served as Chairman of the Council. He will be greatly missed.

Council News

  • Next week’s Council Committee meetings
    • Council – Tuesday 14 September at 7:00pm
    • Licensing & Regulatory Committee – Thursday 16 September at 2:30pm

Members of the public can virtually attend meetings via Microsoft Teams – a link can be found in the News Item section at the bottom of the Council’s website.

Partnership updates

  • Waste Savvy Staffs

This is a council campaign to reduce waste in Staffordshire by focussing on the core principles of reduce, reuse and recycle, including composting, food waste reduction, Repair Cafes and recycling advice.

Volunteers are raising awareness through stands at events, talks, and workshops with both adults and children, and supporting schools, colleges, and universities. If you would like more information about being a volunteer for Waste Savvy Staffs or to access the support of the volunteers for your event, organisation or community group, email Rob Whitehouse at rwhitehouse@gardenorganic.org.uk.

You can also find information on how to reduce food waste, compost waste and find your nearest recycling centre by visiting their website or join their Facebook page by searching for Waste Savvy Staffs. As a bonus, Staffordshire residents can get a discounted compost bin. To apply for a compost bin at a discounted price, click here.

  • National recruitment process launched for the Integrated Care Board

Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) are seen by NHS leaders as the future of health and care integration in England. As the health and care system in England enters this pivotal time in its history, they are looking to recruit Chief Executives who will provide collaborative, executive leadership of their Integrated Care System Boards. This is an exciting time for NHS health and care in the UK and successful candidates will be key in helping to shape its future. There are 42 NHS Integrated Care Board Chief Executive Designate roles being advertised.

More information can be found here.

  • Public Health England

This year marks the 10-year anniversary of Stoptober. To celebrate this milestone, they want to highlight the inspiring and successful stories from all those who have given up smoking over the course of these years.

They would love to hear from anyone who would like to share their story of quitting smoking in the last 10 years.

If you would be happy to share your story to encourage people to make their quit attempt, please get in touch at betterhealth@phe.gov.uk

Covid-19 Update

  • Vaccinations for Young People

Ensuring that young people are fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus has benefits for the whole community. Missing education can have a big impact on a young person’s education and, potentially, on their future options. Getting vaccinated reduces the risk of being seriously ill and suffering long covid effects.

Research has also shown that the emotional and mental health wellbeing of young people has suffered greatly through the pandemic. This has been largely because of the impact of lockdowns on socialising, but other factors have been the lack of access to services during the pandemic and experiencing the impact of Covid-19 on parents, family life and friends. To avoid further lockdowns the NHS is asking parents, community leaders and Councillors to encourage young people to take up their vaccination offer.

Young people are also more likely to be asymptomatic and, unwittingly spread the virus to older, more vulnerable relatives.

  • Vaccinations for Over 12s who are severely immunosuppressed

It has been approved by the JCVI that this group of people are to get a third COVID-19 vaccine dose. Research shows that around 40% of people in this group had a low antibody response and therefore potentially less protection, after two vaccine doses. As they are more likely to become seriously ill if they do catch COVID-19, the JCVI decided on balance, that an additional dose can be given safely. People in this group should wait to be invited for vaccination by their GPs.

  • A ‘Covid Pass’ scam

A scam offering people the chance to apply for a COVID-19 pass, is doing the rounds. Please remind residents that an individual’s covid vaccination status is on the NHS App and is not applied for.

Helpful Resources

A range of on-going support resources are now accessible from South Staffordshire Councils Website which will be added to regularly:

  • Adults

Click here to find Support Resources for Adults

Including – Mental health, dementia, loneliness, domestic abuse, carer support, Parkinson’s, drug misuse.

  • Children and Young People

Click here to find Support Resources for Children & Young People

Including – Family Support, keeping children safe, keeping children safe online, keeping babies safe, Teen mental health.