celebrating Volunteer day
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From early March 2020 up to the current day PC19S are working actively to support the community.
The group have been assisting the vulnerable, older and younger community of Porthcawl. At the outset we set up a volunteer force of over 400 volunteers. We thank the community of Porthcawl for actively supporting us in our endeavours. We worked closely with the Medical Centre, BCBC, Porthcawl Town Council, South Wales Police, Chamber of Trade, Local Schools and the business community to develop an holistic strategy to assist everyone. Without the support of many individuals in the community, too many to mention!!!, please view our photos of many of our volunteers and post emoji’s and likes to thank them for their tireless commitment. |
NHS, Social Care & Frontline workers Day...
By Tracy Hill
The Covid 19 global pandemic is unlike anything we have witnessed before in our lifetimes. Whilst there have been devastating loss caused by this pandemic, there has also been humanitarian aid efforts on a scale which has not been witnessed since world war 2.
The 5th July has been designated as a day to celebrate all of those who have worked, cared and volunteered tirelessly since the outbreak began and to also commemorate those who have sadly been taken by this illness.
Porthcawl Town Council and I would like to thank all of those who have gone above and beyond to help others in Porthcawl during this time, to us, you are simply Heroes.
Emergency services, NHS Doctors, Nurses and Staff/ Residential Homes /Neighbours, friends and family.
Town Councillors here today, who have supported this project and set up this very special day.
Mr Kerry Marlow who set up the Covid 19 group delivering Shopping, collections of medications, transporting Vulnerable people to appointments and Befriending, to name but a few ...All done with Volunteers, this project continues into its 16 months.
The Co-op in town and Newton alongside James from Nottage stores came on board at the beginning, making sure our most Vulnerable residents received their essentials delivered to their doors.
Jeff and Fran Dowyer of the High tide and their staff who made over three hundred Christmas lunches for our most vulnerable.
Mrs Bridget Hall, Chamber of trade, representing our Shops and Businesses.
Sgt Dai Rees, who has recently retired from Porthcawl, we wish to thank you for all your support.
Mrs Mandy Sidoli, who with her volunteers baked cakes for the NHS and had a cookbook published,
We thank you.
I hope you will all join me in thanking Janet Poultney Maddy for her Tremendous efforts in working with the local children during lockdown, to produce this piece of artwork, [this Artwork can be found in Griffin Park Playground]. We hope this can be enjoyed for many generations to come. Please can we all join in a round of applause in recognition
That not all Heroes wear Capes, Thank you.
As part of this celebration I asked all local schools to draw a picture of what this day means to them.
This young lady Connie, is our winner and we have made her picture into a flag and takes pride of place in the Park.
The 5th July has been designated as a day to celebrate all of those who have worked, cared and volunteered tirelessly since the outbreak began and to also commemorate those who have sadly been taken by this illness.
Porthcawl Town Council and I would like to thank all of those who have gone above and beyond to help others in Porthcawl during this time, to us, you are simply Heroes.
Emergency services, NHS Doctors, Nurses and Staff/ Residential Homes /Neighbours, friends and family.
Town Councillors here today, who have supported this project and set up this very special day.
Mr Kerry Marlow who set up the Covid 19 group delivering Shopping, collections of medications, transporting Vulnerable people to appointments and Befriending, to name but a few ...All done with Volunteers, this project continues into its 16 months.
The Co-op in town and Newton alongside James from Nottage stores came on board at the beginning, making sure our most Vulnerable residents received their essentials delivered to their doors.
Jeff and Fran Dowyer of the High tide and their staff who made over three hundred Christmas lunches for our most vulnerable.
Mrs Bridget Hall, Chamber of trade, representing our Shops and Businesses.
Sgt Dai Rees, who has recently retired from Porthcawl, we wish to thank you for all your support.
Mrs Mandy Sidoli, who with her volunteers baked cakes for the NHS and had a cookbook published,
We thank you.
I hope you will all join me in thanking Janet Poultney Maddy for her Tremendous efforts in working with the local children during lockdown, to produce this piece of artwork, [this Artwork can be found in Griffin Park Playground]. We hope this can be enjoyed for many generations to come. Please can we all join in a round of applause in recognition
That not all Heroes wear Capes, Thank you.
As part of this celebration I asked all local schools to draw a picture of what this day means to them.
This young lady Connie, is our winner and we have made her picture into a flag and takes pride of place in the Park.
The People
The Posters
The Coop
The Schools
The Pharmacy
The Hi Tide Christmas Lunch
History and development of Porthcawl Covid 19 Strategy Group
In early March 2020 Madeleine Moon and Kerry Marlow arranged a meeting with Porthcawl Medical Centre (Dr Peter Evans and Practice Manager Nicola Willis) regarding issues that would possibly arise over the pandemic. Dr Peter Evans and Nicola Willis were informed that it was planned to formulate a strategy to assist the most vulnerable residents in Porthcawl with prescription and food deliveries. A further meeting was held at All Saints arranged by Canon Philip Masson and other interested groups in Porthcawl. At that meeting the proposed strategy developed by Kerry Marlow was shared.
A Facebook Group, page and website (Porthcawl C19S) were developed by Steven Flett and the initial strategy promoted. Kerry Marlow called open air meeting (With social distancing in place) at the Porthcawl Veterans Hub. All local Facebook pages were contacted with the information requesting interested parties to attend. At that meeting the strategy was proposed and residents attending were asked to volunteer. It was identified that this would be a mammoth task and the town was divided into the political Wards of West Central, East Central, Nottage, Rest Bay and Newton. The strategy examined issues of communication with the public and identified for effective communication that there would need to be an identifiable person in control in each Ward. The following were appointed as Ward Managers –Newton – Eddie Morgan, East Central - Les Tallon Morris, West Central - Tracy Hill, Rest Bay- Mike Clarke and Nottage – Norah Clarke and Treasurer Martyn Owen. Kerry Marlow would liaise with the Leader of Bridgend County Borough Council –Huw David, Porthcawl Medical Centre – Dr Peter Evans, Senior Social Work Manager for older persons – Susan Carlisle and South Wales Police – Sergeant David Rees.
An immediate issue was contacting possible vulnerable residents in Porthcawl. This was agreed with the Porthcawl Medical Centre, South Wales Police, Social Services that they would signposts vulnerable residents to the Group. In addition the Group put out a request to vulnerable residents in the Porthcawl area to register online through the website. Once registered the residents were provided with information on the services available. The objective was to provide reassurance and support. This support included collection of prescriptions, delivery of food and a ‘phone buddy’ system. Concerns had been raised that many vulnerable residents may become isolated, afraid and may suffer from mental health issues. The phone buddy system was developed to keep in regular contact and should any issues arise that it would be signposted to the appropriate public body. As part of that liaison we appointed John Edwards, retired Senior Social Work Manager to assist in supporting the volunteers.
It was identified that many vulnerable residents do not use social media or internet. A comprehensive leaflet was prepared for each Ward identifying the manager as a central point of contact. The objective was to reach out to the whole community to identify our vulnerable residents and additionally to have an identified named person. Concerns at the time were based around a form, which was proposed on national television which provided little detail and was open to criminality. Leaflets were delivered to vulnerable residents throughout Porthcawl.
The volunteers registered online. More than 400 residents volunteered. Kerry Marlow liaised with Wales Council for Voluntary Service (WCVS) over the issues of safeguarding and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Volunteers were asked when registering if they were registered or not. In consultation with WCVS because of the majority of contact with our residents it was not absolutely necessary for DBS checks and with attempting to register 400 at this time, it would not have been feasible for the voluntary work to be undertaken, leaving the vulnerable residents without assistance. WCVS agreed and this was later agreed with Bridgend Association of Voluntary Organisations (BAVO). The volunteers were provided with substantial guidance on their roles, responsibilities and issues of confidentiality. All of this documentation had been developed as part of the initial strategy. Within the first three weeks the website, messenger and telephone calls resulted in over 8500 contacts being made.
Prior to lockdown being announced for the last week of March 2020 it was decided to promote Government guidance. Les Tallon Morris printed vinyl social distance markers for all the shops that required to remain open. In addition signs were erected on entrance roads to Porthcawl and in other prominent places throughout the town. There was continual liaison with South Wales Police over the lockdown and the strategies of PC19S.
Communication between the Senior Management group of Kerry Marlow, Mike Clarke, Norah Clarke,Les Tallon Morris, Tracy Hill and Eddie Morgan was developed by holding meeting over a whatsapp group. This proved difficult initially but soon became proficient in dealing with issues and the development of procedures.
Whatsapp groups were set up in each Ward to communicate with the volunteers for the varying tasks of collecting prescriptions and arranging for delivery of food.
Within the initial few weeks that the workload on the Senior Management team was considerable. Further Ward managers with different roles were appointed to ease the phenomenal workload.
In addition to this workload, the development of PC19S required to be formalised. A constitution was developed and agreed with BAVO. In addition to the constitution the following procedures were developed: Data Protection and Confidentiality policy, Volunteer policy, Phone buddy policy and pharmacy policy.
Working with BAVO the Group were donated a van and car for community use by Bridgend Ford Engine Plant.
A Facebook Group, page and website (Porthcawl C19S) were developed by Steven Flett and the initial strategy promoted. Kerry Marlow called open air meeting (With social distancing in place) at the Porthcawl Veterans Hub. All local Facebook pages were contacted with the information requesting interested parties to attend. At that meeting the strategy was proposed and residents attending were asked to volunteer. It was identified that this would be a mammoth task and the town was divided into the political Wards of West Central, East Central, Nottage, Rest Bay and Newton. The strategy examined issues of communication with the public and identified for effective communication that there would need to be an identifiable person in control in each Ward. The following were appointed as Ward Managers –Newton – Eddie Morgan, East Central - Les Tallon Morris, West Central - Tracy Hill, Rest Bay- Mike Clarke and Nottage – Norah Clarke and Treasurer Martyn Owen. Kerry Marlow would liaise with the Leader of Bridgend County Borough Council –Huw David, Porthcawl Medical Centre – Dr Peter Evans, Senior Social Work Manager for older persons – Susan Carlisle and South Wales Police – Sergeant David Rees.
An immediate issue was contacting possible vulnerable residents in Porthcawl. This was agreed with the Porthcawl Medical Centre, South Wales Police, Social Services that they would signposts vulnerable residents to the Group. In addition the Group put out a request to vulnerable residents in the Porthcawl area to register online through the website. Once registered the residents were provided with information on the services available. The objective was to provide reassurance and support. This support included collection of prescriptions, delivery of food and a ‘phone buddy’ system. Concerns had been raised that many vulnerable residents may become isolated, afraid and may suffer from mental health issues. The phone buddy system was developed to keep in regular contact and should any issues arise that it would be signposted to the appropriate public body. As part of that liaison we appointed John Edwards, retired Senior Social Work Manager to assist in supporting the volunteers.
It was identified that many vulnerable residents do not use social media or internet. A comprehensive leaflet was prepared for each Ward identifying the manager as a central point of contact. The objective was to reach out to the whole community to identify our vulnerable residents and additionally to have an identified named person. Concerns at the time were based around a form, which was proposed on national television which provided little detail and was open to criminality. Leaflets were delivered to vulnerable residents throughout Porthcawl.
The volunteers registered online. More than 400 residents volunteered. Kerry Marlow liaised with Wales Council for Voluntary Service (WCVS) over the issues of safeguarding and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Volunteers were asked when registering if they were registered or not. In consultation with WCVS because of the majority of contact with our residents it was not absolutely necessary for DBS checks and with attempting to register 400 at this time, it would not have been feasible for the voluntary work to be undertaken, leaving the vulnerable residents without assistance. WCVS agreed and this was later agreed with Bridgend Association of Voluntary Organisations (BAVO). The volunteers were provided with substantial guidance on their roles, responsibilities and issues of confidentiality. All of this documentation had been developed as part of the initial strategy. Within the first three weeks the website, messenger and telephone calls resulted in over 8500 contacts being made.
Prior to lockdown being announced for the last week of March 2020 it was decided to promote Government guidance. Les Tallon Morris printed vinyl social distance markers for all the shops that required to remain open. In addition signs were erected on entrance roads to Porthcawl and in other prominent places throughout the town. There was continual liaison with South Wales Police over the lockdown and the strategies of PC19S.
Communication between the Senior Management group of Kerry Marlow, Mike Clarke, Norah Clarke,Les Tallon Morris, Tracy Hill and Eddie Morgan was developed by holding meeting over a whatsapp group. This proved difficult initially but soon became proficient in dealing with issues and the development of procedures.
Whatsapp groups were set up in each Ward to communicate with the volunteers for the varying tasks of collecting prescriptions and arranging for delivery of food.
Within the initial few weeks that the workload on the Senior Management team was considerable. Further Ward managers with different roles were appointed to ease the phenomenal workload.
In addition to this workload, the development of PC19S required to be formalised. A constitution was developed and agreed with BAVO. In addition to the constitution the following procedures were developed: Data Protection and Confidentiality policy, Volunteer policy, Phone buddy policy and pharmacy policy.
Working with BAVO the Group were donated a van and car for community use by Bridgend Ford Engine Plant.
Pharmacy deliverY
In early April 2020 an initial review was conducted over our procedures. At this time we were sending volunteers to collect prescriptions from the four pharmacies situated in Porthcawl. This involved a volunteer queuing at the pharmacy. This was not reducing the footfall or reducing the possibility of spreading the virus. A suggestion by Mike Clarke of a central point was considered and implemented. In consultation with the pharmacies a more efficient system was developed. Sue Butler was appointed as pharmacy manager for the Group. A delivery driver was appointed _Dougie mate’ This involved the collection of the all prescriptions from the pharmacies and delivered to a central point (Porthcawl Veterans Hub). The prescriptions are registered for continuity of service. This system greatly reduced the footfall in the town centre and queues in the pharmacies. During the initial implementation of this strategy the hub was visited on Easter Bank Holiday Monday by Chief Constable Matt Jukes to view the strategy of the group. The Group have continued to deliver prescriptions to the vulnerable and shielded. During that time former Mayor Graham Walter became the delivery driver and since the middle of August, the deliveries have been made by Alex David, Helen Spry, Joy Parish Marilyn Floyd and Vicky Ford.
Food delivery
Many residents in Porthcawl were unable to access online shopping. The main supermarket in Porthcawl is the COOP. The COOP had no online system. In the early stages of the pandemic the Welsh Assembly did not release the name of shielded residents to the big supermarkets which would have allowed them access to online shopping. The Group working with the Older Persons Commissioner for Wales petitioned the Welsh Assembly to change its policy and release the details to the big supermarkets. However by this time slots were only available 3 weeks ahead. Working with the local COOP managers a system was set up whereby vulnerable residents could phone in orders and pay over the phon. To support this strategy the Group had volunteers shopping for the vulnerable residents in both stores in Porthcawl. Using the donated van the Group delivered food from the main store in Porthcawl. The system has been very effective in providing support and reassurance to the vulnerable residents of Porthcawl. This system would not have worked if it not for the commitment of our volunteers who worked in COOP Store New Road and COOP Store Lias Road, Porthcawl. We have had many volunteers involved, Sharon Nelson,Sue Jones, Stuart Jones, Ann Jones,Claire Pownall, Dawn Connor, Christine and Lucy Beale and many more. The COOP Lias Road employed two of the volunteer Group as staff. Two other younger volunteers have part time employment with the COOP in the University town and City.
Simultaneously, Steven Flett (Technical adviser for the Group) working with Nadia Locke ( who had set up Facebook page We Deliver Porthcawl ) developed a page on the website identifying local businesses that would deliver. One of the main stores to engage with the Group was Nottage Stores, Nottage. James Hill, the owner set up an over the phone payment system. As a group we assisted by having volunteers in store to shop and deliver the goods locally. This was essential for vulnerable and shielded residents. The website was developed with a We deliver page. To engage our client group which was in excess of over 800, this information was circulated on Facebook and by a major leaflet drop to the client group. This strategy was to develop and encourage the community to shop locally and support local businesses.
Simultaneously, Steven Flett (Technical adviser for the Group) working with Nadia Locke ( who had set up Facebook page We Deliver Porthcawl ) developed a page on the website identifying local businesses that would deliver. One of the main stores to engage with the Group was Nottage Stores, Nottage. James Hill, the owner set up an over the phone payment system. As a group we assisted by having volunteers in store to shop and deliver the goods locally. This was essential for vulnerable and shielded residents. The website was developed with a We deliver page. To engage our client group which was in excess of over 800, this information was circulated on Facebook and by a major leaflet drop to the client group. This strategy was to develop and encourage the community to shop locally and support local businesses.
Supporting Local Businesses
At the start of the pandemic, Les Tallon Morris visited all the premises allowed to open and the Group supplied signage for social distancing. Further signs were erected supporting the Government policy of Stay Home Stay Safe.
At the end of July 2020 the Group implemented a strategy to support local businesses to re-open. As a group we worked with Porthcawl Town Council, Porthcawl Chamber of Trade and Bridgend County Borough Council. Les Tallon Morris, Steven Flett, Bridget Hayne (Chamber of Trade) and Kerry Marlow visited local businesses supplying, face shields, Social distance markers, Hand sanitiser and Risk Assessment guidance and matrix. They visited more than 90 local premises. To support the vulnerable and shielded to return to shopping locally, the Group provided 3 ply washable face covering to the client group. To promote the shops and businesses the Group (in collaboration with Bridgend County Borough Council, Porthcawl Town Council and Porthcawl Chamber of Trade) supplied a window sticker stating that they were ‘supporting the vulnerable to return to shopping’.
The collaborative work was published on social media and all of the client group were supplied with a handout explaining the process.
At the end of July 2020 the Group implemented a strategy to support local businesses to re-open. As a group we worked with Porthcawl Town Council, Porthcawl Chamber of Trade and Bridgend County Borough Council. Les Tallon Morris, Steven Flett, Bridget Hayne (Chamber of Trade) and Kerry Marlow visited local businesses supplying, face shields, Social distance markers, Hand sanitiser and Risk Assessment guidance and matrix. They visited more than 90 local premises. To support the vulnerable and shielded to return to shopping locally, the Group provided 3 ply washable face covering to the client group. To promote the shops and businesses the Group (in collaboration with Bridgend County Borough Council, Porthcawl Town Council and Porthcawl Chamber of Trade) supplied a window sticker stating that they were ‘supporting the vulnerable to return to shopping’.
The collaborative work was published on social media and all of the client group were supplied with a handout explaining the process.
Supporting Porthcawl Schools
In late July 2020 Kerry Marlow and Steven Flett visited local schools and identified that some children may not be able to return to school in September. These vulnerable children would need to be supported at home and would require the use of computers. A project was implemented requesting for old laptops etc to be donated to the Group. Many laptops were donated, unfortunately, because of the requirements of the schools many could not be used by the schools. Eleven laptops were up graded to the school requirements and donated to Porthcawl Comprehensive School at the beginning of the Autumn Term. The remaining laptops donated have been stripped and parts used to build laptops for use by our older community. We have a further 60 computers for donation in January 2021. Computer equipment has been donated to West Park Primary and Porthcawl Primary. As a group we have been fundraising to upgrade computers for use in schools.
Phone Buddy System
From the outset of the pandemic and the implementation of the Group Strategy each Ward developed a phone buddy system. This was implemented to support the most vulnerable having regular contact. Any issues identified by the volunteers would be forwarded to the Ward Manager. The Group used the experience of retired former Social Work Manager, John Edwards, to provide support and guidance to our volunteers and to link in with Bridgend Social Services Department.
Social Contact system
After 3 months of lockdown the Group implemented a social contact system. Volunteers would phone the client group once a week as social contact. The volunteers would pass onto the management team issues arising. Many appeared minor issues. To the client concerned it was an issue that needed addressing and it provided support and reassurance.
Supporting Porthcawl Medical Centre
From the 21st of September 2020 Porthcawl Medical Centre are undertaking inoculating up to 6000 residents with the flu vaccine. The Group are supporting the Medical Centre with volunteers to manage social distancing etc. Les Tallon Morris, Eddie Morgan and Jane English managed this process.
With the introduction of the Covid vaccination our volunteers have returned to assist in marshaling.
With the introduction of the Covid vaccination our volunteers have returned to assist in marshaling.
ClientsClients could register online through the website. Others contacted Ward Managers through the leaflet drop. Senior Management GroupMeetings are regularly held using Whatsapp and email Ward Management GroupMeetings are regularly held using Whatsapp and email. Ward Managers used google sheets or excel spreadsheets to manage their volunteers and client group. Central registers for the client group were shared with the pharmacy Manager and the relevant pharmacies. COOP GroupCommunication is conducted using a whatsapp group. Pharmacy GroupThe pharmacy group is managed by Sue Butler. Google sheets are used to manage the client group anda whatsapp group to communicate with the delivery drivers. Medical Centre GroupCommunication is conducted using a whatsapp group. |
Summary and conclusion
From the implementation of the initial strategy, additional strategies have been developed, social contact, supporting local businesses, supporting local schools and Porthcawl Medical Centre. The strategy is in continual development. It has been amended and updated to address issues emerging to address issues proactively to provide support and reassurance to the most vulnerable residents in Porthcawl. Since inception, regular meetings and reviews have been conducted to ensure the strategy addresses the emerging issues and reflects on work completed.
Scammers & FrAUDSTERS
Scammers & Fraudsters will be trying very hard to get money out of people in these current times. The best thing you can do is not engage with them and put the phone down. They will sound convincing and may say they are from HMRC, Amazon, BT, Microsoft, BT, Windows. If you have any concerns then contact our tech guy Steven Flett on Steven@ImStuck.co.uk
