Updated 6th August 2020
This aim of this page is to pull together links to all the various pieces of information and advice we have received about living through the coronavirus epidemic. While we cannot verify everything we hope it will be a useful resource for Minstead residents and we will update it as and when new or revised information becomes available.
To get the latest follow the Parish Council’s Facebook page
And have a look at our recent eNewsletters by clicking HERE
The main sources of advice and information from the Authorities are:
- From our Government https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
Tells you what you can and cannot do (includes advice about animals)
- From Hampshire County Council https://www.hants.gov.uk/
Services, police and NHS information
- From the New Forest District Council http://www.nfdc.gov.uk/article/15728/Council-Services
Local services including waste disposal and recycling
Keep up to date: add your email address at http://newforest.gov.uk/emails and get information straight to your inbox about how NFDC services are changing as they adapt to Coronavirus. Click NFDC email 4th August 2020 to read the latest about face coverings to be worn in shops, Hampshire Helpline, Health and leisure centres re-opening in August, the Eat Out to Help Out scheme and other important information.
Visit the Lyndhurst Surgery website for the latest about seeking help, how to get advice and the arrangements for appointments.
New Forest National Park Authority https://www.newforestnpa.gov.uk
Mainly about visitor and travel restrictions
- Police
Follow our local police on https://www.facebook.com/NewForestHeartCops/
They have a difficult job, please give them your support if you can.
Click https://www.hampshire.police.uk/ for Hampshire Constabulary. - Health and Safety
HCC’s health and safety policy document provides useful guidance for volunteers who may be visiting people in their homes to provide essential help. It can be read by visiting
https://documents.hants.gov.uk/adultservices/volunteer-guidance-crib-sheets.pdf
- Church Services
All Saints Church is open for private prayer and reflection every Sunday morning from 9am until 11am.We have prepared the church so that all visitors will be safe and there is always someone in the church on Sunday mornings when it is open to give advice.
You can get all the latest news information about services by visiting visit the All Saints page on the website and following All Saints on Facebook.
Visit https://www.newforestparishes.com/ for information across the Benefice and to find out how to follow live services.
- Food and Essential Supplies
Click HERE to see a separate list of suppliers (including hot meals and home deliveries) and supermarket opening times and HERE to get the latest updates from Minstead Parish Council’s Facebook page.
- Help in the Community
If you need help or are able to help in our Minstead Community please contact:
Helen Bennett helenbennettpc@yahoo.com or 07804 046122 or
Esme Briggs esm.briggs@ymail.com or 07791 642032
- Do you need to brush up your digital skills?
The Government website ‘The Skills Toolkit’ is made up of free online courses, tools and resources to help you improve your digital and numeracy skills. The Department for Education has consulted some of the country’s leading educational experts and employers to make up a collection of high quality resources to suit a range of interests and skill levels. Have a look, you do have to scroll through to look at the many options but they’re all free! For further information click https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/find-a-course/the-skills-toolkit
- The Hampshire Helpline 0333 370 4000
This is available seven days a week from 9am-5pm and is for vulnerable people who do not have support from families, friends of their local community and who need urgent assistance with practical issues.
- Support Services
Click Support Services COVID-19 for a list of contact numbers for a variety of charities who will be there for you if you are struggling in any way. You can also contact them is you are concerned about someone you know.
- Voluntary Organisations
Click Go New Forest Weekly update 16 July on the above for general information about what is going on in the New Forest during the current coronavirus crisis. Some of the links do not work (incompetence on the part of the editor!) but you can see them by looking at:
Following the Government’s latest guidance on staying at home, we would ask everyone to avoid non-essential travel. This includes visits to second homes, camp sites, caravan parks, hotels and other guest accommodation, whether for isolation purposes or holidays. People should remain in their primary residence. Please keep up to date with this advice on the gov.uk website.
All pubs, restaurants and cafes in the New Forest are now closed until further notice, however, some are providing takeaway and delivery services, click the above link for more information and to see a list of these businesses. Another useful service that some businesses are currently offering is online shopping – making it easy for you to purchase things you need without having to leave your home.
On line shopping in the New Forest
During COVID-19, non-essential shops have had to lock their doors until further notice, however, many of these shops are still operating online, still giving you the chance to purchase the goods that they sell. Whether its beauty products, locally produced food and drink or fashion you are after, you may be able to find what you need from one of local businesses’ online shops.
Delivery and Takeaway Services in the New Forest
The towns and villages in the New Forest are home so some fantastic takeaways and restaurants that offer takeaway as a daily service, including cuisines from all around the world such as, Indian, Italian, Thai, Chinese and loads more. However, during the COVID-19 period of social distancing and self-isolation, many other businesses across the Forest have made some creative diversifications from their normal business operations and are now offering takeaway and delivery services to local residents, from hot meals to food boxes including fruit, veg, meat, cheese and more. So whether you are unable to get out, or simply want a break from cooking and treat yourself to a meal, you can take advantage of a variety of restaurants and pubs offering a takeaway and delivery service from their menu, and enjoy their delicious food from the comfort of your own home! There are also businesses in the forest who are offering delivery of essential food and drink, including milk, bread, eggs, fruit and vegetables. Click the above link for details of businesses who are offering delivery and takeaway services.
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WE WILL BE UPDATING THIS PAGE AS FURTHER INFORMATION BECOMES AVAILABLE