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Warwickshire County Council wish the community a safe and merry Christmas with tips on how to stay safe and the support available.

Christmas is a time to get together with friends and family to celebrate and if 2020 has taught us anything, it’s how important our loved ones are. Warwickshire County Council (WCC) would like to wish Warwickshire residents a happy, but more importantly, safe Christmas and are encouraging residents that the best gift you can give this Christmas, is adhering to COVID-19 guidelines to protect your loved ones, especially those that are vulnerable. 

Transmission of coronavirus most often happens indoors, particularly in poorly ventilated rooms and therefore if you’re planning a traditional family Christmas, you are at a higher risk. The best way to stay as safe as possible is to celebrate Christmas inside your own home and speak to loved ones virtually or socially distanced outdoors. 

The pandemic means that Christmas won’t look exactly the same as it usually does, but there are still ways you can get creative and find some new ways to celebrate—some of your ideas may be so good you’ll make some new traditions along the way! Spread some happiness where you can, bake some treats for friends and neighbours, arrange a virtual call with extended family or arrange a socially distanced walk with an old friend. 

If the thought of spending Christmas without particular loved ones is too difficult and you do decide  to bubble with up to two other households on 25 December, the county council are providing the following tips to stay as safe as possible: 

  • Keep your distance indoors from other households 
  • Wear a mask when you’re not eating and drinking, particularly if you’re celebrating Christmas with any vulnerable members of your family 
  • Although it’s cold, consider opening some windows to help ventilate your home 
  • Isolate as much as possible in the ten days leading up to Christmas so you have a lower chance of spreading the virus 
  • Try and refrain from sharing food 
  • Wash your hands regularly 

During the holidays it’s also important to think about any relatives, elderly neighbours and anyone else who might struggle at this time of year. For anyone in need of support, make sure they are safe and well, their house is warm enough and they have plenty of food and medicine to cover the Christmas period. 

There are other things you can do this Christmas to stay as safe as possible. Let the celebrations commence but throughout the holidays make sure you drink safely, and you know your limits. If you are driving home for Christmas, think about some of the safety checks before you set off:  

  1. Check your tyre pressure and make sure your lights are all working before you set off 
  2. If you are driving a long distance to bubble with another household, make sure you have a full tank of petrol 
  3. Check your fluids are topped up to the correct level, including oil, anti-freeze and water 
  4. Don't drink and drive 

It’s also important to think about fire safety. There are lots of ways you can reduce the risk of a fire in your home: 

  • Don’t overload plug sockets with fairly lights and make sure you switch them off before going to bed 
  • Test your smoke alarms regularly, particularly before you start cooking and have any guests over 
  • Don’t leave cooking unattended and although it’s tempting, don’t drink too much whilst you’re cooking! 
  • If you’re lighting candles, keep them clear of other objects, don’t leave them unattended and blow them out before you go to bed 
  • Know your escape route in the event of a fire, and make sure your bubble knows too 

Taking just a few simple steps can save lives. 

Cllr Les Caborn, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health said:  

“With recent news of the COVID-19 vaccine, lighter and brighter times do lie ahead in 2021 however we’re not there yet.  

“The best Christmas gift you can give this year is adhering to COVID-19 guidelines and protecting your loved ones, particularly those that are most vulnerable. We are so nearly there, so don’t stop protecting others. 

“It’s been an extraordinary year and it’s been tough on everyone, but some more than others. Look after your health and wellbeing, think about those around you, check on any vulnerable neighbours and make sure they’re okay.” 

For more information on having the safest possible Christmas follow WCC on Facebook and Twitter for more tips using #StaySafeThisChristmas.  

For the latest guidance on COVID-19 visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus  

 

WCC’s Christmas Directory of Services  

Alcohol and Drugs Support

Carers 

  • A big thank you this year goes to our carers for their dedication to caring for others.  One in ten Warwickshire residents (around 60,000) are caring for family, loved ones or friends who could not cope without their help. If you’re a carer struggling to cope over the festive season and beyond, visit: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/carers to find out more. 

Child Accident Prevention 

  • When buying toys check that they are age-appropriate and comply with UK safety trading standards and beware of small items that could present a choking hazard for young children. All toys which meet the Toy Safety Regulations 1995 will carry the CE symbol. The number of dangerous toys sold online is increasing. Dangers can include magnets that can burn the gut if swallowed, small parts that can choke or suffocate and long cords which can strangle a child. For more advice on how to keep your little ones safe over Christmas visit the Child Accident Prevention Trust website

Domestic Abuse 

  • For some people, staying at home more due to COVID-19 restrictions can mean they are at greater risk of suffering abuse. Remember you are not alone. Help is at hand and support services are available.  For help, visit the councils Domestic Abuse webpage.
  • If you are in immediate danger, call the police on 999. 

Family support  

  • The festive season can be fun for families but it can also bring stress. For support over the holidays on a variety of issues, such as family relationships, housing, parenting support, childcare, health and wellbeing and much more, contact the Family Information Service by visiting www.warwickshire.gov.uk/childrenandfamilies or calling 01926 742274 

Fire Safety 

  • Everyone loves Chestnuts Roasting on the Fire but keep safe and reduce the risk of a fire in your home with these top 12 tips

Mental Health 

  • Christmas is a time for celebration with family and friends but for people struggling with life, feelings of loneliness can intensify. If you or someone you know finds this time of year tough visit https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters for advice and support on mental wellbeing, anxiety, and stress. 

Money Matters  

  • If you are worried about money or debt this Christmas, don’t panic, there is free help and advice available. The earlier you seek advice, the sooner you can worry less about your money situation. You can find a number of organisations offering free online debt advice here: https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/moneyanddebt  
  • The Warwickshire Local Welfare Scheme helps our most vulnerable residents at times of unavoidable crisis when they have no other means of help. To enquire or to apply for support, visit https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/localwelfarescheme or call the Local Welfare Scheme on 0800 408 1448 or 01926 359182. 

Safeguarding 

  • Everyone has a responsibility to safeguard children and young people. If you have a concern about a child’s safety call the council helpline on 01926 414144. If a child is in immediate danger call the police on 999. 

Scams and faulty goods 

  • As we approach the festive season many shoppers head online for bargains but beware of cyber scams and only use trusted websites. For more advice on how to stay safe online visit: https://www.cybersafewarwickshire.com/ 

 

Published: 15th December 2020

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