Covid-19 News
3 Jul 2020
Near Me: The Scottish Government and NHS Scotland are looking at a secure form of video consulting service that lets people have health and social care appointments from home or wherever is convenient. All you need is a device for making video calls like a smartphone and an internet connection. This service is called Near Me.
The Scottish Government would like to know what people think about this way of having social care and health appointments. To have your say, click here:
Deadline: Friday 24 July 2020.
2 Jul 2020
Provisions to allow children to play outdoors with friends, the introduction of exemptions to the 2 metre physical distancing rule, and mandatory use of face coverings in retail settings from Phase 3 are among measures announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon today.
https://www.gov.scot/news/final-phase-2-measures-confirmed/
27 Jun 2020
Edinburgh University are inviting Lothian residents to join them in building a picture of how the COVID-19 lockdown is affecting our community by participating in "The Lothian Video Diary Project"
• They want people to send in their video or audio diaries. Audio is totally fine if people don’t like video.
• People get £15 for participating. This can be donated to charity.
• All contributions will be kept totally private and anonymous unless someone gives permission to share.
• It doesn’t have to be about all of lockdown, it can just be about one little thing that’s changed, or just the daily routine.
• The findings will inform Government policy.
• The recordings may be stored in the National Records of Scotland as a record of this time (with permission).
https://lothianlockdown.org/participate/
22 Jun 2020
This leaflet explains how householders worried about their fuel bills can access free and impartial support from Home Energy Scotland.
documents/covid-19/hes_help_during_covid_flyer_ble04-03-0520se.pdf
21 Jun 2020
The Midlothian emergency help guide is now online. It will help guide Midlothian residents to sources of support during the COVID-19 crisis; from feeling isolated to running out of food or help with transport to get to a funeral or a GP appointment. There is a pdf version downloadable at the bottom of the webpage and wherever possible we have phone numbers alongside web links and email addresses. This resource is relevant to adults and children.
https://www.midlothian.gov.uk/info/200296/coronavirus/645/support_during_self-isolation
20 Jun 2020
Upcoming bus changes: documents/covid-19/200621-list-of-changes.docx
Lothian Buses changes from Sunday 21 June:
documents/covid-19/200621--lb-timetables.pdf
Service 3 Monday-Friday daytime frequency increased to every 20 minutes.
Service 4 Monday-Saturday daytime frequency increased to every 30 minutes. Introduction of an hourly Sunday daytime service.
Service 31 Monday to Saturday daytime frequency between Bonnyrigg and East Craigs increased to every 20 minutes, with two buses per hour serving Hopefield and one per hour serving Polton Mill.
Service 33 Monday-Friday daytime frequency increased to every 20 minutes.
Service 37 Revised Monday to Friday timetable with additional morning journeys introduced from Penicuik and from Silverknowes.
On Saturday most buses will serve Deanburn, Ladywood will be served by service 47 during the day.
Service 47 Revised Monday to Friday timetable with additional journeys introduced at peak times.
An hourly service will be introduced on Saturday daytime.
Service 48 Monday-Saturday daytime frequency increased to every 30 minutes.
Service 49 Route extended to Fort Kinnaird on all days of the week. On journeys to and from The Fort, buses will no longer access the car park at Asda The Jewel and will continue along Milton Link instead.
Journeys towards Fort Kinnaird will divert via Easter Road due to Tram construction works.
The Monday to Friday daytime frequency between Fort Kinnaird and Sheriffhall is increased to every 20 minutes, with one bus per hour extending to Rosewell.
East Coast Buses changes from Sunday 21 June.
documents/covid-19/200621--ecb-timetables.pdf
EastCoastbuses 140 Route extended to operate between Musselburgh and Penicuik Town Centre on Monday to Saturdays.
Monday-Saturday daytime frequency increased to every 30 minutes.
Borders’ Buses new X62 timetable from Monday 22 June.
documents/covid-19/x62-timetable-22nd-june-2020.pdf
Borders’ Buses have advised that there will be further reinstatements from the following Monday 29 June that will include the 51/52 and 95 services into Midlothian. Details of next weekend’s changes are due to be released midweek.
2 Jun 2020
Folk may be aware of this but a wee reminder doesn't go astray.
In the case of properties being closed during the Corvid-19 Emergency, there is an increased risk of Legionella disease risk to water systems due to stagnation and and lack of use.
The risk is greatest when the water systems are put back to operation after being closed down perhaps for months.
A simple procedure is to flush the systems at regular intervals during non occupancy.
The Health and Safety Executive have produced a paper on Legionella risks under: https://www.hse.gov.uk/news/legionella-risks-during-coronavirus-outbreak.htm
Further details regarding managing Legionella in hot and Cold Water Systems again produced by the Health and Safety Executive are under: https://www.hse.gov.uk/healthservices/legionella.htm
1 Jun 2020
Stobhill Recycling Centre is now open again from 8am - 5pm seven days a week.
There is a temporary No Right Turn restriction from Stobhill Road to avoid congestion.
Access is by way of the B704 and Greenhall Road.
https://www.midlothian.gov.uk/info/1054/bins_and_recycling/346/household_waste_recycling_centres
27 May 2020
Update from Handicabs (Lothian):
Our Dial-A-Bus services (which take people with mobility challenges to local shopping centres / supermarkets) are sadly suspended at this time. Of course, in the current situation, the members of your community that would use this service are predominantly in isolation / shielding.
Our Dial-A-Ride service (which takes people with mobility challenges to any destination of their choice) is running a limited service during the current situation. We are still taking passengers with mobility challenges to essential medical appointments. We will, where we can, provide other supported travel within government guidelines. For example if an elderly person or someone with a disability needs to attend a funeral we will try to support these requests.
In addition, we have been supporting local charities / community groups with delivering food parcels – be it meals or food packs. If you are aware of any community groups, charities, local organisations that need help with food deliveries to vulnerable members of your community currently, or if this is something that arises in the coming months, please do get in touch with us and we will do our very best to help.
https://www.hcltransport.org.uk/
15 May 2020
MOPA (Midlothian Older People’s Assembly) Resource Guide to staying well and maintaining good spirits through the coronavirus epidemic is available on our Website (http://www.community-council.org.uk/roslinandbilston/) on the Covid-19 Page: index.asp?pageid=708795
12 May 2020
Lothian Buses will be making some changes to services from Sunday 17th May 2020 in response to continued analysis of the current COVID network by the operators. Adjustments affect most of the network in the city, East and West Lothian too. The main changes affecting us are:
Service 37 – Revised timetable with most Monday to Friday journeys now serving Deanburn – only early morning or later evening journeys will serve Ladywood
Service 47 – Re-introduced on Monday to Friday daytime on an hourly frequency between Penicuik Ladywood and Granton to provide new links to Asda and the other shops at Straiton, along with better direct links to the NHS facilities at Lauriston Place.
For further details please have a look at the Lothian buses Website: https://www.lothianbuses.com/lowbandwidth.php
11 May 2020
Our Midlothian emergency help guide is now online. It will help you guide Midlothian residents to sources of support during the COVID-19 crisis; from feeling isolated to running out of food or help with transport to get to a funeral or a GP appointment. There is a pdf version downloadable at the bottom of the webpage and wherever possible we have phone numbers alongside web links and email addresses. This resource is relevant to adults and children.
https://www.midlothian.gov.uk/info/200296/coronavirus/645/support_during_self-isolation
9 May 2020
Reach Out Midlothian is a free and confidential telephone support service for Midlothian Council Staff, 3rd Sector Staff, and Carers in Midlothian who are experiencing psychological and emotional distress caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Covid-19 pandemic will lead to many new challenges for us all. You may find that your workload has changed or you have been redeployed to another area. Due to the current restrictions, you may have become isolated from friends and family, or you are having to manage childcare arrangements in addition to your normal daily demands. As a result of the pandemic, you may also find yourself experiencing upsetting situations, either at your work or in your personal life.
During times of great change it is normal to experience a range of emotions. You may have times when you feel overwhelmed, worried, anxious, frightened, angry, sad, helpless or numb. You may find it hard to “switch off” and may not be sleeping well. Whilst completely normal, these feelings can be difficult to manage and sometimes they might make it hard for you to take care of yourself. Trying to manage your own reactions to upsetting or distressing events can mean that you rely on coping strategies that can lead to more complications and may also cause problems in your relationships.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, or are finding it difficult to manage, you can call the Reach Out Midlothian helpline. The service offers free, confidential emotional support and advice. It is run by experienced clinicians from the Midlothian Psychological Therapies Service.
The service operates Monday – Friday 12:00–14:00.
If these times don’t suit you please email Reachout@midlothian.gov.uk and we will arrange a call back at a time which suits (within normal working hours).
Telephone: 0131 285 9600
Email: Reachout@midlothian.gov.uk. Please leave your name and number and we will contact you as soon as possible.
7 May 2020
Midlothian garden waste collection service will start with a special additional one-off brown bin collection over this weekend and next weekend.
If your blue bin was collected this week (Monday 4 to Friday 8 May) your brown bin will be collected on Saturday 9 or Sunday 10 May
If your blue bin is due to be collected next week (Monday 11 to Friday 15 May) your brown bin will be collected on Saturday 16 or Sunday 17 May
Please place your brown bin out for collection by 7am on the Saturday of your collection weekend. Make sure it’s not too heavy, the garden waste inside is not compacted, and that the lid is closed. If we don’t collect in your area on the Saturday, your bin should be collected on the Sunday. If your bin is not collected by 4pm on the Sunday please retrieve your brown bin and continue to store your garden waste until we have the resources available to resume collections again.
Restarting the full service
Kerbside collections of garden waste will begin again from 27 May.
- Your first collection will take place on your first scheduled collection day on or after this date.
- For most people your brown bin is collected on the same day as your grey bin.
6 May 2020
Following a request from Police Scotland, Autism Network Scotland has worked in partnership with them and the community in the production of this infographic.
29 Apr 2020
For people on benefits who are shielding and have no other options for other people to access money on their behalf, the DWP are setting up a service where their local officers deliver money to client’s homes.
The phone number is 023 92 308 095. Midlothian Council can make the referral and the DWP would phone the client to arrange.
Also remember the CAB (Citizen's Advice) are providing telephone and email support and should be the first port of call for universal credit applications, income maximisation, advice for self-employed claimants etc
Dalkeith CAB – 0131 660 1636 bureau@dalkeithcab.org.uk
Penicuik CAB – 01968 675259 bureau@penicuikcab.org.uk
For more complex cases like PIP, clients with mental health issues with benefits issues or cancer patients with benefits issues then contact the welfare rights team WelfareRights@midlothian.gov.uk
28 Apr 2020
Midlothian Speech & Language Therapy Department offer a weekly telephone help line, for parents and professionals to ring us to discuss any concerns they have about a child’s speech, language and communication skills.
For advice or to discuss a child or young person with us please phone 0131 454 9544 on a Tuesday afternoon from 14.00 – 16.00
Discussions are confidential but we recommend that consent is gained from parents/carers when raising concerns regarding a child or young person’s development. We may provide you with information, advice or resources, we may signpost to other services and we may recommend assessment by one of our team. If further action is advised we will discuss this with you.
Anyone can ring us if they would like to talk to an SLT for advice. You don’t need to go to your GP or school to access this service. http://www.lets-talk.scot.nhs.uk – our request for assistance form can be found on our website under Early Years Professionals
22 Apr 2020
Police Scotland are undertaking this survey (link below) to support Operation Talla (Police Scotland's operation responding to COVID-19) in tracking public confidence levels and experience of our approaches to policing the lockdown.
The survey will also capture people's feeling of safety and any concerns they have which we can address operationally and through our information campaigns.
The survey will also capture feedback from those who have contacted us during the COVID-19 pandemic.
https://consult.scotland.police.uk/surveys/your-police-2020-2021/
15 Apr 2020
Kerbside collections of glass containers will restart from Monday 27 April. For more details read Midlothian Council's glass recycling web page.
With staff numbers depleted garden waste collections, recycling centres and and bulky uplifts remain suspended. All trade waste collections are operating.
15 Apr 2020
The Roslin Food Community project is now up & running! Thanks to everyone who has made a donation or offered their time, they are already providing food packages. If you or anyone you are aware of are struggling to eat, please do call 07957 483 912 and they will provide discreet, confidential help.
Leaflets have now been delivered to each home in Roslin, however please keep sharing information to ensure it reaches those who need it. The fundraising page is still live for those who would like to support: https://www.gofundme.com/f/1ynnzmxk40
14 Apr 2020
More information on volunteer cards from the supermarkets:
WAITROSE: Are you shopping for someone who is self-isolating? We have launched a dedicated e-gift card to help vulnerable, elderly or self-isolating customers who are unable to get to the shops. This simple, safe and contact-free gift card can be purchased in £10 denominations (up to £500) and then emailed to friends, family, neighbours and volunteers for them to use in our shops. Buy a volunteer’s e-gift card
SAINSBURY'S: To help people shop for others easily, we will be introducing a new volunteer gift card and online voucher in the next week or two and will share more information on this soon.
ASDA: If someone is shopping at Asda for you, you might like to make use of this card. It means you can buy online, send to a volunteer or print and leave in a safe place. It can also be topped up online so no sharing of card, bank details, cash etc. The volunteer can scan it contactlessly in store to buy provisions using a barcode. Asda Volunteer Card
9 Apr 2020
Info from Bank of Scotland:
New dedicated phone number for over 70’s to save them waiting in long queues when needing to speak to someone about their banking. This number is included in letters or emails depending what details the bank have, that are being sent out to their customers.
7 Apr 2020
If someone is shopping at Asda for you, you might like to make use of this card.
It means you can buy online, send to a volunteer or print and leave in a safe place. It can also be topped up online so no sharing of card, bank details, cash etc. The volunteer can scan it contactlessly in store to buy provisions using a barcode.
6 Apr 2020
Some updates from Midlothian Council:
The two Midlothian Citizens Advice Bureaux are currently still offering telephone and email advice.
They can arrange food bank referrals and offer specific benefit or employment advice etc.
They are also able to refer to and work with other local organisations to help clients.
Their office phone numbers are being redirected to staff work mobiles.
Dalkeith CAB - 0131 660 1636 bureau@dalkeithcab.org.uk
Penicuik CAB - 01968 675259 bureau@penicuikcab.org.uk
5 Apr 2020
Roslin Table on the Green is a volunteer service to the village of Roslin, set up to help local people stay at home and stay healthy. They have just set up a Facebook page; search for "Roslin Table on the Green".
Local suppliers deliver pre-ordered food and other essentials, you collect or if you are vulnerable and housebound we will deliver to your doorstep. Payment arrangements vary.
The Table is on common land in front of 7a Penicuik Road. Users are asked to carefully maintain a distance of 2m from other people not in your household, and to respect the safety and privacy of our neighbours. Collection time slots may be specified as necessary for safety. Masks encouraged!
NEXT ORDERS:
Penicuik Storehouse Veg Boxes order by 13:00 Sunday Breadshare Bread and sweet treats order by 14:30 Monday
BREADSHARE Organic bakery, social enterprise. Delivers twice a week.
NB Allergy advice: Nuts are used in the bakery.
Sourdough cob £2;
7-grain sourdough loaf £3.20;
bag of 4 hot X buns £3;
bag of 4 almond twists £3.
Order in advance by text message to 07977532309
- by 14:30 on Monday to collect 12:00-13:00 on Wednesday
- by 14:30 on Wednesday to collect 12.00:13.00 on Friday.
Each order is supplied in a paper carrier bag, bread individually wrapped in paper bags.
We buy the bread, you pay us by bank transfer (preferred) or by cash, no change given. Not yet contactless.
PENICUIK STOREHOUSE Community owned organisation. Greengrocery, grocery, household goods.
Order and pay online from Penicuik Storehouse,
Organic Veg boxes £10. Order by 13:00 Sunday for Tuesday. Add grocery and household goods if you wish. Storehouse will send an email invoice for payment online.
Milk and eggs. Thursday: order by 9:00, collect 11:00-12:00. Pay cash or bank transfer.
3 Apr 2020
If you require hearing aid batteries please phone Audiology on 0131 536 1637 or email audiology@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk and they will send out by post.
2 Apr 2020
Whilst most Social Security Scotland staff are now Working from Home per Government guidelines contingencies have been priority to ensure continuing payment of our devolved benefits for those who need them. There has been a short interruption to our telephony service whilst additional arrangements are put in place with all enquiries currently being directed to our website: https://www.socialsecurity.gov.scot/news/social-security-scotland-service-throughout-covid-19-1.
Please keep an eye on this for further updates.
Social Security Scotland staff are now also taking general enquiries via our Facebook and Twitter accounts.
1 Apr 2020
Home delivery services:
• Roslin Convenience Store (and Post Office) is open 6am to 9pm, 7 days a week. A delivery service is available, please order 1-2 days in advance. 0131 440 3131.
• Pentland Plants have a delivery service for plants etc. 0131 440 0895 or email shop@pentlandplants.co.uk
• Penicuik Storehouse are taking telephone and email orders; card payment only. 01968 675 152. (deliveries@penicuikstorehouse.org )
• Bilston Post Office and shop will take telephone orders and the Community Council will deliver. Open Mon-Sat 7am to 7pm, Sun 8am to 1pm. 0131 440 2320.
• Campbell Brothers Home Delivery Service (Bonnyrigg) – 0131 654 0060, https://www.campbellbrothers.co.uk/index.php sales@campbellbrothers.co.uk. They are offering meat and produce boxes.
• George Anderson 01875 616950, fruit, veg, milk, pasta etc.
1 Apr 2020
Our partners at Police Scotland and Midlothian Council have asked us to endorse their statement about sharing of personal data on social media and other digital or online platforms. Please folks - be careful about what you post on social media, particularly if it relates to vulnerable people who need services and support. Would you want your name, phone number, address and the fact that you're vulnerable or live alone shared publicly for all to see? We're pretty sure the answer to that question is no, so please do follow this important advice and ask others to do the same. The statement can be read on our website: https://www.volunteermidlothian.org.uk/news-events/statement-from-police-scotland-and-midlothian-council-about-sharing-on-social-media/
