The number of people in Portsmouth with Covid-19 is now gradually falling with cases down 23% since last week.
The majority of people recognise the need for the national lockdown and have followed the stay at home rule during January. We want to take this opportunity to thank you for doing so – it’s been a hard month to be in lockdown.
But we know our NHS will remain under extraordinary pressure for weeks to come. We also know there remains widespread community transmission due to the new variant, so don’t relax your efforts. We are making progress, but please, as hard as it is, continue to stay at home, and don’t forget:
- Hands: Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds – it kills the virus
- Face: Wear a face covering at the supermarket or medical appointments and other enclosed public places – it helps protect everyone
- Space: Keep a 2 metre distance – it helps stop the virus spreading
If you or someone you know needs help to self-isolate or is looking for advice visit the HIVE Portsmouth directory or call 023 9261 6708 between 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday
Looking after your mental health
With news that restrictions will be in place for some time – and confirmation that face-to-face learning won’t start again until 8 March at the earliest – it’s important to continue to take care of our mental and emotional wellbeing. Everyone is under pressure, and doing your best is all that anyone can ask for.
Thursday 4 February is national Time to Talk Day
It’s a day for us to come together and talk about mental health, to break stigmas and combat isolation. Even a quick chat has the power to make a big difference. This year’s event is especially important with many of us not able to meet in person with those we trust and confide in. Time to Change have created some fun ways to help get these conversations started.
Free, safe and anonymous online wellbeing service for young people
Young people in Portsmouth can now access online emotional health and wellbeing support from Kooth.com. It’s available for 11 – 18 year olds in the city, or those up to the age of 25 for care leavers and those with an Education Health and Care Plan. The site offers advice and guidance, including from other young people who have experienced similar things, and support from qualified professionals – with no referrals required.
A new vision for Portsmouth’s future
Despite the challenges of the past year, people in Portsmouth have continued to show incredible resilience and optimism for the future.
Over the past 18 months around 2500 residents, businesses, organisations and voluntary groups have worked together to answer the question, what kind of city do we want Portsmouth to be in 2040?
Their ideas and ambitions have been brought together by Imagine Portsmouth and unveiled today in a new city vision. The vision sets out the values that will shape Portsmouth’s future and the big, bold plans people have for our city.
See the vision and get involved
Apply now to vote by post at this year’s local elections
Plans are underway for elections this year.
Residents in Portsmouth will have their say on who represents them at the council elections and who will serve as Police and Crime Commissioner for the Hampshire police area.
Make sure you are registered to vote at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote
There are a number of ways to have your say in the elections – you can vote in a polling station, by post, or by appointing someone you trust to vote on your behalf, which is known as a proxy vote.
If you choose to vote by post, make sure you apply now. This will make sure your application is processed early, and your postal vote can be sent to you more quickly.
