Households across England and Wales are being asked to take part in Census 2021.
Census day is on March 21, but households will now be receiving letters with online codes explaining how they can complete their forms. If you don’t get one in the next couple of weeks, please get in touch with the census contact centre.
You can also request a paper questionnaire if you’d prefer to complete your census that way. Local census support centres will be open while the census is happening. Staff will offer help for people not confident online, who don’t have a computer or need help completing on paper.
What is the census?
The census is a once-in-a-decade survey that gives us the most accurate estimate of all the people and households in England and Wales. It has been carried out every decade since 1801, with the exception of 1941.
It asks questions about you and your household to build a picture of all of us. It looks at who we are and how we live. There’s no other survey that gives as much information about our society and future needs.
When is it happening?
Census day is March 21. However, households will receive a letter in the post in early March, giving them details of how to take part in the mandatory survey. They will also receive a unique access code, inviting them to complete the survey online, although paper questionnaires are available on request.
Why should I take part?
The census helps us understand what our society needs now and what it will likely need in the future. The information it collects helps with decisions on the planning and funding of services in your area. This could include schools, doctors’ surgeries, emergency services or even local support groups.
Charities also use census information to help get the funding they need. Businesses use it to decide where to set up, which creates job opportunities.
How long will it take?
The census will take around 10 minutes per person to complete. It’s easy to do and can be done on any device, including a computer, laptop, tablet or mobile phone.
What if I don't speak English or Welsh?
Translation booklets are available to download. If your language is not represented, please contact the customer contact centre on 0800 141 2021.
How can I get help to complete my questionnaire?
The help pages at census.gov.uk explain how you can get help. These include general guidance, language assistance and a wide range of accessible formats including video and audio guides (English and Welsh). You can also phone the contact centre 0800 141 2021, or visit one of our support centres offering assistance.
What happens if I don't complete my questionnaire?
You could face prosecution, a hefty fine (up to £1000) and a criminal record.
Please visit census.gov.uk for more information, and any questions you have, about the census.
For more information, and to find out how to get help, visit census.gov.uk or call the contact centre on 0800 141 2021.
Sussex Safer Roads Partnership is providing advice and information on how to travel safely when cycling across Sussex. From 1st March, SSRP have released helpful road safety guidance on travelling this spring, and what to expect when out on the roads during lockdown.
As the weather continues to improve, it is important to raise awareness of important road safety practices for cyclists and other road users on how to share the roads responsibly.
Cycling and walking are popular alternatives to driving or public transport, and often an enjoyable way to take daily exercise. However, it is important for all road users to make sure they are prepared for their journey, give themselves plenty of time, and to be mindful of other road users. At this time, when the NHS continues to operate under extreme pressure, it is important to plan journeys ahead and be mindful of other road users.
Resources are to be shared with the public to ensure cyclists are provided with information and resources, and the steps all road users can take to ensure they travel safely.
To keep up to date with road safety information and advice, members of the public can visit www.sussexsaferroads.gov.uk and follow @SussexSRP on Twitter.
The March issue of the Neighbourhood Watch - 'Our News' eNewsletter is out!
In this issue:
The latest issue of the 3VA newsletter is now available to download.
The latest voluntary & community sector news, events, consultations, funding opportunities, training, jobs and volunteering opportunities in Eastbourne, Lewes District and Wealden.
This month's online learning from 3VA
Highways England has launched a review of the Highway Code to improve road safety on motorways and high-speed roads.
The consultation will run for four weeks and closes at 23:59 on 29 March 2021.
The Highway Code is regularly updated to improve safety for all road users.
Highways England is asking for your views on updated safety information for high-speed dual carriageways and motorways.
Proposed changes include updating information on the use of variable speed limits to manage congestion, the use of red X signs to close lanes, and what to do in the event of a breakdown.
You can read full details of the proposed updates, and give your views, on GOV.UK.
As if we haven’t all had enough to deal with and worry about since the outset of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, the situation has unfortunately been exploited by fraudsters with fake offers of vaccinations. At times of disasters and other crises, there is invariably an increase in fraudulent activity, for example, bogus charity donation requests. The current pandemic, unprecedented in its effects and global reach – is no exception. A massive increase in reliance on the internet and people’s concerns about their and loved ones’ health, wellbeing and finances have combined to create ideal conditions for fraud.
Over the last year, commonplace COVID-19-related scams have included fake advertisements for PPE to priority online shopping slots, HMRC monetary grants to travel refund services, and fake NHS Test & Trace messages informing recipients that they have been in contact with someone who has tested positive, and need to buy a home testing kit. A more complete list can be found at
www.getsafeonline.org/news/coronavirus-scams-you-should-be-aware-of
With the UK vaccination programme in full swing, the most recent wave of scams has focused on fraudulent offers of vaccinations, attempting to persuade recipients that they can ‘jump the queue’.
The scams, which are perpetrated via email, text or telephone call, either request payment for a vaccination, or link to authentic looking but fake websites which harvest your confidential information. Those who fall for such scams fall victim to financial fraud, identity theft or both.
Avoiding COVID-19 Vaccination Scams – Top Tips:
Remember that COVID-19 vaccines in the UK are available only via the NHS of England, Wales and Scotland, or from Health & Social Care Northern Ireland.
Remember that the NHS will never:
If you receive a call you believe to be fraudulent, hang up.
How you will be contacted to get your COVID-19 vaccination
The NHS will contact you when it is your turn to have the vaccination, by letter, text or email, with information on how to book your appointment. The vaccination is free of charge without exception. The vaccine is being offered at larger vaccination centres, pharmacies and some local NHS services such as hospitals or GP surgeries.
If you think you have been a victim of fraud, don’t be embarrassed but report it immediately to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or on 0300 123 2040 (if you’re in Scotland, Police Scotland on 101). Report any assaults to the police.
If you are suspicious about an email you have received, forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk. Suspicious text messages should be forwarded free of charge to 7726.
Lidl GB is recalling Birchwood Beef and Pork Mince (23% Fat) as it may contain pieces of plastic. The possible presence of plastic makes this product unsafe to eat.
In this issue:
The latest issue of the 3VA newsletter is now available to download.
The latest voluntary & community sector news, events, consultations, funding opportunities, training, jobs and volunteering opportunities in Eastbourne, Lewes District and Wealden.
Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne, in partnership with the Association of Police & Crime Commissioners (APCC), has launched today (19 February) a national survey, designed to understand public perception of dog theft, enforcement and the prosecution of offenders.
The Home Secretary is currently reviewing the issue of pet theft, and what future enforcement may look like with potentially tougher penalties for perpetrators.
The responses to this survey will help inform the discussions that PCCs will have on this issue nationally, and allow police forces to better understand the public's views on this crime and how they might improve their response to those concerns.
Demand for dogs as pets has increased during the coronavirus pandemic. The cost of some puppies, on Pets4Homes, is currently as high as £3,000, making them a valuable commodity to criminals.
According to Dog Lost, the UK's largest lost and found dog service, it is estimated thefts have risen by 250 per cent, with criminal gangs involved.
PCC Bourne says: “I am incredibly eager to get more detail around this issue and understand residents’ views and if they feel more could be done to respond to their concerns or for more preventative measures to be put in place to better protect their pets."
"I hope that the results of this survey will give the Government the evidence it needs to take more robust action against perpetrators."
The 60-second survey will be open until 17:00 on Friday 12th March.
Make sure to have your say today:
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/dogtheft
SFC are recalling SFC Chicken Poppets and Take Home Boneless Bucket because Salmonella has been found in the products. Batch codes starting PKW are displayed on the outside of the box. Batch codes starting with an L are displayed on the inner packaging inside the box.
SFC are recalling SFC Chicken Poppets and Take Home Boneless Bucket because Salmonella has been found in the products. Batch codes starting PKW are displayed on the outside of the box. Batch codes starting with an L are displayed on the inner packaging inside the box.
Co-op is recalling the above product because they may contain pieces of plastic. Point-of-sale notices will be displayed in all retail stores that are selling this product. These notices explain to customers why the product is being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the product. Please see the attached notice.
Boots has recalled Boots Multivitamins supplements because they have been incorrectly packed with multivitamins containing iron. This resulted in vitamin K not being present within the supplement and iron incorrectly added to the supplements instead. Iron has not been mentioned on the label.
This means the product is a possible health risk to individuals who may also be consuming iron supplements in addition to these multivitamins. This affects multivitamins sold between 12 and 19 January 2021 only.
The latest issue of the 3VA newsletter is now available to download.
The latest voluntary & community sector news, events, consultations, funding opportunities, training, jobs and volunteering opportunities in Eastbourne, Lewes District and Wealden.
The National ANPR Portfolio Office are looking to get your thoughts around the use of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) in Sussex.
ANPR technology is used by police forces across the UK –including Sussex to help detect, deter and disrupt criminality, including organised crime groups and terrorists. The registration plate cameras are governed by strict codes of practice. They are most commonly used to alert officers to stolen vehicles, vehicles that have been involved in crime or to help locate missing people. The data they collect can also be used in investigations.
You’ve probably seen how ANPR works from TV programmes or you may even use a petrol station or car park which uses the system to keep you safe. Just in case you haven’t, we’ve made a short film to show how ANPR Is used. The video shows the use of ANPR in West Midlands Police in locating a missing person. To watch it, click here ANPR Video.
ANPR is a vital tool to help policing stay one step ahead of criminals and better protect people. Your views play an important part in how we do this. The anonymous survey will only take a few minutes of your time to complete.
Click here to complete the survey ANPR Survey Live Link.
An advertising campaign is just starting to inform the public that the Census is coming on Sunday 21st March 2021. By taking part in the national Census you can help inform decisions about services that shape your community, such as healthcare, education and transport.
Ahead of Census Day the Office for National Statistics will send every household a letter in the post with an access code and instructions. It is mandatory for every household to respond, and this year it is going to be largely digital.
Sussex Neighbourhood Watch been contacted by the Authorities with a view to assisting. The Authorities will have their own field officers who will be assisting those with problems, but never inside their homes.
From the Neighbourhood Watch perspective, our main concern is with crime prevention, such as countering any attempted thefts or scams. We did this very successfully a few years ago in partnership with Sussex Police and Southern Water when water meters were being compulsorily installed in or near homes.
The purpose of this message is simply to inform you that we are in contact with the appropriate Authorities, we will be working with them to help prevent crime, and additional information will be provided at a later date.
Information about the Census can be found at census.gov.uk, or you can search the web for the Census 2021 website.
The public is warned to be vigilant of unsolicited emails promoting cryptocurrency (Bitcoin) investment opportunities. We’ve received over 750 reports this week about Bitcoin-related phishing emails that use fake celebrity endorsements to try and lure victims into investment scams. The links in the emails lead to fraudulent websites that are designed to steal your money, as well as personal and financial information.
How you can protect yourself
To see examples of the Bitcoin-related phishing emails that have been reported, follow Action Fraud on Twitter or Facebook.
Lidl GB is recalling Birchwood XXL Pork Mince (12% Fat) as it may contain pieces of plastic. The possible presence of plastic makes this product unsafe to eat.
The Met Office has extended the Level 3 Cold Weather Alert. There is a 95% probability of severe cold weather/icy conditions/heavy snow between 0900 on Wednesday 10 Feb and 0000 on Saturday 13 Feb in parts of England.
View the full warning at the Met Office Cold Weather Alert site.
Cold weather can affect your health. The people most likely to be affected are the elderly, the very young, and people with pre-existing medical conditions.
If you know or look after someone that may be susceptible to the effects of this cold weather period please help make sure that they stay warm and well, and if possible check in advance that they are prepared for this cold spell.
For more information:
This message is sent on behalf of our partners at the Sussex Health and Care Partnership
The NHS in Sussex is committed to the roll out of the COVID-19 vaccination and ensuring that all those in the first priority groups are offered the vaccination by mid-February.
Home visits for people who are eligible and considered housebound across Sussex are underway, and people who are registered housebound with their GP will be contacted.
Home visit appointments are being coordinated by the GP led vaccination services in each area, which could be your GP practice, a neighbouring GP practice as in many places they are working in groups, or a team supporting your GP practice.
They will always contact you before a visit is made to confirm the appointment and ensure you are in when they come. They will know your name, address and NHS number, and will only be contacting you to confirm an appointment and not ask for any personal details – and definitely not payment.
If you have a loved one or a neighbour that you know should be expecting a home visit, check whether they have been contacted by the NHS.
When the person arrives to do the vaccination they will either be from a GP service locally or Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust. Either way they will carry NHS ID, please ask to see it before you let them into your home.
The NHS will:
If you receive a call you believe to be fraudulent, hang up. If you believe you have been the victim of fraud or identity theft you should report this directly to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. Where the victim is vulnerable, report it to Sussex Police online or by calling 101.
Some people who may be housebound are also receiving a letter from the national booking service inviting them to go online or call the national phone line to book an appointment at one of the vaccination services or pharmacy led services. We know this is causing some confusion but currently the national system cannot distinguish that someone is housebound and so these letters are being sent to all those who are eligible.
If you are housebound and are not able to attend a local vaccination service or centre, please ignore this letter. You are on the list with your GP led vaccination service team and they will contact you in the next two weeks – you do not need to call your GP practice or any other team to make an appointment. As soon as an appointment is available you will be contacted directly.
If you would like to know more about the vaccination programme or have a question please visit www.sussexhealthandcare.uk/get-my-jab for the latest information including a Frequently Asked Questions. If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact the vaccination programme team on sxccg.vaccineenquiries@nhs.net
The NHS has already vaccinated 350,000 people across Sussex. If you are aged over 70 or you are in the clinically extremely vulnerable group, you should have either been offered an appointment already or be able to arrange one now.
If you’re over 70 or medically very vulnerable and haven’t been vaccinated you can arrange it with the NHS. Book a coronavirus vaccination - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
If you are not in either of these groups please wait - the NHS will contact you when it's your turn.
Storm Darcy has been named by the Dutch Met Service, KNMI, and is set to bring strong winds and heavy snow to southeast England late on Saturday and on Sunday, this easing through Monday
Met Office warnings are already in force,
The Met Office has issued a Level 3 Cold Weather Alert. There is a 90% probability of severe cold weather between 0900 on Saturday 06 Feb and 2100 on Wednesday 10 Feb for the south-east of England. This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services. Please refer to the national Cold Weather Plan.
View the full warning at the Met Office Cold Weather Alert site.
In addition, please be aware of Amber and Yellow warnings of snow affecting London & South East England.
Cold weather can affect your health. The people most likely to be affected are the elderly, the very young, and people with pre-existing medical conditions.
If you know or look after someone that may be susceptible to the effects of this cold weather period please help make sure that they stay warm and well, and if possible check in advance that they are prepared for this cold spell.
For more information:
The February 'Our News' eNewsletter is out!
In this issue:
The latest issue of the East Sussex Library Information Newsletter is now available to download.
In this issue:
The Sussex Safer Roads Partnership (SSRP) and DriveSmart, Surrey are launching ‘Is it worth the risk?’ road safety campaign from today (Monday 1 February) which coincides with the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s month of action against using a mobile phone behind the wheel.
Using a mobile phone while driving is one of the Fatal Five offences that contribute to incidents of those killed and seriously injured (KSI) on our roads. In order to reduce the number of KSIs and improve road safety for all road users, the campaign seeks to highlight the dangers and consequences of being distracted at the wheel when using a mobile phone.
The Casualty Reduction Officers, working with the Safety Camera Team will be out across Surrey and Sussex deploying the camera van at locations to spot those flouting the law, giving out advice and enforcement activity where appropriate.
The SSRP and DriveSmart are urging the public to be aware that using a handheld mobile phone while driving or riding is both dangerous and illegal yet we continue to see people risking their life and the lives of others on a daily basis.
Distractions whilst driving can have serious and potentially fatal consequences for the individual and other road users, which we unfortunately continue to see on roads across Surrey and Sussex.
This campaign seeks to educate the public on the risks of using a mobile phone across a multitude of everyday scenarios. Encouraging people to ask themselves that before they get in their car, what is likely to be so important that they need to use their phone whilst driving? The message is clear, don’t risk a near miss, being stopped by police, or causing a collision. Do the right thing and pull over to use the phone.
If you are a social media user please support the SSRP and DriveSmart by sharing or retweeting their social media posts from Monday through to Sunday 21 February. They are using #ItCanWait, help share their message.
If you’re interested to find out more about the SSRP road safety initiatives, visit their website here.
Operation Collar:
Sussex Police are taking action to prevent dog theft as soaring prices for pets during lockdown has seen a rise in theft nationally.
Their dedicated Rural Crime Team (RCT) is tackling this devastating crime by working closely with partner agencies, gathering intelligence and highlighting crime prevention among the dog owning community. Reports of dog theft are thankfully relatively low in Sussex but police do ask dog owners to take necessary steps to keep them safe.
Sussex Police recorded 31 dog thefts in 2020, but at least 12 of those were disputes over dog ownership between known parties. The 19 remaining cases include:
You can protect your dog from being stolen or getting lost by:
If you believe your dog has been stolen or you have concerns about suspicious behaviour, report it to Sussex Police online or by calling 101.
You also need to notify your microchip database provider immediately and advise your local dog warden.
If you have information about dog theft or puppy farming and don't feel comfortable talking to police, you can call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
In this issue:
As we find ourselves in another national lockdown, and while things are far from normal, we hope you’re continuing to stay safe and well at home.
During the unprecedented weeks and months ahead, your safety and the safety of our employees will remain our number one priority. Making sure that all of the gas appliances in your home are regularly checked by a gas safe registered engineer, and having an audible CO alarm in your property will help to ensure you and your family stay safe and warm.
So you're aware, we're continuing to operate the 24/7 National Gas Emergency Service across the south of England and Scotland during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our engineers are also carrying out safety-critical work under extra safety precautions to make sure everyone's protected, so you might still see us in your area.
For our latest COVID-19 updates, please visit our website:
https://sgn.co.uk/
This pandemic is impacting all our lives, bringing with it challenges to our usual ways of working and home life. If you're finding it tougher adjusting to our new 'normal' and keeping the kids occupied at home, it's worth taking a look at our interactive education materials. Along with George and his friends, they'll learn all about gas, including where it comes from and why we need it in our homes. Our free resources are packed full of cool facts, gas safety tips and fun puzzles.
To find our education materials, please visit our website:
https://bit.ly/3eYp1aA
Take care and stay well.
E-mails now in circulation, which attempt to trick people into handing over their bank details, were reported more than 1,000 times in 24 hours. It appears to come from the NHS and asks the recipient to click on a link to accept or decline an invitation to receive the coronavirus vaccine. If they click accept, they are asked to input personal information and their bank card details.
The national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime has previously warned about coronavirus vaccine scams, with many people reporting receiving fake text messages purporting to be from the NHS.
Head of Action Fraud, Pauline Smith, is warning the public to remain vigilant as fraudsters continue to act:
"It's despicable that fraudsters will take advantage of such an important tool in the fight against this evil and deadly disease. Not only are the people being targeted with this email at risk of losing money, or having their identity stolen, but they are also at risk of not receiving the real vaccine.
"The public have been fantastic at reporting these scams to us and raising awareness in their local community as well. But unfortunately, as this latest phishing campaign shows, we still have to remain cautious and alert. Remember: anything purporting to be from the NHS asking you to pay for the vaccine, or provide your bank account or card details, is a scam."
How to protect yourself
In the UK, coronavirus vaccines will only be available via the National Health Services of England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland. You can be contacted by the NHS, your employer, a GP surgery or pharmacy local to you, to receive your vaccine. Remember, the vaccine is free of charge. At no point will you be asked to pay.
The NHS will never:
If you receive a call you believe to be fraudulent, hang up. If you are suspicious about an email you have received, forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk. Suspicious text messages should be forwarded to the number 7726 which is free of charge.
If you believe you are the victim of a fraud, please report this to Action Fraud as soon as possible by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk
Households across England and Wales will soon be asked to take part in Census 2021.
The census is a once-in-a-decade survey that gives us the most accurate estimate of all the people and households in England and Wales. It has been carried out every decade since 1801, with the exception of 1941.
It will be the first run predominantly online, with households receiving a letter with a unique access code, allowing them to complete the questionnaire on their computers, phones or tablets. “A successful census will ensure everyone from local government to charities can put services and funding in the places where they are most needed”, Iain Bell, deputy national statistician at the Office for National Statistics, said.
“This could mean things like doctors’ surgeries, schools and new transport routes. That’s why it is so important everyone takes part and we have made it easier for people to do so online on any device, with help and paper questionnaires for those that need them.
Census day will be on March 21st, but households across the country will receive letters with online codes allowing them to take part from early March.
The census will include questions about your sex, age, work, health, education, household size and ethnicity. And, for the first time, there will be a question asking people whether they have served in the armed forces, as well as voluntary questions for those aged 16 and over on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Results will be available within twelve months, although personal records will be locked away for 100 years, kept safe for future generations.
For more information, visit census.gov.uk.
A new police unit has been launched to track and catch dangerous and wanted criminals using the Sussex roads network.
The Specialist Enforcement Unit (SEU) will carry out disruption and enforcement operations on roads across the county, targeting those involved in serious, organised and violent crime. It's a mix of highly-trained police officers and detectives is equipped to be a one-stop-shop for road crime – with the ability to identify, intercept and apprehend offenders, as they travel, seize drugs and stolen goods, and to investigate the crimes through to conviction.
So far the unit has clocked up more than 750 officer hours on visible proactive work across Sussex, made 17 arrests for supply of class A drugs, money laundering, drug relating motoring offences, seized six vehicles, made 93 seizures of class A drugs including crack and heroin and during one job alone they seized £10,000 worth of cocaine, £20,000 cash and safeguarded a 16-year-old involved in county lines drug dealing.
The unit is the latest in a series of police enforcement teams to be launched across Sussex in the past year funded by the Government’s Uplift programme and local precept investment.
Chief Constable Jo Shiner said: “The launch of the Specialist Enforcement Unit is providing extra, visible and robust policing on Sussex’s roads, with the ability to deter, detect and disrupt those intent on travelling to commit crime. They use both marked and unmarked vehicles and are equipped with the latest technology to identify and intercept known offenders, target hot spots, and support colleagues in making the roads safer for everyone – one of our key priorities.
“From drugs and violent crime, to people trafficking, child exploitation and theft, most criminals have to use the roads which are therefore prime hunting ground for the police. The SEU is charged with relentlessly pursuing and catching some of our most dangerous and prolific criminals by denying them use of the roads."
Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said: “The public will be delighted to see Sussex Police fulfilling their commitment to proactively target and disrupt prolific criminals who are using our road networks.
“Specially trained officers will be using smarter policing and tougher enforcement to make our roads safer which I know is one of the top priorities for local residents.
“I look forward to seeing this team in action in the near future once it is safe to do so. In the meantime, I will be receiving regular updates, including details of the criminals they catch on our roads.”
The team is made up of experienced police officers and detectives with a blend of specialist skills and who can use a range of tactics to tackle criminals using the road network, including advanced driving skills and the use of a police dog unit to track offenders and search vehicles.
Covering hundreds of miles of road network across Sussex, the team will carry out operations and proactive patrols, working closely with colleagues and supporting the work of regional and national agencies, targeting some of Sussex’s most wanted and prolific criminals.
The team forms part of wider investment to support local policing priorities, to strengthen local policing, tackle crime and prevent harm, disrupt serious and organised crime and to support victims and safeguard the vulnerable.
Meat products (predominantly lamb, goat, veal, beef), of all meat species, supplied by an unregistered and unapproved Wiltshire based vendor have not been produced in accordance with food safety and hygiene legislative requirements.
These products are not compliant with food hygiene, safety, labelling and traceability requirements and are deemed unsafe. They should not be consumed.
Tesco is recalling Tesco Finest Taleggio 200g because it contains Listeria monocytogenes.
As of 7 January 2021, Action Fraud had received 57 reports from members of the public who have been sent text messages claiming to be from the NHS, offering them the opportunity to sign up for coronavirus vaccinations. The texts ask the recipient to click on a link which takes them to an online form where they are prompted to input personal and financial details. In some cases the online form has looked very similar to the real NHS website.
Pauline Smith, Head of Action Fraud, said:
“Remember, the vaccine is only available on the NHS and is free of charge. The NHS will never ask you for details about your bank account or to pay for the vaccine. If you receive an email, text message or phone call purporting to be from the NHS and you are asked to provide financial details, this is a scam.”
How to protect yourself:
In the UK, coronavirus vaccinations will only be available via the National Health Services of England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland. You can be contacted by the NHS, your employer, a local GP surgery or pharmacy, to receive your vaccination. Remember, the vaccinations are free of charge and you will not be asked for a payment.
The NHS will never:
If you receive a call you believe to be fraudulent, hang up. If you are suspicious about an email you have received, forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk. Suspicious text messages should be forwarded to the number 7726, which is free of charge.
If you believe you are the victim of a fraud, please report this to Action Fraud as soon as possible by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk.
There is a 90% probability of severe cold weather/icy conditions between 0900 on Friday 08 Jan and 0900 on Monday 11 Jan for the South East of England. This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services.
Very cold and frosty nights, with areas of freezing fog developing, which may persist all day in places during the weekend. Becoming less cold into next week.
View the full warning at the Met Office Cold Weather Alert site.
Cold weather can affect your health. The people most likely to be affected are the elderly, the very young, and people with pre-existing medical conditions.
If you know or look after someone that may be susceptible to the effects of this cold weather period please help make sure that they stay warm and well, and if possible check in advance that they are prepared for this cold spell.
If you are concerned about your own health or welfare or that of others please alert the emergency services.
Sainsbury’s is recalling Plant Pioneers Six Caramelised Onion Shroomdogs because some packs of the affected date codes contain pieces of metal. The presence of metal makes this product unsafe to eat.
The latest issue of the East Sussex Library Information Newsletter is now available to download.
In this issue:
Schools in East Sussex will close and move teaching online until at least February half-term under a new national Covid lockdown announced by the Prime Minister this evening .
From tonight, the new national restrictions mean there are extra rules in place, in addition to the Tier 4 regulations which already apply across East Sussex.