CWSAN & COSTA Community Newsletter 7 May 2020

CWSAN & COSTA

Rural Community Development
Covid-19 Support Service

It is especially important to look after your

mental health and wellbeing during this time.

To keep fully up-to-date with the latest Funding Bulletins,

Grants, Advice, Guidance, Information go to our
Coronavirus / COVID-19 Emergency Response Pages:
www.costaruralsupportnetwork.org or www.cwsan.org
If you require any support or assistance
Tel: COSTA 028 855 56880 or CWSAN 073 843 56676
Email COSTA: info.costa@btconnect.com
CWSAN: info@cwsan.org
As your Local Rural Support Networks we continue to
support our local communities and groups in
Mid Ulster District as much as possible.

COSTA is funded by
Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs (DAERA) through DAERA’s Rural Community Development Support Service (RCDSS)
Tackling Rural Poverty & Social Isolation Programme and Mid Ulster District Council
The European Union’s PEACE IV Programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB)
Registered Company in Northern Ireland No: NI 42832 Registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC101598 ISO 9001:2015 Cert: FS 592437
What are the current rules in Northern Ireland?

You should only leave your house if you have a reasonable excuse or need to leave. These
include to:

 Shop for food and basic necessities. You should try and do this on as few visits to shops
as possible.
 Collect medication
 Take your pet or livestock to the vet
 Exercise, e.g. run, walk or cycle. You should only exercise alone or the people you live
with
 Get medical help or for a medical need
 Donate blood
 Avoid or escape risk of injury or harm
 Provide care or help a vulnerable person
 Travel for work reasons (only if you cannot work from home)
 Attend a funeral of a close family member or someone that you live with
 Fulfil a legal obligation
 Access critical public services
 Move house if absolutely necessary

Gatherings of more than 2 people are not allowed (unless the people live together, are
together for work or are going to a funeral)

What is the guidance around exercising outside during the lockdown?

 If you are going outside to exercise, you can only do this once a day
 If you or your child has a medical need (e.g. those with learning disabilities or autism)
you can exercise more than once a day
 You should stay close to home to exercise
  Forest and country parks are open. The car parks will be closed, but if you live close by
you can use them to exercise.
 In many areas local councils manage the parks. Some councils have made the decision
to close parks if it is not possible for people to social distance when they visit the park.
More information is available on council websites.

How is the law enforced in Northern Ireland?

The PSNI (Police Service of Northern Ireland) have been given the power to issue fines or
‘remove’ people to their home if they are not following the new rules.

They have asked people take a ‘common sense approach’ to choosing where to go to exercise.
You might be allowed to travel to exercise but your decision to do this must reasonable e.g.
you can’t decide to take a long drive to go to the beach on a sunny day. The PSNI can stop
and ask you whether you have a reasonable excuse to leave your home.

What businesses and jobs are essential during the lockdown?

The Government has shared a list of essential businesses and jobs. These are jobs and
businesses that are considered important to help keep the country running during the
lockdown. People in these jobs and businesses can continue to travel to work during the
lockdown. Guidance has also been provided for employers and employees to keep
themselves and their workplaces safe. More information can be found here

We are here to support your services where and when needed.

We are a group of almost 200 self-funding volunteers willing to help those-in-need get
essential supplies delivered for free.

ALL our volunteers have been Access NI cleared to provide deliveries from Pharmacies, and
as a constituted, fully insured and operational organisation who have now been delivering all
sorts of items for 6 weeks, we have every part of Northern Ireland covered.

If you find it's difficult to get an urgent delivery done contact us and we will have it sorted within
24 hrs (much less normally).

Such huge efforts going on around the country, and we have your back to keep those
vulnerable people supplied with their essential supplies no matter where you are based or how
remote the destination is.

Follow us on facebook to see the work we undertake:

https://www.facebook.com/Volunteerbikersgroup/
https://www.facebook.com/Volunteerbikersgroup
 Northern Ireland service to register for access to a
priority online supermarket delivery slot from ASDA,
Iceland, Sainsbury's or Tesco.
Is this for me? You can register if you:
Live in Northern Ireland AND You or someone you provide care for have been
advised by your/their Doctor (GP) to avoid all face to face contact for 12
weeks; and Do not have access to alternative help and support for shopping
from family or friends, or other local networks.

These stores will make every effort to offer you an online delivery slot, but it is
dependent on demand and cannot be guaranteed. Register via the link below -
https://consultations.nidirect.gov.uk/dfc-psu/online-
shopping/?fbclid=IwAR0x9isZEF4T3l77uEe_XNRJD_Z2_yEKDeYwEtLVyT2f8r0tagkky7dWnmg
 PHA Support & Signposting for
Local Community Hub Responders

1. Psychological First Aid – relevant to staff and volunteers including call handlers

HSC NI in collaboration with the Red Cross and NHS Education Scotland has made
available interim guidelines and a short E-Learning module on Psychological First Aid.
These resources are particularly applicable for anyone working or volunteering with local
communities at this time.
It is also available for all HSC NI staff through the HSC Learning Centre
Please click here for direct access to course: www.pha.site/psychologicalfirstaid

2. Towards Zero Suicide 20 minute E-Learning training. relevant to staff and

volunteers including call handlers

This suicide prevention training will help explain some of the warning signs and help you to
feel more equipped when dealing with difficult conversations around suicide. Anyone who
has access or a member of the HSC (Health and Social Care) Learning Centre please log
on and Towards Zero Suicide training will appear in the list of available courses.
https://www.hsclearning.com/ Anyone who is not a member of the HSC Learning Centre can
access the training labelled as (Advanced) directly via the following link:
https://www.zerosuicidealliance.com/training/

3. Helplines NI for awareness, use and sharing

The Helplines NI website has been updated to include all new COVID -19 related helplines
both national and local e.g. COVID-19 Community Helpline, Befriending helpline, Roma
helpline https://www.helplinesni.com/

4. Advice NI Triage Training (General Baseline Helpline Training) – relevant to staff

and volunteers in call handling and advisory roles

A series of short (10-20 minute), concise modules created to provide the skillset to support
staff to quickly identify emergencies, priorities, quick fixes and routine enquiries and assign
resources that best fit the client’s needs. Covers key helpline skills to include, triaging,
communication skills, signposting and referrals and dealing with vulnerable clients.
This training has been developed by Advice NI and is being offered for free until the end of
June 2020.
Available on Advice NI’s Online Learning Platform*:
http://www.adviceni-learningonline.net/course/view.php?id=46
*login as a guest to access this course.
5. Stress Control – relevant to staff and volunteers including call handlers

A new online programme of stress control classes has been developed to support people
during the response to coronavirus (COVID-19), recognising the need to stay at home, while
also recognising the impact that the pandemic and changes to our lifestyles is having on
mental health. Stress Control classes which have been previously operating across
Northern Ireland in physical venues for some time is now being provided free in the new
format from Monday 11 May 2020.

The free online stress control classes are being supported by the Department of Health,
Health and Social Care Board, Health and Social Care Trusts and Public Health Agency and
are aimed at supporting people’s mental wellbeing at this time of massive uncertainty.
Available at www.stresscontrol.org

These sessions are effective in helping to reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and
depression. Topics covered include an overview of what stress is, controlling your body,
your thoughts, controlling your actions, techniques to get a good night’s sleep.

6. Communications and resources – for awareness, use and sharing

Having contributed to UK and NI mass media COVID-19 advertising campaigns, PHA will
continue Health Protection messaging and guidance, and health and wellbeing messaging
to help deal with the challenges that this situation is presenting for our communities. PHA
have produced numerous COVID-19 resources for NI, including translated versions. Our
website has Browsealoud which offers the option of 90 languages. An advice booklet for
people with a learning disability has been developed with information on symptoms, stay at
home and social distancing. Stay at home guidance for households with possible COVID-19
infection and advice on looking after your wellbeing while staying at home has also been
made available in British and Irish Sign Language. These videos are available on our
website at www.pha.site/coronavirus.

PHA have been working with GPs and pharmacies and have produced posters for
Emergency Departments, Maternity Units and information on outbreaks in Care Homes.
There are revised versions of publications on relevant topics eg: Take 5, Alcohol and
physical activity for children available on our website. We share to key stakeholders and use
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Youtube social media channels – follow us to keep up to
date with the latest key messages and we would be grateful for shares and retweets to
reach as many people as possible.

7. A list of local services in your health and social care trust area - for awareness, use
and sharing

https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/publications/directory-services-help-improve-mental-
health-and-emotional-wellbeing
 Public Health Agency
Psychological First Aid
Support for those who are supporting their communities.
HSC NI in collaboration with the Red Cross and NHS Education
Scotland have made available a short E-Learning module and
guidelines on Psychological First Aid.
These resources are particularly applicable for anyone working or
volunteering with local communities at this time.
The course is available for free via HSC Learning Centre for anyone
working or volunteering in the statutory, voluntary and community
sectors.
It is also available for all HSC NI staff through the HSC Learning
Centre.
Please click here for direct access to course:
www.pha.site/psychologicalfirstaid
 Aware NI Introduction to Mindfulness

Please see link to new ‘Introduction to Mindfulness’ free online sessions which
roll out next Monday 11th May.
Also see Aware NI’s Guide to Looking after your Mental Health during the
COVID-19 Crisis: https://www.aware-ni.org/intro-to-mindfulness
 Please find below the current list of health, wellbeing and funding updates
available on the Health Alliance website:

 https://healthallianceni.com/community-family-support-programme-4/
 https://healthallianceni.com/public-health-agency-information-for-parents/
 https://healthallianceni.com/libraries-ni-6/
 https://healthallianceni.com/mid-and-east-antrim-everyone-active-coach-chair-based-
exercise-session/
 https://healthallianceni.com/funding_schemes/radius-housing-community-chest-grant/
 https://healthallianceni.com/funding_schemes/food-for-life-get-togethers-emergency-
covid-19-small-grants/

For further information, please go to the Health Alliance website.

___________________________________________________________________________________

Are you in the health alliance yet?

Join free today at http://healthallianceni.com/membership-registration/ to

get all the latest health news and opportunities in your area and sign
up to receive our fortnightly ezine.

___________________________________________________________________________________

Dying Matters Week - Zoom event

The D word - Monday 11th May 11am-12.30pm
Link for Monday 11th May for Dying Matters week:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-d-word-tickets-103320951748

It is a zoom hosted event and you need to register in advance for this
___________________________________________________________________________________
Age 11-18?
Do you know you can still get
counselling even if your
school is closed?
We can offer you video or
telephone counselling during
normal school hours.
To get counselling, you can
check out our website (link in
bio) and click ‘Get counselling in
School’.
Complete the form we’ll be in
touch:
https://www.linkscounselling.com/schools-counselling
___________________________________________________________________________________
Deirdre McAliskey, from the National Children’s Bureau and Maurice Meehan, PHA, consider
how families can explore ways to stay safe, healthy and happy during the COVID-19
lockdown.

MAKING THE MOST OF FAMILY TIME DURING

THE COVID-19 LOCKDOWN

Why routine, play and relationships matter so

much

These are strange and challenging days. Family life, health, work, education and wider
support networks continue to be affected by life in lockdown. We are all learning what
children, particularly those with additional and complex needs, have been trying to tell us
– a sudden change in routine can be overwhelming!

Just as we try to reassure our children, it is important to remind ourselves that there are
evidence-based approaches to parenting in stressful circumstances that can help support our
families, leading them from a sense of vulnerability to a place of resilience.
Routine: structure the stress
Accepting that this situation is stressful and beyond your control is the first step to choosing
how we respond to that stress. It’s normal “not to feel normal” at this time. Acknowledging
your thoughts and feelings can help you make better decisions about your behaviour. It’s the
same for children and young people. Routine and structure help children to build a healthy
tolerance to stress: when they feel safe and secure, they are more able to develop, learn, adapt
to change and engage positively with others. Having regular times for getting up, eating meals
together and sleeping are good places to start.

Sleep matters
Getting enough good quality sleep is very important for all the family. Simple steps like
leaving phones and devices outside the bedroom at night will help create a more relaxing and
calming atmosphere for everyone.

Relationships: keep talking

Relationships are more important now more than ever and how we speak to ourselves and
others plays a really big part in buffering stress and distress within our families. It’s okay to
admit we don’t have all the answers right now. Sharing age-appropriate information about
COVID-19 can help children and young people make sense of the changes they’re being asked
to conform to. It is important to use only trusted sources for information.

We also need to redirect family conversations away from the pandemic. What you give
attention to grows. Staying connected with your wider family, friends and networks of support
can help the world feel a little bigger than it otherwise might!

Making the most of digital devices

With social distancing, we’ve all turned to technology for connections. We’re also using social
media to keep in touch with relatives and friends and, probably, allowing more TV and gaming
for children of all ages to get some precious time to ourselves!

Spending more time at home with the kids will give you the chance to ensure you are
managing their time on digital devices and the quality of media we are consuming. This is a
great time to talk to your children about their use of technology and explore issues like
language development in very young children.

Take time out for yourself away from the use of devices, taking screen breaks and giving your
attention when it’s asked for makes it more likely that your children will do the same.

Play: keep moving and be forever young!

Everyone should take breaks from sitting or lying down using devices. It’s good to get up and
move about a bit. #sitlessmovemore and playing with the kids is one of the most effective and
fun ways of exercising for the whole family.

Our children and young people are missing their friends. They are wired for, and will seek out,
connection and creativity in the most adverse of circumstances. Encouraging siblings of all
ages to play and be active together can help children cope with the stresses and anxieties they
are exposed to and is great way for maintaining some independence from adults. As a parent,
your role is to make sure there is time for play and exercise without over supervising or
structuring what happens.

Be kind to yourself
Being calm is a superpower! You might have heard that soundbite before but it’s true. It’s also
just as contagious as anxiety. Taking time to breathe slowly and deeply can regulate your heart
beat, reduce feelings of panic and stop the flow of the stress hormone cortisol to the brain.
Give it a try.
These are difficult times. Parents shouldn’t feel pressured to be more productive, to become
teachers, to consume all of the available information on COVID-19. Focusing on keeping
yourself and your family safe, healthy and happy is enough. You can try the tips we’ve
included here or look to the sources below for more guidance. We actually are all in this
together. We all must do it to get through it.

USEFUL LINKS

Northern Ireland Family Support website

PHA Take 5 Steps to Wellbeing While You Stay at Home

Playboard Guidance on the Importance of Play

Parenting NI on Co-Parenting During the Coronavirus

The Incredible Years® Notes on Keeping Calm and Providing

Supportive Parenting During the Coronavirus

Bruce Perry’s Pandemic Toolkit for Parents

 What is infant mental health and
why does it matter so much during
COVID-19?
Infant Mental Health is the term often used to describe the capacity of a child,
during the first three years of life.
It is the capacity to:

 form close relationships;

 recognise and express emotions; and
 explore and learn about their environment

Babies are wired for connection!

During pregnancy and infancy, it is obvious how physically reliant babies are on
their parents and caregivers. They are also socially and emotionally connected to
us in so many fascinating ways. The way we interact with babies and infants
literally shapes their brain development. This occurs particularly during
pregnancy, and continues up to the age of three years, when our brains are
growing at the fastest rate. We now know that ‘mirror neurons’ in the brain mean
that how we act and interact with our children explains their ‘copy-cat’
behaviours. It all sounds like a huge responsibility but in fact, it’s the small, day-
to-day interactions with babies and infants that make the greatest difference.
Serve and return
Babies are like scientists, exploring the world around them by sending out
messages to see what happens, how things work, and where they fit in! They
serve the ball and wait for us to return it. ‘The ball’ might be a cry, a smile, eye
contact, a word, or stretched out arms. For our ‘serve’ we can offer physical
touch and comfort, calm tone of voice, eye contact, smiles, repeated words, and
praise. When we respond positively and meet their needs, babies develop trust,
attachment, and confidence in us as caregivers.
Good enough is good enough
Infant mental health is not about perfection. It is hugely important that we don’t
create unrealistic expectations for ourselves, our babies, and our relationships,
particularly in these challenging circumstances. Pregnancy and early parenthood
can be exhausting, and we all learn as we go. If we can be consistent and
predictable in our responses most of the time, we are winning! Our goal is to
enable as much attuned ‘serve and return’ interactions as possible, and to try
and find a way of repairing and reconnecting when things go wrong. Compassion
for yourself as a parent finding it tiresome and hard trying to meet the constant
demands of your children during lockdown is essential to your emotional
wellbeing. Intense feelings are inevitable. It’s the ability to repair them with a hug
or cuddle by soothing pain, hurt, or anxiety. Think of difficult behaviours,
including our own, not as bad, but as stressed or distressed.
Self-compassion is key.

Parental emotional wellbeing

Being kind to yourself is about self-compassion, self-care and self-forgiveness
when you fail to live up to your own expectations. Your children don’t need
perfect parents they just need good enough ones!

Parents need support to meet the challenges of parenthood. During these

strange and unsettling times when our extended support networks are not
physically available to us, it is even more important than ever to be kind to
ourselves, and acknowledge difficult feelings. Parents of babies in neonatal or
other in-patient units, face specific challenges during this time.
Look after yourself as best you can. That might mean taking a longer shower
when you get the chance, enjoying a cup of tea, spending a few minutes in the
garden if you can, or just having a chat with a trusted friend. Don’t feel the need
to take on extra challenges, or be highly productive. If your mood is persistently
low and you are more tearful or irritable than is manageable, ask for help from
your midwife, GP, or health visitor as early as possible. You deserve it, and so
does your baby.
Anxiety and depression can affect anyone at any time. That includes Dads too.
The earlier you get help the better.

Deirdre McAliskey from NCB (NI) and Maurice Meehan, PHA

Useful links:
COVID-19 advice for pregnant women and parents: www.ni-maternity.com
Infant Mental Health Framework for Northern Ireland:
www.publichealth.hscni.net/publications/infant-mental-health-framework-
northern-ireland
www.aware-
ni.org/images/AWARE_Guide_to_looking_after_the__Mental_health_of_you_an
d_your__baby_002.pdf
twitter.com/AwareNI/status/1244610454393180161?s=20
Free access to Solihull Approach antenatal course Getting Ready for Baby:
https://inourplace.heiapply.com/online-learning/ Use access code: NIBABIES
Association of Infant Mental Health UK’s short clip video series on Getting to
Know Your Baby: https://aimh.org.uk/getting-to-know-your-baby/
Tiny Life premature baby charity for Northern Ireland: http://www.tinylife.org.uk/
www.bbc.co.uk/tiny-happy-people
 Digital links to the Barnardo’s service information:

Grieving During COVID 19

How to explain death to children and young people and help them cope

I
 Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service

Plasma from patients who have recovered from COVID-

19 will contain antibodies that their immune systems
have produced in fighting the virus.
If you have recovered from COVID-19 you may be able
to help coronavirus patients by volunteering to donate
convalescent plasma.
For further information related to convalescent plasma
donation please visit:
https://nibts.hscni.net/convalescent-plasma/

#
 Scam Advice

Scammers are unfortunately taking advantage of consumers

during the coronavirus pandemic so it is more important than
ever to take extra precautions.
To keep you and your friends/family safe, view our list of 15
common coronavirus scams to watch out
for: https://bit.ly/15CoronavirusScams

We have a lot of people working tirelessly in the community to support

our elderly and vulnerable, playing a vital role in keeping people
connected and well supplied.

Unfortunately SOME individuals claiming to be good Samaritans are

calling at elderly person’s homes offering to take weekly collections to
their local churches and in some cases offering to collect prescriptions
and groceries for a cash sum.

We urge everyone to be cautious and follow this advice:

 Only use the services of people you know and trust

 Please ensure you speak with a trusted member of your
Church to arrange collection or alternative methods for
paying your weekly collections.
 Be alert to online and telephone scams, do not share
personal or financial details with anyone.
 Keep your doors locked at all times. Use your door chain or
peep hole. Check ID, call 101 Quick Check to confirm
identity. Please display No cold calling stickers or the
nominated neighbour scheme.

If you see something suspicious in the area that you live in or are
concerned about an elderly member of your community, please
don’t hesitate to contact us on 101.
Looking to Connect with Others virtually?
Have you heard of Zoom?
Here is a handy video tutorial to get you started:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9guqRELB4dg
 Deadline for Single Applications fast approaching
 Grants and funding

 Area-based schemes 2020

With just 11 days left to the closing date for 2020 Single Applications, Agriculture Minister,
Edwin Poots MLA, has urged farmers to complete their applications immediately to avoid
incurring a financial penalty.

The application period for both the Single Application and Environmental Farming Scheme
Tranche 4 closes at midnight on 15 May 2020.

Minister Poots said: “It is encouraging to note that, to date, over 16,000 Single Applications
have been submitted to my Department, an increase on this period last year.

“I am pleased that so many farmers have already completed their applications for 2020, and
I’m encouraging those farmers who have not already submitted theirs, to please do so before
15 May to avoid financial penalty.

“Completing your application now will facilitate prompt payment in October, and given this will
be a tough year for farming, this payment will be needed more than ever.”

Minister Poots also reassured those farmers who may be experiencing difficulties completing
their online application that help is available.

“In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, my Department enhanced our telephone advice
service to help farmers submit their applications and I’m pleased to announce that this service
will also be available over the Bank Holiday weekend between 9am and 4pm (8 th, 9th and 10th
May), where staff will be available to provide advice and assist farmers in completing their
application over the phone,” he added.

If anyone is experiencing difficulty with their applications they are advised to contact
the Single Application Advisory Service on 0300 200 7848, or via email to:
areabasedschemes@daera-ni.gov.uk A team of skilled advisors will be available to provide
advice and assist farmers to submit their applications over the phone.

The deadline for submitting 2020 Single Applications and applications for the Tranche 4
of the Environmental Farming Scheme is 15 May 2020.

Applications can be made online

 Mid Ulster District Council
Residents can now access community support near
them with the click of a button, via the Council's new
interactive online map and
community response hub.
The online hub provides details of the many local groups
and organisations offering help including community
groups, food banks, pharmacies delivering prescriptions
and local shops offering food delivery services.
To access the community response hub please
visit: https://mid-ulster-council-covid-19-response-
midulster.hub.….
To read more about this new resource
visit: https://bit.ly/2y2UO9G.
 Mid Ulster District Council
COVID - 19 Local Community Support
As more people become affected by COVID-19, many local organisations
are offering help and support for local communities.
Please note that these services are intended to support the most vulnerable in our community,
including those who are at risk or self-isolating. If you are able to do your own shopping, please do so,
observing the latest advice about the frequency of shopping and the need to maintain social-distancing.

A regularly updated List of local Support Organisations at:

https://www.midulstercouncil.org/resident/health-wellbeing/coronavirus-
advice-and-information/local-community-support
If you'd like to add your organisation's details, please let us know by
emailing communications@midulstercouncil.org
Mid-Ulster Corona Virus Community Support Network
Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/134331674680698/?ref=group_header

Information for the Public and Residents can be found at:

https://www.midulstercouncil.org/resident/health-wellbeing/coronavirus-
advice-and-information

COVID-19 Counselling and Advice Services:

https://www.midulstercouncil.org/resident/health-wellbeing/coronavirus-advice-and-
information/covid19-community-help/covid-19-counselling-and-advice-services

COVID-19 Food Box Scheme & Food Banks can be found at:
https://www.midulstercouncil.org/resident/health-wellbeing/coronavirus-
advice-and-information/covid-19-food-banks

COVID-19 Advice & Support for Businesses can be found at:

https://www.midulstercouncil.org/resident/health-wellbeing/coronavirus-
advice-and-information/coronavirus-business-advice-and-support

COVID-19 Consumer Advice:

Click here for Advice for NI consumers who may be affected by the Coronavirus
outbreak.
 A regularly updated List of local Support
Organisations to assist people in the Mid Ulster area is
available on the MUD Council website at:
https://www.midulstercouncil.org/resident/health-
wellbeing/coronavirus-advice-and-information/local-community-
support
__________________________________________________________________________________

A new Face Book page has been set up to assist

people in the Mid-Ulster community response to Covid-19:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/134331674680698/?ref=group_header

__________________________________________________________________________________

As part of our on-going support package for the voluntary and

community sector, we have opened an emergency grant programme
for the organisations which are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic
in their local communities.
The programme offers financial support to assist constituted groups
which are working in their local communities to:
➡Deliver food and essential items
➡Link to pharmacies to deliver prescriptions
➡Other emergency crisis community support.
If your group would benefit from funding support, please visit:
www.midulstercouncil.org/emergencyfundcovid19 to download the
application form and contact details.
 There are many job opportunities
out there at present with many employers
urgently seeking workers

https://www.jobcentreonline.com/JCOLFront/Home.aspx

NI Direct has a very

comprehensive website for all
NI Government Services and
information:
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/
 A one year MOT temporary
exemption certificate (TEC)
will be processed
automatically from Monday
11 May 2020
This means that owners of all
eligible cars, goods vehicles,
trailers and motorcycles, will no
longer have to book and pay for
an MOT appointment in order to
get a TEC.

TECs will be applied to eligible

vehicles for up to one year from the date the vehicle was due to be tested.

Any appointments in the system will now be cancelled and refunds issued. Due to the
volume of refunds being processed, this is taking longer than usual. Separate
arrangements are already in place for taxis and buses, allowing vehicle licences to be
renewed without the requirement for prior testing.

To avoid any further confusion and until MOT services can be safely resumed, from
Monday, DVA will process TECs automatically for all eligible cars, goods vehicles,
trailers and motorcycles for up to 12 months from the date the vehicle was due to be
tested. This will ensure that those needing to make essential journeys can stay on the
road. These certificates will be added to the DVA system, not issued in hard copy. As
is always the case, DVA will contact customers well in advance of the new MOT due
date.

Vehicles due an MOT soon will also now have a TEC processed automatically. There is
now no longer any need to book and pay for a test in order to get a TEC. DVA is
continuing to process refunds for customers who require them as quickly as possible.

Always Farm SAFE!

STAY ON YOUR
FARM

The latest advice for DAERA stakeholders can be found at

www.daera-ni.gov.uk/landing-pages/daera-and-covid-19 #covid19 #coronavirus
and @nidirect https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/coronavirus-covid-19

Kind regards and stay safe everyone ; )