Welcome to the latest weekly Disability Partnership Calderdale e-newsletter.
You’re probably aware of the new Lockdown restrictions that have been applied to Calderdale and some surrounding areas, as of today (Friday 31 July). We have full details of the news restrictions below and will keep updating our website as and when further information becomes available.
As for the rest of this newsletter, once again, face masks and coverings are the main topic of discussion, with some locally designed exemption cards for those who can’t wear them, now available.
Unfortunately, some people are using mask-wearing rules as an opportunity to bully and verbally and physically assault those who are exempt from wearing them. We have been delighted to see both the Council and local Police making it clear that this kind of behaviour is unacceptable. They have also been reminding the general public that many disabilities are invisible.
Perhaps more importantly, at this difficult time, we should all try to combine fulfilling our own responsibilities in the fight against virus, whilst treating others with additional levels of kindness, tolerance and respect.
On a related subject, we are running an important survey into the shopping experiences of people with disabilities in Calderdale, during the lockdown and the easing of lockdown. We hope to identify any problems, including mask-related issues. We will be working with local organisations to solve them. Please spare us five minutes of your time to help us make a difference.
As ever, there’s also a round-up of our latest news – whatever you get up to in the next week, please stay safe!
The DPC Team
Calderdale’s New Lockdown
Calderdale is one of a number of areas in the North of England which have been given additional lockdown restrictions following an increase in the spread of coronavirus. These restrictions come into force on Friday 31 July 2020.
Perhaps the most important of the new restrictions are those covering social contact. These say that you must now not:
- meet people you do not live with inside a private home or garden, except where you have formed a support bubble (or for other limited exemptions to be specified in law).
- visit someone else’s home or garden even if they live outside of the affected areas.
- socialise with people you do not live with in other indoor public venues – such as pubs, restaurants, cafes, shops, places of worship, community centres, leisure and entertainment venues, or visitor attractions. You may attend these venues with people you live with (or are in a support bubble with), but should avoid interaction with others. If you run such a business, you should take steps to ensure people do not interact with people they do not live with, in line with COVID-19 Secure guidance.
For full details of all the new advice, please visit our website
– Calderdale’s New Lockdown
More info on the new lockdown restrictions:
– Calderdale Council’s Updated Coronavirus Advice
– Government Coronavirus Advice
Face Coverings & Masks
Wearing Face Masks/Coverings In Shops: Wearing a face covering in shops and supermarkets in England became mandatory in England on 24 July and has been compulsory on public transport in England since 15 June. However, children under 11 and those with certain disabilities are exempt (see below for details).
Making Your Own Face Coverings
- Government Advice on making and wearing Face Coverings
- BBC advice on making and wearing face coverings
- Guide to the best materials to use
- Make your own clear panel lip-reading mask
Buy a Face Mask
Lip Reading Masks:
- There are special masks available for people who rely upon lip reading. They have a clear panel in them – find out where to buy them or how to make one yourself here.
Some people can’t wear face coverings – Calderdale NHS have provided this helpful guide to whether you are exempt from wearing one and how to communicate this to other people.
In settings where face coverings are required, there are some circumstances, for health, age or equality reasons, where people are not expected to wear face coverings. Please be mindful and respectful of such circumstances, noting that some people are less able to wear face coverings, and that the reasons for this may not be visible to others.
Some people may feel more comfortable showing something that says they do not have to wear a face covering. This could be in the form of an exemption card, badge or even a home-made sign. (You can download some examples below)
This is a personal choice and is not necessary in law.
Those who have an age, health or disability reason for not wearing a face covering should not be routinely asked to give any written evidence of this. Written evidence includes exemption cards.
If you would like to print off an exemption card at home, you can use the PDF attachments below.
Exemption Card Downloads/Print-Offs/Phone Badges:
- Calderdale Card (to print) / PDF
- Exemption from face covering badge (for mobile phone) /PDF
- Exemption from face covering badge (to print) / PDF
- Exemption from face covering card (to print) / PDF
Calderdale Disability Shopping Survey
This survey is to find out what it has been like for Disabled People who have been out of their homes to go to the shops.
Whether a small local shop or a big supermarket, we want to hear about your experiences, both good and bad. All answers will be treated as confidential.
Latest News, Articles & Features
Top News Stories
Here’s our round-up of the top news stories and features on our website this week, with local Coronavirus levels causing concern, lots of updates on mask wearing, plus all the other main disability news from Calderdale and beyond.
- Arts and Crafts for Wellbeing Zoom sessions
- Excess weight can increase risks from COVID-19
- Latest Scam Updates – Identify & Avoid
- Science & Analysis: BMJ’s weekly round up
- Gov’t News: 30 million to receive flu vaccine this winter
- Disability Horizons’ FREE guide to finding an accessible home
- Disability Rights UK’s latest newsletter
- Gov’t Advice: Supporting young SEND people as schools prepare for wider opening
- Calderdale On Coronavirus “Watch List” & Council’s Response
- Gov’t Guidance: When You Don’t Need To Wear a Face Covering
- Face Coverings: Where Are They Not Compulsory?
- Gov’t Advice: Face Coverings in Shops, Supermarkets, Transport Etc
- New Scientist: Is Coronavirus Elimination Feasible
- Pennine Magpie Lockdown Highlights Video
- Gov’t Advice: Flexible use of direct payments during the pandemic
- How to wear glasses with facemasks to prevent fogging
Coronavirus Info On Our Website
Do You Need Information or Support?
- Email us and we’ll do our best to find you an answer, or point you towards the best advice and help – info@disabilitypartnershipcalderdale.org –
- Or call or text us on 0771 612 2897
About Disability Partnership Calderdale
About Us: Our aim is to improve the quality of life of disabled people in Calderdale, in particular, by working in partnership with service providers to maximise access to mainstream services for people with physical and sensory impairments. We normally hold regular membership meetings where people with disabilities are given a voice and an opportunity to influence policy and service delivery. However, at the moment we are concentrating on providing extra help and support via our website during the Coronavirus pandemic: Please visit our website for more about us and our work.