COVID-19 previous updates - 21 April
21 April 2020
Free School Meals extension | Updated funeral guidelines | Shout up if you need help | Calling all carers!
Free School Meals eligibility gets temporary extension
More children from low-income families may now qualify for free school meals during the COVID-19 pandemic after the Government temporarily extended the eligibility criteria to include those who have no recourse to public funds (NRPF).
These newly eligible children, whose carers or parents earn less than the maximum household earnings threshold of £7,400 a year, are:
- Children of Zambrano carers
- Children of families with no recourse to public funds with a right to remain in the UK on grounds of private and family life under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights
- Children of families receiving support under Section 17 of the Children Act 1989 who are also subject to a no recourse to public funds restriction.
The children of those who have been refused asylum will also be able to receive free school meals under this temporary extension, which covers both pupils who are attending school and those currently staying at home.
For further information, see the Government’s guidance on the temporary extension of free school meals eligibility to NRPF groups (external link).
Updated funeral guidelines
Over the weekend the Government updated their guidelines around funerals to provide clarity and reassurance to families facing the burial or cremation of a loved one during the pandemic.
Residents are still being urged not to postpone funerals after someone has sadly passed away, but there are some changes to the guidance.
This includes families and friends being allowed to say goodbye to their loved ones, including those who are self-isolating or who have been defined as extremely clinically vulnerable, should they wish to, with measures put in place to reduce their risk.
The key thing to note is that the numbers will be determined by the size and circumstance of the venue and safe social distancing must be followed at all times. See the updated guidelines on GOV.UK (external link).
Please note that Tottenham and Wood Green cemeteries have both re-opened to the public.
Shout up if you need help
We all need to keep our distance to help stop the spread of coronavirus - but if you need help with anxiety, don’t be afraid to ask.
Shout (external link) is the UK’s first 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and you need immediate help.
If you’re feeling anxious, worried, isolated, lonely or need support, Shout’s Crisis Volunteers are here for you. Text Shout to 85258 to start a conversation. You can text from wherever you are in the UK, it’s free, confidential and won’t appear on your bill.
Calling all carers!
Could you play a key role in helping vulnerable people in your community? The COVID-19 emergency means that now, more than ever, we need new recruits to the care sector. Carers are needed across the whole of London, including Haringey, to support people to get back on their feet and regain their independence.
Register your interest on the Proud to Care London website (external link) and start your journey towards a rewarding carer in care today.
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See also case numbers and rates, health advice - including tests and vaccines, Council service updates, financial and other support for residents, business support, how you can help and COVID scams and misinformation.
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