South Tyneside in lockdown: How key services are affected and where to get help

Almost all council services are running as normal – although there are some exceptions.

Here is a guide to how different services are affected.

Leisure Facilities

In line with the Government’s announcement, all of the borough’s leisure facilities - Haven Point, Hebburn Central, Jarrow Community Pool, Jarrow Focus, Monkton Stadium, Simonside Climbing Wall and Temple Park Centre – will be closed until further notice.

All duo and multi-activity leisure memberships have been frozen. All grassroots football and athletics will also stop during the lockdown period.

Leisure members can however continue to take advantage of a 60-day free trial of the virtual Les Mills fitness classes, to work out in the comfort of their own home. (Terms and conditions apply). Visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/leisure for details.

Libraries

A limited service from The Word in South Shields and Jarrow Focus sites will operate only. Library users will still be able to pre-order books over the phone for collection and reserve access to libraries’ public computers for essential use, on a strict appointment-only basis. The Home Readers Service will continue with contact free delivery.

Library users will be able to hold onto books until restrictions are lifted. No new fines will be implemented at this time. Library users can also still access the range of online library services including the complete collection of eBooks in South Tyneside’s Digital Library.

Schools

Schools will be closed to most pupils apart from for vulnerable children or those of critical workers. Parents and carers are advised to speak to their school direct to make necessary arrangements.

All Stanley day care centres are open as normal. Parents with any queries are asked to contact the day care manager by phone. All Children centres are closed to the general public. Outreach services are continuing and individual families will be contacted by their identified outreach officer. For all other queries, parents are advised to contact their nearest children centre by phone. A program of online activities is in development.

Skills South Tyneside will be adopting remote working throughout the lockdown period to ensure learning continues for those on courses.

Public areas

Parks, beaches, public toilets and playgrounds will remain open. Car parks will also remain open. However, in accordance with the guidance, people are asked to minimise travel, stay local and take exercise close to home, wherever possible.

Bins and recycling

Waste services continue as normal. The Recycling Village in South Shields is open as usual from 8am – 6pm every day this week, and from 9am – 6pm, from Monday 11 January onwards. The ‘Even Plate, Even Date / Odd Plate, Odd Date’ system will remain in place. Residents are advised to make essential journeys only.

Other services

Business centres also remain open, as will the Council’s Customer Contact Centre on (0191) 427 7000. Face-to-face Customer Services at South Shields and Jarrow town halls will also continue, although residents are advised to use online or phone services wherever possible.

Advice and support helplines

The Borough’s Covid-19 Community Support hub assists those who are identified as Clinically Extremely Vulnerable and have no other means of support as well as those isolated and struggling with their wellbeing. The service is available on freephone 0800 028 2955.

The Hardship Fund continues to support residents experiencing financial crisis due to the Covid-19 pandemic and can be reached on freephone 0800 028 4186.

Victims of domestic abuse are reminded that support is still available throughout the pandemic. Anyone who feels that they, or someone they know, is in immediate danger should call 999 and ask for the police. Silent calls can be made to the police if it is not safe to speak – call 999 and then press 55.

Anyone worried about a vulnerable adult experiencing domestic abuse can contact the Let’s Talk Team on (0191) 424 6000 or email [email protected]

Concerns about a child experiencing domestic abuse can be raised with Children’s Services (Integrated Safeguarding Intervention Team), on (0191) 424 5010. (Out of Hours/Emergency Duty Team (Adults and Children): (0191) 456 2093)

People facing homelessness in South Tyneside are urged to contact the Housing Options Service which provides advice and assistance to those who are homeless, sleeping rough, fleeing domestic abuse or are unable to remain in their current home due to the crisis. The service is available on freephone 0800 141 2645 or via email [email protected]