Published 29th January 2021

A number of public online ‘COVID conversations’ with council and NHS staff and voluntary organisations and are taking place in February, aimed at updating and informing the local community about COVID-19.

The sessions, run jointly by the council and SAVS, give the latest updates on the pandemic and the local response in Southend-on-Sea.

Krishna Ramkhelawon, the council’s director of public health in Southend, will be at each session as well as colleagues from the council and health partners from the NHS and voluntary sector organisations.

For upcoming conversations, please book at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/savs-sbc-and-southend-ccg-30731728714

Thursday 4 February – 6-7pm – Focus on the homeless community

This event will be focussed on discussions around the homeless community and supporting services operating in Southend-on-Sea. All those who work within or have personal experience of this topic are very welcome.

Friday 5 February – 3-4pm – General Q and A

All residents are welcome to attend and there will be an opportunity to ask questions, provide feedback and discuss how the council and other organisations can help keep people in Southend safe during these times.

Friday 12 February – 10-11am – Focus on learning disabilities

This session will be focussed on discussions around learning disabilities and related services in Southend-on-Sea. All those who work within or have experience of this topic are welcome. We would especially like to welcome those who have learning disabilities themselves, to hear their voices and opinions on the pandemic.

The February sessions follow a number of similar events held in January, including a session for young people, a session focused on faith and two general Q and A events.

Krishna Ramkhelawon, the council’s director of public health, says: “The sessions we have already run have been well received by the local community and I would urge local people and groups to sign up to the ones which are happening in February. People will have the opportunity to find out more about the response to the pandemic and ask any questions they may have about a range of issues related to COVID-19.”