CAR parking fees have been suspended in the town centre as just one of a number of steps taken by council bosses to support key workers and residents.

Bracknell Forest Council (BFC) bosses have scrapped charges to help social care and health workers who might be doing essential shopping or visiting pharmacies amid the coronavirus crisis.

Bracknell News:

Drivers using the car parks have been advised they should only make use of the facilities in line with government guidance about social distancing and essential travel.

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Bracknell's 'health at home' website

The authority has also launched a web page dedicated to helping residents keep on top of their physical and mental health.

‘Health at home’ has top tips on how to how to support wellbeing, exercise and home work-out guides, healthy eating advice and more.

Cllr Dale Birch, BFC’s adult services boss, said: “The decision by the Prime Minister to ask the nation to remain at home is unprecedented in peace-time Britain and represents the severity of the crisis we are facing.

“This is a time we all need to pull together, protect ourselves, those around us and the NHS and ensure we’re doing all we can to remain healthy.

“We know that for some more than others, remaining at home can be extremely difficult and it can impact on both mental and physical health.

“That’s why the council has launched this dedicated resource to give residents an easy guide to steps they can take to stay healthy during this uncertain time.

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“If you’re struggling with the prospect of spending weeks indoors, I’d urge you to visit the webpage and start by trying just one idea per day – it could be just what you need to help you stay healthy and happy at home.

“If you know someone who could benefit but doesn’t have access to the internet, why not print off some of the ideas and pop it through their letterbox as part of your once-a-day exercise?”

Residents can access the webpage by going to https://health.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/health-at-home/

Volunteering scheme

The council has teamed up with voluntary groups and organisations across the borough to make sure the vulnerable are supported over the coming months.

Healthwatch, Involve and BFC launched an official volunteering scheme last week and the group has already received more than 800 responses from residents wanting to help out.

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As part of the scheme, people are being encouraged to offer simple things as a way of helping those who need it most.

This includes food shopping, picking up prescriptions, phone calling to reduce social isolation, and more.

Residents can find out more about volunteering through the Healthwatch website.

Mark Sanders, from Healthwatch Bracknell Forest, said: “This is an amazing response and shows the spirit of our community.”