Emergency helpline for Southampton residents in crisis Helpline: 023 8083 4800 Open Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm For anyone in a vulnerable group, in critical need and with no other means of support. Emergency food and social contact, signposting and connecting people to local support services. Expand In response to the COVID-19 crisis, Southampton City Council has launched a Community Support Hub and a dedicated helpline to ensure that the most vulnerable people across the city have access to the support they need. Helpline: 023 8083 4800 Open Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm For anyone in a vulnerable group, in critical need and with no other means of support The Community Support Hub will bring together support from across the city including the NHS Southampton CCG, Southampton Voluntary Services and other voluntary and faith groups. This service will prioritise those who have received a letter from NHS England stating they are in a priority group and are unable to rely on family or friends for adequate practical support. It will provide: A dedicated helpline 023 8083 4800, open Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm if you are in a vulnerable group, in critical need and have no other means of support Emergency food and social contact, if needed, to those who have registered for support after having received their letter from NHS England Signposting and connecting people to voluntary organisations and community groups in their local area for support, and linking residents to an appropriate service, which may be provided by the Council or the Voluntary sector Support for queries and issues, such as if you are unable to pay council tax or if you cannot pay your rent. You can also access help via this link: http://www.southampton.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid19/i-need-help.aspx.
Where can I access all local support in Southampton fast? Search for local COVID-19 support services include advice, guidance, signposting, food and medicine deliveries and emotional support using the SO:Linked information directory Expand Search for local COVID-19 support services include advice, guidance, signposting, food and medicine deliveries and emotional support using the SO:Linked information directory Visit: https://www.solinked.org.uk/
I’d like to volunteer. Where do I start? Information about reputable national and local volunteering services Expand NHS Volunteer Responders has been set up to support the NHS during the COVID-19 outbreak. To do this they need an 'army' of volunteers who can support the 1.5m people in England who are at most risk from the virus to stay well. Doctors, nurses and other professionals will be able to refer people in to NHS Volunteer Responders and be confident that they have been matched with a reliable, named volunteer. Check-in and Chat volunteer: This role provides short-term telephone support to individuals who are at risk of loneliness as a consequence of self-isolation. See links: https://www.goodsamapp.org/NHSvolunteerresponders https://www.goodsamapp.org/NHS The following local services are seeking volunteers; Communicare, Southampton Timebank and SVS are collaborating. Please visit their websites for more details.
Are you still accepting Carers Card applications and referrals at Carers in Southampton? Information on how to apply for Carers Cards and Refer someone to us Expand We are still processing applications for Carers Cards and for Carers Assessments.Please phone 023 8058 2387 or email [email protected] For referrals please visit: https://www.carersinsouthampton.co.uk/Pages/Category/Refer-a-carer/
Should I accept local support from volunteers? Advice on who and who not to accept help from Expand There has been a rise in coronavirus fraudsters offering support to elderly and vulnerable residents for cash up-front. Please do not accept services from strangers or cold callers – whether in person, on the phone or online – who offer to run errands for you. Reputable organisations offering help will not charge for their services. For example Communicare, Southampton Timebank or Royal Voluntary Service. Do NOT let anyone enter your home. Shopping can be left on the doorstep.
What will happen to vulnerable children who have to isolate for 14 days with their families? Details of those children who will receive support from local authorities Expand For those children who are being supported by children’s social care, local authorities will be expected to prioritise support to the most vulnerable, including undertaking necessary visits whilst taking appropriate infection control measures. For children receiving support from a social worker, local authorities will be well placed to identify them. Social workers will also ensure that families know that they will be eligible for this provision and how to access support.
What’s the advice if I have care workers and other home help? Guidance from the NHS about what is considered essential support Expand The NHS guidance is now very clear. Visits from people who provide essential support such as healthcare, personal support with daily needs or social care should continue. Carers, like yourself, and paid care workers must stay away if you/they have any of the symptoms of coronavirus. The government has provided specific guidance about home care services. Let friends and family know that they should only visit if providing essential care such as washing, administering medication, dressing and preparing meals. All people coming into the home should wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds on arrival and often during their visit. Talk to the person you care for about the hygiene and infection control measures they should expect someone coming into their home to follow. They should not be afraid to insist that these are followed. If you have a care worker employed by an agency ask them what protective measures they are taking and how they plan to respond if any of their staff are affected. If the care worker shows symptoms of coronavirus, inform the agency. They will need to carry out a risk assessment and take steps to protect staff, their families and all clients from the virus. The agency should work with you to ensure that the person you care for is also safe. Answer from: https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/health/looking-after-your-health/coronavirus-covid-19
Can I leave the house to take things to the person I look after? Yes, but please note the advice below for anyone who does not live with those you care for. Expand Yes, but please note the advice below for anyone who does not live with those you care for. The NHS has written to everyone considered to be at risk of severe illness if you catch the coronavirus. You may have received the letter yourself, either as someone in this ‘high risk’ group or as the named carer of someone else who is. If a person you care for has received this letter, the instructions are very clear. They must stay at home at all times and avoid all face-to-face contact for at least 12 weeks, except from you as their carer and healthcare workers continuing to provide medical care. However, if you start to display any of the symptoms of coronavirus, you must suspend your face-to-face visits. We suggest you keep in regular contact over the phone, through email or through video calls. Families may want to think about spending time together in a different way – for example, by setting up a group chat or playing online games together. If online communication isn't possible, never underestimate the value of a regular phone call to offer social contact and support. If necessary, make plans for alternative face-to-face care for the person you care for, for example by calling on trusted neighbours, friends or family members.Advice from: https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/health/looking-after-your-health/coronavirus-covid-19 The Government has instructed all care homes to stop visits from friends and family to prevent the spread of infection.
Questions about Direct Payments Worried about existing Direct Payments or a new application? Expand "Will new requests for a Direct Payment still be accepted by Southampton City Council?" Yes, although it may take longer to process. It will be back dated to the date you were authorised to receive a Direct Payment budget. "Will existing Direct Payment Personal Budgets still be paid?" If you are currently receiving a Personal Budget for your caring role then this will continue. If your Personal Budget was being used to purchase services for your personal care then it will still continue.
Where can I find support for debt and rent payment concerns? Services that provide advice about money issues Expand If you’ve been affected by coronavirus, you might be able to claim benefits or get more money on your current benefits if: you have coronavirus, or you’re following guidance to stay at home you’ve lost your job or you’re self-employed and can’t get work you can’t work because your workplace has closed Check what benefits you can get if you’re affected by coronavirus. You can contact your local council to see if they can give you any extra help from a hardship fund. Check your local council on GOV.UK. See: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/if-you-cant-pay-your-bills-because-of-coronavirus/ "I’m not sick but have been told to self-isolate and I can’t work from home" You may be entitled to contractual #SickPay on top of Statutory Sick Pay Get an 'isolation note' online from @NHS to prove to your employer you need to See: https://citizensadvice.org.uk/health/coronavirus-what-it-means-for-you/#h-if-you-re-off-sick-or-told-to-stay-home-because-of-coronavirus
I’m self-employed. Where can I get help with money? Information and sources of financial support for the self-employed Expand If you are self-employed or earning below the Lower Earnings Limit of £118 per week – and you have COVID-19 or are advised to stay at home, you can now more easily make a claim for Universal Credit or new style Employment and Support Allowance. If you are eligible for new style Employment and Support Allowance, it will now be payable from day 1 of sickness, rather than day 8, if you have COVID-19 or are advised to stay at home. If you are a gig worker and/or on a zero hours contract, you may be entitled to sick pay. Check your eligibility for Statutory Sick Pay For support with this contact Citizens Adviceline 03444 111306 Calls to this service cost the same as calling 01 and 02 numbers. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-guidance-for-employees STOP PRESS at 26/03/2020 17.21 from BBC News Self-employed workers will be able to apply for a grant of up to £2,500 a month to help them cope with the financial impact of coronavirus, the chancellor has announced. The money will be paid in a single lump sum, but will not begin to arrive until the start of June at the earliest.
Can I order food without internet access? Ways you can order food for home delivery Expand Register if you have a medical condition that makes you extremely vulnerable to coronavirus. For example, you’ll be able to ask for help getting deliveries of essential supplies like food. If you’re not sure whether your medical condition makes you extremely vulnerable, register anyway. You can register yourself, or on behalf of someone else. Visit: https://coronavirus-vulnerable-people.service.gov.uk/live-in-england Or you can call 0800 028 8327, the government’s new dedicated helpline. City Care Meals on Wheels - Southampton City Council Southampton City Care meals will supply a hot meal directly to your home, five days a week, Monday to Friday. There is a reduced rate for eligible applicants. Email: [email protected]Phone: 023 8083 3003Website: http://www.southampton.gov.uk/health-social-care/adults/help-at-home/meals-on-wheels.aspx Southampton City Mission FOOD venues remain currently OPEN AS NORMAL with increased HYGIENE precautions. From 24th March 2020, in order to preserve stocks, food parcels will contain 4 days’ worth of food (previously 5 days’ worth of food). If you are unable to collect food due to symptoms or self-isolation, please arrange someone else to collect the food on your behalf. This can be a support worker or a friend or relative. FOOD BANKS 10am-3pmMonday – Above Bar Church, Southampton, S014 7FETuesday – St Mary’s Church, Sholing, SO19 8ESWednesday – The Old Chemist, Bitterne, SO18 1NPThursday – Swaythling Methodist Church, Swaythling, SO16 3BEFriday – Lord’s Hill Church, Lordshill, SO16 8HY Contact: 07929 641755 Parsley Box's slow cooked meals are cooked sous-vide (‘under vacuum’) and specially packed to seal in goodness and flavour and can be stored in your cupboard for up to 6 months. You don't even need a fridge or freezer! Ready Meal Range, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Sides and Desserts. Their meals can be easily heated in the microwave in as little as 2 minutes. Free next day delivery on all orders over £19.00 Bundle offers available Call FREE: 0800 612 7225 Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.parsleybox.com/about-us/food/ You can order food via Sainsbury’s telephone ordering service. Orders placed before 6pm can be delivered the next day. Register via the phone before you can place orders. For more information, contact Sainsbury’s Assisted Shopping directly. Access this service by phone 0800 328 1700 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Some supermarkets and banks have decided to make special arrangements for elderly and vulnerable customers to gain exclusive early access to food and services, immediately after stores have been deep-cleaned and to avoid panic shopping, as part of the effort to keep the UK functioning smoothly during the coronavirus crisis. Sainsbury's priority shopping hours: NHS and Social Care Workers before opening from 7.30–8 am Monday to Saturday Elderly, Disabled and Carers 8–9 am Monday, Wednesday and Friday Use your Carers Card to identify yourself as a carer.
Where can I find advice about supporting someone with dementia? Coronavirus advice for families looking after someone with dementia from Dementia UK and the Alzheimer's Society Expand Dementia UK have coronavirus advice for families looking after someone with dementia. Calming techniques This video provides calming techniques which may help a person with dementia as well as their carer. This includes a breathing technique known as the signal breath. Dealing with restlessness Restlessness can present as someone pacing, fidgeting, or trying to leavethe house. Here are some techniques and approaches which can be used to prevent and manage potentially distressing situations See more here: https://www.dementiauk.org/get-support/understanding-changes-in-behaviour/dealing-with-restlessness/ See video here: https://www.dementiauk.org/get-support/maintaining-health-in-dementia-videos See more here: https://www.dementiauk.org/get-support/coronavirus-covid-19/ The Alzheimer's Society have coronavirus advice for families looking after someone with dementia. If you or someone you care for are worried about coronavirus and need support and advice, call the Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Connect support line on 0333 150 3456 Advice and practical tips for people living with dementia and those supporting them – either in the same household or from a distance, to help during the coronavirus pandemic. These include: Helping prevent the virus from spreading by washing your hands often with soap and water (or if this isn’t possible, a hand sanitiser). And cleaning things you handle a lot such as remote controls and taps. Arranging getting essentials like medicine and food, by speaking to your GP or local pharmacy, using online delivery services, or asking a friend, family member or community volunteer for help. Making a plan of what to do if you or the person you care for become unwell, such as leaving the number(s) to call prominently displayed. Staying active with gentle exercises and activities like reading, jigsaw puzzles, listening to music, knitting, watching or listening to the TV and radio. Keeping connected with family and friends by phone, post, email or Skype. This is a challenging time for everyone, but a phone call can make all the difference. For questions about dementia and tips if you find it difficult to follow the NHS advice about coronavirus: Call the Dementia Connect support line on 0333 150 3456. Visit their website for the most up to date information and advice. Join their online community Talking Point where you can connect with others affected by dementia in a similar situation. Use their Dementia Connect online support tool to find dementia information and support that is right for you.
Can I still visit to deliver care? Yes, you can provide care or to help a vulnerable person. The NHS guidance is now very clear. Visits from people who provide essential support such as healthcare, personal support with daily needs or social care should continue. Expand Yes, you can provide care or to help a vulnerable person. The NHS guidance is now very clear. Visits from people who provide essential support such as healthcare, personal support with daily needs or social care should continue. Carers, like yourself, and paid care workers must stay away if you/they have any of the symptoms of coronavirus. The government has provided specific guidance about home care services. Let friends and family know that they should only visit if providing essential care such as washing, administering medication, dressing and preparing meals. All people coming into the home should wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds on arrival and often during their visit. Talk to the person you care for about the hygiene and infection control measures they should expect someone coming into their home to follow. They should not be afraid to insist that these are followed. If you have a care worker employed by an agency ask them what protective measures they are taking and how they plan to respond if any of their staff are affected. If the care worker shows symptoms of coronavirus, inform the agency. They will need to carry out a risk assessment and take steps to protect staff, their families and all clients from the virus. The agency should work with you to ensure that the person you care for is also safe. This guidance is from Carers UK at: https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/health/looking-after-your-health/coronavirus-covid-19 Other relevant links from the government: Staying at home and away from others (social distancing). You should only leave the house for very limited purposes: shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible. one form of exercise a day, for example a run, walk, or cycle - alone or with members of your household. any medical need, including to donate blood, avoid or escape risk of injury or harm, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person. travelling for work purposes, but only where you cannot work from home. These reasons are exceptions - even when doing these activities, you should be minimising time spent outside of the home and ensuring you are 2 metres apart from anyone outside of your household. See more at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/full-guidance-on-staying-at-home-and-away-from-others/full-guidance-on-staying-at-home-and-away-from-others Shielding. This guidance is for people, including children, who are at very high risk of severe illness from coronavirus (COVID-19) because of an underlying health condition, and for their family, friends and carers. It is intended for use in situations where the extremely vulnerable person is living in their own home, with or without additional support. This includes the extremely clinically vulnerable people living in long-term care facilities, either for the elderly or persons with special needs. See more here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19 First food parcels delivered to clinically vulnerable people. See more here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/first-food-parcels-delivered-to-clinically-vulnerable-people
Where can I find answers to queries on EHCP or SEND situation? Southampton Parent Carer Forum have rounded up key questions and have recorded a live Facebook Q&A Expand Southampton Parent Carer Forum have rounded up key questions and have recorded a live Facebook Q&A here:https://www.facebook.com/southamptonparentcarerforum/videos/845562899246404/ Emergency Contact details for SEND Service Instructions from Tammy Marks are to check the most recent updates on social media and the Local Offer in the first instance, but the number below is if you need to discuss urgent specific detail about your individual situation. Email address: [email protected] Helpline: 023 8083 3013 Link to Local Offer: https://www.southampton.gov.uk/schools-l…/support-education/ Southampton Parent Carer Forum website: https://www.sotonpcf.org.uk/ Contact your assessment coordinator if you are undergoing EHCP assessment. Please bear in mind, that resource is heavily impacted at this time and there may be waiting times for responses etc. Please share with all SEND families and support groups/local groups and services.
Get shopping delivered to your home Tips for getting a supermarket delivery slot, or finding other shops that will deliver food and other essentials. Expand This page from Independent Age has tips for getting a supermarket delivery slot, or finding other shops that will deliver food and other essentials. The information is copied directly from here: https://www.independentage.org/get-shopping-delivered-to-your-home Priority food deliveries Supermarkets are working with the government to prioritise food deliveries for people who are extremely vulnerable. This means people who have a medical condition that puts them at very high risk of severe illness from coronavirus. In England, extremely vulnerable people will have received an NHS letter and/or SMS message, and they can register for extra support. This could include help with getting food, other essential deliveries and care. You can register online or call 0800 028 8327. If you’re not sure if you or a person you support are ‘extremely vulnerable’, you can still register anyway. It’s worth registering if you need extra help getting shopping delivered. Extra help from some supermarkets Sainsbury’s are working with the government in England to prioritise deliveries for those who are extremely vulnerable due to a health condition. If you live in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can call Sainsbury’s on 0800 953 4988 to ask for access to priority home delivery slots. Iceland are temporarily limiting home deliveries to customers who are over the state pension age, self-isolating or vulnerable. Waitrose are contacting customers who they know are aged over 70. They are working on a new system for offering older and vulnerable customers priority access to delivery slots. Morrisons are offering boxes of essentials, including bread, milk and toilet paper. Each box has 20 items and are meant to feed two adults for a week. Other ways to get food delivered You could try calling any smaller grocery shops in your area and see if they’ll do deliveries. Some local grocery shops and Marks and Spencers stores are now delivering a selection of their products via food delivery service Deliveroo. You will need to download the Deliveroo app and see what is available in your local area. You could also try online meal delivery services to see if they are taking on new customers. Help from volunteers Many charities and local community groups are working hard to try and support people who are having to self-isolate. Contact your local council to find out about support in your area, or your local Age UK. Before asking a volunteer to get food or other essentials for you, take a look at our information about staying safe and avoiding scams. Independent Age offer advice and support to older people. They also organise phone volunteers who are good company and want to chat. If you’d like advice or a regular call, phone 0800 319 6789
Are visits to care homes still allowed? No. Care home providers have now been told by government to stop all visits to residents from friends and family. Expand Care home providers have been told by government to stop all visits to residents from friends and family. Government guidance is here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-residential-care-supported-living-and-home-care-guidance The latest government instruction is for everyone to stay at home and avoid contact with others. This is particularly important for older people and those with certain medical conditions. Until this advice changes, swap visits for phone or video calls. Talk to the care home or housing scheme manager if you have concerns about how to stay in touch and ensure the welfare of your relative. (From: Independent Age https://www.independentage.org/FAQCOVID19) Care Quality Commission (CQC) The CQC is the independent regulator and inspector of health and adult social care in England. They make sure health and social care services provide people with safe, effective, compassionate, high-quality care and encourage care services to improve. Sign up for the CQC news bulletin here: https://www.cqc.org.uk/news/newsletters-alerts/email-newsletters-cqc CQC Covid-19 response: https://www.cqc.org.uk/news/providers/coronavirus-covid-19-information