Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for people receiving direct payments

Advice for people who buy care and support through a direct payment and those who provide care and support.

There are two Government documents to read.

Changes (7th May 2020) to guidance for direct payment holders to reflect the latest PPE guidance from Public Health England, in particular what PPE should be worn during a time of sustained COVID-19 transmission.
Also, questions have been added to the Q&A attachment on footwear, the use papers towels and responsibility for paying for PPE.

The Q&A document covers:

Latest

Who is exempt from wearing a face mask?

Government guidelines on facemask exemptions and cards to carry
Community conversation for shielders

Solent NHS Trust would like to hear from those shielding, their families and carers. Online Thursday 30 July, 3pm. Click for details.
Survey on transitioning from child to adult services

NCEPOD are working on a study to explore the quality of care received by young people and young adults who are currently transitioning, or who have previously transitioned their ongoing healthcare needs from child to adult services.
Carers Leave - Open Consultation

The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy are holding an open consultation. The consultation seeks views on a proposal to give employees a week of unpaid leave each year to provide care. 3rd August 2020 at 11:45pm

Guide to Carers Assessment

This is a short guide for those who have already booked a carers assessment to help you prepare for it
Nautilus Welfare Fund

The Nautilus Welfare Fund provides financial support to retired seafarers and their dependants across the UK. The service is pleased to support Retired Mariners and their dependants, former RFA personnel, Veteran mariners and their dependants, those who have supported HM Armed Forces in periods of conflict.
Hampshire Macmillan Citizens Advice Service

This service is operating during the current Covid-19 pandemic as normally as possible and give advice by phone or email on benefits/grants/blue badges/housing and more for those affected by cancer who are living in or being treated in Hampshire.
Macmillan Grants

Macmillan Grants are small, one-off means-tested payments to help with the extra costs that living with cancer can bring. Find out how to apply.
Saving money on energy bills

Uswitch has created a helpful guide that offers support and tips for informal carers.
Banking during lockdown: cash deliveries, dedicated telephone numbers and more

The Post Office has launched a cash delivery service to help vulnerable customers, with the help of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Help for parents during the school holidays

Activities, food support and other contacts for parent carers of school age children
Free Cakes for Kids

A not-for-profit community service to families who find it difficult to provide a birthday cake for their child. Cakes are baked by volunteers, who operate in local and independent groups across the country.
Basic food bank in SO14

Saturday 10am-3pm at Living World Liberation Centre 21-25 St Mary's Place Southampton SO14 3HY
ESA / NSESA customers do not need to submit medical evidence

ESA and New Style ESA customers who have not yet had their medical assessment are usually required to provide medical evidence in support of their claim. From 30 March 2020 this requirement has been temporarily removed. The situation will be reviewed monthly.