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

Carers Week: Celebration Lunch

Join us to celebrate YOU! In partnership with Southampton City Council.
Dementia Care Afternoon Tea

Dementia Workshop in partnership with Admiral Nurses & Dementia Navigators | Thursday 9th June
Carers Lunch | Debt Management Workshop with Christians Against Poverty

Join us for a Carers Lunch on Wednesday 8th June.
Occupational Therapy Workshop

Join us for this useful and practical workshop on Tuesday 7th June

Allpay Authentication Process

Allpay, who handle the direct payments card have a robust authetication process. The details are here.
Foothold

Foothold, The Institution of Engineering and Technology Benevolent Fund offers specific support to carers including a newsletter, wellbeing support, practical support, advice and information
DWP Benefits Checker

The Govt has launched a new tool for anyone to check if they are entitled to benefits.
Exemption from transport costs

Disability exemptions and reductions for vehicle tax, parking costs, bus and rail travel and help with buying or leasing a car
Attendance Allowance

Attendance Allowance is a non-contributory Social Security benefit paid to elderly disabled people in the United Kingdom. Click for more details.
Monty's Community Pantry

A community pantry 'Pay as you feel' with money or by volunteering. Open 9am-6pm at SO19 0QB
Credit Unions

Credit unions offer an alternative to traditional banks and building societies for saving and borrowing. They can sometimes beat the rates on the high street.
Help with health costs

If you are on a low income you could be eligible to receive full or partial help for your health care costs, depending on how much you earn. For example, this page tells you how to find out if can have free prescriptions.
BT Basic low cost phone service

BT Basic is a low-cost telephone service for people on specific means-tested benefits. You can also add broadband to a BT Basic line.
Guide to Carers Assessment

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

Carer's Cards

Save you money out and about and recognise your caring role
Carer's Assessments

Carer's assessments evaluate your need for support and services and eligibility for a personal wellbeing payment
Contact us

How to get in touch
Assisted Shopping - Sainsbury's Shop On-line and Telephone Service

Sainsbury's Assisted Shopping scheme helps people who are housebound, cannot travel to the shops or cannot manage online shopping by allowing them to make shopping orders over the telephone. You can access this service by calling 0800 328 1700, Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.
Southampton General Hospital Ward Numbers

This is a list of the contact telephone numbers for the main wards at University Hospital Southampton
What we offer

Click to find quick links for support workers, carers cards, emergency plans and carers assessments
Emergency planning

Being prepared for emergencies is always a good idea as a carer. Take a look below and help put some of your worries to rest.
Singing groups and choirs in Southampton

A new study identifies the healing power of singing in a group, and urges us all to have a go. A list of many choirs in Southampton can be found here.
Refer a Carer

We are open to referrals of adult unpaid carers for support, information, carers cards, emergency plans and statutory carers assessments.
Southampton City Council Adult Health & Social Care

If you are caring for an adult over 18, (including young carers), and are affected or needing to self isolate and you have no other additional social care you can contact Southampton City Council Adult Health & Social Care. Phone 023 8083 3003