Guidance Updates
Last updated 12 January 2021
What is Coronavirus?
As a group, coronaviruses are common across the world. This strain, COVID-19, is a new strain of Coronavirus first identified in January 2020. To find out about the symptoms and how to prevent the spread of the virus, please refer to the information on the GOV.UK website: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
Gosport is currently under national lockdown restrictions:
The Government have issued some Stay At Home guidance: What to do if you or someone in your household has symptoms of coronavirus or has been told they have coronavirus after having a test (November 2020). It’s a very useful easy-read version and can be downloaded here.
What help is available locally?
- We are currently compiling a directory of local organisations providing support and sharing local updates
- Gosport Borough Council’s building is closed, however essential services are running. For more information visit their website here.
- Gosport Community Safety Partnership has information for homelessness and rough sleepers here
How are national/countywide organisations helping to deal with COVID-19?
- Hampshire County Council’s new helpline is now available to provide information and advice, as well as practical support to vulnerable Hampshire residents. The Coronavirus Hampshire Support and Helpline can be contacted on 0333 370 4000. (Calls charged at local rate.) Or you can request a call-back from the helpline by completing the call-back request form. The helpline is available weekdays, from 9am to 5pm, as well as the weekends of 7-8 Nov and 14-15 Nov, and is for vulnerable people who do not have support from families, friends or their local community, and who need assistance with practical issues.
Health Conditions and Disabilities
- Hampshire County Council Adults’ Health and Care has put together a COVID-19 updates webpage for care providers in Hampshire, which includes a useful social care providers COVID-19 resource pack
- Diabetes UK has provided an updated information page for people living with diabetes
- Asthma UK has released a blog post with advice for people with asthma
- Dementia Change Action Network (a joint initiative by NHS England & Improvement, Alzheimer’s Society and the Coalition for Collaborative Care), have decided to use their network to focus on ways to live well during social isolation and distancing. “Distancing with Dementia” is an open space where everyone can share and learn from each other’s ideas and experiences of coping during this difficult time
- Alzheimer’s Society have created advice and practical tips for people living with dementia and those supporting them – either in their own home or from a distance, to help during the coronavirus pandemic. They also have advice for people with dementia living alone
- The British Heart Foundation has published guidance for people with health problems
- Although face-to-face support has had to stop due to C-19, Open Sight are very much open for support over the phone, by email and via their website
- Guide Dogs are launching a Covid-19 Sight Loss Information Line in response to an influx of concerns raised by people with sight loss, and their friends and families. For more information you can ring 0800 781 1444
- SignHealth has a wealth of Coronavirus information in British Sign Language. Content is updated daily, and the government’s daily briefings are summarised on their website
- The National Eczema Society has offered advice on handwashing techniques for people with eczema and other skin conditions
- SignHealth has created British Sign Language (BSL) videos to help deaf BSL users either working in charities or receiving support
- Carers UK has produced recommendations for carers
- Carers Together’s CALL line is still open every day for unpaid carers to have a chat, offload concerns, share worries or access information. Call free on 0800 323456
- Carers’ Resource says: “Download our simple Plan B document and use it to keep the key information about you and those you care for that others might need to know. And use it as a springboard for planning what you might need to do in the event of an emergency.”
- Inclusion Recovery Hampshire has released a bulletin detailing the services they are currently able to offer.
- The Cystic Fibrosis Trust, Primary Immunodeficiency UK and the Mental Health Foundation have all issued advice and support
Safety and Security
- Full Fact has generated a fact check page on COVID-19 to help dispel any false information
- The National Cyber Security Centre encourage the public to forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk
- Hampshire Constabulary has provided details of common C-19 scams to be aware of
- Hampshire County Council has released Scam Alerts updates for April 2020 and June 2020, as well as a list of common scams
- Hampshire Safeguarding Adults Board have created a Coronavirus Information Hub
- Hampshire County Council have published information and updates to the Hampshire Domestic Abuse Partnership and Service for professionals and individuals here and here
Homelessness and Accommodation
- Housing Justice has issued specialised advice to homeless shelters. Glass Door is emphasising the importance of handwashing and has boosted their stock of hand gels kept in their vans that move between shelters. Pathway and Crisis have called on the government for guidance on how best to protect homeless people against coronavirus.
Finances
- The Post Office has extended their ‘Payout Now’ scheme offer to all banks, building societies and credit unions.
If the bank allows it, someone can ask for a one-time barcode sent via text, email or post for a stipulated amount. A trusted friend or volunteer can exchange the voucher for the cash requested: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-52229698 - Citizens Advice have published this helpful information for those needing help with topping up their energy meter. Suppliers are being supportive and assisting with a range of options: click for more information.
Bereavement
- The Bereavement Centre aren’t currently able to provide face-to-face support, but encourage individuals to contact them for support over the phone. They have also provided this self-help guide.
- Cruse Bereavement Care have issued advice for those experiencing bereavement during isolation.
- Although Sue Ryder have had to close their centres to visitors, they offer support via their Online Community.
- National charity, At a Loss, has released a website directory of local and national bereavement support adapted to current restrictions.
Children and Young People
- Disadvantaged children in the most vital stages of their education are set to receive laptops and tablets and 4G routers as part of a push to make remote education accessible. The country’s major telecommunications providers will make it easier for families to access selected educational resources by temporarily exempting these sites from data charges.
- Public Health England has developed guidance for parents and carers on supporting children & young people’s mental health and well being during the Covid-19 outbreak
- Hampshire County Council have published ten tips for teens in lockdown
- Families Solent East Magazine’s free, digital “surviving lockdown” issue is available now
Online shopping instructions
If you’re not familiar with shopping for groceries online, Rushmoor Borough Council and Voluntary Services’ step-by-step guide can get you started.
Looking after your well-being whilst staying at home
We know that staying at home for a prolonged period of time can be difficult, frustrating and lonely for some people and that you may feel low. It’s important to remember to take care of your mind as well as your body and to get support if and when you need it. Stay in touch with family and friends over the phone or on social media. There are also sources of support and information that can help.
https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing
Public Health England’s ‘Active at Home’ booklet has been produced to provide practical guidance to older adults on home-based activities to maintain their strength and balance. It follows concerns that low levels of physical activity in older adults will lead to reduced fitness resulting in loss of independence and need for care in the future: https://www.gva.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/PHE-Active-at-Home-Booklet.pdf
The College of Medicine and Integrative Health has a list of article on holistic health practices to support your wellbeing during the Covid 19 outbreak. The College is also sending out invitations to a variety of online events such as breathwork practices and Lu Jong.
The Cultural First Aid Kit has been produced by Manchester Museum & Whitworth Art Gallery, filled with creative and fun activities and workshop ideas that can be completed in the comfort of your own home, in hospital or care centres and homes.
Insight Timer provides free meditations for sleep, anxiety & stress and is available online and via their app.
Things to do when Social Distancing or Isolating
Escape to Kew Gardens and Wakehurst
Get urgent support
Free 24-hour listening support
When life is tough, Samaritans are here to listen at any time of the day or night. You can talk to them about anything that’s troubling you, no matter how difficult.
Call free on 116 123 or visit the Samaritans website
Shout offers confidential 24/7 crisis text support for times when you need immediate assistance.
Text “SHOUT” to 85258 or visit Shout Crisis Text Line
Urgent, non-emergency medical advice
If you need help urgently but are not at risk of death or serious illness, call the NHS non-emergency advice line.
Call 111
People with hearing problems can use the NHS 111 British Sign Language (BSL) service.
Crisis support for young people
If you are under 35 and feel that life is not worth living any more, call Papyrus’s HopelineUK from 9am to 10pm weekdays and 2pm to 10pm on weekends.
Call HopelineUK on 0800 068 41 41
Text 07786 209697
Dial 999
In a life-threatening emergency, phone the emergency services and ask for an ambulance.
Call 999
Resources
Key up-to-date information from the government:
- GOV.UK: COVID-19 latest information and advice
- NHS coronavirus advice
- Hampshire County Council: Advice for elderly and vulnerable people
- Gosport Borough Council service information and advice
Sector-specific guidance
- GOV.UK: COVID-19 guidance for voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations
- GOV.UK: Guidance for social or community care and residential settings on COVID-19
- GOV.UK: COVID-19 guidance for educational settings
- NHS England: Coronavirus information for health professionals
Risk management
- GOV.UK: Guidance on charities and risk management
- Zurich: Organisational resilience guidance on pandemic planning
- Charities Facilities Management Group: Business continuity for charities