Coronavirus Information and Support
Due to the coronavirus outbreak we have made changes to the way we work to protect the carers we work with and the people that they care for. You can read more about this here.
On this page we will try to pull together information about local support, as well as national guidance, that may be able to help carers in this very unique situation. We will try our best to keep the information as up to date and current as possible, however the situation is constantly evolving so please bear this in mind.
Carers Support Cumbria, Cumbria CVS, Cumbria County Council and Cumbria Police have jointly prepared some guidance and support for carers and their families during “lockdown”. You can download a copy of this below.
If you want to have a chat with one of our support workers with more specific enquiries then contact us via phone, email or social media.
National guidance:
- UK Government: www.gov.uk/coronavirus
- NHS: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19
The government issued guidance specifically for carers is here - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-providing-unpaid-care/guidance-for-those-who-provide-unpaid-care-to-friends-or-family
If you need help or clarity about anything in this guidance please contact us to have a chat with a support worker.
Information from local government:
Cumbria County Council has set up an interactive map to help you find local support in your area, including obtaining essential food and medicine supplies: cumbria.gov.uk/coronavirus/resourcemap.asp
Help with Finances
Coronavirus and claiming benefits - www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/coronavirus
The Hardship Fund can provide Council Tax relief through existing Local Council Tax Support schemes. If you are facing financial difficulties, you may be entitled to help. Click on Allerdale or Copeland for more information or to apply.
Health and Wellbeing
The NHS have produced these tips to help you if you are worried about coronavirus www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/coronavirus-covid-19-anxiety-tips
Every Life Matters have some great suugestions on how to look after your mental health and wellbeing on their website www.every-life-matters.org.uk/covid-19. You can also use this link to download the revised version of their "Guide to looking after yourself and others".
Cumbria counselling charity SAFA are using their team of trained counsellors to provide FREE telephone support for anyone in Cumbria who is anxious, isolated or worried about COVID-19 and its effects. To access the service ring 01229 832269. Your details will be taken, a counsellor will then be assigned who will call you back. All calls are confidential. The helpline is manned Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm.
Support for Young Carers and Parent Carers
If you're a young carer or young adult carer and you need some support during the Coronavirus outbreak, Carers Trust have put together a comprehensive list of organisations who can help you, or the person you care for - carers.org/getting-support-if-you-are-a-young-carer-or-young-adult-carer/information-on-coronavirus-covid-19-for-young-carers-and-young-adult-carers
The Cumbria Safeguarding Children Partnership have a great range of information for families and parents/carers on their website www.cumbriasafeguardingchildren.co.uk/covid19.asp