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.
For more information on the "Roadmap out of lockdown" visit - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-response-spring-2021/covid-19-response-spring-2021-summary
Information from local government:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccinations for unpaid carers - to read the joint statement released for the North Cumbria area visit the Cumbria County Council website: www.cumbria.gov.uk/coronavirus/unpaidcarers.asp
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
Beware of scams!
The last year has seen a host of coronavirus-related scams. Keep up to date with scam warnings here and to report a scam visit www.actionfraud.police.uk
Remember: NHS trusted social media accounts have a blue tick
Information and Support from other Third Sector Organisations:
- Carers UK: www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/health/looking-after-your-health/coronavirus-covid-19
- Age UK: www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/coronavirus
- Alzheimer's Society - www.alzheimers.org.uk/coronavirus-covid-19
- Mind: www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing
Social Media
Social Media is a great place to keep up to date with offers of help within the local community. You can view our pages below. NOTE: you do not need an account to view Twitter.
Help with groceries and medicines
There are many Covid-19 Mutual Aid UK groups across the county offering support in local areas. You can see what is available where you live by following this link and searching for your town.
You can refer yourself, or the person you care for, for help from an NHS volunteer. If you're self isolating and need help collecting shopping, medication or other essential supplies or just want a telephone ‘check in and chat’ to help prevent loneliness, call 0808 196 3646 (8am to 8pm). Click here to read more or refer online - volunteering.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/nhs-volunteer-responders-portal/isolating
Many supermarkets have changed their opening times to help re-stock and to offer a dedicated shopping time for the most vulnerable. Below are links to the information for each store.
Most local Foodbanks are open as usual - you can check locations and opening days/times below:
Help with Finances
Coronavirus support relsted to work and financial support - https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/worker-support
Coronavirus and claiming benefits - www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/coronavirus
A new Hardship Fund will provide an additional £500 million (nationwide) for 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.
Citizens Advice Bureau: www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Energy bill help - www.energy-uk.org.uk/our-work/covid-19-information-hub/7475-supporting-customers.html
Health and Wellbeing
Active Cumbria have some excellent suggestions about how to stay active while you’re at home - www.activecumbria.org/behealthybeactive/stay-work-out
Sport England has this advice on keeping active - www.sportengland.org/news/how-stay-physically-active-during-coronavirus-restrictions
It's important to take care of your mind as well as your body - www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/coronavirus-covid-19-staying-at-home-tips
The NHS have also 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 download a copy of their guide to looking after yourself and others below.
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
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health have produced a poster with advice for parents when a child is unwell or injured. You can download a copy of this below.
Nosy Crow have published a free information book explaining the coronavirus to children, illustrated by Gruffalo illustrator Axel Scheffler you can download a copy here.
Another childrens book has been written in response to a global survey which assessed childrens mental health needs during the ourtbreak. 'My Hero is You' is designed for parents/carers to read to children, you can download a copy below.
The Youth Empowerment Squad has developed a 2-page COVID-19 information resource. A great example of information being produced by young people for young people.
If you are looking for something new to read you can now join Cumbria Libraries online. Using BorrowBox it’s really easy to access a great range of e-books and audio books totally FREE. A great way to keep you and your family members entertained. To join up visit www.cumbria-libraries.org.uk.