Adult Carers

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.

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

Information from local government:

Cumbria County Council: cumbria.gov.uk/coronavirus
Cumbria County Council latest news: yourcumbria.org
Allerdale Borough Council: www.allerdale.gov.uk/en/coronavirus
Copeland Borough Council: www.copeland.gov.uk/coronavirus-pandemic-information-copeland

Cumbria County Council have set up a new emergency support line aimed at vulnerable people needing urgent help.

The Emergency telephone support line is 0800 783 1966 or you can email your request for help to COVID19support@cumbria.gov.uk.

The telephone 'call' centre will operate Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and 10am to 2pm at weekends. The service will also accepts referrals from members of the public who may be concerned about people in their community. For more information on this service visit https://cumbria.gov.uk/coronavirus/helpline.asp

Beware of scams!

Action Fraud have reported a 400% increase in coronavirus-related scams in March, with victim losses totalling almost £970,000. You can read the latest reports here.

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:

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

If you, or the person you care for, are shielding and need help getting foods and medicines you can register here - https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable

There are also 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.

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 for employees, benefit claimants and businesses - www.gov.uk/government/news/coronavirus-support-for-employees-benefit-claimants-and-businesses
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 for the most vulnerable - news.energynetworks.org/news/government-agrees-measures-with-energy-industry-to-support-vulnerable-people-through-covid-19

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 ahve 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
Mobilise.co.uk has been asking carers about some of the tips they've been finding helpful right now www.mobiliseonline.co.uk/post/5-ways-carers-are-coping-with-the-crisis