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.

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

On Tuesday 8th April the government issued guidance specifically for carers, you can read this 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: 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 has published Local Support Directories for each district. They provide a quick and easy way to find local support in your area, including support from local businesses and community and voluntary groups. Find them under 'Local area updates' at cumbria.gov.uk/coronavirus/communities

The Cumbria County Council Emergency Support Line is aimed at vulnerable people needing urgent help. The 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 cumbria.gov.uk/coronavirus/helpline

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.

As of this week, people can now refer themselves 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, please 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 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 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.

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

Support for Young Carers and Parent Carers

We have teamed up with Crafty Workshop in Workington to provide Craft Kits to our Young Carers. For more information click here.

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 cumbriasafeguardingchildren.co.uk/LSCB/CSCP/covid19informationforfamiliesandparents

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.

Children eligible for free school meals can access weekly shopping vouchers worth £15 to spend at supermarkets while schools are closed due to coronavirus www.gov.uk/government/news/voucher-scheme-launches-for-schools-providing-free-school-meals

ThinkNinja is now available FREE to all UK 10-18 year olds for the duration of the COVID-19 crisis. ThinkNinja is an app specifically designed to educate 10-18 year olds about mental health, emotional wellbeing and to provide skills young people can use to build resilience and stay well. The app has been updated with specific COVID-19 support content which should bring self-help knowledge and skills to children and young people who maybe experiencing increased anxiety and stress during the crisis. For more information visit www.healios.org.uk/services/thinkninja1

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 click here and choose ‘Log In’.

Downloads

Download Carers Support Cumbria: Information for family and informal Carers during lockdown

Download Every Life Matters: guide to looking after yourself and others

Download Coronavirus: advice for parents when a child is unwell or injured

Download My Hero is You: storybook for children