Links and Resources

Carers UK:

As the situation with coronavirus evolves, it's important to know what support is available to you as a carer and those you look after.

If you are worried that you or someone you look after may be at risk, NHS 111 can offer direct guidance through their online coronavirus helpline. Call 111 if your (or their) symptoms become severe, and let them know you are a carer.

https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-covid-19


Carers Trust:

Find information on what Coronavirus (COVID-19) might mean for you or someone you care for.

https://carers.org/guidance-on-coronavirus/-guidance-coronavirus


Planning for emergencies:

As a carer you need to know that if an emergency happens, replacement care will get sorted out speedily and efficiently.

Carers UK advise all carers to create an emergency plan – for you and all those you look after. Having a plan in place can help ease your worries if you are not able to care for those you look after at any point in the future.

https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/practical-support/planning-for-emergencies


Carers Emergency Alert Card:

The Carers Emergency Alert Card is a free scheme set up to give carers peace of mind by ensuring that the people they care for will continue to receive the care they need if the carer is unable to provide it due to an emergency.

A card is issued to the carer with the contact number of a 24/7 call centre and a PIN number which is unique to that carer. Anyone can call that number and inform the emergency response team that alternative care is required for the cared for person.

A Carers Emergency Card also gives the carer the opportunity to outline their preferences for alternative care for the person they care for. Apply for a Carers Emergency Alert Card.

If there are any changes to your circumstances, such as updates to your details or you would like to cancel a card, please inform us as soon as possible. You can send us an email with the subject line: 'Carer's emergency alert card' to adults@kingston.gov.uk or call us on 0208 547 5005.


Kingston Stronger Together:

If you are unable to leave your home because of the current situation and need support you can contact the Kingston Stronger Together support hub.

If you need help please complete the online form or call the hub on 0208 547 5000.

https://www.kingston.gov.uk/info/200287/health_and_wellbeing/1748/covid-19_coronavirus/2


Local food delivery services:

A growing number of local businesses are now offering home deliveries for anyone struggling to access national grocery delivery services whilst in isolation.

https://www.connectedkingston.uk/services/local-food-delivery-essential-groceries


COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and your money:

Kingston Council want to make sure all our residents get the help and support they need during this time. If you have to take time off work because of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), there are a number of support measures in place. 

https://www.kingston.gov.uk/info/200185/council_and_housing_association_tenants/1775/housing_services_changes/5


Citizens Advice:

If you can’t pay your bills because of Coronavirus.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/if-you-cant-pay-your-bills-because-of-coronavirus/


Kingston Legal Advice Centre (KLAC):

Residents in Kingston are still able to get free legal advice from the Kingston Legal Advice Centre, run by voluntary solicitors and barristers.

To receive the legal support, which is provided remotely, you can call the KLAC on 020 8767 2777 from 9am-5pm on weekdays.


Fire safety advice at home:

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has issued important advice on how to stay safe from fire whilst being at home: 

  • Do not overload sockets
  • Do not use incorrect or counterfeit chargers for your devices
  • Do not plug multiple extension leads together

As we are all now spending more time at home, please take a few minutes to complete the LFB home fire safety checklist to ensure your home is as safe from fire risks as possible.

https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/safety/coronavirus/


Digital access to magazines, newspapers, books and other library resources:

The impact of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) means all library buildings across Kingston are closed for the foreseeable future but you can still access all our digital resources. If you don't have a library card simply click on 'join your library' and your temporary library card will give you full access to the digital library.

Kingston libraries now have an exciting programme of live streaming events including the popular Rhyme Time, anxiety workshops and e-book reviews. Visit their Facebook page for further details.

https://www.kingston.gov.uk/news/article/1035/kingston_libraries_move_online


Fraudsters:

Despite the Government’s COVID-19 (Coronavirus) restrictions to prevent non-essential trade, rogues still try to illegally scam residents.

Tradespeople should not be cold calling you offering house maintenance or building work. Neither should bogus callers be suggesting they are from the NHS offering to provide you with a COVID-19 (Coronavirus) ) home test.

Do not share your bank details and PIN numbers with anyone or give cash to someone you do not know and trust.

Any residents concerned about a cold call they have received can contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 who will ensure that the relevant local Trading Standards team is informed.

People are using the coronavirus outbreak to try new scams by email, call and text. They’re even using online marketplaces to sell goods like face masks and hand sanitisers that don’t exist.

There are also reports of fake texts being circulated claiming to be from the Government. The Government has only sent one text message to the public regarding new rules about staying at home to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Any others claiming to be from the Government are false.

If you receive an unexpected text or email asking for personal or financial details, do not click on the links or attachments, and don’t respond to any messages that ask for your personal or financial details.


Stay home. Stay connected. Stay cyber aware:

Due to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) we’re all spending more time online. The Government's 'Cyber Aware' platform provides advice on how to stay secure while you stay connected. It has top tips on how to protect passwords, accounts and devices, how to shop safely online, tailored support for business cyber security and much more.

https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/cyberaware/home

 

 

Are you worried about a child or young person affected by COVID-19?

 

Barnardo’s has launched its new ‘See, Hear, Respond’ service to support children, young people and families who are struggling to cope with the impacts of COVID-19.
The rapid support service offers support for those who need help reintegrating children and young people back into school, including:  

  • online support and information
  • online counselling and therapy
  • face-to-face support 

To refer a child you're worried about call 0800 157 7015
9am to 9pm Monday to Friday
10am to 6pm at weekends 

More information can be found on the Barnado's website.

 

Antibody testing service for PA's:

 

Your Healthcare are pleased to announce we are now able to offer an Antibody (Serology) testing service for Covid 19 for Adult Social Care staff.  

About the test 

Antibody tests are used to detect antibodies to the COVID-19 virus to identify if you have previously had the virus. The test works by taking a blood sample to check for the presence of antibodies and if you have therefore developed an immune response to the virus.  

Who can have the test? 

You able to be tested if you work in following areas 

· Care homes and nursing homes 

· Domiciliary Care providers 

· Supported Living 

· Personal Assistants to those on direct payments

Click here for more details. 

 

Kingston Mencap

Information and advice on supported care visits

Covid Vaccine:

Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

 

Where to find the latest information and guidance:

Local information: www.kingston.gov.uk/coronavirus
Latest information on COVID-19 (Coronavirus): www.gov.uk/coronavirus
NHS information on COVID-19 (Coronavirus): www.nhs.uk/coronavirus 
Q&A from Public Health England on coronavirus: https://publichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/2020/01/23/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-what-you-need-to-know/
The latest travel advice can be found here: www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus
Citizens Advice: www.citizensadvicekingston.org.uk/corona-virus
Connected Kingston information on how to stay well at home: www.connectedkingston.uk