As the situation regarding the current crisis continues there have been a number of changes and updates to organisations and the support they are providing.
Below is a wealth of information and resources which you may find useful.
Alzheimer Scotland have created a suite of resources for people with dementia, their carers and families to use throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
Community Pharmacy Update
As Scotland responds to the COVID-19 pandemic, community pharmacies in NHS Ayrshire & Arran are working tirelessly to ensure that everyone’s medicines and healthcare needs will be met over the coming days and weeks. Community pharmacy teams are a critical part of NHS Scotland, working on the front line in our local community. Over the past few weeks, community pharmacies have seen demand for over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, other products, advice and reassurance soar.
To help support community pharmacies, we are asking patients and members of the public to follow some simple steps:
- Avoid pharmacies if you are showing symptoms of COVID-19. If you have a new persistent cough and/or a high temperature or shortness of breath please avoid entering your local pharmacy as you would any other healthcare setting.
- Be patient and be kind. All pharmacies are under immense pressure and working around the clock to ensure that you get what you need. Community pharmacies have a zero tolerance position in respect of verbal and physical abuse towards their staff at this difficult time. Queuing systems and restricting access to community pharmacies are in place to ensure both staff and patients using the community pharmacy remain safe and have two-metre physical distancing in place to prevent the transmission of COVID-19.
- Order medicines as normal. There is no need to stockpile medicines. Ordering extra prescriptions and buying more OTC medicines than you need causes unnecessary disruption to the medicines supply chain.
- If you have ordered medicines over the past few weeks, please remember to collect them from your community pharmacy. We are aware of large volumes of uncollected prescriptions awaiting uplift from community pharmacies.
Pharmacies will remain open wherever possible. You may notice that some are now having to reduce the hours during which they can admit members of the public. This is to ensure that community pharmacy teams can carry out tasks such as preparing medicines, restocking shelves and cleaning, so that community pharmacy services can continue safely.
Most pharmacies can be contacted by phone and email, and many have their own websites and social media channels. Please use these methods to contact your local community pharmacy if you are displaying the symptoms of COVID-19, and need pharmacy advice or support.
National and Local Support for Communities
National Assistance Helpline – The Scottish Government has established a National Assistance Helpline for people who are:
- disabled
- receiving mental health support
- have dementia
- over 70 years old
- pregnant
- received the flu vaccine for health reasons
The helpline is dedicated to helping those who cannot leave their home and who cannot get help online. The number is 0800 111 4000and the line is open Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm.
Bereavement Support
Please see below National bereavement support charities for support to your staff and service user/residents family members.
http://www.crusescotland.org.uk/
and Ayrshire Cancer Support on 01563 538008
and Scotland’s first Bereavement Charter for Children and Adults Bereavement Charter
The outbreak of COVID-19 means that many aspects of children’s normal routines have been significantly and abruptly changed. Most children are spending all their time at home with their immediate family and are not able to have physical contact with their wider family, friends or teachers. This will be an anxious time for many children – they may have questions about how COVID-19 may affect them or other members of their family. It is important to give the time to listen and talk to your child about any concerns they have.
The following link provides support information Supporting children and young people to cope with loss and bereavement
South Ayrshire Carers Centre
The South Ayrshire Carers Centre head office in Ayr is closed and all carer support groups have been suspended until further notice. Support is being provided for all unpaid carers including young carers via telephone and social media. For further information please call 07919004480, email Southayrshire.carers@unity-enterprise.comor visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SouthAyrshireCarersCentre/
National Advice for Unpaid Carers
For the latest national advice for unpaid carers please visit www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-unpaid-carers-march-2020/ and https://young.scot/campaigns/national/coronavirus
Helplines
NHS 24 (111)
Breathing Space (0800 83 85 87)
Samaritans (116 123)
Clear your Head and Feel Better
A campaign is underway to help people cope during the COVID-19 pandemic. ‘Clear Your Head’ highlights the practical things people can do to help them feel better whilst staying at home, acknowledging these are worrying and uncertain times for many.
The campaign website – clearyourhead.scot – offers tips on how people can look after themselves if they feel things getting on top of them. This includes things like keeping to a routine, staying active within the current guidelines, making time to do the things you enjoy, and keeping in touch with people. The website also points to sources of advice including NHS Inform, and helplines including NHS24, Breathing Space, SAMH and the Samaritans – encouraging people to reach out if they need help.
Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland Support
Support from CHSS can be accessed by calling 0808 801 0899 or visit www.chss.org.uk/coronavirus
Resources for Gypsy/Traveller carers, supported people and communities during COVID – 19
MECOPP has produced a series of short film clips to raise awareness of the different types of financial help available during the pandemic. For example, changes to the welfare benefits system, Government grants and loans, help with food and bills and other forms of help such as food banks and hardship funds. The films can also be found on a dedicated Facebook page set up to support the community.
https://www.facebook.com/GypsyTravellers-ScotlandCoronavirus-information-100442048272006/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel&eid=ARAhzpSQiBxk3cj_Lp8MMRdcUP0oWYcwTuTXTLYom9x3Sz42gQwBcY-LNx6IAJIWaU2u_Ee3ona11bIb
Information for People with Dementia, their Carers and Families
Alzheimer’s Scotland have created a suite of information resources for people with dementia, their carers and families throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes information on activities, support for families and what to do if they have to go into hospital during this time. This is being updated on a regular basis as the situation progresses, so please check back to see the most up-to-date information. For more information, please click the following link: https://www.alzscot.org/information-during-coronavirus?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
NHS
A new campaign is underway to encourage people to seek medical help for health issues which are not related to COVID-19. Figures indicate patients are delaying going to the GP surgery or Accident & Emergency during the pandemic, that there has been a drop in urgent suspected cancer referrals, and a reduction in families bringing children for immunisation.
PPE for Unpaid Carers
A process has been established for unpaid carers (including young carers) to access PPE where appropriate. South Ayrshire Lifeline are supporting the model as the single point of contact (0800 432 0510). South Ayrshire Lifeline has been given a limited stock of PPE which we can deliver out to carers. This will be a week’s supply which can then be repeated.
A video has been produced to demonstrate how to put on and remove PPE which may be of use to unpaid carers: https://vimeo.com/393951705
Police Scotland – Human Trafficking and Exploitation
Across the world many countries are in the midst of the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this Police Scotland circulation is to work together to protect and safeguard the vulnerable and those most at risk of human trafficking and exploitation.
Police Scotland National Human Trafficking Unit continue their ongoing engagement with key partners to ensure they are actively looking for and responding effectively to any incident or report of Human Trafficking or exploitation. They recognise that communities can provide valuable information which can assist them in this regard.
Scottish Government
£100m funds to help business (30 April 2020): https://www.gov.scot/news/gbp-100m-funds-to-help-business/
Aid for private rental landlords (05 May 2020)
Looking after each other during COVID-19 (04 May 2020)
Short-term prisoner release (04 May 2020)
Supporting mental health (03 May 2020)
Supporting people affected by drug use (03 May 2020)
Support for autistic people (03 May 2020)
Testing expansion (01 May 2020)
Pupil Equity Funding (01 May 2020)
Online Support/Guidance documents
Coronavirus in Scotland
https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/
Scottish Government testing update
https://www.gov.scot/news/covid-19-testing-update/
NHS Inform
www.nhsinform.scot/coronavirus
Scottish Council of Voluntary Organisations
https://scvo.org.uk/support/covid-19/resources
Near Me / Attend Anywhere
https://www.nhsaaa.net/services-a-to-z/near-me-attend-anywhere/
Citizens Advice Bureau
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland/
Advice for Employees and Self-Employed
COVID-19 Guidance for Employees and Self Employed
NHS24
https://www.nhs24.scot/
The Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems
COVID-19 advice for heavy drinkers
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and People with Alcohol-related Problems
Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland – Support available
Breathing Space – Listening, information and advice
Mental Health Foundation – Mental health and psychosocial support
Support in Mind Scotland – Mental health support
See Me – Resources to help challenge mental health stigma
SAMH – COVID-19 mental health information hub
Marie Curie – Information and support