Updated 13/11/20
Helping vulnerable people
A substantial network of NHS volunteers have been recruited to support the COVID-19 response in the BLMK area. If you or a dependent are considered to be a ‘vulnerable person’ (due to age or health condition) and have received a targeted letter from the NHS, here is a helpful link to register for help with accessing food or medication:
https://coronavirus-vulnerable-people.service.gov.uk/live-in-england
________________________________________________________________________________
ADULT SERVICES
- Acquired Brain Injury Service: 01582 709037
- Neuro rehabilitation and early supported discharge stroke service: 01582 707651
________________________________________________________________________________
How are charities and other organisations helping us during the Covid-19 Pandemic?
- Signhealth has made their InterpreterNow remote BSL interpretation service available for free across all healthcare services
- Signhealth is providing videos of summaries of key coronavirus guidance in BSL
- Access Bedford have moved their Deaf Space Drop-in service online. It is still a FREE service. To access the service, click on this link and fill in the form, or email: deafspace@outlook.com; the Access Bedford team will then email back and confirm a date and time for an online meeting with an NRCPD registered Interpreter via Zoom.
- Asthma UK has released a blog post with advice for people with asthma.
- BEAT have experienced a 30% increase in demand for services and recognise that many people are really struggling with managing their disorder during lockdown. With the help of eating disorders clinicians, they have put together guidance to respond to questions about health, food and exercise, treatment etc. https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/coronavirus
- The British Heart Foundation has published guidance for people with health problems.
- Carers in Bedfordshire are still here for carers. They are still also accepting new referrals. Please call their telephone support service on 0300 111 1919 between 9.30am and 4.30pm, or visit their website.
- Carers UK has produced recommendations for carers.
- The Cystic Fibrosis Trust, Primary Immunodeficiency UK and the Mental Health Foundation have all issued advice and support.
- Diabetes UK has provided an updated information page for people living with diabetes.
- Epilepsy Action continue to update their epilepsy and coronavirus advice. The Epilepsy Action Helpline is still open to talk through your queries or worries on 0808 800 5050.
- The National Eczema Society has offered advice on handwashing techniquesfor people with eczema and other skin conditions.
- SignHealth has created British Sign Language (BSL) videos to help deaf BSL users either working in charities or receiving support.
- Information on the virus from the Terence Higgins Trust giving guidance for people living with HIV, and answers to frequently asked questions from Dr Michael Brady: https://www.tht.org.uk/news/coronavirus-covid-19
- Unique is a small charity supporting, informing and networking with families living with a Rare Chromosome Disorder or some Autosomal Dominant Single Gene Disorders associated with learning disability and developmental delay, among other symptoms. Unique’s guide for families contains lots of Covid-19 related information, guidance, ideas, resources and sources of help.
- Covid-19 is a particularly challenging time for people and families affected by genetic, rare and undiagnosed conditions. Genetic Alliance UK hub has been set up to enable quick and easy access to relevant information and will be updated regularly while Covid-19 remains a threat to health.