Supporting disabled people through the coronavirus outbreak
A joint statement from Justin Tomlinson MP, Helen Whately MP and Vicky Ford MP outlining how the government plans to support disabled people, their carers, and their families during the coronavirus outbreak.
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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
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A statement from the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges
During this COVID-19 pandemic it is vitally important that patients and the public recognise that they must continue to seek medical assistance if they have symptoms which cause concern, or they already are being treated for a serious health condition. The risk of developing other serious or life-threatening conditions remains unchanged and people must be fully confident that they can and should, seek medical assistance if they are worried about themselves or a relative.
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Bedfordshire Community Health Services have created a new website page for their Bedfordshire Services, and all the latest information regarding these services, during this outbreak, click on this link.
ADULT SERVICES
- Acquired Brain Injury Service: 01582 709037
- Neuro rehabilitation and early supported discharge stroke service: 01582 707651
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How are charities and other organisations helping us during the Covid-19 Pandemic?
- Access Bedford have moved their Deaf Space Drop-in service online. It is still a FREE service. Watch the BSL video here. 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.