Looking after yourself and others during the Coronavirus Pandemic
Life has been tough for many recently, especially for people with disabilities and their families and carers.
After weeks of lockdown and with the future still uncertain, it’s only natural to be struggling, worried and scared.
The Government is saying we are ‘past the peak’ of the Covid-19 outbreak – so it’s vital that now, more than ever, we all continue to look after ourselves and loved ones to see us through the rest of the pandemic.
With that in mind, we have rounded up some resources that we think will help us all come to terms with the Coronavirus outbreak so far and provide further support in the future.
IT’S GOOD TO TALK
Elefriends – an online community to message others for support
MeeToo – a messaging online community for young people
TalkLife – another online community to support mental health
For general advice on looking after your mental health and overall wellbeing, visit the Mind website
TALK WITH SOMEONE OVER THE PHONE
Call 116 123 – the Samaritans are available 24 hours a day, no matter what you are going through
GENERAL ADVICE AND RESOURCES
Practical information and emotional support, from Coronavirus to general health, by Scope
www.scope.org.uk/coronavirus-information
The Fragile X Society has tips for staying at home
www.fragilex.org.uk/post/we-re-all-at-home-help
Advice and Q&A’s for families caring for seriously ill children, by Together for Short Lives
www.togetherforshortlives.org.uk/get-support/supporting-you/family-resources/coronavirus-qa
Coping with the pandemic for people with autism and families from the National Autistic Society
www.autism.org.uk/services/helplines/coronavirus.aspx
Useful resources and support for children and young people with brain injury by The Children’s Trust
www.braininjuryhub.co.uk/news/coronavirus-useful-resources-and-support
Down’s Syndrome Association have a bank of resources for all
www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/
The Challenging Behaviours Foundation have their own resources for people with severe learning disabilities
www.challengingbehaviour.org.uk/information/covid19information
An interactive map for local mutual aid groups
The latest Coronavirus information relating to SEND families with helpful resources
www.specialneedsjungle.com/latest-coronavirus-information-relevant-for-send-families
Staying well when social distancing thanks to Royal College of Occupational Therapists
www.rcot.co.uk/staying-well-when-social-distancing
‘How to look after your mental health during the Coronavirus outbreak’ from Swings & Smiles
www.swingsandsmiles.co.uk/blog/how-to-look-after-your-mental-health-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak
Toolkits for play for children with complex needs, making play inclusive with Sense
www.sense.org.uk/get-support/support-for-children/play-toolkits and www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lbp9K1BXLn4&feature=youtu.be
10 ways to keep your child with complex health needs safe – by Well Child
www.wellchild.org.uk/2020/03/18/ten-ways-to-keep-my-child-with-complex-health-needs-safe
Disability Challengers have brought together a lot of useful resources for staying at home
www.disability-challengers.org/useful-resources-at-home
Signhealth – The Deaf Health Charity, provides daily updates on Coronavirus with sign language, along with lots of videos containing helpful advice
www.signhealth.org.uk/resources/coronavirus
The NSPCC has a page dedicated to supporting children with SEND
For financial advice specifically for ill or disabled people, start with this page by The Money Advice Service
www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/charitable-grants-for-ill-or-disabled-people
If you feel we’ve missed something that should be featured here, please email receptionexmoor@calvert-trust.org.uk with suggestions. Thank you.
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