Coronavirus support
On this page, you will find lots of information to support you as a Carer during the pandemic and specifically during the lockdown period. If you need information and support, please contact us.
Visits to care homes (updated 8 March 2021)
Government guidance on safe visiting to care homes
Latest government guidance on vaccinations for Carers (8 March 2021)
You can view the latest government information for Carers about access to the Covid-19 vaccination here..
It was published on 8 March 2021 and covers which Carers are eligible, the route to vaccination for both Carers who are already known to their GP, local authority or in receipt of Carer’s Allowance and those who are not known through these channels.
If you have not yet been called for your vaccination as an eligible Carer and need any help understanding the guidance please contact us.
Information about vaccines for Carers (20 Feb 2020)
Some adult Carers are eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations in priority group 6. Check out this summary from Carer’s Trust.
Coronavirus vaccine and Carers – FAQs
Free PPE available for Kent Carers (Feb 2020)
3 month’s supply of PPE is available to Kent Carers who look after a relative or friend (unpaid) who does not live in the same household.
More information and to place your order
Local support services available during lockdown (18/12/20)
This booklet has been compiled by Connect Well East Kent and covers all services available locally during lockdown.
Download Support Services available during lockdown booklet (18.12.2020)
Coronavirus information from Carers UK
Carers UK is regularly updating information for Carers: https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/coronavirus-covid-19
Looking after your mental well-being durign Coronavirus: https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-mental-wellbeing
Carers can access help from the NHS Volunteer Responders Programme
If you’re a Carer you can make a referral to the NHS Volunteer Responders Programme for someone that you care for on their behalf.
You can also make a referral for yourself, if this support helps you to continue in your caring role. Please call 0808 196 3646 to make a referral.
https://volunteering.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/nhs-volunteer-responders-portal/isolating
Support if you or the person you care for have medical conditions that make you extremely vulnerable to coronavirus
You can get coronavirus support if you or the person you care for has a medical condition that makes you extremely vulnerable to coronavirus. For example, you’ll be able to ask for help getting deliveries of essential supplies like food. If you’re not sure, register anyway. You can register yourself, or for someone else. https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable
Access to medication
If you need to get your medication without leaving home (free delivery on all NHS prescriptions), visit: https://www.pharmacy2u.co.uk/
Government advice on COVID-19
Government advice about Coronavirus, or COVID-19 is regularly being updated. You can find the latest information at https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
Care home visits (Nov 2020)
All care home residents should be able to receive visits from their family and friends during lockdown following new guidance issued by the Government in place from 5 November 2020.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/visiting-care-homes-during-coronavirus
Planning for Christmas 2020
If the person you care for lives in a care home, there will be more things than usual to think about this year if you usually bring them to your home for Christmas. Government restriction aside, there may also be quarantine restrictions in place at the care home or reduced access to care providers for home-based support packages.
COVID-19 and health advice
For more information on coronavirus and health advice please visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
Planning for emergencies
Check out our useful tips on planning for emergencies.