Coronavirus Information and Advice
This page will act as an information hub for the current information, advice and guidance around coronavirus. On this page you will find the current status of the Sunderland Carers Centre Service and how we can help during this time. You will also find a useful links section and a young carer advice section to assist you during your time in isolation.Sunderland Carers Centre Service Status
Sunderland Carers Centre is open and offering information, advice and guidance via email, telephone or social media – The Carers Centre Building has now re-opened to the public.
Facebook: Sunderland Carers Centre
Twitter: @sunderlandcarer
We appreciate that anxieties are high for a lot of people and during this period we are still offering information, advice and support via telephone, email and in person. Please do not hesitate to contact us for ongoing support.
SEND IASS Service:
The SEND IASS service is still operating and offering information, advice and guidance. If you would like to access the service please email sendiass@sunderlandcarers.co.uk and a member of the team will get in touch with you.
Other useful contacts:
IPSEA (Independent Parental Education Advice) – 0800 018 4016
Contact – 0808 808 3555
Council for Disabled Children website – www.councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk
Young Carer Service:
Our young carer service has also now re-opened. Please call or email us for more information on our young carer service
Current Coronavirus Information
For the most up to date information from the Government around Covid-19 and what action you are required to take please visit the Government website by clicking here. For the recommended Government guidance around creating your own face mask please click here.
For carer specific Covid-19 advice check out Carers UKs Coronavirus guidance by clicking here. Carers UK offer advice on how to care during this time, advice for working carers and how to protect your mental wellbeing with their wellbeing action plan. Additionally, Carer UK have an online forum where carers can offer each other peer support, give advice and share experiences. You can access this forum by clicking here.
If you are worried that you or someone you look after may be at risk, NHS 111 can offer direct guidance through their online coronavirus helpline. Call 111 if your (or their) symptoms become severe, and let them know you are a carer.
Free Online Training – Coping during the Pandemic
The ‘Coping during the Pandemic’ online training, developed by The Recovery College, is free for everyone to access. There is information about how to avoid catching/spreading the virus, what immediate feelings you may have and common reactions, managing your mental health at this time, managing isolation and social distancing, self-care, supporting children and young people and some accessible information. Click the image below to access the course.
Other useful links:
Easy Read Inclusion North Information about Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Wellbeinginfo.org – Covid-19: Information, updates and advice
Helpful links to check out while in isolation
Mental Wellbeing
You might be worried about coronavirus and how it is going to affect your life. We are already needing to make significant changes to our everyday lives and this might feel difficult or stressful. But there are lots of things you can try that could help protect you mental wellbeing. Mind have put together a web page full of useful information on how to plan and manage staying at home as well as manage your stress or anxiety levels. Click the Mind logo below to check out this page.
Being physically active while at home
Being active in a way that is right for you, can improve your physical health, help manage stress and anxiety and just generally make you feel better. It is still acceptable to go outside for a walk, run, cycle – or any other way you normally get active outside – provided you are doing so in a way that meets the latest guidance outlined by the Government.
That advice is now recommending against all non-essential contact and all unnecessary travel – including working from home if you can. If you’re spending more and more time at home, and if you feel well, there’s a wealth of free online content to help you get active. Sport England have also put together some useful advice on how to achieve this. Click the image below to find out more!
Keeping in touch with family and friends via video calling
Would you like to learn more about how to connect with family and friends by using video calling? It’s one of the free courses that BT provide through their skills for tomorrow programme. The course covers video calling through a number of platforms including Skype, Facebook, FaceTime and WhatsApp. Click here to access this free course or share with a family member or friend you would like to keep in touch with.
Accessing public services online
BT are also offering other free online courses to support older or vulnerable people and those with low or no digital skills to keep up to date, and to be healthy during the spread of the coronavirus . These courses include how-to guides for accessing public services:
- How to access GP services online – providing key information on how to find and register with your local GP surgery, apply for repeat prescriptions and look up health records online.
- How to use the NHS website – outlining how to make the most of the NHS website to find advice and local health services like GPs and hospitals online.
- Using public services online – how to understand what public services are available online, how use the GOV.UK government website and find local council services.
Click here to find out more and take part in these courses.
Can I freeze it? Yes you can! – M&S Campaign
As carers look for more ways to keep their kitchens well stocked, M&S have shared their top tips on how to make the most of your fridge and freezer space. Check out their handy online food guide by clicking here.
Young Carer Links
School closure information:
Free school meals information – For the latest information about free school meals please visit the Government website.
Liverpool CAMHS resource packs – A collection of useful resources providing lots of useful information for families and schools to use during the period of closure.
Useful links for young carers while at home:
Council for Disabled Children Covid-19 information page – Government guidance and other useful links.
Schools out – A free list of resources (created by parents, for parents) to collate and suggest ideas, learning and fun activities for young children at home.
Kooth online counselling and mental health service – Kooth is continuing to provide online mental health and wellbeing support to young people aged 11-18 years and up to 25 years for care leavers in Sunderland via any internet accessible device. Kooth provides an opportunity to interact in a supportive way with other young people as well as receive support from a qualified counsellor.
Creative Minds wellbeing activity pack – to help young people manage their wellbeing while at home. Check out their Facebook page for other great resources by clicking here.
Audible free audio books – Audible are also offering hundreds of free audio books for children of all ages during school closure times.
Online P.E. classes with the Body Coach – At 9am (Monday to Friday) the Body Coach does a live 30 minute workout class for kids of all ages on YouTube.
Artventurers list of lock down/isolation ideas – Check out their Facebook page for other great ideas by clicking here.
Edinburgh Zoo live web cams – You may not be able to visit the zoo but you can watch different animals in their enclosures and during feeding times on the Edinburgh Zoo website for free.