Please click below to access a wealth of Useful Resources/Information during Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Don't forget- the latest #COVID19 guidance for schools means just one adult will be able to enter the premises for drop-off & pick-up and adult visitors will need to wear face coverings.
Details at https://mysefton.co.uk/2020/09/18/new-coronavirus-measures-for-seftons-schools/
During lockdown we have been made aware of anectodal evidence of an increase in child on parent violence. Support is at hand.
Please click here https://www.sefton.gov.uk/isolationabuse
Sefton Council are working hard to keep all residents informed of the current situation with regard to COVID-19 and to let our communities know what is happening from a Council prospective. Please visit www.sefton.gov.uk
For changes to Council Services please visit www.sefton.gov.uk/communitycovid
For further information regarding COVID - 19 Local Restrictions please visit https://www.sefton.gov.uk/coronavirus
We are always looking at improving Sefton’s SEND Local Offer, please click here to give us feedback.
Deparent for Education & Gov.uk - Guidance around Education Settings during COVID-19
Please click below to access Guidance
Face coverings in Education guidance
Guidance for full opening - schools
Guidance for full opening: special schools and other specialist settings
Guidance for Further Education and skills providers
Education Act 1996: School Registration Modification Notice June 2020. This notice is relevant to all schools. It modifies pupil registration requirements and applies from 1 June 2020 to 30 June 2020.
Supporting your children's education during coronavirus (COVID-19) -Information, guidance and support for parents and carers of children who are learning at home.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Correspondence- Supporting Disabled People Through the Coronavirus Outbreak
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for schools and other educational settings. Guidance and advice about coronavirus (COVID-19) in educational settings for staff, parents and carers, pupils and students.
Maintaining education and skills training provision: further education providers
Coronavirus outbreak - frequently asked questions. What you can and can't do. Includes guidance on exercising more than once a day for individuals with a significant health condition, including a learning disability or autism.
What parents and carers need to know about schools and education during the coronavirus outbreak
COVID-19: supporting adults with learning disabilities and autistic adults. Guidance for care staff who are supporting adults with learning disabilities and autistic adults during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for people receiving direct payments
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Q&A for people receiving a personal budget or personal health budget
Click here to read an open letter from Minister Ford to SEND Sector Schools Opening dated 30 May 2020
Back to School Toolkit
Returning to School;
Support and strategies for managing behaviour and worry Webinar Recording
Sleep Webinar Recording
Wellbeing Webinar Recording
Sensory Ideas for Home Webinar Recording
Please click here to read a Back to School Supporting Your Child Leaflet.
What will happen if someone becomes unwell at an educational setting?
Click here to read the proccess
The Back to School Toolkit of resources is to help support signage, wayfinding and personal care around a socially distanced school environment.
Download Free via this link: https://bit.ly/3cdqwiz
Mental Health guidance during - COVID19
Everyone in #MySefton should look after their mental health during #COVID19.
The Department for Education (DfE) has updated the guidance for parents and carers on looking after the mental health and wellbeing of children or young people during the coronavirus outbreak to include translated documents in: Arabic, Bengali, Chinese CN, Chinese HK, French, Gujarati, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi and Urdu.
You can read the guidance here:
Anxiety Resources
Breathe in and slowly count to 2
Calm Down with take 5 Breathing
How Breathing Affects Feelings
Useful website around anxiety/mental health:
https://www.moodjuice.scot.nhs.uk/
Resources and advice only to be read after reading disclaimer:
https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/Utilities/Copyright-and-Disclaimer
https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/Resources/Looking-After-Yourself/Worry-and-Rumination
https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/Resources/Looking-After-Yourself/Anxiety
https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/Resources/Looking-After-Yourself/Sleep
https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/Resources/Looking-After-Yourself/Perfectionism
https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/Resources/Looking-After-Yourself/Social-Anxiety
Sensory Resources
Communication Tools
Communication Tools for Patients with COVID-19
Free bank of communication tools from the Patient-Provider Communication Forum to download and print so that hospitals and healthcare workers can support communication. Includes Arabic, Spanish and Mandarin with more languages coming soon. Also helpful tips for beside communication strategies.
patientprovidercommunication.org
Shared by @acecentre
Helpful Information for Children/Young People and Parents/Carers during Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Please click below for helpful information for Children/Young People and Parents/Carers if Children/Young People are feeling anxious about Coronavirus (Covid-19).
Credit to www.mindheart.co/descargables and www.cdc.gov/COVID-19
https://carolgraysocialstories.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Pandemics-and-the-Coronavirus.pdf
https://nursedottybooks.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/dave-the-dog-coronavirus-1-1.pdf
Please contact the Well Young Person Team via email WellYP@sefton.gov.uk for further information.
What is Coronavirus (COVID-19), click here for a video for kids from Alder Hey Hospital
https://ausm.org/resources/covid-19-pandemic.html
https://www.autism.org.uk/services/helplines/coronavirus/resources/helpful-resources.aspx
https://www.autism.org.uk/services/helplines/coronavirus/updates.aspx
Click here for Top tips for a good nights sleep during lockdown from Twinkle House
Click here to access Online Mental Health Courses for teenagers from The Ollie Foundation
Purple Ella shares her practical, straightforward advice on coping with anxiety during the coronavirus (COVID-19) which could be very useful for adults and children, neurodiverse and neurotypical.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIpvdMVnfGs
Useful and practical toolkit to support children’s resilience during the coronavirus (COVID-19) developed by SISU Psychology:
Click here to access COVID- 19 and the Anti Baddies Resilience Toolkit
COVID-19 explanation and support resources
- A huge home learning resource list: https://chatterpack.net/blogs/blog/resources-list-for-home-learning
- 9 ways to stay positive during the pandemic: https://www.forbes.com/sites/williamarruda/2020/03/15/9-ways-to-stay-positive-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic/#3c5d00b05a8e
- BBC Newsround Coronavirus information for children: https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/51204456
Easy ready COVID-19 guidance
Talking Mats have produced an easy read resource (Version 3) for latest COVID-19 government guidance. Useful for helping people with learning or communication difficulties understand what they can and cannot do.
talkingmats.com
Shared by @acecentre
PrAACtical Resources: Dealing with the Covid-19 Pandemic
An interactive graphic with links to many free downloadable resources that can be used to support AAC learners. Includes visual schedules for hand washing, social narratives, videos, educational materials and more.
praacticalaac.org
Shared by @acecentre
Coronavirus Testing
We have put together a dedicated guide to the testing process, this can be found here
Changes to the law on education, health and care needs assessments and plans due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance on temporary changes to special educational needs and disability legislation during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Last updated 26.8.20
Contact, FREE workshops and 1:1 support for families with disabled children
As many of you are aware, in light of the CV-19 pandemic, Contact have been adapting our support offer for families. We’ve adapted our workshops to online options so that families can continue to connect with each other and gain useful information and advice at the same time. We’ve also set up new, “Listening Ear” 1-1 confidential phone appointments with our family support advisers for parents who would like to talk to someone for reassurance and practical and emotional support at this time.
These are all FREE for families and we are listing the Workshop dates and “Listening Ear” appointments on our website so if you know a family who may benefit from either of these options please do tell them where to book on. It would also be really helpful if you can share this information and the links to our website with any colleagues, friends or networks that can help us tell families about the support that we have for them. The more families we can reach and support the better!
Workshops
https://www.contact.org.uk/about-us/family-workshops/
Listening Ear
https://www.contact.org.uk/news-and-blogs/introducing-our-new-1-1-listening-ear-service-(1)/
COVID -19 Information Pages
Libraries, Leisure Centres & Public Buildings
Libraries Libraries are now open.
Public access is limited at present and a select, collect and return service is also in place.
Public Access Days
- Bootle, Crosby and Formby Libraries - Monday and Thursday 10-4pm
- Southport Library, The Atkinson - Monday to Saturday 11-4pm
- Meadows Library, Maghull - Tuesday and Friday 10-4pm
- Netherton Library - Wednesday 10-4pm
The services available will include; book borrowing, information enquiries and The People's Network computers. Computer session times will be strictly limited and users will be asked to wipe down keyboards and mice before and after use for their own safety.
At Crosby library, the local history section on the first floor will initially remain closed. the microfiche machines, newspaper archive and Electoral Rolls will also be unavailable.
Select, collect and return
- Bootle, Crosby and Formby Libraries - Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 10-4pm, Saturday 10-12pm
Library users will be able to return items and collect orders. Items can be ordered via the library website - www.sefton.gov.uk/libraries or by phoning the local library to make a request.
The health and safety of library users and staff is our priority. With this in mind returned books will be quarantined for 72 hours, so reservations will take longer than usual to fulfil.
In line with Government advice staff will limit numbers allowed into our buildings, with the wearing of face coverings encouraged during visits.
Visitors will be required to provide NHS Test & Trace details on arrival. These details will be kept securely for 21 days. Information will be held solely for the purpose of contacting people who may have been exposed to a confirmed case of Covid-19, when they have been identified as visiting one of Sefton Library buildings. As Sefton Council are the Public Health Authority, we will fully support the programme by allowing in only those willing to give their details.
Cleansing stations will be available at all library entrances.
From 8th August you will be required to wear a face mask
Social distancing will be required during your visit.
Seating areas have been removed and we are unable to offer toilet facilities at this time.
Library activities such as storytimes, reading groups and partner lead sessions will remain suspended until it is deemed safe for them to resume.
Library opening hours will be shortened to allow for additional cleaning to take place.
The library service will constantly review the measures in line with Council and Government advice.
If you have any questions please email library.service@sefton.gov.uk
Public Facing BuidlingsThe safety and health of our staff and residents is paramount and we have taken this decision in line with recent government advice to close both Southport & Bootle One Stop Shops, our Sefton@Work Hub until further notice.These services will continue to be delivered online and via telephone where applicable.
The Atkinson
The Atkinson has now reopened with reduced opening times and limited services. You can visit the Library, Box Office, Museum, Gallery, Shop and A Great Little Place café, Monday-Saturday, 11am-4pm.
In line with national guidance on performance spaces, the Theatre & Studio will remain closed until further notice.
Click here for more information.
Leisure Centres
We have introduced a carefully planned phased approach to the re-opening of our Leisure Centres, starting with members only to include: -
Phase One - Week commencing 27th July 2020
All 6 Fitness Suites have now re-opened (member only access)
Phase Two - Week commencing 3rd August 2020
Bootle, Meadows and Dunes Splash World Leisure Centres main swimming pools will re-open for lane swimming only, available to both members and casual users (please note: track and trace details will need to be taken for all casual users). All learner / small / leisure pools will remain closed.
Phase Three - Week commencing 10th August 2020
Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre, Dunes Splash World, Netherton Activity Centre, Meadows and Bootle Leisure Centre will resume delivery of a reduced class timetable (member only access).
For more information, visit https://www.activeseftonfitness.co.uk/
Family Wellbeing Centre & Carers Centres
The following buildings are open: Marie Clarke Family Wellbeing Centre (South Locality); Netherton Family Wellbeing Centre (Central Locality) and Talbot Street Family Wellbeing Centre (North Locality).
We will continue to support our most vulnerable families at this time. Our Centres are still open and staff will be available for support however we ask that, where possible, you avoid coming to the Centre in person but contact us via telephone where our staff will be available to advise you.
We will also be posting regular updates via social media to keep you informed of any changes.
Sefton Carers Centre have advised Young Carers are currently getting 1:1 support via Skype, text and phone and all parents have been contacted.
An interim policy of no home visits has been put into place and they must consult with a line manager before attending external events, meetings or conferences.No youth group meetings will take place until further notice, and a communication has been sent to the parents of all Young Carers to keep them updated on the interim precautionary measures that may affect them.
Parks, Coast & Green Spaces
Our parks, coastal areas and other green spaces within the borough remain open, however we are strongly urging any visitors to follow social distancing guidelines at all times.
As a consequence of the coronavirus outbreak:
- Coastal car parks are open but in good weather, they get extremely busy. Our advice would be to avoid these areas at peak times.
- Public toilets are open at some sites, with frequent cleaning and social distancing measures in place
- Lifeguarding is only present at some sites
Green Sefton is also urging visitors to take rubbish and dog fouling home with them, as refuse collection and other maintenance will not be possible across all sites at this time.
Additionally we would like to remind residents and visitors that BBQ's are not allowed.
If you see anything that requires attention in any of our green spaces, email greensefton@sefton.gov.uk. Green Sefton may not be able to commit as many resources to regular inspections during the COVID-19 outbreak, so visitors can play their part in helping us to maintain our green spaces.
Play areas and outdoor gyms are now open and we would urge all visitors to observe social distancing and wash their hands regularly and use hand santisier.
Information and Advice Webinars produced by Sefton's Educational Psychology Team
Where to find Domestic Abuse support in Sefton
Many residents will be following the national advice around household isolation and social distancing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This advice is in place to limit the spread of the virus and keep as many people as safe and well as possible.
We know that there are vulnerable people in our communities who will be more concerned than others about the prospect of staying at home for a number of reasons, including those who have been the victims of domestic abuse such as violence or coercive and controlling behaviour.
While all public services are adapting to new ways of working during this pandemic, our message to anyone who is experiencing domestic abuse is clear: You are not alone and you don’t have to suffer in silence - we will still be here for you, no matter what.
Merseyside Police, local authorities and providers of domestic abuse support across Merseyside will continue working together to maintain essential services and contacts for anyone affected by domestic abuse during the weeks and months to come.
Support will still be available by telephone, text message or online services.
Who to contact
If you, your child or anyone in the family are at immediate risk of harm, you should contact the police urgently, CALL 999
If you are a Sefton resident and are experiencing domestic abuse or believe someone you know is please contact:
- Sefton IDVA service on 0151 934 5142
- Sefton Women’s and Children’s Aid 0151 922 8606 www.swaca.com
For more information and local services visit:
www.sefton.gov.uk/behindcloseddoors
victimcaremerseyside.org (directory of services)
Further support can also be found at these national agencies:
- Women’s Aid | womensaid.org.uk |
- National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (24 hours)
- Worst Kept Secret Helpline: 0800 028 3398
- Refuge (includes information for men) | refuge.org.uk | 0808 200 0247 (24 hours)
- The Men’s Advice Line, for male domestic abuse survivors – 0808 801 0327
- National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0800 999 5428
- Samaritans (24/7 service) – 116 123
More information about those services and who to contact is available via www.sefton.gov.uk/isolationabuse.
Home Schooling Resources during Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Please click below
Click here for Help children with SEND continue their education during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Click here for Ideas for Home School Structure
Many primary school children do not have access to educational software at home, and this will be particularly vital for learners who need additional reading and writing support when at school. Cricksoft are therefore providing free access for pupils and teachers of any school that is affected by coronavirus closures. Clicker is the complete writing solution for the primary classroom, providing every pupil, including those with EAL, with support and challenge.
Click here for information about free Clicker Software during COVID-19
Click here for a Parent/Carer Toolkit, SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) Resources, Activities and Support from BBC Bitesize.
The Realities of Home Schooling Webinar Recording
Click here to watch https://youtu.be/AAm04Wqqr_c
Young Minds Wellbeing Bingo
https://youngminds.org.uk/resources/school-resources/wellbeing-bingo/
Teachers and parents can access thousands of resources from Collins for young people aged 3-16, including: ebooks, songs, interactive tools, language lessons, flashcards, practice papers, an audiobook, revision resources and wellbeing activities. https://collins.co.uk/pages/support-learning-at-home
Supporting the home learning of EAL pupils in SECONDARY SCHOOLS during school closures
The following advice has been put together by The Bell Foundation to help teachers reach out to EAL pupils and their families. The complete webinar (with full explanations) can be found on their YouTube channel. The points made are not intended to create more work for teachers but are merely suggestions for anyone who is looking for more ideas around EAL learning during lockdown. The focus of these suggestions is on pupils who are at the stages of new to English/early acquisition.
Click here to access the Supported the Home Learning of Secondary EAL pupils during school closures.
https://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/for-home/
http://www.amazingeducationalresources.com/
https://www.superteacherworksheets.com/
https://www.elsa-support.co.uk/
https://www.helpkidzlearn.com/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize
https://learnathome.withyoutube.com/
https://learnathome.withyoutube.com/resources/
https://www.teachitenglish.co.uk
https://www.teachithistory.co.uk/
https://www.teachitscience.co.uk/
https://www.teachitlanguages.co.uk/
https://www.teachitmaths.co.uk/
https://www.teachitgeography.co.uk
Teaching resources for KS3, KS4 & KS5. Written by teachers for teachers - lesson plans, teaching ideas, worksheets, games & interactive activities. All resources on this site are completely free while schools are closed. Simply register for access.
Click here for 72 Things for Teens to Do During Coronavirus Lockdown
Useful printable visuals for home settings.
Click here for Home Schooling Visuals for use during COVID -19
Chatterpack has put together a fantastic and comprehensive list of inclusive home learning resources. Scroll down for SEND specific resources and information.
chatterpack.net
Shared by @acecentre
Widgit Online free for 30 days
Widgit is offering a free and extended licence to help families while schools, day services etc are closed.
mailchi.mp
Shared by @acecentre
Click here to Learning about online safety at home
Parents and Carers Help sheets
If you haven’t already, the first thing to do is read our Parents and Carers Help sheets - there is one for primary and one for secondary. These contain key online safety advice and links to our resources, as well as support services.
Home activity packs
Once you have read the Help sheets, click on the links below to download your first home activity packs for each age range.
Each pack contains two 15 minute activities to do with your child, using Thinkuknow resources. The next two will be released in a fortnight’s time.
For Early Years and Primary:
Click here for home activity packs for children aged 4-5
Click here for home activity packs for children aged 5-7
Click here for home activity packs for children aged 8-10
For Secondary:
Click here for home activity packs for children aged 11-13
Click here for home activity packs for children aged 14+
Credit to https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/
Children in #MySefton should have fun and stay in contact with friends online, but they should stay safe
Children & Young People in #MySefton should have fun and stay in contact with friends online, but they should also stay safe!
Online Safety Advice for Parents/Carers
During the current Coronavirus (Covid 19) situation many parents are working from home including home learning with their Children & Young People.
Many Children & Young People will increase their online activity time during this period due to being at home more, so it is important that families incorporate time to learn about how to keep safe when going online.
It is highly likely that online offending will increase during this time, so it is important that Children and Young People know how to learn, socialise and play online in a safe way.
Below are some top tips on how to help keep your Child & Young Person safe when going online.
• Use parental controls- Adding parental controls will allow you to monitor and limit what your child sees and does online. Visit www.internetmatters.org/parental-controls/ to access step by step guides on how to set up parental controls.
• Start a conversation about online safety- Show interest and understand what your child likes to do online and who they like to speak too. To learn more about the most popular apps and games that kids are using visit www.net-aware.org.uk
• Set time limits- During this period it is important that your child isn’t spending too much time in front of a screen, plan activities that don’t include using an electronic device.
• Set device-free zones- Only allow your child to use their device where you can monitor them, don’t allow them to take their devices to their bedroom.
• Report- Make you and your child aware of where to go to report online crime.
Below is a list of resources you can use to help educate your child about how to stay safe online and be a good digital citizen.
• CEOP- Download home activity packs and use the resources to help you learn about online safety at home with your child. https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/Support-
tools/home-activity-worksheets/
• Childnet- Online activities you can do from home, there are a number of resources aimed at different age groups. Broken up into age appropriate categories explore different online issues such as fake news, bullying, strangers online and more.
https://www.childnet.com/resources/online-safety-activities-you-can-do-from-home
• Be Internet Legends- Google have launched a resource containing online safety activities for the whole family. The programme is designed to teach children the skills they need to stay safe and have a positive time online. The programme is split in to 4 categories: Think Before You Share,
Check it’s For Real, Protect your stuff and Respect Each Other.
https://beinternetlegends.withgoogle.com/en_uk/parents
Carers Advice During Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Please click below for further information:
The latest advice for unpaid carers can be found here
For further information please visit https://www.sefton-carers.org.uk/index.php/latest-news/service-restrictions-re-covid-19
Sefton Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Help during Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Sefton Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) partnership has been adapting in the face of Coronavirus.
To ensure children, young people and families can get the support they need they have issued new guidance on the support available and how to access it.
The guidance covers information on:
- Crisis Support, Alder Hey CAMHS;
- the Alder Hey Eating Disorders Service for Young People;
- the School Nurse Service - Emotional Health and Wellbeing support;
- Parenting 2000;
- the Venus Star Centre;
- Kooth;
- Sefton Council for Voluntary Service (CVS).
Sefton CAMHS COVID - 19 Guidance
Please click here to read Sefton CAMHS COVID-19 Support Guidance May 2020
Please click here to ready Sefton CAMHS COVID-19 Recovery Support Guidance August 2020
Please click here to read a Back to School Supporting Your Child Leaflet.
Alder Hey CAMHS offers specialist services to support children and young people in Liverpool and Sefton, up to the age of 18, who are experiencing mental health difficulties. We also provide support to their families or carers.
Accessible Information for COVID-19
It is important that every member of our community feels they have access to information and advice on coronavirus (COVID-19).
Sefton Council uses Recite Me software so that our residents with accessibility issues can customise our website to meet their needs.
You can use Recite Me to:
- Read website pages out loud – in different voices and languages
- Increase and decrease the size of the text
- Change the type-style – including into a Dyslexic-friendly font
- Change the screen colours and contrast
- Use an on-screen magnifying glass
- Add a ruler to help keep your place on the page
- View pages in a text-only mode
- Download audio files of page contents.
To use the service, visitors to the website just need to click on Listen and Translate at the top of every page.
You will then see a toolbar of functions that will help make the pages more accessible for them in multiple ways. There is also a user guide to tell you more and an option to switch the service on and off.
This page contains accessible information for those who require additional information and support and will be regularly updated as new resources become available.
For further information please click here to visit the Sefton Council website page.
People with a Learning Disability
Easy Read
The government has produced information in ‘Easy Read’ format and is a good place to start for broad guidance on how to keep yourself and others safe during this time. This can be found here.
Easy read guidance for what to do if a member of your household is ill with coronavirus can be found here.
Resources
Mencap offer help and advice if you have a learning disability or care for someone who does. They also offer a dedicated helpline and an online community.
People First Merseyside is a self advocacy organisation for people with learning disabilities.
People with Autism
Easy Read
The government has produced information in ‘Easy Read’ format and is a good place to start for broad guidance on how to keep yourself and others safe during this time. This can be found here.
Easy read guidance for what to do if a member of your household is ill with coronavirus can be found here.
Resources
National Autistic Society is a charity which amongst its many functions advises around Autism Spectrum conditions. You can find Sefton specific services through the National Autistic Society and advice on coronavirus.
Autistica offer tips and advice on how to cope during the Coronavirus lockdown.
People with a Sensory Impairment
National Guidance
Public Health England have a range of resources, including British Sign Language, Braille and Large Print. This is official, government guidance and advice.
Hearing Impairment
The NHS provide information in British Sign Language.
The Deaf Health Charity provide daily updates in BSL
Merseyside Society for Deaf People offer support during the Coronavirus situation
Visual Impairments
Galloways in Southport will operate during the Coronavirus situation, for full information in audible format, click here.
Deaf Blind
Deaf Blind offer support and accessible information for those who need it. For more info, click here.
Languages
If English is not your first language and you would prefer information in your native language, we have Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance from Public Health England in multiple languages here.
Additionally, Sefton Council uses Recite Me software so that our residents with accessibility issues can customise our website to meet their needs.
You can use Recite Me to read website pages out loud – in different voices and languages
To use the service, visitors to the website just need to click on Listen and Translate at the top of every page.
You will then see a toolbar of functions that will help make the pages more accessible for them in multiple ways. There is also a user guide to tell you more and an option to switch the service on and off.
Coronavirus Support (Multiple Languages)
The COVID-19 situation is being led nationally, and Sefton Council are working closely with Public Health England (PHE) and NHS partners, and are following national guidance issued by the Department of Health and Social Care and PHE.
Below is a comprehensive list of health and care advice for residents in a number of different languages.
(pdf 278KB)Doctors of the World are really pleased to be able to share with you Coronavirus (COVID-19) video advice for patients in 10 languages, with more to added soon.
The guidance is based on the government’s updated advice and health information. We really hope it will help to ensure this important guidance reaches migrant and asylum-seeking communities in the UK.
Click here to access the Doctors of the World Website for further information.
Free bank of communication tools from the Patient-Provider Communication Forum to download and print so that hospitals and healthcare workers can support communication. Includes Arabic, Spanish and Mandarin with more languages coming soon. Also helpful tips for beside communication strategies.
patientprovidercommunication.org
Shared by @acecentre
Multi-million-pound Government settlement for the Family Fund to help low-income families with seriously ill or disabled children
£37 million to support children with complex needs
The multi-million-pound settlement will help low-income families with seriously ill or disabled children with the cost of equipment, goods or services.
The multi-million-pound settlement for Family Fund, detailed today by Children and Families Minister Vicky Ford, will help low-income families with seriously ill or disabled children with the cost of equipment, goods or services - from washing machines and refrigerators to sensory and educational equipment that they might not otherwise be able to afford. The grants are typically worth £400 to £500 per family, but vary depending on need.
Click here to read the Government announcement
Family Fund is the UK's largest charity providing grants for families on low incomes raising disabled or seriously ill children and young people. Last year, we provided 88,407 grants and services worth over £33 million to families across the UK. We believe that all families raising disabled or seriously ill children and young people should have the same choices, quality of life, opportunities and aspirations as other families. Beginning with those on low incomes, and considering all conditions against our own eligibility criteria (based on the social model of disability),we aim to make a difference to outcomes for disabled or seriously ill children and young people and the lives of the families raising them across the UK. We support this aim by providing grants for essential items such as kitchen appliances, sensory toys, family breaks, bedding, tablets/computers, furniture and clothing. It can be a struggle financially, emotionally and physically for families raising a disabled or seriously ill child, and these grants help break down many of the barriers families face, improving their quality of life and easing the additional daily pressures. We also provide a range of programmes and services, as well as information and advice to families that apply to us, in order to help them access more of the support that may be of help to them in raising their child or young person.
Find out more at www.familyfund.org.uk, call us on 01904 550055, email us at info@familyfund.org.uk or join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Pupil Experiences of COVID-19 Lockdown Pupil Survey Outcomes
Sefton Youth Providers Offer during Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Links to helpful Social Media Channels
Sefton Council
https://www.facebook.com/onesefton/
https://www.instagram.com/sefton_council/
https://twitter.com/seftoncouncil
Sefton Aiming High Service
https://en-gb.facebook.com/seftonaiminghigh/
NHS England, Advice for everyone - Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Merseyside Safeguarding Adults Board have set up a COVID-19 webpage to provide information to the public, professionals and volunteers:
https://www.merseysidesafeguardingadultsboard.co.uk/coronavirus/
Alder Hey Hospital
https://www.facebook.com/alderheyhospital/
https://www.instagram.com/alderhey/?hl=en
Sefton Parent Carer Forum
https://www.facebook.com/groups/478500752250361/?ref=group_header
Sefton CVS
https://www.facebook.com/SeftonCVS
Sefton CVS, Buddy Up
https://twitter.com/buddyupproject?lang=en
Sefton CVS, Young Advisors
Sefton Youth Providers COVID-19 Offer
Alchemy Youth
https://en-gb.facebook.com/AlchemyYouth/
Sefton Youth Council
https://en-gb.facebook.com/Seftonyouthcouncil/
Youth Focus North West
https://www.facebook.com/YouthforiaNW/
https://twitter.com/YouthFocusNW
Sefton Carers Centre
https://www.facebook.com/SeftonCarersCentre/
https://twitter.com/Seftoncarers
Sefton Carers Centre, Sefton Young Carers
https://www.sefton-carers.org.uk/index.php/young-carers-service
Council for Disabled Children
https://www.facebook.com/councilfordisabledchildren
https://twitter.com/cdc_tweets
The National Autistic Society
Sefton Local Safeguarding Children Board Newsletter
NHS Bereavement Helpline
An NHS bereavement helpline has been set up to offer support and advice to those dealing with the loss of a loved one. A team of nurses are answering your calls and will refer you to the help you need. Call 0800 2600 400 every day from 8am-8pm.
Guidance Updates during COVID-19
All Cells
Visa Applications - advice for UK visa applicants and temporary residents was updated to include information about those who have applied for a tier 2, 3 or 5 visa.
Vulnerable Persons Cell
Guidance for commissioners and providers of services for people who use drugs or alcohol - new guidance published relating to drug and alcohol services
Support for victims of domestic abuse - guidance updated to include new list of resources and available support
Shielding and protecting extremely vulnerable people - translated guidance added
Economy
How HMRC works out total income and trading profits for the Self-employment Income Support Scheme - new guidance around how the HMRC will work out income and profits expected
Health and Environment Cell
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Plan - web-version of the PPE plan published online. The plan is three-stranded and included guidance on who needs PPE and when, how PPE will be distributed and how the UK will maintain future supply.
Schools and Education Cell
Admission appeals for schools place - DfE published guidance on the impact of coronavirus school admissions appeals process meaning that appeals panels do not need to happen in person, that a panel can be continued with 2 members and that deadlines can be amended.
Communication
Stay at home, protect the NHS guidance - easy-read and translated guidance produced and published
Other
Commission on Human Medicines advice on ibuprofen and coronavirus - CHM Expert Working Group have concluded that there is insufficient evidence to establish a link between use of NSAIDs including ibuprofen and susceptibility to COVID-19 or worsening of symptoms.
Press Releases
Train companies offer free travel to those fleeing domestic abuse - Announcement that train companies will cover the cost of travel for people fleeing to refuge accommodation in a joint initiative with Women's Aid.
Government to offer testing for 'everyone who needs one' in social care settings - government announcement that social care staff and care home residents (symptomatic) will be tested as capacity is built. CQC will be contacting all care providers to offer testing.
Resources and helpline for child sexual abuse - MHCLG Bulletin identified resources and helplines that the public and professionals can access to help them prevent CSA including: The Lucy Faithfull Foundation - confidential helpline (Stop It Now! – 0808 1000 900) or online chat forum (https://contactus.stopitnow.org.uk/) that can be accessed for the public or professionals that require advice; https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/; https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/
‘Misc’ Useful Resources during Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- A huge summary of working from home resources: https://www.notion.so/Digital-Working-COVID-19-c39e55d0f6024e7f85560ea7b2632997
- Sensory Stuck at Home – Facebook group to offer advice to help children stay regulated while indoors: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sensorystuckathome/
- A simple social story explaining the coronavirus: https://carolgraysocialstories.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Pandemics-and-the-Coronavirus.pdf