Coronavirus Help & Support
There is a lot of information and advice available regarding the Corona Virus crisis and where to get help and support. However we are aware that some carers are still finding it difficult to access the support they need.
With the new local lockdown imposed on Leicester City and the surrounding areas we have added information below that applies to carers in those areas only.
We have sorted through many resources and documents and gathered together those that maybe most useful for local carers. Please click on the links below for further information.
If you need support to access any of these services or cannot find what you are looking for please contact us at The Carers Centre on 0116 251 0999 or email enquiries@thecarerscentre.org.uk
Latest Guidance for residents of Leicester City and surrounding areas 2021
This is the government guidance on the local lockdown:
- Latest guidance on restrictions
With recent increases in cases and a fast-spreading new variant of the virus having been identified, new tighter restrictions are now in place for much of the UK.
A new lockdown across England has come into effect from 5th January until at least the 22nd February. The advice is to stay at home as much as possible, as in the first lockdown last March.
You are still allowed to leave home and travel if you are providing essential care to someone –https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-lockdown-stay-at-home#when-you-can-leave-home
If you desperately need a break: You can arrange with family or friends for someone else to provide the care you normally provide to the person you care for, to enable you to take a break.
For further information about how national guidance affects unpaid carers please see https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-covid-19
- Vaccinations – Very Important to register as a carer at your GP surgery
Carers are now included on the vaccination priority list in group 6 – make sure you are registered as a carer with your GP. Read more https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/coronavirus-covid-19/staying-safe-faqs#sec13
- Local information and updates
Please see your local council websites for the most up to date information in your area:
Leicester City https://www.leicester.gov.uk/your-council/coronavirus/coronavirus-in-leicester-latest-news/
Leicestershire https://www.leicestershire.gov.uk/
Rutland https://www.rutland.gov.uk/#
Our helplines are still open via phone 0116 2510999 and email enquiries@thecarerscentre.org.uk
If you need any advice, information or support please contact us directly. We are still here for you.
• Leicester Council of Faiths:
Leicester Council of Faiths have issued a press release in response to rumours circulating on social media regarding the Leicester area outbreak.
Please see their FaceBook page https://www.facebook.com/CouncilofFaiths/photos/rpp.174472676333/10156132465961334/?type=3&theater
Latest Government Guidance
For the latest updates on the changing national guidance please go to https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
Government guidance for Carers
The Government has now provided guidance for carers. If you are caring for someone who is deemed to be extremely vulnerable, take extra precautionary measures by only providing essential care and ensure you follow the NHS hygiene advice for people at higher risk.
The government’s guidance also provides practical information such as finding alternative care quickly if you’re unable to continue caring and on what to do if you or the person you care for has symptoms. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-providing-unpaid-care/guidance-for-those-who-provide-unpaid-care-to-friends-or-family
CarersUk advice & Guidance
CarersUk are providing up to date information for carers and have lots of useful advice and resources on their website including your rights and entitlements during the crisis, emergency planning, benefits and welfare, looking after your health and wellbeing and much more. This is an excellent set of resources for all carers gathered in one place and easy to understand.
The website is regularly updated with all the necessary information and is well worth checking on a regular basis
https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-covid-19
Local support and services across Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland
If you need support or urgent help please contact your Local Authority on their Corona Virus Helplines:
Leicester City has a dedicated area on their website but for urgent support please email: adultsocialcare-covid-helpline@leicester.gov.uk
https://www.leicester.gov.uk/your-council/coronavirus/
Rutland has a lot of contact information on their website but for urgent support please call: 01572 729 603
Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm (including bank holidays)
Leicestershire County has a dedicated helpline for anyone who needs support from Adult Social Care: 0116 3050004
Their website also has useful information however for local support you will need to contact your district council. You can find all the contact details here:
https://www.leicestershire.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/how-to-find-help