It can be a scary time for a lot of young carers during the coronavirus outbreak, especially if you look after someone vulnerable, or someone becomes ill.
Find info, advice and resources for young carers during this time below. (Last updated 11th January 2021)
There is a new lockdown which started on the 6th of January 2021. This means you have to stay at home for as much as you can during lockdown, apart from getting food, medicine or going to the doctors or hospital, going to school (if you are still going) or in an emergency. You are still allowed to have people come into your house for maintenance, such as plumbers or electricians. Read the easy read guide here for more information around the rules.
What do I do about shopping for the person I look after?
You can still go out to get food, medicine and prescriptions. Some shops are doing special hours for people more at risk of getting very sick and elderly people, check out this handy guide from Mobilise who have listed the new hours for different supermarkets. If you are struggling to pay for food, you can also search for a food bank near you using this website.
How do I keep the person I care for safe from catching coronavirus?
Unpaid carers can now apply for a coronavirus test here.
Public Health England have shared some information on helping to stop the spread of coronavirus and other viruses.
Do
-cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you -cough or sneeze
-put used tissues in the bin immediately
-wash your hands with soap and water often – use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
-try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell
Don’t
– do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
What are the symptoms of coronavirus?
The symptoms of coronavirus are:
-a cough
-high temperature
-shortness of breath
But these symptoms do not always mean you have the illness.
The symptoms can be the same as other illnesses that are much more common, such as cold and flu.
For more information on coronavirus please visit the NHS website.
Visit the main Carer Support Wiltshire website for more.
The Children’s Commissioner has also released a handy guide on Coronavirus especially for young people.
Remember in immediate danger or for an emergency, call 999.
You can also use the 111 online service for NON urgent health issues, including coronavirus symptoms.
If you’re worried about someone in your household or someone you look after, contact a trusted adult, or you can contact the Wiltshire Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) Team on 0300 456 0108 (out of hours: 0300 456 0100).
If you have a issue or worry about paid care for an adult you look after, contact the Wiltshire Adult Social Care Advice and Contact team on 0300 456 0111.
You can also call us (Carer Support Wiltshire) on 0800 181 4118 for non emergency advice and information (Mon-Thurs 9:30-16:30, Friday 9:30-16:00). Your school may also still be open for you to call, and you can also call your GP surgery.
What can help me at this time? –
It’s understandable to feel anxious, stressed or worried at this time. The most important thing you can do when looking after someone else is to make sure you are also taking care of yourself and your own needs.
Barnardos has launched a new helpline for children and their families affected by COVID-19.
You can call them for free on 0800 157 7015 to speak to a friendly person in their team, and they’ll help you figure things out.
Monday and Friday 9am – 9pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am – 6pm or use their form here.
New mental health helpline, called On Your Mind, has launched for children and young people, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Available for Wiltshire, Bath and Swindon. 01865 903777 (9am – 5pm) and 01865 901000 (5pm – 11pm).
The Children’s Society has some great resources on anxiety, wellbeing, stress, and what to do if you’re self isolating and dealing with conflict.
The Mix has some great information around coronavirus, activities you can do at home and more. They also have a free helpline for young people.
Young Minds has some great blogs on mental health, coronavirus information and more. They also have a free crisis messenger you can use.
There is also a text line on On Your Mind.
To find more, read our blog on anxiety, stress and low mood helplines, websites and web chats.
Wiltshire School Nurse Team Support
The school nursing service are available to support during this time.
- If you are at secondary school:
- Confidential telephone drop-in service – any young person that would like to call and speak to a qualified nurse can call 0300 247 0090 Monday to Friday 12-2pm.
- CHAT health text service – you can text a school nurse on 07480 635513 for advice or support for any health issues or worries. This is confidential and you don’t need to give your name if you don’t want to.
Young Carer Information –
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Young and Young adult carer service at Carer Support Wiltshire (16-25 year olds)
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Youth Action Wiltshire
- All group activities cancelled including group work for Project Inspire, Splash, Peer Mentor and Ambassador and Wiltshire Young Carers activities.
- They are available to support by telephone and email.
- Youth Support Workers will be in touch with young people on programmes and families in the coming weeks to arrange online meetings.
- If you would like to discuss the support offer or require urgent support please contact your Youth Support Worker or call the Youth Action Wiltshire office on 01380 729813 or email enquiries@youthactionwiltshire.org
