Support During COVID-19

For our extra care housing, our approach is to support people to comply with the restrictions where they are living.

We continue to provide the following services, outside of any tier or lockdown restrictions:

• Our scheme managers are continuing to help coordinate and manage resident queries, health and safety checks and property contractors
• We continue to limit the number of visitors to help protect the health and safety of our residents and recommend that any residents, colleagues, contractors and essential visitors wear face coverings in public or enclosed areas
• Residents can use the communal gardens, adhering to social distancing and following government guidance.  But we strongly encourage residents to meet their support bubble away from the housing location unless they are providing them with essential care
• Residents have access to our 24-hour emergency contact service
• Contractors are carrying out repairs and some improvement works on site, ensuring they are following COVID-safe measures
• We are welcoming new residents, through lettings and sales, in accordance with government guidance
• Residents have access to:
  • a catering service where this is part of the resident’s normal service
  • the laundry, where we encourage use by one person at a time to support social distancing
  • support from our head office team, including finance, to make payments, update details etc.

Our scheme managers are in regular contact with residents and update them about any changes which may affect their location, such as tier restrictions.

We are continuously monitoring the situation and official advice.  Our Senior Management Team and the care team are holding regular coronavirus calls to ensure effective following and sharing of government guidance.

The safety and wellbeing of our residents and colleagues is paramount.  We are taking every possible step to safeguard this while continuing to support our residents.  We also have risk assessments in place, as required by the latest guidance.

Useful websites and information
The following websites also contain useful guidance:

• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
• https://111.nhs.uk/service/COVID-19/
• https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public 
• Hands Face Space – help to keep people safe and prevent the spread of coronavirus.  Wash your hands frequently, cover your face, keep a safe distance from others: https://coronavirusresources.phe.gov.uk/hands-face-space-fresh-air
• To register, or update your details with the Government if you have a medical condition that makes you extremely vulnerable to Coronavirus and you may be able to get help, g. deliveries of essential supplies like food: www.gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable
• Government advice for people struggling to pay essential bills: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/advice-for-people-who-are-struggling-to-pay-essential-bills-because-of-coronavirus
• Check the BBC’s website for latest information: www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-51711227
• Domestic Violence Support during Covid-19 isolation: www.gov.uk/report-domestic-abuse
• Support and information concerning Mental Heath: Mental Health Support in Birmingham and Solihull
• For daily updates from Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, local support and news from around Solihull; https://www.solihull.gov.uk/Resident/socialservicesandhealth/Coronavirus

Whether you need help with getting food because you’re self-isolating or some financial advice, the Here2Help pages have some useful information and contact details for you, including the following:

• For help and advice on Money Matters: Here2Help Money Advice

• For advice on shielding for clinically extremely vulnerable people: Here2Help Shielding
• For advice on help with food: Here2Help help with food

• Citizens Advice Solihull Borough (previously known as Citizens Advice Bureau): www.casb.org.uk/ They provide free, confidential and impartial advice and campaign on big issues affecting people’s lives. Their goal is to help everyone find a way forward, whatever problem they face. They’re an independent local charity and part of the Citizens Advice network across England and Wales. Call (Monday to Friday – 10am to 2.30pm):
  0300 330 9019 – Adviceline
  0800 144 8 444 – Universal Credit Helpline

• solihullupdates.com/
• birminghamupdates.com/
• BBC Local News – Solihull
• birminghammail.co.uk/all-about/solihull

Police Service support, updates and ways to communicate and get in contact

• West Midlands Police
• West Midlands Police advice on coronavirus
• Shirley local policing team
• www.wmnow.co.uk/ – WMNow is a free community messaging system that delivers up to date information from police and partners direct to your inbox.  From updates on crime, to local news, appeals and safety advice, you can sign up to receive information that’s important to you

If you would like to apply to volunteer to help the NHS with delivering food parcels and medicine see the Good SAM link below

• www.goodsamapp.org/NHS

Places of Worship

Places of worship in and around Solihull include:

A Sunday service is regularly held at Phoenix House, hosted by Rev. Paul Day, vicar of Shirley parish.  Find out more information on the Shirley Parish website