COVID-19 ADVICE

COVID19 has impacted us all. At COWL we remain committed to providing support and understand the increased strain the pandemic has had on unpaid carers and disabled people.

We know that there are more family carers than ever and that due to shielding and services closing, carers are being relied on to do more than ever before.

Please do get in touch to find out what we can do to support you – whether you are an unpaid carer or disabled person in West Lothian we are here to support you. From information and advice, to one to one support and counselling – our whole service remains open and we look forward to hearing from you. And if you are a young person supporting a family member – do you know that we have a Young Carer Service? Get in touch to find out more.

Please use the buttons below to find your way down this page. By following the links, you will find up to date information that will help you navigate being a carer or disabled person during the Coronavirus Pandemic.

NHS INFORM COVID INFORMATION

Ready Scotland have the latest advice and information from the Scottish Government https://ready.scot/coronavirus This is where you will find the most up to date information about testing, the current restrictions and travelling along with many other Coronavirus related subjects!

The Scottish Government also have an advice page for carers https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-unpaid-carers/

There is a National Wellbeing Hub which is available to health and social care workers and also unpaid carers https://wellbeinghub.scot/ This website has lots of information and tips on how to look after yourself. The team here at COWL have found some of the guided relaxations and sleep tips helpful!

The NHS is facing its biggest ever challenge and it is more important than ever to make sure that if you need healthcare, you are accessing it from the right service. The Scottish Government’s ‘Right Care Right Place’ campaign has helpful advice.  Watch this video for more information on which service to use: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1R0SvhOOFA 

General NHS information regarding Coronavirus can be found here: https://www.nhsinform.scot/coronavirus if you scroll down to the bottom of the page, COVID advice in different languages, Easy Read, BSL and audio is available too.

Self Isolation Payment https://www.mygov.scot/self-isolation-grant

Carer Identification Letter – should you need to prove that you are a carer, Carers of West Lothian can provide you with a letter confirming that you are registered with us as an unpaid carer. Get in touch with us and we’ll email or post it to you.

Easy Read Coronavirus updates – People First Scotland produce easy read Covid guidance following announcements from the Scottish Government.  These can be found on their Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/People-First-Scotland-220261761669477 

UNPAID CARERS AND DISABLED PEOPLE VACCINATIONS

Unpaid Carers and Disabled people are a priority group for COVID Vaccination. You can now book online for your Coronavirus vaccine, booster and flu vaccination.

By getting vaccinated, we can protect ourselves and those we care for from coronavirus and flu. Click here to book your appointment online https://www.nhsinform.scot/flu-vaccine/invitations-and-appointments/book-a-flu-or-coronavirus-booster-vaccination/ or call the national vaccination helpline on 0800 030 8013.

If you require a home visit for your Coronavirus or Flu Vaccine, call the NHS Lothian helpline on 0300 790 6296 to make an appointment.

PPE (PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT)

If you are an unpaid carer or a PA providing personal care, West Lothian Health & Social Care Partnership is working with Carers of West Lothian to make PPE available to you. 

If you or the person you care for is in the shielded category, or if you normally use PPE in your caring role but are struggling to get it from your usual supplier, PPE is available to protect you or the person you are looking after.

To check whether you are eligible and to place an order, please just get in touch with us on 01506 448000.

LOCAL COVID INFORMATION

The Voluntary Sector Gateway have pulled together a Community Directory which details help available across West Lothian: https://www.voluntarysectorgateway.org/covid-19/community-directory/

There are a number of organisations and projects across West Lothian providing support, from community fridges and pantries, shared meals to community gardens. Link to West Lothian Councils – Access to Food page detailing where food projects are located: https://www.westlothian.gov.uk/access-to-food 

Up to date Community Testing for those who don’t have symptoms can be found here: https://www.westlothian.gov.uk/communitytesting

NHS Lothian has up to date information and advice here: https://www.nhslothian.scot/Coronavirus/Pages/default.aspx

YOUNG CARERS

Our young carer service remains open and provides support and respite for young people who are caring for a family member.

Please get in touch to find out more or to make a referral. In the meantime, these pages on Young Scot have information about further support. https://young.scot/get-informed/national/who-to-contact-in-scotland-if-you-need-support-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Info for Young People

BLACK AND MINORITY ETHNIC CARERS AND DISABLED PEOPLE

Carers of West Lothian is committed to supporting Black and Minority Ethnic Carers and disabled people in West Lothian. Please get in touch with us to find out how we can support you.

If English isn’t your first or preferred language, MECOPP have produced many Coronavirus and vaccine information guides and videos in various community languages: https://www.mecopp.org.uk/ – just scroll to the bottom of their home page to find them.

NHS Lothian has produced a range of vaccine videos in different languages here: https://www.nhslothian.scot/Coronavirus/Vaccine/Pages/VaccineInformationInDifferentLanguages.aspx

NHS inform also has videos here: https://www.nhsinform.scot/covid19vaccinelanguages

A playlist of videos in different languages here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdtTilZi8S7-n4__p7z5IdVJBzBRIfxSx

The Scottish Refugee Council has an up to date Coronavirus page here: https://www.scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk/covid-19-information-in-other-languages/

The COVID-19 vaccination helpline is available on 0800 030 8013, available 8am to 8pm, 7 days per week.

Translation is available into more than 200 languages. Callers can ring the helpline and ask for the language they need and the number they would like to be called on (in English). Call handlers will then arrange a call back to the number with the requested support.