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Information for Professionals

This page contains information and resources for professionals to support health and wellbeing. Click the links below to find out more. 

 

 

Pharmacy opening hours information is available on the NHS website www​.nhs​.uk

 


Also see more information on the 'I am supporting someone with dementia webpage' the link to which is found on the Covid-19 homepage.

East of England Region Older People’s Mental Health & Dementia Resources to support systems in responding to Covid-19

 

Managing behaviour that challenges

 

Suffolk County Council  Advice Note for Care Providers supporting people experiencing dementia during COVID -19

 

Volunteers

The Dementia Friends website contains lots of useful information to promote a general understanding and awareness of dementia.  This includes access to online videos and sessions to become a Dementia Friend.

Innovations in Dementia Community Interest Company (CIC) has produced four short videos to inform volunteers about supporting people with dementia which can be downloaded for free under ‘tips to share with a volunteer’.

They are for the many thousands of volunteers who are supporting people living in the community, whether by keeping in touch or delivering shopping and prescriptions.

Many of these volunteers may not have met people living with dementia before and may be nervous about how to communicate and build a relationship. Innovations in Dementia CIC have also produced some useful checklists for volunteers.

St Elizabeth Hospice

The Hub at St Elizabeth Hospice is co-ordinating clinical and logistical support to all those encountering palliative and end of life care needs in the community.  This service is available via One Call on 0800 567 0111.

Emotional wellbeing and bereavement services at St Elizabeth Hospice

As coronavirus cases increase in Suffolk, St Elizabeth Hospice is expanding its services to cope with increased demand in emotional wellbeing and bereavement support in the wider community.

Our emotional wellbeing enquiry line is available for anyone who is impacted by the current crisis or grief, regardless of whether they have accessed the hospice before or not. The support line provides access to a member of the team who can help find an appropriate service to meet the needs of the individual, from 9am–4pm, 7 days a week.

The team are able to provide 1:1 counselling, family support and group support. They specialise in working with clients that are impacted by a life limiting illness and those affected by a bereavement.

There is further bereavement support and information resources on our website, including a third party service called GriefChat where individuals can speak directly with a specially trained bereavement counsellor through instant online chat.

We also recognise that this is a challenging time for children and young people and that they may respond to grief or the death of a grandparent or loved one differently. Therefore, St Elizabeth Hospice are launching a new 565 Service providing emotional support to 5-18 year olds. Information, top tips and activities to help parents and schools support children through their loss during the pandemic is also available.

The phone line and 565 service is available to all on 01473 707999 or visit the website for lots of useful information and resources.

Suffolk Police

If you feel in immediate danger call 999 or if you know someone is vulnerable and has been a victim of fraud, please contact Suffolk Constabulary on 101 or Action Fraud or call 0300 123 2040.

Advice: 

  • Only accept help from people you know and / or trust. Never deal with unexpected cold callers
  • You do not have to agree to anything you don’t feel comfortable with
    • Police, health workers and others will not and do not call at your house to test for coronavirus or ask for money regarding investigations
  • Check the person calling at your door has valid identification, even if they are dressed in uniform
  • Do not transfer any money across to someone who calls you over the phone, banks will not ask for your personal security details
    • Do not trust anyone asking for money transfers or cash over the phone
    • Do not make shopping purchases from a company or person you do not know and trust. Use a credit card to pay to protect yourselves.

Further advice can be found on the Suffolk Police website:

Cold Callers

Fraud Prevention

Coronavirus Scam Warning

Police advice on a variety of subjects can be accessed via  Suffolk Police advice

To report something, or to otherwise contact Police, use the link Suffolk Police contact us 

To report something anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers UK

Alternatively call 101 for non-urgent matters.

Always call 999 in emergencies, or if an immediate police response is required.

Community Action Suffolk

Community Action Suffolk has developed guidance to ensure any newly formed neighbourhood initiatives will be resilient throughout this unprecedented period.

The guides cover such issues as safeguarding, volunteer recruitment and management, DBS checks, insurance, publicity and constitutional structure.

The new material is of use both to community schemes and networks who have ‘repurposed’ to develop a new offering in response to coronavirus, and equally for those who have created ‘pop up’ or ‘first time’ community projects to help in their local area.

The webpage will be updated regularly with helpful resources.

 

Home But Not Alone

A new Suffolk-focused community service, ‘Home But Not Alone’ has been set up to support people who need help during the COVID-19 pandemic. The service has been launched to help connect people who want to volunteer in their communities with neighbours who are most in need. 

The service will mean willing volunteers, charities, town and parish councils, community and religious groups can all log their details and offers of support on an app, while people who need help can phone to request support.  As the number of offers and requests grows, they will be matched so that the right help can be given where it’s most needed. This support could include delivering groceries, medication or essential household goods, in line with Government social distancing guidelines.  

A free App, called Tribe Volunteer, can be downloaded from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, for those wanting to volunteer.

App Store Logo Google Play logo

The telephone number for those in genuine need of help is: Freephone 0800 876 6926 and will be staffed from 09:00 to 17:00, seven days a week. 

 

 

If people are in immediate danger they should call the police on 999.

If someone is unable to speak or make a sound, but needs immediate help, they should call 999 and stay on the line, then press 55 when prompted and the call will be transferred to the police, who will know it is an emergency call.

You can download here a document with the most up to date information on domestic abuse and sexual violence support. 

Anglia Care Trust Domestic Abuse Helpline 24-hour support 0800 977 5690 

With lockdown measures still in place, it is important that those who may find themselves at risk of abuse at home, can access the right support at whatever time they need.

0800 977 5690 freephone number to be available 24hours a day, seven days a week. Anyone with concerns including professionals who may be supporting clients, as well as friends and families who are concerned for loved ones, can access this local support.

The service also includes a live web chat each day from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday which can be assessed here: https://angliacaretrust.org.uk/

For those looking for help online, ‘quick exit’ buttons and other mechanisms can be used to increase online privacy. Information is available from www.techsafety.org/internetbrowserprivacytips

The charity Respect offers support for people exhibiting abusive behaviour or who are worried about their own behaviour on 0808 8024040 or at www.respectphoneline.org.uk/help-for-perpetrators/

You can download the poster here and the email banner here

Fresh Start New Beginnings 

Open for referrals, telephone support being provided.

Call: 01473 353355

 

Lighthouse Outreach Centre

Telephone support being provided.

Call: 01473 228270

 

Norfolk and Suffolk Victim Care 

Open as normal for referrals and providing telephone support.

Call: 0300 303 3706

 

Sexual Assault Referral Centre 

Call: 0300 123 5058

 

Suffolk Rape Crisis 

Open for referrals, telephone support and online counselling being provided.

Call: 0800 085 0520

Click on the image below for a full screen copy of the information

 

Survivors in Transition

Open for referrals, telephone support being provided.

Call: 01473 232499 / 07765 052282

Anxiety UK

On this page you will find easy access to a range of information, resources and support for helping you understand how to deal with your anxiety during these difficult times while Coronavirus (COVID-19) is impacting on our lives.

 

(BABCP)

British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies

 

Bangladeshi Support Centre Multicultural Services

Formerly known as Bangladeshi Support Centre and set up 20 years ago by a committed group of volunteers, BSC is now a registered charity and company limited by guarantee. Operating from an accessible community building (that also houses other VCSE organisations including Citizens Advice, Ipswich) in Suffolk’s most ethnically diverse and vibrant town, BSC reaches out to advance education and empower individuals and communities.

 

Every Mind Matters

A range of practical tips, apps and resources to help you look after your mental health including:

  • Expert advice on how to spot the signs of common mental health concerns.
  • Connections to services and activities to improve your wellbeing
  • Information about helplines and charities if you need more support

 

Healthwatch Suffolk

Healthwatch Suffolk have compiled a list of resources which could help improve mental wellbeing during this time, including support for NHS staff from Church of England Churches in Suffolk and Total Voice Suffolk, a partnership of organisations working together to provide advocacy in Suffolk.

 

Keep Moving Suffolk

Advice for adults, young people, families and older people to stay active at home during the Coronavirus outbreak.

 

Living Life to the Full

Effective self-help for anxiety and depression, with life skills support available for everyone. Modules, and e-books are available on sleep, anger, relationships, smoking, drinking, panic, and more. Courses are also tailored for the perinatal period, diabetes, long term conditions, chronic pain, farming communities, parents of children with severe illness, those who have left prison, or have unsettled housing. 

 

Looking after yourself while social distancing

A practical advice pack, full of practical advice on how to look after your psyche in self isolation.

 

National Autistic Society

Information and resources for autistic people and families. 

 

NHS

National Advice on Anxiety, depression and stress

 

NHS Mental Health Apps Library

A range of free and subscription apps to support you if you are struggling with anxiety, depression and other common mental health problems.

Download the PDF from the NHS for Mental Health Resources for children under 10

 

OCD UK

Information for people with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

 

OneLife Suffolk

The healthy lifestyle service for Suffolk, supporting healthy eating, weight management, support to quit smoking and a range of other services.

Call 01473718193 or visit www.onelifesuffolk.co.uk

 

One You

Digital advice for physical and mental wellbeing with resources and apps to help you reduce drinking, stop smoking, exercise, eat better, sleep better, and control stress 

 

Recovery College

Recovery College are offering a free online course in response to Covid-19. Anyone with internet can access it nationally.

 

Rethink

We improve the lives of people severely affected by mental illness through our network of local groups and services, expert information and successful campaigning. Our goal is to make sure everyone affected by severe mental illness has a good quality of life.

 

Sexual Health

For information about contraception during Covid19

Support is available on the iCash website

 

Suffolk County Council 

The central county council repository for information and updates about coronavirus COVID-19

 

Suffolk Mind

Resources for adults and families about meeting your emotional needs. for adults and families.

 

Suffolk Wellbeing Service

The Suffolk Wellbeing Service (SWS) provides support if you are experiencing anxiety, depression, bereavement, OCD, and PTSD. 

Therapy is delivered digitally, by phone, by Skype /zoom / webinar etc. The range of treatments available is wide, effective, and increasing.

There are specific Coronavirus resources on the Suffolk Wellbeing Service website. These cover young people (secondary school age), with a downloadable resource sheet and two videos, adults with a downloadable resource sheet, and health and social care workers with a downloadable resource sheet.

The resources may be downloaded as pdfs, and freely shared or printed.

 

Wellbeing plan

This Personalised Wellbeing Plan template from the National Academy of Social Prescribing has been developed to support people through COVID-19, particularly those who are self-isolating or shielding. It can be used by anyone who is self-isolating, family, friends, healthcare professionals and carers to summarise a person’s personal circumstances, and the things that matter most to them at this time.

 

World Health Organisation 

The international health organisations advice and guidance on looking after your mental health.

Guides for families and professionals supporting autistic adults and adults with learning disabilities during the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.

MindEd

Helping front line staff in the NHS and care services manage your own mental health and wellbeing, whilst looking after others during the Covid-19 crisis.

We have drawn together the best advice, tips, from our large panel of international experts to guide you and your team. Created on behalf of Health Education England in partnership with NHS England-Improvement. Supported by Skills For Care, this Hub is for everyone on the front line health and care services

covid.minded.org.uk

 

Mental wellbeing of frontline staff 

We are all hugely concerned about the mental wellbeing of our frontline staff during these difficult times. A new resource, Our Frontline has been launched to support those under most pressure. Our Frontline is a partnership between Shout, Samaritans, Mind, Hospice UK and The Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Our Frontline offers round-the-clock one-to-one support, by call or text, from trained volunteers, plus resources, tips and ideas to look after your mental health. There is tailored material for staff working in social care, essential roles, the emergency services and health workers.

In addition, the LGA workforce wellbeing pages have advice and guidance for supporting and managing the wellbeing of frontline staff and will be publishing more wellbeing information and support for managers and staff working in social care in the next few days. 

 

Housing Options and Homelessness teams 

East Suffolk Council

Ipswich

Mid Suffolk and Babergh

West Suffolk Council

Please be assured that our aim is to make sure we support staff and continue to deliver services for our communities. In doing so, we are following the latest advice and instructions from Government, the NHS and Public Health.

We will continue to focus on our core responsibilities, that is, managing homeless applications and ensuring we provide temporary accommodation to those in need.

We have put in place the following in order to ensure the safety of our staff and customers:

  • All appointments will be telephone based for move on or homelessness applications
  • We will be stopping all outreach appointments but will be making contact by telephone to all current and future customers
  • Staff will be happy to dial in or use Microsoft Teams to meetings but will not be attending face to face meetings
  • All emails will be managed in the normal way 

If you are working with someone who is homeless or at risk of homelessness please do complete the duty to refer form; https://www.westsuffolk.gov.uk/housing/find_a_home/homelessnessdutytorefer.cfm 

 

Finance

www.citzensadviceservice.org.uk

www.moneyadviceserviceorg.uk

National Debt Line

The outbreak of coronavirus means that you may need to 'self-isolate'. This means you might have to stay at home to avoid spreading the virus. This may impact on your ability to work, how much you earn, or stop you from doing things you normally need to do to claim benefits. National Debt line have provided advice to help people manage their finances during this time. 

www.turn2us.org.uk

www.acas.org.uk

For children

A link to a book about Coronavirus (COVIBOOK) for children under 7 yrs old in 18 languages

 

For adults

Doctors of the World videos and translated advice and information into 44 languages on coronavirus (COVID-19) Languages available:

English, Albanian, Amharic, Arabic, Armenian, Bengali, Bulgarian, Czech, Dari, Estonian, Farsi, French, German. Greek, Gujarati, Hausa, Hindi, Hungarian, Italian, Kiswahili, Krio, Kurdish Sorani, Lithuanian, Oromo, Malayalam, Pashto, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Romanian, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Sindhi, Slovak, Spanish, Somali, Tamil, Tigrinya, Turkish, Urdu, Vietnamese, Wolof, Yiddish.

More videos in other languages below:

Stay Home Save Lives posters

These can be shared and printed. Click on the links below for the following languages:

BENGALI Stay Home Save Lives poster

GUJARATI Stay Home Save Lives poster

PUNJABI Stay Home Save Lives poster

URDU Stay Home Save Lives poster

ROMANI Stay Homes Save Lives poster

ROMANIAN Stay Home Save Lives poster

POLISH Stay Home Save Lives poster

RUSSIAN Stay Home Save Lives poster

Videos of the information can be found here in English, Arabic, Gujarati, Kurdish Sorani, Punjabi, Spanish & Turkish.

Look out on the link for more languages to be uploaded.

 

Coping strategies for anxious times in other languages.

 

A picture book for children who are worried about Coronavirus

 

Advice for parents during Coronavirus 

Whilst it is extremely important to follow Government advice to stay at home during this period, it can be confusing to know what to do when your child is unwell or injured.

Remember that NHS 111, GPs and hospitals are still providing the same safe care that they have always done. Here is some advice to help. 

 

Children and Young People's Emotional Wellbeing Hub 

The Emotional Wellbeing Hub provides:

  • a team of Emotional Wellbeing Practitioners for expert information, advice and support
  • an online referral form for anyone concerned about a child or young person’s emotional wellbeing and mental health. Young people can also self-refer
  • a consultation helpline for emotional wellbeing and mental health issues relating to children and young people

The Emotional Wellbeing Hub replaces the NSFT (Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust) Access and Assessment Service for 0 to 25 year olds. It provides a simple process for families, young people, and professionals to make a referral or get advice about wellbeing and mental health services.

Call 0345 600 2090, available Monday to Friday, 8am to 7:30pm.You can visit the Emotional Wellbeing Gateway website for more information and to make an online referral.

As part of the Covid 19 response the team has been augmented by workers previously working from schools.

 

Updated resources on childhood immunisations during COVID-19 (Institute of Health Visiting (iHV))

As part of World Immunization Week 2020, iHV resources on childhood immunisations have been updated with the latest information and advice during the current COVID-19 pandemic – two Parent Tips and one Good Practice Points for Health Visitors. The two updated Parent Tips:

 

EDPSY provides helpful and  selected resources in one place, freely accessible and easy to navigate. 

There is loads of information across the internet about how to talk to or support children and young people who might have questions or worries about coronavirus.

 

Health Visiting Service

Find out about the Health Visiting Service, which is based around the Healthy Child Programme, and the programme of care that we offer.

Health visitors and paediatricians publish advice for parents about the six-week postnatal check during COVID-19 (Institute of Health Visiting (iHV) and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH))

All babies have a routine physical examination between six and eight weeks, but these important appointments may be missed due to the impact of COVID-19. The Institute of Health Visiting (iHV) and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) have published a guide for parents, Routine screening reviews at 6-8 weeks during COVID-19, about signs to look out for if they have been unable to get an appointment or if it has been delayed.

 

Guidance for households with grandparents, parents and children living together where someone is at increased risk or has symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) infection (Public Health England (PHE))

Stay at home guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection.

 

kooth.com is a free, safe and anonymous online mental wellbeing community for young people

 

PPE

Suffolk Children's Centres explain Personal Protective Equipment

 

NHS

Download the PDF from the NHS for Mental Health Resources for children under 10

 

NSPCC

National guidance for keeping children safe. 

 

School Nursing Service

We are providing support to children and their families virtually, in order to maintain social distancing.

Suffolk County Council’s School Nurse service during this time is as follows:

  • A member of the School Nursing team can be contacted Monday to Friday 9am -5pm to provide advice and support for any concerns that you may have about your child’s/children’s health and wellbeing.  You can contact them on 03456 078866 or alternatively you can email the team on childrenshealth@suffolk.gov.uk.
  • Chathealth texting service is available for young people aged 11 to 19 years old.  Texts are responded to by a member of the school nursing team between 9am and 4:30pm Monday to Friday. (excluding bank holidays).  You can text them on 07507 333356.

For more information, visit: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/children-families-and-learning/childrens-health/school-nursing/

 

See Hear Respond is a service provided across England by Barnardo’s and a group of national and local community-based organisations  in response to Covid-19.

The programme has been created help to children and young people in England who are experiencing harm and increased adversity during lockdown by providing support to those who are not being seen by schools or other key agencies. This work is focused on

  • Under 5s with a specific focus on under 2s
  • Those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and where there are concerns about their welfare e.g. online safety
  • Children who maybe at increased risk of abuse, neglect and exploitation inside or outside of the home 
  • Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and Refugee children experience barriers to accessing services
  • Young carers

Working with our partners we aim to reduce the likelihood of harm and ensure other support and protective networks are in place using:

  • Online digital support, including advice and information, online counselling and a telephone helpline
  • Face to face interventions, such as support for groups at risk outside the home and one to one support 
  • Reintegration into education, including assessments and the delivery of support pathways back to education

 

Suffolk Family Focus

Suffolk Family Focus, covering East Suffolk, are available for referrals and we will manage these where possible via telephone or Skype.

 

Suffolk SENDIASS

Suffolk SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Service) is a confidential and impartial information, advice and support service on issues related to Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND).


We recognise these are difficult and unprecedented times. As the situation is moving rapidly the Government and Suffolk County Council will provide further updates and guidance. On this webpage, we will try to answer your questions about COVID-19 and what it means for your child's education.

 

Tips for parents in a difficult living situation during lockdown (YoungMinds)

Life under lockdown can be especially tough if your living situation poses further challenges. YoungMinds Parents Helpline experts share their tips for dealing with a lack of physical space, parental separation, arguments, aggressive or violent behaviour and domestic abuse.

  • one providing some basic information on the childhood immunisation programme, explaining how vaccines work, how they are regulated and why it is important to ensure your baby receives all the recommended immunisations
  • the second,  provides answers to “Frequently Asked Questions” and has been written by leading national experts. It covers getting your baby immunised and what to expect, including information on things such as soothing your baby during and after vaccinations, and what to do if they are poorly on the day of their appointment.

Advice for parents during Coronavirus 

Whilst it is extremely important to follow Government advice to stay at home during this period, it can be confusing to know what to do when your child is unwell or injured.

Remember that NHS 111, GPs and hospitals are still providing the same safe care that they have always done. Here is some advice to help.

 

Covid-19 / Coronavirus information pack for families

Families have told SPCN that the Covid-19 outbreak is a really worrying time for them and they have asked for resources to help them talk to their children and young people about it as well as needing strategies to support their mental health and emotional wellbeing. 

Working with SENsational families in Norfolk and education, health and care services, SPCN have produced an information and resource pack for families that is available to download or be posted out in a printed format.  

 

Suffolk Parent Carer Network (SPCN)

Information and support available for parents who are carers 

Click here for a printable version of the SPCN information

 

School Nursing Service

We are providing support to children and their families virtually, in order to maintain social distancing.

Suffolk County Council’s School Nurse service during this time is as follows:

  • A member of the School Nursing team can be contacted Monday to Friday 9am -5pm to provide advice and support for any concerns that you may have about your child’s/children’s health and wellbeing.  You can contact them on 03456 078866 or alternatively you can email the team on childrenshealth@suffolk.gov.uk.
  • Chathealth texting service is available for young people aged 11 to 19 years old.  Texts are responded to by a member of the school nursing team between 9am and 4:30pm Monday to Friday. (excluding bank holidays).  You can text them on 07507 333356.

For more information, visit: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/children-families-and-learning/childrens-health/school-nursing/

 

Suffolk Family Carers have made updates to their services and a selection of information during COVID-19

 

SPCN - Parent Carer Support

SPCN are supporting parents and carers of children and young people aged 0-25 with additional needs and/or disabilities in Suffolk in a number of ways during the Covid-19 outbreak.

SPCN have put together a mix of free online resources 

COVID -19 Information for families

5 tips for families to help to reduce stress and anxiety for children

5 tips to help reduce stress and anxiety for young people

5 tips to help to help reduce stress and anxiety for children with autism

5 tips to help reduce stress and anxiety for young people with autism

Peer-to-peer support

SPCN are providing peer-to-peer support if parents and carers need someone to talk to, or if they or their child/young person are struggling or if they have specific questions about where/how to access other support. They are signposting any health-related issues regarding Coronavirus to official sources. 

Parent and carers can contact SPCN by emailing admin@spcn.org.uk, private messaging on their social media @suffolkpcn or calling them on 07341 126455.

Family Support boxes

The SPCN team are sending out family support boxes for children/young people with any additional need and/or disability, (diagnosed or not) and their siblings and also contain information for parents and carers about how to support children and young people and other support organisations that are available.  These boxes are personalised to each family and can contain a range of items.  They are available free to any parent / carer / guardian / foster carers who are members of SPCN and they simply have to email admin@spcn.org.uk with the request.  SPCN are accepting new members who will then be able to ask for the free family support box.

• Colouring/puzzle books for children and young people

• Colouring books for adults

• Stress balls

• Pots of bubbles

• Sensory bags

To be eligible for membership you must live in Suffolk or receive services from Suffolk and be a parent carer/foster carer/guardian of a child/young person aged 0-25 with any additional need and/or disability (diagnosed or not) and you can sign up for membership here. 

Family support page and pack

SPCN have also created a page on their website dedicated to parent carer support and this includes a regularly updated SPCN support pack containing local and national support organisations and online resources for parents and carers is available to download or be posted out in a printed format.

 

British Geriatrics Society

 

The Silver Line

The Silver Line is the only free confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people, open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Call: 0800 4 70 80 90

 

 

Community Memory Assessment Service – CMAS (East Suffolk)

  • From Monday 23 March 2020 all face to face contact with patients will cease, to minimize the spread of COVID-19 due to patients’ vulnerability. 
  • The service is no longer taking new referrals and all clinics are currently cancelled until further notice
  • Every existing patient will be contacted by phone or their family/carers (whichever is most appropriate) to be advised of the current situation and offered support.  
  • Patients will be only be discharged after an appropriate telephone consultation with CMAS
  • Patients will be encouraged to self-isolate and the service will be discussing ways for them to maintain their mental health
  • Every patient or their family/carer will receive a letter following their call confirming the discussions and an action plan for them
  • Phone lines will remain open Monday to Friday and patients will be advised of this in their letter and asked to contact us at any time should they have any concerns – 01473 296194/5
  • All patients and carers are being offered additional support emotionally and practically from Dementia Together which is available seven days a week.

 

Memory Assessment Therapy Service (MATS) (West Suffolk)

  • From Tuesday 17 March, all face to face contact with patients will cease to minimize the spread of COVID-19 due to patients’ vulnerability              
  • The service is no longer taking new referrals and all clinics are currently cancelled until further notice  
  • Every existing patient will be contacted by phone or their family/carers (whichever is most appropriate) of the current situation and offered support
  • Patients/families can contact our current telephone numbers for additional information and support. For Bury North Newmarket sector 01638 558654 and for Bury South sector 01284 733188               
  • Letters are being sent out by the Trust explaining the current situation to all patients
  • Patients will be encouraged to self-isolate and be discussing ways for them to maintain their mental health
  • Proposed medical support to be offered to GPs in the near future. Once this is finalised the contact number and details will be provided.
  • All patients and carers are being offered additional support emotionally and practically from Dementia Together which is available seven days a week.

 

Dementia Together (Provided by Sue Ryder)

  • Dementia Together will continue to operate within the restrictions of the Coronavirus outbreak and the UK Government, Public Health England guidelines
  • The helpline will continue to be available seven days a week for continuous support throughout this difficult time.
  • Dementia Together Navigators will also be able to complete a detailed assessment over the phone, or by video, offering support, education and a listening ear throughout this difficult time, they will not currently be visiting surgeries.
  • Also providing carers with information regarding a range of creative activities that they can engage in with people living with dementia; linking service users to local community networks, which are offering help with shopping, collecting prescriptions and welfare calls. Encouraging service users to look after their own emotional health and well-being at this time.
  • Dementia Together is offering four free virtual meet-ups a week starting from 4th May. These meet-ups are for those either  with memory concerns and living with dementia as well as their carers and will give people time to chat, exercise the brain, get creative and most importantly, have fun. Find the out more about these virtual Dementia Together meet-ups. Dates for the meet ups as follows:
    • Monday, 12-12.30, lunch and chit chat
    • Wednesday, 11-11.40, managing your wellbeing
    • Wednesday, 14.00-14.40, reminiscing and crafty moments
    • Friday, 11.00-11.40, quiz of the week
  • Dementia Together are working with MATS, CMAS, DIST (E), Primary Care, acute and other voluntary services to ensure the right support is given at the right time.

Call: 08081 688 000

 

Drug and Alcohol Services (Turning Point)

  • The three Turning Point Suffolk hubs in Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds and Lowestoft remain open but staff are trying to do as much as possible over the phone
  • All groups have been suspended
  • The Recovery workers are making contact with all of their service users and providing phone support
  • There are some restrictions where phone support only is not appropriate (for example for opiate users who need to attend medical appointments) and those who are needed in the hub are being invited in.
  • Needle exchange and Naloxone remains available at all hubs
  • Turning Point are receiving a lot of prescription change requests from service users who are self-isolating, and Turning Point are prioritising maintenance of medication.
  • All new referrals are encouraged to be done via the SPOC phone number 0300 123 0872.
  • Professionals open days have been postponed until further notice
  • All supervised consumption is being reviewed by the Turning Point clinical lead.  Risk is being reviewed and where it is safe to do so, supervised consumption is being removed. This does not mean that they will remain take away after the COVID-19 situation is over.
  • People who are receiving substitute medication (methadone etc.) can still collect this from pharmacies, and the likelihood is that this will be on a weekly/fortnightly basis, unless in exceptional circumstances.
  • The Turning Point Suffolk website – the Suffolk Wellbeing Cloud – has now been updated with information relating to COVID-19. There is lots of harm reduction and wellbeing information for drug and alcohol users as well as guidance for GPs around shared care. You can visit the website here.

All COVID-19 Drug and Alcohol information, including an archive of all briefings sent, is now available online at www.healthysuffolk.org.uk/covid19drugsandalcohol

 

GPs offer

In West Suffolk GPs now have access Monday to Friday to non-medical prescribers who can help GP prescribe medication to those struggling with their mental health. The GPs in the West also have input now from consultants so should a GP need support they have a mobile number whereby they can contact a Consultant Monday to Friday.

 

In East Suffolk GPs can access medical advice and guidance for anyone who is not known to MH services over the age of 25 via a number of ways.

To use the Advice & Guidance line they use E-Referral (Choose & Book) which lets them directly message.

The service is accessible Monday to Friday from 8am-6pm. Response time is within 72 hours but is normally within 24 hours.  

The physical health team have been seconded to help other teams, and their patients. during the pandemic.

DIST (E) have agreed to support the Care Homes Team with discharge 7 days a week caseloads reduced dramatically especially face to face, staff will be on a rota to cover support 7 days a week, with a day off in the week, they are able to do this and manage their current caseloads and referrals.  

 

NHS Guidance Documents

 

Secondary Care (NSFT)

IDTs are still open for business.

AAT is still open for referrals for cases aged over 25

Call 0300 123 1334 

The Emotional Wellbeing hub for under 25s is still open for business. Early Intervention in Psychosis also continues, as does a limited eating disorder service

Development of Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Teams continues.

 

Social Prescribing

Don’t forget that GP surgeries have social prescribing link workers who will make individual arrangements to support patients in discussion with their local practices.

 

 

 

 

 

Roma Support Group is a national charity providing coronavirus (COVID -19) resources and videos  

Link the the Roma Support Group website

Also find: ROMANI Stay Homes Save Lives poster

 

 

Safeguarding and Mental Capacity

How to raise a concern that at adult is at risk: protecting-people-at-risk-of-abuse/report-abuse-of-an-adult

To discuss prior to raising a concern please contact the MASH consultation line: 0345 606 1499    protecting-people-at-risk-of-abuse/mash

For adult and child safeguarding information visit the Suffolk Safeguarding Partnership: www.suffolksp.org.uk

Social Care Institue of Excellence: www.scie.org.uk/care-providers/coronavirus-covid-19/safeguarding-adults

General information regarding mental capacity: care-and-support-for-adults/how-social-care-can-help/mca-and-dols/

 

MCA/DoLS guidance and COVID

39 Essex Chambers: www.39essex.com/tag/mental-capacity-guidance-notes

www.mentalcapacitylawandpolicy.org.uk

Social Care Institue of Excellence: https://www.scie.org.uk/care-providers/coronavirus-covid-19/mca

Trading Standards Information: www.suffolk.gov.uk/community-and-safety/suffolk-trading-standards/

 

Amparo Suffolk - Supporting people who have been bereaved by suicide

AMPARO Suffolk offers dedicated support to anyone bereaved by suicide. This free service support those who have experienced recent as well as less recent cases including:

  • One to one individual support
  • Help with any media enquiries
  • Practical support when dealing with the Police or Coroner
  • Help overcoming feelings of isolation
  • Putting you in touch with local services that can help

Telephone: 0330 088 9255
Email: amparo.service@listening-ear.co.uk

 

CALMzone

The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is leading a movement against suicide, the single biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK and the cause of 18 deaths every day.

Call: 0800 58 58 58

 

Cruse Bereavement

Cruse is currently supporting clients who are struggling with grief and bereavement with telephone support available.

Cruse offers free confidential support via trained volunteers and the website also contains a lot of information and advice.

Cruse National Helpline 0808 808 1677

 

Harmless

Support and information for people who self harm.

info@harmless.org.uk

 

lifesigns

Provides support and information about self injury

 

National Suicide Prevention Alliance

Information leaflet

https://www.nspa.org.uk/resources/the-truth-about-self-harm/

 

Stay Alive App

Stay Alive is a suicide prevention app which offers help and support both to people with thoughts of suicide and to people concerned about someone else. The app offers quick access to national and local crisis support helplines

Stay Alive App

   

 

The Samaritans

For 24/7 support from non-judgemental, impartial volunteers who will offer a listening ear.

Call: 116 123

 

Survivors of bereavement by suicide 

 

Suicide Prevention Information Leaflet: When suicide is on your mind, stay connected stay safe

Public health Suffolk has created a suicide prevention information leaflet aimed at supporting those who are experiencing suicidal thoughts.  It is essential that people have access to the correct information, and resources that will help them when they are feeling desperate and unsafe.

The A4 leaflet is in two forms:

  • Digital
  • Print-at-home version

Please feel free to share with your network/service users as needed, either via email, social media or on your organisation website, having regard to the sensitive nature of the content. 

If you would like some professionally printed copies of the leaflet, please provide us with the following information, and we will send them to you as soon as possible email Louise.Biddiscombe@suffolk.gov.uk:

  • Number of copies required
  • Full postal address of where you would like them to be sent

 

Zero Suicide Alliance  

Free 20 minute Online Training for professionals