Throughout the pandemic, we listened to unpaid carers in the Mobilise community. During this time, we knew that many carers were looking for help and didn't know where to turn. There are a number of organisations who were ready to help but not everyone was connected with them.
We've pulled everything together into one simple list - with a big thank you to our community of carers who helped us to stay informed.
Royal Voluntary Service & NHS Responders
Helped with shopping, collecting medication or essential supplies. Royal Voluntary Service still also have a 'check-in and chat' service if we just need to talk to someone.
We can request support on behalf of someone else, or simply if the support will help us continue our role as a carer.
Helpline: 0808 196 3646 (open 8am to 8pm)
Covid-19 Mutual Aid
Covid-19 Mutual Aid connected us with local volunteer community support for help with shopping, collecting medication or essential supplies. During the peak of Coronavirus, some Covid-19 Mutual Aids offered transportation to medical appointments and telephone chats too. There are 1000's of locally run groups across the UK.
Post-lockdown, Covid-19 Mutual Aid are still continuing their hard work to support vulnerable community.
Our Local Council
Checking our Local Council website for details of additional support being offered during the Coronavirus outbreak (or give them a call) was also helpful to carers.
We can normally register with them for support if we are caring for someone who is vulnerable, shielding or extremely vulnerable. Also contacting our Social Care team to let them know our situation is hugely beneficial.
Find your Local Council here.
Our Local Carers Centre
If we are not already registered with our local carers centre, do get in touch with them to find out more about the support they offer.
If we are registered but have not yet been contacted by them, call, email and update them on our current caring situation.
We can find our local carers centre here.
Our GP Surgeries
Make sure we are on the practice 'carers register.' Make an appointment to speak to a GP if we are struggling to cope, feeling unwell or concerned about our physical or mental health - don't put it off.
Caring for someone who is extremely vulnerable
If the person we are looking after is clinically extremely vulnerable, or has been told by their GP or other medical specialist that they are extremely vulnerable and need to 'shield', we can register for help with getting supplies or their basic health needs. Find out more and register on their behalf here.
Ready Scotland
There is a National Helpline where we can be connected with support in your local area. You can call on behalf of someone who needs help
Helpline: 0800 111 4000 (Mon- Fri 9am-5pm)
Find more information here.
What is next?
Now that lockdown has been lifted, information is constantly being updated quite frequently. Sign up to our e-support packages below to ensure we are up to date on the latest carer information and kept in the loop. We know that mainstream media can be overwhelming!