Covid 19 Information Resources
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information Resources for Herefordshire
This page will be updated so check back soon for more information. Click the links below to go directly to that section:
- Click here for Policies and Guidance for professionals
- Click here for New Services and Campaigns
- Click here for Business Continuity Arrangements
- Click here for Domestic Abuse information
- Click here for Coronavirus testing information
- Click here for Other Coronavirus information
Policies and Guidance for professionals
See, Hear, Respond - Supporting Information for Healthcare Professionals
Are you worried about a child during lockdown? Click the link to read more. See, Hear, Respond.
There’s now one partnership who will help: See, Hear, Respond
In England, call 0800 157 7015 or visit www.barnardos.org.uk/see-hear-respond
NSPCC Briefing: The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on child welfare: sexual abuse
This briefing uses insight from Childline counselling sessions and NSPCC helpline contacts to highlight the impact of child sexual abuse on children and young people during the coronavirus pandemic. The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on child welfare: sexual abuse
Guidance for those under 25 who provide care for someone
This new Government guidance is for young carers and young adult carers. It will also be helpful for those who provide services to support young people who provide care (also referred to as young carers or young adult carers).
The information and advice provided here is designed to help young carers understand the changes they need to make and signposts the help available during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
It builds on previously published guidance for those who provide unpaid care to friends or family and is also available as an easy read version.
There is also local advice for young carers from Herefordshire Council which has the names and contact details for support workers. This document can be downloaded here: Herefordshire Council advice for Young Carers - Covid-19.
Latest Government Advice
The information in the section below is taken from the latest (26.06.20) regular government / department for education email detailing the government’s response to coronavirus (COVID-19):
New guidance published on keeping children safe from abuse and harm
We have jointly published new guidance with the Home Office, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and Public Health England on keeping children safe from abuse and harm. This guidance brings together sources of information about the main risks children may be vulnerable to during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and signposts you to help and support available.
The guidance can be found here:
Updated guidance on the support available for post-16 training providers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Applications can now be made to the ESFA post-16 provider relief scheme (July to October 2020), which is available to support providers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. This scheme is now open. Eligible post-16 training providers, including providers co-funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) should read our policy and guidance before making an application for supplier relief.
The closing date for applications is midnight Thursday 9 July 2020. The ESFA will respond to your application by Thursday 6 August 2020.
The ESFA post-16 provider relief scheme (July to October 2020) guidance and link to apply can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/esfa-post-16-provider-relief-scheme
The ESFA ESF provider relief scheme 2 (July to October 2020) guidance and link to apply can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/esfa-esf-provider-relief-scheme
Collection of guidance for educational settings on GOV.UK
The Department for Education’s coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance has been grouped by subject and audience on GOV.UK to help you find the information relevant to you. In response to your feedback, future updates to guidance will also include a summary of the changes that have been made.
Guidance on what early years providers need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/early-years-and-childcare-coronavirus-covid-19
Guidance on what school leaders, teachers and school staff need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/guidance-for-schools-coronavirus-covid-19
Guidance on what colleges, universities and other providers need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/further-and-higher-education-coronavirus-covid-19
Guidance on what local authority children’s services need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/local-authority-childrens-services-coronavirus-covid-19
You can sign up to alerts on GOV.UK to be notified by email when new pages are published or existing pages change. You can set the frequency at which you receive these emails and unsubscribe at any time.
Sign up to GOV.UK updates here:
https://www.gov.uk/email-signup?link=/government/organisations/department-for-education
Department for Education coronavirus helpline
The Department for Education coronavirus helpline is available to answer questions about COVID-19 relating to education and children’s social care. Staff, parents and young people can contact this helpline as follows:
Phone: 0800 046 8687
Opening hours:
8am to 6pm – Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm – Saturday and Sunday
If you work in a school, please have your unique reference number (URN or UK PRN) available when calling the helpline.
Handwashing advice
It is essential that everyone washes their hands more often, using soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Hand washing with soap employs mechanical action that loosens bacteria and viruses from the skin, rinsing them into the drain. Drying hands afterwards makes the skin less hospitable to the virus. Hand sanitiser can be effective if soap is not available or the situation makes using soap less feasible (i.e. when outside) but using hand sanitiser provides none of the virus-destroying friction that rubbing your hands together and rinsing with water provides.
The latest guidance and video on hand washing can be found at:
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/best-way-to-wash-your-hands/
The e-Bug project is led by Public Health England and has a dedicated webpage for learning resources on hand washing and respiratory hygiene. E-Bug has published posters on hand hygiene, and covering coughs and sneezes, to display in bathrooms, classrooms and shared spaces.
The hand and respiratory hygiene posters and other educational resources can be found here:
NSPCC Helpline
Home isn’t always a safe place. Schools closing could put some children at greater risk of abuse and neglect and that’s why we’re supporting the NSPCC. If you’re worried about a child or young person, or if you notice that something just doesn’t seem right, the NSPCC is here. You can talk to their helpline team who offer free support and guidance on 0808 800 5000 (8am-10pm Mon-Fri / 9am-6pm weekends) or you can email help@nspcc.org.uk 24/7.
Covid19 – Guidance on Whistleblowing for staff in Herefordshire.
During the Covid-19 pandemic it is important that all staff members and volunteers are vigilant in order to keep children as well as adults who access support safe. Social distancing means that there are limited opportunities for outside agencies to see what is happening. We must be alert to the potential for abuse and neglect and speak up. The new guidance can be downloaded here: Whistleblowing – Speaking up about wrong doing
Covid 19 - Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing, sources of support for children and young people
This guide to sources of support was created for schools and colleges to use in order to support their students - particularly those returning to educational settings. It may also be useful for a wider professional audience and can be downloaded here: Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing, sources of support for children and young people.
Home Office Guidance - Modern Slavery and Covid-19 - What to look out for and how to get help
New guidance on modern slavery and Covid-19 has just been published by the Home Office. They say:
"We are aware that victims may be approaching and accessing different support services during the COVID-19 pandemic, and have developed a flyer on ‘spotting the signs’ for staff who are not First Responders. This includes information on what to do if they encounter a potential victim of modern slavery. We have developed a similar resource that outlines the responsibilities of First Responders during this period and reiterates how victims can be referred into support".
Information for staff of non First Responder organisations
Information for staff of First Responder organisations - including Police, Local Authorities and others.
Centre of expertise on child sexual abuse (CSA Centre)
The CSA Centre has a comprehensive page of information and resources for practitioners outlining their response to Covid-19 and the implications for safeguarding and supporting children and families in relation to concerns of sexual abuse. The page can be accessed here: https://www.csacentre.org.uk/coronavirus
Home Office Guidance - Digital Safety during Covid-19
New guidance on safeguarding from harmful influences online has just been published by the Home Office. This will form the basis of all of their subsequent communications around Prevent at this time, emphasising the role of safeguarding and embedding measures to protect against online radicalisation within the context of broader digital safety (such as CSE or fraud). Digital Safety during Covid-19
Covid 19 Guidance - Removal of babies from hospital in emergency and non-emergency situations
New multi agency guidance for professionals relating to the removal of babies from hospital has been approved by the Safeguarding Children & Young People in Herefordshire Partnership and can be downloaded here: Covid 19 Guidance - Removal of babies from hospital in emergency and non emergency situations
Covid 19 Guidance - Guidance for professionals undertaking telephone assessments
New multi agency guidance for professionals undertaking telephone assessments has been produced and can be downloaded here: Covid 19 Guidance - Guidance for professionals undertaking telephone assessments
NSPCC - Covid 19 support and guidance
The NSPCC have just published a summary of Covid 19 support and guidance for children, parents & carers and professionals. NSPCC support and guidance
Covid-19 Visit Consideration Guidance
New multi agency guidance for professionals relating to any visits to children has been approved by the Safeguarding Children & Young People in Herefordshire Partnership and can be downloaded here: Covid-19 Visit Consideration Guidance
Covid-19 Early Help Guidance
New multi agency guidance for professionals relating to Early Help has been approved by the Safeguarding Children & Young People in Herefordshire Partnership and can be downloaded here: Covid-19 Early Help Guidance
CQC - Covid 19 Weekly Update
The CQC (Care Quality Commission) have introduced a weekly update for providers and professionals working in healthcare services, sharing the latest guidance on COVID-19 and CQC's approach during this period. The 14 May edition can be downloaded here: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKCQC/bulletins/28b4965
Ofsted guidance and information
Ofsted guidance and information relating to coronavirus (COVID-19) for schools, early years, children's social care and further education and skills providers can be downloaded here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ofsted-coronavirus-covid-19-rolling-update
Barnardo’s ‘See Hear Respond’ service
See Hear Respond is a service provided across England by Barnardo’s and other national and local community-based organisations in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
The programme has been created to help children and young people in England who are experiencing harm and increased adversity during this period by providing support to those who are not being seen by social care or other key agencies.
Working with its partners, Barnardo’s aims to reduce the likelihood of harm and ensure other support and protective networks are in place using:
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See Hear Respond accept referrals from any source either through the Freephone number 0800 151 7015 and via the online referral hub.
CrimeStoppers Modern Slavery Campaign
CrimeStoppers have launched an awareness campaign on modern slavery, including the effect of Covid-19, lockdown, and its easing. They have produced a leaflet which includes a section on signs to spot and information on who to contact if you suspect modern slavery. You can find a series of assets on their website and follow the hashtag #SlaveryonYourDoorstep on social media.
Hope Support Services - Covid 19
Hope Support Services based in Ross on Wye offers nationally available support for young people. Their award-winning, youth-led service is available to anybody aged up to 25 when a close family member is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, including online support for those concerned about Covid-19. More details can be found on this poster.
Covid 19 Bereavement Support
As a response to the pandemic, St Michael’s Hospice have set up a new service. This is available to families, friends, carers and staff either directly or indirectly affected by COVID-19 or bereavement during lockdown. More details can be downloaded here Covid-19 Bereavement Support
NSPCC Advice & Support Campaign
With growing concern for the safety of some children during the coronavirus crisis the NSPCC wants more people to know how to get advice and support and where to raise concerns about a child’s wellbeing.
The charity is launching a new TV and advertising campaign today (May 4) across the UK to promote its free and confidential helpline for adults.
Changes to Citizens Advice Family Court Service
Due to the Covid-19 situation the decision was made to withdraw Citizens Advice Family Court Service staff and volunteers from delivering face-to-face support in Worcester Courts. However, they continue to deliver the service via phone, explaining what will happen at the hearing and addressing questions and concerns just as they have always done.
How to refer into the service?
Via the online referral form at www.citizensadvice.org.uk/familycourt/
By phoning the national Referral Hub (especially if the hearing is within 3 days)
- Applicant and respondent number: 0300 332 1000
- Partner number : 0300 330 1161
New online counselling and wellbeing service for 11 – 26 year olds
Kooth has just launched a new online counselling and wellbeing service in Herefordshire for 11 – 26 year olds.
Kooth is:
- Safe, confidential, anonymous
- Free to users
- Available 365 days a year through a smart phone, tablet or computer: go to www.kooth.com
Kooth can help with many types of concerns including: relationship problems, family issues, school or college worries, feeling low or depressed, drink, drug or money problems.
Kooth helps to reduce wait times for young people seeking help and removes stigma around mental health.
Kooth is a “BACP accredited service”, which means it is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
New Paediatric Safeguarding and Strategy Manager for the SARC
Rosie Woolcock has been appointed as Paediatric Safeguarding and Strategy Manager for Mountain Healthcare, who run the local Sexual Assault Referral Centre. She has sent an open letter of introduction to partners with details of the new role, and all of her contact details: Letter of introduction.
NSPCC Helpline
To further protect children and young people from harm, national government is working with the NSPCC to expand and promote its helpline.
Parents or any adult will be able to call if they want someone to talk to, and they should get in touch if they are worried about a child or young person. Anyone with concerns should email help@nspcc.org.uk or call 0808 800 5000. Click the link to visit the NSPCC website.
Business Continuity Arrangements
Covid-19 Safeguarding Business Continuity Plans - Revised
To manage the increasing demands placed on safeguarding services in Herefordshire during the Covid-19 pandemic all levels of the partnership have been considering how to keep children and adults safe at a time of increased pressure on staff and resources. Our plans for safeguarding children and adults, including our responses to joint areas of concern as of today (21/05/20) can be accessed at the following link Revised Herefordshire Safeguarding Business Continuity Plans
Covid-19 Safeguarding Business Continuity Plans
To manage the increasing demands placed on safeguarding services in Herefordshire during the covid-19 pandemic all levels of the partnership have been considering how to keep children and adults safe at a time of increased pressure on staff and resources. Our plans for safeguarding children and adults, including our responses to joint areas of concern as of today (05/05/20) can be accessed at the following link Herefordshire Safeguarding Business Continuity Plans
Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) – commonly known as ‘Clare’s law’
The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) – commonly known as ‘Clare’s law’ – allows individuals to ask the police to check whether a new or existing partner has a violent past (the ‘right to ask’). If police checks show that a person may be at risk of domestic violence from their partner, the police will consider disclosing the information.
The aim of the scheme is to give people an opportunity to make enquiries about an individual who they are in a relationship with, or who is in a relationship with someone they know, and there is a concern that the individual may be abusive towards their partner.
If police checks show that the individual has a record of offences relating to abuse or there is other information to indicate the person you know is at risk, the police will consider sharing this information with the person(s) best placed to protect the potential victim.
Clare’s Law aims to enable potential victims to make an informed choice on whether to continue the relationship, and provides help and support to assist the potential victim when making that informed choice.
For more information and to make an application, click the following link to visit the West Mercia Police website https://www.westmercia.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/alpha/request-information-under-clares-law/
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Domestic Abuse Advice for Men
Respect’s Men’s Advice Line are launching the first wave of their COVID-19 campaign, centred on raising awareness that domestic abuse also affects men and encouraging men to #TalkItOver. The COVID-19 lockdown restrictions have had a significant impact on all victims of domestic abuse. From March to May this year, the Men’s Advice Line experienced a 100% increase in calls and webchat and emails have also increased significantly in demand. As lockdown eases, Respect are anticipating increased demand for support services. To meet this demand and make it easier for men to #TalkItOver
Respect have: • Extended opening hours • Recruited additional advisors • Started creating a range of resources for men
Covid 19 - Resources and information for Polish victims of domestic abuse
Vesta - Specialist Family Support CIC have a page of resources and information for Polish victims of domestic abuse. The website can be found here:
https://www.vestasfs.org/domesticviolence
Domestic abuse during COVID-19: a reminder of advice
NHS England and NHS Improvement have published a letter entitled “Domestic abuse during COVID-19: a reminder of advice for NHS staff.” The letter may be useful for staff from other agencies as well and can be downloaded here: Domestic abuse during COVID-19
Advice about Domestic Abuse
Domestic Abuse - Practical steps for keeping safe
West Mercia Women's Aid have produced this practical guide Domestic Abuse - Practical steps for keeping safe during social distancing
'Make Yourself Heard' - getting help for domestic abuse during lockdown
The Rural Media Company have produced a short film called ‘Make Yourself Heard’ for West Mercia Women’s Aid. The target audience is anyone living with domestic abuse during lockdown. It is designed to be circulated via social media and the links are below:
Instagram
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/w9odfn670hvwsnh/AACsG5b12rsWkc3-NUmcYNo3a?dl=0&preview=RMP040_WMWA_MakeYourselfHeard_H264_1-1.mp4
YouTube/Facebook/Twitter
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/w9odfn670hvwsnh/AACsG5b12rsWkc3-NUmcYNo3a?dl=0&preview=RMP040_WMWA_MakeYourselfHeard_H264_16-9.mp4
Campaign launches safe space in Boots stores for victims of domestic abuse across the UK
From today (May 1), victims of domestic abuse will be able to access safe spaces at Boots pharmacies consultation rooms where they can contact specialist domestic abuse services for support and advice. More details can be downloaded here: https://www.hestia.org/news/press-release-campaign-launches-safe-space-in-boots-stores-for-victims-of-domestic-abuse-across-the-uk
Covid-19 / Coronavirus – Domestic abuse, sexual violence, and other forms of gender-based violence.
The following information leaflets have been produced containing a lot of useful information and links:
How can you help? Advice for friends, family, neighbours and community members.
Safety and Wellbeing Advice for Survivors
Resources from SafeLives and Respect
SafeLives, are a UK-wide charity dedicated to ending domestic abuse, for everyone and for good. They work with organisations across the UK to transform the response to domestic abuse. They have collated resources and useful information which will be updated regularly https://safelives.org.uk/news-views/domestic-abuse-and-covid-19
Respect is a pioneering UK domestic abuse organisation leading the development of safe, effective work with perpetrators, male victims and young people using violence in their close relationships. Twitter messaging targeted at perpetrators: #Noexcuseforabuse https://twitter.com/RespectUK
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Testing
NEW: Everyone in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland with coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms can now get a test. The government has today (19.05.20)announced that anyone with symptoms of coronavirus is now eligible to book a test, ahead of the rollout of the test and trace service. The extension in testing eligibility is possible thanks to increased testing capacity across the country as the government expands this towards 200,000 tests a day. Read the full press notice here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/everyone-in-the-united-kingdom-with-symptoms-now-eligible-for-coronavirus-tests
Testing has now been expanded to include essential workers with symptoms and people who live with essential workers and have symptoms. A full list of essential workers is available here.
Full details on how to access testing in all nations and who is eligible can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested
Essential workers can book tests for themselves and their household via a new online portal on gov.uk/coronavirus. This will make the process of getting an appointment quicker and easier, while reducing the burden on business. The online booking service applies to England and Scotland.
If you need further guidance and support on issues related to testing, please contact DHSC at opshub@dhsc.gov.uk. Employees who have been referred for a test can seek assistance from the Coronavirus Testing Helpdesk on 0300 303 2713 for any technical issues related to their booking.
Other Coronavirus (Covid-19) Advice
Tackling County Lines and Child Criminal Exploitation
Webinar - Wednesday 9 September
The LGA has an online webinar taking place on Wednesday 9 September, 2pm-3.30pm, regarding tackling the County Lines drugs phenomenon, where drugs are transported from one area to another, often across police and local authority boundaries.
It will be an opportunity to share best practice on how councils, working with their partners, are tackling county lines activity and child criminal exploitation, and will also reflect on the COVID-19 pandemic and what effect there has been on the drug supply chain. More information is available at: https://lgaevents.local.gov.uk/lga/frontend/reg/thome.csp?pageID=329528&eventID=964&traceRedir=2
Getting the right help at the right time for a child or young person
If you have concerns about a child, please discuss your concerns with your organisation’s safeguarding lead before submitting the MARF (Multi Agency Referral Form) where possible.
Remember, you can always ring the MASH (Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub) for advice on your concerns and how to complete the MARF on 01432 260800 - they’re there to help!
Dates and deadlines for Herefordshire school applications – a reminder for families
This is a request for staff working with young people and families, in Herefordshire to remind them of these important dates for school applications as necessary:
Secondary admissions – Year 7 School place for a September 2021 start:
Applications opened 7th September 2020, applications close October 31st 2020 – applications received after this date will be classed as late and may not be looked at until after all on time applications are allocated.
Details of how to apply are all on line at https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/schools-education/secondary-school-admissions/2
Please encourage parents / carers to apply for 3 schools they would be happy for their child to attend, and ensure parents are aware of the admissions criteria for each school
Primary admissions – Year R School place for a September 2021 start:
Applications open 14th September 2020, applications close January 15th 2021 – applications received after this date will be classed as late and may not be looked at until after all on time applications are allocated.
Details of how to apply are all on line at https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/schools-education/primary-school-admissions/3
Please encourage parents/ carers to apply for 3 schools they would be happy for their child to attend, and ensure parents are aware of the admissions criteria for each school
Note – All parents must apply for a school place, the fact that a child attends a nursery does not guarantee them a space at the linked school.
Children must be in school the term after their 5th birthday (i.e. November birthday – child must be in school in January), parents can choose to defer the start date until the term after the child’s 5th birthday but they must still apply in the normal way.
For any queries relating to school admissions please contact: Louise Tanner – schooladmissions@herefordshire.gov.uk
Partnership Summit - Safer Children; our new Partnership Arrangements
This a reminder that the first Children’s Partnership Summit: Safer Children; our new Partnership Arrangements is being held virtually on 16 September.
The aim of the morning is to highlight the new safeguarding arrangements, identify a shared value base for working together to safeguard children in Herefordshire and to focus on key areas of practice including thresholds and levels of need.
We have secured a national expert on safeguarding children, Joanna Nicolas, to support this event. Her biography can be found on her website. Joanna’s input, alongside our new Independent Scrutineer, Liz Murphy, promises to make this an exciting and productive event for us all.
This event is now fully booked, but further events and forums will follow over the coming months.
Latest Newsletter from No Wrong Door Project
The No Wrong Door Project from hvoss (Herefordshire Voluntary Organisations Support Service) have published their latest weekly newsletter
Social Distancing Guidance for Young People
On 28 July the Government updated its Guidance called Staying alert and safe – social distancing guidance for young people
Coronavirus (COVID-19): The impact of lockdown on children and young people
The National Children's Bureau (NCB) have produced a YouTube video looking at the impact of lockdown on children and young people, with contributions from children, young people and parents.
Guidance for those under 25 who provide care for someone
This new Government guidance is for young carers and young adult carers. It will also be helpful for those who provide services to support young people who provide care (also referred to as young carers or young adult carers).
The information and advice provided here is designed to help young carers understand the changes they need to make and signposts the help available during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. It builds on previously published guidance for those who provide unpaid care to friends or family and is also available as an easy read version.
There is also advice for young carers from Herefordshire Council which has the names and contact details for local support workers. This document can be downloaded here: Herefordshire Council advice for Young Carers - Covid-19.
Healthwatch Herefordshire monthly e-bulletin
Healthwatch Herefordshire publish a monthly e-bulletin and the latest May edition has a lot of useful content related to Coronavirus (COVID-19) which can be downloaded here: https://tinyurl.com/yae3uyu8
Please see information resources below aimed at members of the public:
Safeguarding adults information for Covid-19
Safeguarding adults information for self-isolating
Safeguarding children information for Covid-19
Advice about Scammers and Fraudsters from Victim Support
Victim Support - Advice for Individuals - Scammers and Fraudsters
Victim Support - Advice for Groups - Scammers and Fraudsters
Advice for children from the Children's Commissioner
Many of you will be working with, or indeed have, children and young people who are anxious about the current pandemic. The Children's Commissioner has produced a very useful guide which may help. Childrens guide to coronavirus
Mental Wellbeing advice
There is some very useful advice on ways to help improve mental wellbeing, during the COVID-19 pandemic on the Herefordshire Council website.
UK Government information on Coronavirus (Covid-19)
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
Herefordshire Council Talk Community contact details
The Talk Community Covid-19 response team can be contacted on 01432 260027 or talkcommunitycovidresponse@herefordshire.gov.uk
Subscribe to our Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information Bulletin http://eepurl.com/g1C6nH