Coronavirus (Covid-19): Services updates & resources
The information on this page explains how each of our services is impacted by the spread of Coronavirus. We will update it regularly so please keep checking back for the most current statuses. We have also included some resources from local and government organisations which explain the situation and offer advice and support.
For general inquiries, please email info@greenwichmencap.org.uk and we will aim to respond within one working day.
Greenlights service
Staff are home based and running virtual sessions.
Contact: greenlights@greenwichmencap.org.uk
Independent Living service
Staff are offering a home service to isolated users.
Contact: sally.ettridge@greenwichmencap.org.uk
Information & Advice service
Staff are home-based and offering support via phone on completing forms, signposting and speaking with DWP on behalf of clients.
Contact: welfare@greenwichmencap.org.uk
Adult activities
Community-based sessions are currently cancelled. Trish has set up virtual carers coffee morning sessions on a Monday morning 10.45 an. She also set up the Dramatic voices for service users using zoom on a Wednesday morning at 11 am
Contact: sc8@greenwichmencap.org.uk
The Riverwood Project
The project is now open. We have reduced numbers to ensure social distancing and have put additional safety measures in place to reduce the risk of infection as much as possible.
Staff are continuing to regularly contact team members who for various reasons are not attending via Facebook, telephone calls and zoom.
Contact: info@greenwichmencap.org.uk
Siblings Project
This project is currently closed. Services will resume in the summer holidays with extra weekend sessions.
Resources
If you or someone you care for needs help understanding Covid-19 or needs advice about symptoms or possible contact with someone who is ill, the resources below may help.
Health advice
Get advice from the NHS on what to do if you think you may have symptoms of, or been exposed to, Coronavirus (Covid-19).
Latest guidelines: What you can and cannot do
Read an explanation from Royal Mencap on how rules related to Coronavirus have changed in England.
Test & Trace App
Learn what the NHS's Test & Trace app is, how to install it on your phone and why it matters.
Easy Read advice from Royal Mencap
Royal Mencap have created some easy read information about Coronavirus for you to use, as well as information based on the latest guidance from the government. For the most up to date guide, you can also visit their dedicated Covid-19 page.
Advice on supporting children at early developmental levels
The ASD Outreach Service have created an advice sheet which provides resources including online exercises and storytelling sessions for children with additional needs during the COVID-19 outbreak. You can download the advice sheet here.
Warning about fraud
Scams are evolving quickly and now include text messages claiming to be from the government and issuing fines for non-compliance with lockdown to people with a link to pay. Read the latest advice from Greenwich Council on how to spot scams or visit the council's dedicated page for more information.
Wellbeing plan for service users
This can be a particularly stressful time for our service users, so we have created a plan which helps them express what they're feeling and gives examples of what they can do to reduce anxiety. Download our service user Covid-19 wellbeing plan.
Santander cycles
NHS staff and those who work in Home Care and Adult Social can now use Santander cycles for free for journeys under 30 minutes. You can learn more about this on the TfL website.
Free parking at TfL car parks
TfL is offering free car parking for critical workers at all TfL car parks. A list of theses car parks, including the number of spaces, is available here.
Hospital admission advice from the Down's Syndrome Research Foundation
Read advice on planning for the possibility of a hospital admission requiring treatment for COVID-19. The info on this page can help to ensure that an admission runs more smoothly for people with a learning disability. Read more.
Why adults with Down's syndrome are on the high risk list
An easy-read document from the Department for Health & Social Care which explains why adults with Down's Syndrome have been added to the list of people at higher risk of contracting COVID-19, and what it means. Read more.
Learning Disability England on staying in touch & informed
information and resources about the virus and what you can to do to stay safe and well, and how people are staying connected and finding solutions. Read more.
Community Hub
Are you a vulnerable resident living in Greenwich and need help with shopping, collecting prescriptions, dog walking etc? Register and ask for support on the Hub at 0800 4704831 or email covid19support@royalgreenwich.gov.uk.
Do you need help with deliveries or any other support?
Mr Inarm Osborn runs a Medway Council contracted day centre for adults with learning disabilities and autism. He has a 9-seater minibus with the seats removed and is happy to help with deliveries or other work for vulnerable individuals.
For more information, please call 07799 890635 or email medwaydaycare@gmail.com.