Coronavirus (COVID-19) Latest Updates, Resources and Information

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is causing many of our members and service users concern. Please find below some information which we hope is helpful.

Local News and  Response

Re-opening of Bromley Schools.
Re-opening of Bromley SEND school and colleges latest guidance from the London Borough of Bromley here

Latest Coronavirus news and support from Bromley Council here.

Bromley Local Offer
Coronavirus and SEND information for parent/carers

Protection from Scammers
London Borough of Bromley has put together a guide to some of the scams they know about, click here and how we can protect ourselves and those around us from becoming a victim of scams along with contact details for organisations providing help and advice, click here
Government guidance here

Service information from  Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust which includes the Princess Royal Hospital in Orpington at Kings College Hospital in Denmark Hill here

Health Advice

Government guidance of what you can and can’t do
The government has set out its plan to return life to as near normal as we can, for as many people as we can, as quickly and fairly as possible in order to safeguard livelihoods, but in a way that is safe and continues to protect our NHS.  Questions and Answers of what you can and can’t do during here

For individuals
Get advice from the NHS on what to do if you think you may have symptoms of, or been exposed to, Coronavirus (COVID-19)

What to do if your child is ill
Advice for parents during Coronavirus from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health

Latest NHS information and advice about  Coronavirus (COVID-19) overview

Keping Fit at Home

NHS advice on keeping fit and home workouts here
For disabled people – Get Yourself Active is pulling together resources for disabled people to keep exercising through the Coronavirus crisis more here
For children – Joe Wicks PE, Cbeebies and  Cosmic Kids Yoga

Easy Read Resources

Guide on how to stay safe, Coronavirus and health issues and what to do if you get ill

Your Rights and Coronavirus
A partnership of advocacy organisations has produced an easy read booklet about Advocacy and Rights during the coronavirus crisis which you can download here

What to except if I have to go into hospital with Coronavirus
Easy Read guide here

What happens if someone I know goes into hospital with Coronavirus
Easy Read guide here

Easy Read at risk patients letter
Easy read letter for patients at risk

Coronavirus Social Narrative
Little Puddins has created a social story for young people with autism

Easy read information on COVID-19 from Royal Mencap

Resources

Hospital Passports during the COVID-19 crisis
Hospital Passports can be used to tell healthcare professionals what they really need to know if someone with a learning disability goes into hospital . The hospital passport should be used along side the specially designed COVID-19 grab and go form 

BBC Special report into the impact of coronavirus on people with learning disabilities.  More here

Fury over Do Not Resuscitate Notices
Disabled people have watched the unfolding stories about disabled and older people being asked to agree to sign Do Not Attempt to Resuscitate Notices with horror over the past few days.DR  UK CEO Kamran Mallick said: “We have been horrified at the undervaluing of our lives and have joined with others to sign a statement, which upholds the principle that the NHS is for all of us and that judgements about our lives should in no way influence the treatment we are entitled to receive.” More here

Guidance for children and young people with SEND
The government has published guidance on how the needs of children and young people with SEND will be met during the coronavirus outbreak. It includes a number of frequently asked questions around provision for young people with EHC Plans. The guidance is available here

If you are a parent carer with a question about your individual circumstances you may be able to find an answer below

The handwashing rap, produced to help people who have a learning disability

COVID-19 resources for people with profound disabilities
A list of resources suitable for people approaching isolation/home education, with a particular focus on resources for people with profound disabilities – many suitable for people of any age. Including resources specific to supporting people to understand and cope with COVID-19

Coronavirus Register for Vulnerable People
Register if you have a medical condition that makes you extremely vulnerable to coronavirus. For example, you’ll be able to ask for help getting deliveries of essential supplies like food. Register here

Information and advice in other languages
Doctors of the World have translated government advice on Coronavirus into 20 languages and are working on more.
Get the guides here

Coronavirus Information in British Sign Language

Free Virtual Resources

Updates and Guidance

UK Government and National Response

What Legal Rights Do Disabled Children have Left Under the Coronavirus Act?
All children classed as “vulnerable” including children with EHCPs, are expected to go back to school from 1 June 2020, subject to the completion or updating of a risk assessment for each child. But, with the Notice extension, (Coronavirus Act 2020 Modification of section 42 of the Children and Families Act 2014 (England) (No. 2) Notice 2020), it means they’ll be attending without the legal protection enshrined in their education, health care plans. Children will be relying on what’s termed “reasonable endeavours” instead.

Coronavirus Bill & the implications for children with SEND
A video by Steve Broach, Public Law Barrister, explaining the coronavirus bill and the implications for disabled children.

Court of Appeal Universal Credit Ruling
Court of appeal says those moved onto Universal Credit as a result of official error cannot be left worse off.Charity Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) successfully challenged the situation where families are left unable to return to their previous benefits.

Phased re-opening of SEND schools
Vicky Ford, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Children and Families, has written an open letter to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, their parents, families and others who support them regarding the phased opening of schools on 1st of June 2020.

Government Social Care Action Plan
The Government has published an action plan that sets out how it will support the adult social care sector in England throughout the coronavirus outbreak, so that everyone who relies on care will get the care they need throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan looks at support in people’s homes, residential care and nursing homes and community settings, and applies to people receiving direct payments, those with personal budgets, as well as those who fund their own care.  Read the Action Plan here

UK Government guidance and support 

Emergency Grant available for families of children with SEND
£10 million announced to help disabled or seriously ill children in England during Coronavirus pandemic. Vital help for families with children who have complex needs and disabilities from the Family Fund. Families can now apply for a grant from the Family Fund for vital equipment to make their lives easier during the pandemic.

Disability Rights UK CEO writes to Disability and Care Ministers to raise concerns about safeguarding disabled people, people with long-term health conditions and older people in relation to COVID-19 (Coronavirus).
Read the letter here