We want to make sure that families in Southampton are kept well informed about Coronavirus (COVID-19). Click here to visit the latest government advice -
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
This page provides important updates from Southampton City Council and NHS Solent services that have been affected, as well as useful links to social stories, Makaton signs and easy read documents about the Coronavirus. These resources are designed to support you in understanding the virus, how to talk to children and young people about the virus, supporting children and young people and helping them understand feelings they may be experiencing during this time.
This doesn’t replace the latest information and guidance about Coronavirus in Southampton. Follow this link to our main information page.
The government has translated the guidance for self-isolation and social distancing into the following languages:
- Arabic
- French
- Mandarin
- Cantonese
- Polish
- Welsh
The links are here:
Social distancing for vulnerable people
The Educational Psychology Team have created a Transition Framework to Return to School. Please see the PDF document in the downloads box.
Southampton SENDIASS
Southampton SEND Information Advice and Support Service can offer telephone and virtual support to parent carers.
Please find below link to their website -
https://www.southamptonsendiass.info/
IPSEA Coronavirus advices and updates
IPSEA have lots of useful advice and guidance on their website, please see link to their website below -
Guidance, helplines & support
National Autistic Society – guidance and helpline for parents’, young people and staff
Carers UK - Guidance for carers
Coronavirus (COVID-19) support
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Type of Help |
Who is this for? |
What support is offered? |
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Community Support Hub |
Vulnerable groups, in critical need and have no other means of support |
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Resident helpline 023 8083 4800 (open Mon-Fri, 8:30am to 5pm) |
Vulnerable groups, in critical need and have no other means of support |
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Online form Southampton.gov.uk/needhelp |
Vulnerable groups, in critical need and have no other means of support |
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Pharmacy deliveries 023 8071 8668 (in partnership with NHS Southampton City CCG & Saints Foundation) |
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Websites – Southampton.gov.uk/coronavirus Gov.uk/coronavirus |
All residents and businesses |
Hub of information on our services and coronavirus advice |
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Business helpline 023 8083 4300 (open Mon-Fri, 8:30am to 5pm) |
All businesses |
Business support and advice |
Support from partners
Citizens Advice Bureaux 023 8022 3659 citizensadvice.orgOffering advice on a wide range of topics such as finances, universal credit, employment and immigration. Southampton Voluntary Services solinked.org.uk Online directory of help available in local communities. LoveSouthampton lovesouthampton.org.uk Churches working together to support the vulnerable and local food banks. PIPPA helpline 023 8091 7917 pippasouthampton.orgWorking to end domestic and sexual violence.Looking after yourself and others
Get moving
Exercise is important for keeping our body and mind well. Think about what you can do to move more inside. For suggestions on getting active when staying at home you can visit southampton.gov.uk/coronavirus.
Keep your mind active
You can keep your mind active by setting yourself goals for the day – whether it’s finishing a puzzle, texting a friend, or tidying your sock drawer, nothing is too small and completing things will give you a sense of achievement.
Look after your wellbeing
It’s normal to feel a bit anxious, stressed, worried, sad, bored, lonely or frustrated about the current situation. Remember - it is OK to share your concerns with others you trust – and doing so may help them too.
Solent Mind helpline
For anyone who is experiencing poor mental health or wellbeing challenges as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic. 023 8017 9049 - Mon – Fri, 10am – 2pm (except bank holidays)
Do also contact your GP. Practices are still providing remote consultations via telephone or e-consult and face to face consultations can be arranged in a safe way if needed.
Solent Mind text line
For those in a mental health crisis or emotional distress. You can text ‘LIGHTHOUSE’ and your postcode to 07451 276010 - 4.30pm and 12am. Staff will then contact you via telephone, email, webchat or text.
Samaritans confidential support line
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts you can call 116 123 24 hours a day.
Avoiding COVID-19 scams
Unfortunately, during these difficult times there are many COVID-19 scams circulating, targeting the most vulnerable in our communities. Be aware these scams will try to con you out of money. They may be received by post, email, telephone, text or face to face.
Before you respond to any offer, please remember the Take Five protection advice
• Stop: Don’t be pressurised into sending off money immediately to someone you don’t even know.
• Think: How likely is it that I’ve specially been chosen? Millions of people have probably received the same offer.
• Think again: Always read the offer carefully. Speak to family or friends or seek advice.
If you’re unsure whether something might be a scam, call Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133. You can report scams to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040.
Talking to your child and answering their questions
Easy read documents and social stories
Mencap - Easy Read guide to Coronavirus
Public Health England have produced an easy read version of their Advice on the coronavirus for places of education. You can download it here
A free resource from Photosymbols, including easy read posters and information
Guidance for Education Settings from 19th July 2021
The lifting of Covid restrictions in education settings will take place in line with the general removal of restrictions for England at Step 4. Subject to a final review of the data next week, these legal restrictions will end on Monday 19 July.
We are changing the controls that apply in early years, schools, colleges and higher education institutions to maintain a baseline of protective measures while maximising attendance and minimising disruption to children and young people’s education. When we move to Step 4 of the roadmap, we will be removing the need to keep children and young people in consistent groups (‘bubbles’) in schools, colleges and out-of-school settings and the need to reduce mixing in early years settings.
To support this we have published new guidance for arrangements in education settings from Step 4, covering both the summer period and the following term, when children will return to school:
Guidance for out-of-school settings, children’s social care, apprenticeships and parents will be updated over the next 2 days.
From 16 August, the legal requirement to self-isolate for contacts of a positive case will end for everyone aged under 18, and for adults who have been fully vaccinated. This means that from the autumn term, only those who test positive will need to self-isolate.
From Step 4, NHS test and trace will carry out contact tracing in all education settings rather than it being run by the school or college. Those identified as close contacts will be advised to take a PCR test, and only need to isolate if they test positive. Everyone must self-isolate if they have symptoms of Covid or a positive test result.
More details on the announcement can be found here Covid restrictions in education settings to end at Step 4 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)