First Minister launches Looking Out for Each Other campaign in Wales
Welsh Government - Get advice and information about coronavirus (COVID-19)
Public Health Wales - Guidance and Resources
Information for the public
Community Support
Select this link to view the information Voluntary Action Merthyr Tydfil (VAMT) has provided for groups in Merthyr Tydfil in relation to COVID-19. This also includes a list of what help and support is available, such as telephone catch-ups, food and prescription deliveries and dog walking.
Select this link to view the information bulletin compiled by Interlink’s Wellbeing Team. The bulletin contains information on local community services, groups and opportunities across RCT supporting the Covid-19 crisis.
Interlink intends to publish an information bulletin weekly with the latest information and news if you have any information you would like to be included please forward to: wellbeing@interlinkrct.org.uk
Bridgend Association of Voluntary Organisations (BAVO) is taking the lead on co-ordinating a community response in Bridgend, working with voluntary and community groups and the volunteer centre and connecting people that need support to assets in their local community. Select this link for further information.
Mental health and wellbeing support for our young people
We are all experiencing unprecedented times due to the Coronavirus pandemic, and we acknowledge that this may have an impact on the wellbeing of the people we all have a responsibility to protect. Young people in particular may feel that they have lost many of their coping mechanisms, including contact with friends or routines that help them to manage their conditions and some may be suffering with anxiety for the first time.
It is important that young people do not feel alone during this time and indeed at any other. There are people who can help and who they can talk to. Select this link for helplines and websites which will provide information and support.
New Horizons are operating a Coronovirus Mental Health Signposting Helpline for all ages. For details, select this link.
Domestic Abuse
Sadly, it is expected that during these times of isolation and social distancing due to Coronavirus, domestic abuse figures are likely to rise.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, please remember that isolation doesn't mean you're on your own. There are people and organisations ready to help you.
Contact Live Fear Free today, by going online, phoning or texting on the contact details below:
Telephone: 0808 8010 800
Text: 078600 77333
Website: https://gov.wales/live-fear-free/contact-live-fear-free
You can also contact local services in RCT, Merthyr Tydfil and Bridgend directly. Select this link for contact details.
Information for Professionals
Professionals working with young people
The following documents are useful for professionals who may be concerned about a young person's mental health and wellbeing:
Eye to Eye Young Person's Counselling Service During COVID-19
Eye to Eye Integrated Referral Pathway
YEPS Generic Referral Form
Useful Contacts
People working with children - Updates from Welsh Government
During the coronavirus outbreak, new arrangements are being put in place for emergency childcare and for staff from different agencies to work together to support people. Some practitioners will be working in services or buildings that are new to them and with children and young people they do not know.
It is crucial that everyone working with children and young people has clear information about how to report a safeguarding concern. We have prepared information for practitioners on how to respond to a safeguarding concern. We have also prepared a poster so that everyone in the service or building can be clear on who the Designated Safeguarding Person for the day is. This person may obviously change as and when people need to self-isolate.
Safeguarding children is a critical area of business for Social Services and Emergency and Duty teams will remain in operation to receive calls about children at risk of harm, abuse or neglect.
You can also read further information on line about:
Information sharing to safeguard people
Reporting a child at risk
The contact information for local authority Social Services are available via the Safeguarding Board websites:
Select this link to view the COVID-19 Safeguarding Children Practitioner Handout.
Select this link to view the COVID-19 Safeguarding Children Information for Display.
Posted on Tuesday 24th March 2020