Service Response to Covid-19

CEO's Message to City's Unpaid Carers

Lucinda Godfrey, CEO

We recognise and value the substantial role that you are demonstrating by providing unpaid care, day in, day out, and know that the current situation will be impacting on you more than others. Whether you are caring for a disabled child, a parent with dementia or a daughter with mental health challenges it is critical that you know you can reach out at this time whether through the Carers Centre or other local resources.

As I reflect over the last few weeks and try to make some sense of the coming weeks there is one thing that I am very clear about, what’s being described as our ‘new normal’ has absolutely nothing ‘normal’ about it, but is absolutely critical to save lives. Being apart, goes against our fundamental need as human beings and as much as the telephone and the numerous online options are keeping us virtually connected, we are missing physical connection. The type of contact that conveys empathy, compassion, caring and hope. The type of contact that at times has the power to turn a bad situation into a better one or at least make it feel more manageable and this could not be more important for you, carers, young carers, disabled people and your families.

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One-to-one Support for Adults & Young People

Although we are unable to meet people face-to-face, we are able to support carers and disabled people by telephone, or by video call via
NHS Attend Anywhere.

Carers in Maryfield can also arrange a chat with their locality workers every Tuesday afternoon, to get advice on what is available in their area.  Please phone 01382 200422 or email to arrange.

The Carer Support Team is taking referrals as normal, although there may be a slight delay as all our team are currently working remotely.

To make a referral you can call 01382 200422 or click on make a referral tab below.

For more information on services we offer please go to our Services Section

Groups

Current Government advice states that we are unable to run physical groups at the moment.  We are following Scottish advice daily and will inform everyone on updates on this if guidance changes.

At the moment groups such as Carers Decides and Young Carers Voice are meeting via G Suite Apps Google Meets and Google Classrooms – that are proving to be a great success.

We are also exploring other online options for groups to meet virtually, keep following our website and social media for further updates.

Counselling Service

Unfortunately due to current situation outwith Dundee Carers Centre’s control, the counselling service has been forced to pause for the rest of 2020.

It is hoped that the services can resume early 2020.  Please follow the website for further updates.

Virtual Hubs

Responding to carers needs during lockdown, we hosted a series of weekly Facebook Live “Virtual Hubs”, which were topic-based discussions based on feedback from carers.

The series proved to be extremely successful and were viewed over 6,500 times.  We were also joined by around 17 guests, including Joe Fitzpatrick Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing

We are now broadcasting an episode every fortnight and are exploring the use of live broadcasting as a platform for information sharing as part of our mainstream services.

To view, our past episodes go to our Virtual Hub Gallery.

To read more about our Virtual Hubs, please read our blog Virtual Hub – A Success Story

Learning & Awards

Dundee Carers Centre is supporting carers and families to gain accredited awards that proved particularly popular during lockdown.

Our team can support young people and adults towards achieving Hi5 Awards, Dynamic Youth and Adult Achievement Awards.  If you support a carer that would be interested in using the time in lockdown to gain new qualifications, please contact us.

Further information

Carers of Dundee website has a Learning Portal webpage that is updated regularly with online learning opportunities for carers and workforce.

Short Breaks

Caring means something different for everyone, but every carer needs a break particularly during this time.
A Short Break does not necessarily mean being away from home and during lockdown we are being creative in the short breaks we offer to carers including online reading, pamper packages, hobby materials and games.

If you have any questions call 01382 200422 or email.

Further information

Shared Care Scotland has information and a directory on accessible short breaks available, including a COVID-19 resource “Short Breaks for Strange Times” that has ideas for short breaks for those self-isolating.

Self-directed Support

We continue to assist carers and disabled people to make informed decisions regarding their social care support and direct payments during COVID-19.

The challenges of home care during self-isolation and ‘shielding’, PPE and furloughing, are all prevalent at this time.  We continue to offer telephone and video support to carers and disabled people in Dundee & Angus.

For support please call the SDS Team on 01382 200422 or email.

Online Information & Advice

Go to our homepage for more information about the support, information and advice we provide to carers of all ages and disabled people.

Carers of Dundee Website provides information and resources for carers and their families, as well as for professionals.
The site includes a Services Directory which lists services and organisations that support carers, a Learning Portal and a COVID-19 Information page which brings together key information from trusted sources, which may be of use to carers at this time.

We also continue to share information via social media for both Dundee Carers Centre and Carers of Dundee via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.