Planning activities during COVID-19
Mencap has developed resources to help plan daily and weekly activities to support people to stay busy at home.
Gig Buddies, a charity for people with learning disabilities and/or autism, has compiled ideas and activities for things to do at home during COVID-19.
West Sussex young adults have developed a virtual short breaks offer and helpful information and activities
The Aldingbourne Trust has developed easyread home exercise ideas and home activity ideas.
Accessing health services during COVID-19
Visiting the GP during COVID-19
Sussex NHS Commissioners has created a short video for people with a learning disability or their family and friend carers explaining what it will be like if they need to see a doctor during the pandemic. This short film about seeing your GP has been made as part of the Help Us Help You campaign for people with learning disabilities. Amy, a GP from Shoreham talks through what is different about seeing your GP during COVID-19
Reasonable adjustments for people with learning disabilities
The two links below, to videos hosted on YouTube, explain what reasonable adjustments are and how they help people with a learning disability use mainstream health services.
A group of people with learning disabilities in Horsham have produced a booklet which they hope will keep others across West Sussex safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The group from West Sussex County Council’s Hobbs Field residential home originally created the guide to help them follow coronavirus guidelines when they are out in the community. It includes pictures and clear instructions that offer reminders about social distancing, wearing a mask and remembering to wash our hands.
To find out more about the booklet, please contact Hobbsduty@westsussex.gov.uk
Guidance on working with adults with learning disabilities and/or autism
Government guidance has been published for care workers and personal assistants who are supporting adults with learning disabilities and adults with autism during the COVID-19 outbreak. The guidance helps care staff:
- keep people with learning disabilities and/or autism safe;
- support them to understand the changes they need to make during the COVID-19 outbreak; and
- protect their own wellbeing.
Top Tips for Tricky Times: resource from the National Institute for Health Research: Ideas on how to reduce resident walking around in areas which may be unsafe due to COVID-19. Resource to support when residents do not understand social distancing or self-isolation
The British Psychological Society has issued guidance on meeting the psychological needs of people with learning disabilities and their carers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Beyond Words is providing free picture stories and illustrated guides to support people with learning disabilities and autism through the coronavirus pandemic
"Please Give Me Space" social distancing cards or badges are available via the Cabinet Office. The resources can be printed and used to show that the carrier may have difficulties or concerns in maintaining social distancing.
Face coverings: when to wear one, exemptions and what makes a good one.
This page explains what face coverings are, including what makes a good one, when to wear a face covering and exemptions from wearing one.
Shielding and people with a learning disability
People at high risk from Covid-19 are no longer told to stay at home (shield). There are still things you can do to keep yourself safe.
Please see DHSC Guidance for people previously considered clinically extremely vulnerable from COVID-19 for further information on this.