Supporting vulnerable people during Covid 19
Vulnerable people and the coronavirus bill
The British Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) have published a paper identifying their key concerns with the Coronavirus Bill. VCSEs should be aware of some of the issues that may make vulnerable adults and children even more vulnerable.
- Near wholesale removal of legal duties to assess and provide care and support needs for adults in some of the most vulnerable positions, including disabled and older people and carers (Clause 15 and Schedule 12)
- Suspension of assessments to provide continuing care on hospital discharge (Clause 14)
- Removal of key safeguards to protect people detained in mental health hospital to prevent them from being detained longer than needed or discharged without support (Clause 10 and Schedule 8)
- Downgrading of duties to support children with Special Educational Needs (Schedule 16)
Extremely vulnerable people
The Government has identified some people who are ‘extremely vulnerable’ to getting seriously ill from Coronavirus because of an underlying health condition. These people have been contacted by the NHS to request that they not leave home for at least 12 weeks, and have been advised that if they do not have friends, family or neighbours who can provide support, they can register for help to access food, medicine and social contact here
Help for vulnerable Hampshire residents
From Wednesday 1st March, a new helpline is up and running for frail or vulnerable residents who do not have other support, and who need urgent assistance with essential food or household supplies, collection of medication, or who are at risk of loneliness.
From Wednesday 1st March, a new helpline is up and running for frail or vulnerable residents who do not have other support, and who need urgent assistance with essential food or household supplies, collection of medication, or who are at risk of loneliness.
The Coronavirus Hampshire Helpline
Hantshelp4vulnerable – can be contacted on 0333 370 4000. The helpline is available seven days a week, from 9am-5pm. This service is for people living in Hampshire County Council area only).
Hantshelp4vulnerable
Will provide advice and information, as well as co-ordinate requests for practical help, passing them through to the appropriate Local Response Centre – there is one based in each of Hampshire’s 11 districts.