WE’RE STILL HERE!

Covid-19 means we are operating a revised service, but you can still refer yourself or someone else as usual by calling us on 0121 301 4141.

During this second period of lockdown, as before, please be reassured that our staff are continuing to work both on site or at home to support you in accessing all SIAS services.

It is important for your safety, and the safety of your community, that you stay indoors during this second lockdown and only leave in accordance with government guidance.

This is a challenging and ever-changing time so it is equally important that if you need support, or if you know someone who needs support, you get in touch.

Existing Service Users – Adults

Assessments, one to one sessions, medical reviews and responses to ad hoc queries remain available by telephone or video call. We continue to encourage attendance at virtual group meetings, which offer a variety of support from keyworkers, peers and others in recovery from addiction. See timetable below. You can also follow us on social media @SIASOnlineSupport for live updates and times of support groups. Our office does remain open for some pre-planned appointments, where it has been agreed that it is essential, and some testing will continue. Your medications at the pharmacy should not be affected in any way due to this lockdown. If you require clean needles and syringes the Needle Exchange Service at Middlewood House is still available 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday. Alternatively the community pharmacies who normally offer a Needle Exchange Service are still doing so. SIAS Pharmacy List NE & SC

If you have any concerns, please contact your keyworker or the office on 0121 301 3600.

Follow us on social media for regular updates and useful advice and information:
Facebook @SIAS.Solihull | Twitter @SIASSolihull | Instagram sias_solihull

Existing Service Users – Young People

We are continuing to support young people through this second lockdown who are either using substances or affected by a family member’s substance use. We will happily explore the best and safest way for you to engage with our services and are currently working with young people in a variety of ways including: telephone, video call and social media; “walks and talks”, “doorstop visits”, and “garden visits” to keep you and your family safe. Where it is deemed essential to do so we can also complete appointments within school settings whilst they remain open.

If you have any concerns, please contact your keyworker or the office on 0121 301 3600.

Follow us on social media for regular updates and useful advice and information:
Instagram @sias_yp | Facebook @SIAS.YP | Twitter @siasyp

Family & Friends Support

Our Family & Friends Support Service is open to anyone affected by a family or friend’s substance misuse. You can access our service if:

- you live in Solihull
- the person using substances lives in Solihull – whether in treatment with us or not
- you don’t live in Solihull, but the person using substances does

We are currently offering a one to one telephone support service and an online support group. If you are interested in accessing these services please call 0121 301 4141.

Homeless & Housing Support

We are continuing to support the homeless throughout this second lockdown, with assistance from the local police to respond to all known and new rough sleepers. If you see someone rough sleeping please report it via StreetLink. All rough sleepers are being given wipes, towels, water and soap to stay clean and are being supported with offers of accommodation and provided with food when needed.

Our Housing Support Team is currently offering a telephone and online support service to all clients. If you are at risk of losing your home or are finding it difficult to manage your bills and rent at the moment, please contact the Housing & Homeless Team on 03300 083957 or email us at siashomeless&housing@aquarius.org.uk.

Our Virtual Services

Covid-19

5 ways you can help to support yourself, your loved ones and your community

At a time like this we encourage you to consider ways to keep yourself, your loved ones and those in your
community safe, particularly the isolated and vulnerable. We are following the advice from the government and NHS and encourage you to do the same:

https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

1. Talk

Start a group conversation with household members, other relatives, friends and neighbours to discuss what to do if a COVID-19 outbreak occurs in your community, what the needs of each person will be and how you can support people who are self-isolating at home.

Consider using technology to communicate such as WhatsApp, Facetime or Skype. If your neighbourhood has a website or social media page, consider joining it to maintain access to neighbours, information, and resources. Alternatively, share phone numbers and/or email addresses particularly with those who are isolated or vulnerable but be aware that some people will not want to share contact details. Set up a phone tree/call/message system but stay safe – leave deliveries at the door/don’t let anyone, especially strangers, into your home.

Consider establishing a ‘buddy’ system within your community to ensure everyone stays connected to COVID-19 related news, services and can receive support safely, such as essentials deliveries.

2.Plan

Plan ways to provide practical care for those who might be at greater risk. Think about what medication they may need and update prescription requests. Choose a room in your home that can be used to separate sick household members from those who are healthy. Provide a trusted person with your spare key in case someone needs to get into your home. Think about who could look after your children or pets if you become unwell. For the most up to date guidance on who should self isolate following the link to the NHS website:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-advice/

3. Identify

Identify and set up an emergency contact list of family, friends, neighbours, healthcare providers, teachers, employers, the local public health department, and other community resources. Create a list of local organisations that you and your neighbours can contact in the event that one of you needs access to information, healthcare services, support, or resources. Consider including organisations that provide mental health or counselling services, food, and other supplies.

4. Create

If you are self-isolating create a daily routine that prioritises looking after yourself. Make sure you exercise and eat well – there are lots of free exercise classes on TV and YouTube. You could try reading more or watching movies, trying new relaxation techniques, or finding new knowledge on the internet. If you have children in your household you may find these useful – BBC bitesize is a good free resource and this is fun too, 113 ways of having fun with your kids in self-isolation:

https://www.northshoremums.com.au/fun- home-activities-with-kids

Practice everyday preventive actions including regular hand washing, increased cleaning routines and public health advice. The NHS provides guidance on how to wash hands:

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/best-way-to-wash-your-hands/

5. Share

To sign up to the regular voluntary and com- munity sector newsletter for news updates
and to find out how you can help in the com- munity, including volunteer opportunities in Solihull please use the link below.

www.wcava.org.uk/receive-newsletters

Updates for the voluntary and community sector Information about volunteering opportunities.

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/solihull/
https://renewalcc.com/helpinghands/

Places to drop of donations of food and toiletries such as:
• Non-perishable foods – e.g. tins, dried food
• Toiletries – e.g. soap, sanitary towels
• Basic goods – e.g. tea, coffee
• Baby goods – e.g. nappies, baby food
• Cleaning products Age UK Lower Ground Floor at the back of The Core and 150 High Street (Summerfest Office) Around Again Social Supermarket, The Junction, Chapelhouse Road, Chelmsley Wood, B37 5HA Helping Hands, Renewal Centre, Lode Lane, B91 2JR