WE’RE STILL HERE!

Covid-19 means Middlewood House may be closed but our services are still open. It is important for your safety and the safety of your community that you stay indoors and only leave in accordance to government guidance.

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

To refer yourself, or someone else, into treatment please call our usual number 0121 301 4141.

Existing Service Users

You can call 0121 301 3600 for support and information. You will also be contacted by telephone instead of your normal face-to-face appointments. Make sure you follow us on social media @SIASOnlineSupport for live updates and times of support groups you can get involved with. We will ensure that you can continue to access the medication that you need.

Young People

We are continuing to support Young People who are using substances or who are affected by a parent/family members substance misuse. For those already open to our service we will provide support over the telephone and online instead of your usual face-to-face appointment. Please make sure you follow us on social media Facebook &Instagram for regular updates and useful advice and information.

If you do not currently access our service then please give us a call on 0121 301 4141 if you would like some support”

Family Support

Telephone support and a support group has been set up online, please see our facebook page for details. If you do not already use the service, you can access it by calling 0121 301 4141.

Homelessness

We are continuing to support the homeless, 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 have been given wipes, towels, water and soap to stay clean and are being supported with offers of accommodation and provided with food when needed.

The floating support service is offering telephone support to all clients. If you need support regarding homelessness or are finding it difficult to manage your bills and rent at the moment contact the housing and 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