COVID-19 resources for patients and families

Covid-19 resources for patient and families

Our Patient Advice and Liaison Team have put together this page of useful resources for patients and families that can be used during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak. There is a mix of activities for children, advice and links to support and advice resources.

For condition specific resources please see our dedicated page.

Activities and resources for children and young people

Mental health wellbeing and support

Birmingham Mind: 0121 262 3555 / help@birminghammind.org (9am-11pm 7 days a week)
Birmingham & Solihull CCG – Mental Health support for patients of all ages and key workers
Mental Health Foundation: Looking after your Mental Health during the COVID-19 outbreak
Alzheimer’s Society – Support for people affected by Dementia

Domestic abuse support

Birmingham & Solihull Women’s Aid 0808 800 0028 / www.bswaid.org
Black Country Women’s Aid 0121 553 0090 (Sandwell) / 01922 649 569 (Walsall) / www.blackcountrywomensaid.co.uk
The Haven Wolverhampton 08000 194 400
St Georges Hub for Male Victims 01902421904
Men’s Advice Line 0808 801 0327 / 0300 303 1977 (Victim Support) / https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/help-and-support/get-help/support-near-you/west-midlands/west-midlands
National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247 (24hr) / https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk

Help for parents

How parents can explain Coronavirus to their children: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-51734855
Just for kids: A Comic Exploring The New Coronavirus from npr.org
Amaze – Info pack for parents (FAQ’s about COVID-19 for parents/carers of children with SEND in Brighton & Hove but useful nationally)
Covibook – an interactive resource designed to support and reassure children aged 7 and under, designed to help children explain and draw the emotions that they might be experiencing during the pandemic
Young Minds – Talking to your child about COVID-19 and 10 tips to support family wellbeing

The Department of Education have setup a dedicated helpline to answer questions about COVID-19 related to education. Staff, parents and young people can contact the helpline as follows: 0800 046 8687/ DfE.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk

Support for families with disabled children/children who have long term conditions

CONTACT – Support families with guidance and information, including support with benefits/education/ accessing services or a listening ear – 0808 808 3555 / emma.weatherdon@contact.org.uk / https://contact.org.uk/

Resources for deaf people/ people with learning disabilities

COVID-19 updates (ensuring information is available in British Sign Language (BSL) – Updated Daily): /
COVID-19 information available in alternative formats (e.g. BSL/Easy Read etc) from Gloucestershire Hospitals
Guidelines for supporting people with additional needs during COVID-19 closures

Local Voluntary Organisations & Support

Healthwatch Birmingham - improving local health & social care services

Local services and support groups on their website

Birmingham Healthwatch Covid-19 Survey

By completing the Healthwatch Birmingham Covid-19 Survey you will contribute to improved support at this time, particularly for those who are vulnerable. Telephone surveys are available – contact 0800 652 5278.

BVSC help and support is available from the voluntary and community sector across Birmingham, including financial and hardship support.

General advice

Covid- 19 Advice & Support Grid for Patients and Families [pdf] 97KB