Public facing COVID-19 resources

These are public-facing resources about the COVID-19 pandemic, which may also be useful for professionals.

National Helpline

There is a free telephone helpline for people who face significant challenges as a result of COVID-19 but who are not in the shielding group, e.g. those over 70, disabled people, those who require support for mental health, pregnant people, and those who receive a flu jab for other health conditions. This helpline is also open to those in the shielding category who are not yet receiving support, or who do not have family or existing community support and cannot get online. The number is 0800 111 4000. It will initially operate Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Those who call will be connected to their local authority, who will help them to access the service they need, including essential food and medication, contact with local volunteer groups, emotional support, or links to local social work services for vulnerable children or adults.

Hoping for the best, planning for the worst

New pages on the Good Life Good Death Good Grief website provide information for people in Scotland who may be worried that they, or someone they care about, is at increased risk of getting seriously ill and potentially dying from COVID-19.

End of Life Aid Skills for Everyone (EASE)

SPPC has produced an online education module, End of Life Aid Skills for Everyone (EASE). The module does not look specifically at COVID-19, or dying from COVID-19. Rather, it introduces and explores dying in general – what to expect, and how to help. It comprises a collection of films and reflections designed for ordinary people who want to know more about dying, death and bereavement, including people who have no previous clinical or caring experience. It may also be helpful for health or social care staff without previous experience of palliative or end of life care whose role is changing in response to the COVID-19 situation. Read more here, including how to access the module.

Advice for People with Specific Health Conditions

Tailored advice for those living with specific medical conditions (including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, IBD; chronic kidney and liver disease; dermatological, neurological, respiratory and rheumatic conditions; and rare diseases) has been published by Scottish Government.

NHS Inform

NHS Inform hosts official COVID-19 health information for the public. New COVID-19 resources include:

An interactive Self-Help Guide to help the public take the right action in respect of certain symptoms and scenarios

A downloadable Communications Toolkit to support public facing organisations, including self-care resources for primary care providers.

Macmillan Helpline

Macmillan's helpline is able to field calls from people who have concerns about cancer in relation to COVID-19. Call 0808 808 00 00 or visit macmillan.org.uk

Marie Curie: Caring for someone with terminal Illness

Marie Curie are offering an information service about end of life care during coronavirus for family and friends of people approaching the end of life who might have questions about how they can be supported, including a free daytime phone line.

They also offer a range of non COVID-19 specific guides, sources of information and helpline.

https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/help/support/being-there

Alzheimer Scotland resources

Alzheimer Scotland has produced information resources for people with dementia, their carers and families throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Their 24 hour helpline is also available on 0808 808 3000 to make sure that nobody living with dementia or their families are on their own during this time.

Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland

Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland can offer support through their helpline 0808 801 0899, Monday to Friday 9.30am - 4pm

Hospital to Home Telephone Support Service - nurse-led service to assist people returning home following a cardiac or respiratory admission by following simple steps to recovery, adjustment and self-management.

Kindness Support Service - for patients who are isolated or need practical support, from regular chats over the phone, to dog-walking or collecting shopping or medications our kindness volunteers can ensure people stay safe and well at home.

Advice Line Nurses - a free confidential telephone, e-mail and text service providing support and information for people living with respiratory conditions, heart disease and stroke, or to families, carers, and health and social care professionals .

More info can be found on the CHSS support hub: https://www.chss.org.uk/coronavirus/coronavirus-advice/coronavirus-resource-hub/

Practical two-side Guide to Supporting Someone Dying at Home

Developed by the Helix Centre (Not Covid-19 specific)

https://helixcentre.com/project-end-of-life-toolkit

Coronavirus – Dealing with Grief and Bereavement

Wide range of COVID-19 specific resources from Cruse Bereavement Care (UK). Speaks to the current context and covers issues such as funerals, isolation, children etc.:

https://www.cruse.org.uk/get-help/coronavirus-dealing-bereavement-and-grief

Death Registration

Tell Us Once enables people to report a death to most government organisations in one go. More information is available here: Tell Us Once, or by emailing tellusonce.communications@dwp.gov.uk

The National Records of Scotland also have further information on registration of deaths during the pandemic, including a guidance leaflet [pdf]