In this section we will post updates, information and resources about SEND services from Achieving for Children, partners and the voluntary sector. The section will grow as information, news and resources become available.
We recommend that you also read about services during COVID 19 on the other sections on this website:
Links to pages in this section
Voluntary Sector/Community Support
You can contact us by email at: sendlocaloffer@achievingforchildren.org.uk
Published AfC news items:
Links to COVID 19 updates on the council websites
Kingston Stronger Together
The council has launched a new online and phone service.
This service is for residents who are self isolating because they have symptoms of the coronavirus or who have received a letter from the NHS advising them to stay home for 12 weeks.
The council will also be directly phoning those they know are most vulnerable. If you are in a vulnerable group and cannot support yourself with help from friends and family they will also be able to offer assistance.Find out more here on the Kingston Council website.
Richmond
Richmond Community Hub - a Community Hub to co-ordinate the support being offered by the Council and Richmond’s many voluntary organisations.
From Tuesday 24 March, Richmond Council are launching a new helpline as a first response for residents, particularly those elderly and/or vulnerable without support networks, who need support to access medical/care services and food supplies. This is to help those most in need stay safe and well while they self-isolate at home.
Some of you with specific underlying health issues, who are at higher risk of severe illness if you contract COVID-19, will also be hearing from the NHS directly about how to best protect yourselves. The Government is launching its Local Support Scheme, which will link in with the Community Hub to support those for whom self-isolation is most critical.
How to get help
If you or someone you know needs this support, please contact 020 8871 6555 or covid19support@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk. This helpline can also be used for other enquiries related to COVID-19, for anyone in need of support.
For all medical enquiries please continue to contact the NHS on 111.nhs.uk or on 111.
For all general enquiries about Council services, please check richmond.gov.uk for updates or call the main Contact Centre on 020 8891 1411.
Government COVID 19: guidance and communications:
What you can and can't do
This guidance includes answers to the following questions which families will wish to note:
Can I exercise more than once a day if I need to due to a significant health condition?
Some families have asked for evidence that they are entitled to do this for use if asked by someone about their activity.
If you would like a letter to confirm your eligibility on official headed paper signed by the Council's Director of Children's Services, please complete the online form below and we will email you a personalised version.Evidence of eligibility to exercise outside your home more than once per day (opens a new page)
Can I go out to help a vulnerable person?
Guidance: Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can't do - Published 29 March 2020
Register a vulnerable person
Register if you have a medical condition that makes you extremely vulnerable to coronavirus. For example, you’ll be able to ask for help getting deliveries of essential supplies like food.
If you’re not sure whether your medical condition makes you extremely vulnerable, register anyway.
You can register yourself, or on behalf of someone else.
Get coronavirus support as an extremely vulnerable person (opens a link on the GOV.UK website)
Other guidance
- Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on vulnerable children and young people
- Guidance for schools about temporarily closing
- Coronavirus (COVID-19): safeguarding in schools, colleges and other providers
- COVID-19: guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable
- COVID-19: free school meals guidance
- Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on isolation for residential educational settings
- Full guidance on staying at home and away from others
Information on COVID-19 for non-UK nationals
The Mayor of London has published guidance for Non - UK nationals.
Information on COVID-19 for non-UK nationals (opens a page on the london.gov.uk website)