Coronavirus support and information

Please remember that our  nurse-led helpline remains open during this time: 0808 80 10 388 (Freephone) and by email: helpline@meningitisnow.org to provide information and support.

Our peer support pages also remain an important line of contact and support during this time.

Mental Wellbeing

The current pandemic is something we have never experienced before. All of us, at some point, will feel anxious, uncertain and fearful. Our normal daily lives have been turned upside down in the space of a few weeks. It’s important to recognise the impact this can have on our wellbeing and to take some simple measures to help.

• The NHS has some practical advice to help with staying at home
• The government has produced guidance on mental health and wellbeing  during the COVID pandemic
• Mind, the mental health charity, offers support and information to anyone suffering mental illness. They also have information on coronavirus and your wellbeing
• Anxiety UK has a range of resources and information to help deal with anxiety during this difficult time including a series of “coronanxiety” webinars
• The place2 be, a children’s mental health charity, has put together information to help support children and young people’s wellbeing
• Young minds also provides mental health support and information for children and young people
• OK rehab, dedicate their lives to helping those seeking to end their troubles with addiction.

Talking to your child about COVID-19

With everything that is going on at the moment, big changes to children’s routines and lots of stories on the news it can be a really scary time for children. Staff from Southampton Children's Hospital have written a brilliant free book about COVID-19 for children download the book and read it with your child.

Young Minds also have some good information about how to talk to your child about COVID-19.

Support while you are at home

Covid-19 Mutual Aid UK is a network of volunteer groups supporting local communities and organising aid throughout the Covid-19 outbreak in the UK. These groups provide information about local resources, help to connect people and provide willing volunteers for those requiring assistance. 

If you are caring for a vulnerable adult, Carers UK have some helpful information. If you have a medical condition which puts you in the extremely vulnerable group.

If you are in England, it's important that you register for help and support on the Government’s website as soon as possible.

If you are in Wales, here are details of support available.

If you are in Scotland, take a look at this Q&A. Viral Kindness Scotland is a community led initiative offering support and assist those in need.

In you are in Northern Ireland read the Government's published advice.

Children with special needs

Are you caring for a child who has been left with special needs as a result of meningitis? Wellchild, has produced some useful guidance for parents caring for a child with complex needs during the current COVID pandemic. For families with care packages, there is information about managing carers in the home.

For children with an acquired brain injury (ABI) The Child Brian Injury Trust has put together some information.

Here are some ideas for entertaining children with special needs at home.

The Disabled Children’s Partnership is providing resources, information and ideas for activities.

The Council for Disabled Children have launched a new email inbox to answer questions, collate resources and share information on coronavirus and the impact on children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Send your questions here:  CDCquestions@ncb.org.uk.  Sign up for a weekly newsflash, where FAQs will be shared here.

Physical Wellbeing

We don’t need to leave the house to exercise. The NHS has provided some short home workouts to help us keep active.

Sport England has also put together some resources to keep us moving.

Joe Wickes (the Body Coach) has daily live PE sessions for all the family on YouTube. There are also exercises for older adults (or those not quite so fit).

Work and Finances

Information about coronavirus and claiming benefits, including universal credit can be found on the government website. 

Citizens Advice provides expert help and information around benefits, and have specific information if you can’t pay your debts because of coronavirus.

Turn 2 Us also has the latest information on the coronavirus and benefits guidance. The Money Advice Service also provides information on coronavirus and your money.

The government has put in a number of measures to support employees and businesses. Here is the latest information.

ACAS has provided useful information

https://www.acas.org.uk/coronavirus

As we at Meningitis Now always advise; trust your instincts. Despite everything going on at the moment, if you feel you need to seek urgent medical attention for any reason, make sure you do so without delay.

We are happy to share this great advice document for parents issued by The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health.