To help our members access the most up-to-date information and guidance, we have now moved to dated updates.
This will hopefully make our coronavirus updates easier and quicker to read. We will update this page as and when new information arises and/or we develop new guidance.
You can continue to find our previous coronavirus webpage here.
For the most up-to-date Government advice, please visit:
www.gov.uk.
Wednesday 29 April 2020
From today,
those with symptoms of coronavirus who are over-65s or have to leave home to go
to work are now able to self-refer for a Covid-19 test. People in these groups
can either apply for a home test or apply for a test at a regional testing
site. Please note, however, that testing capacity each day is limited and is
booked up extremely quickly. We recommend applying as early in the day as
possible for your best chance of receiving a test. Applications can be made at:
https://self-referral.test-for-coronavirus.service.gov.uk/test-type
We have updated our list of PPE suppliers, which can be found here. Please note that we have not researched these companies in depth and recommend that your charity undertakes some due diligence before ordering.
As we
approach the end of our sixth week in lockdown, some of you may be worried
about the mental health of your staff and residents during these challenging
times. Several charities have developed resources to help support those who are
struggling.
Mind has developed a hub of information
to support those suffering from anxiety, loneliness and grief. It contains
resources for all ages and has specific advice for those who need to go to work
and might be worried about this. You can access the hub at:
www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus/
Age UK offer tips and guidance for
elderly people on staying safe and well at home, including information on how
to stay connected and tips on how to keep busy.
www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/coronavirus/staying-safe-and-well-at-home/
Age UK also
offers Call in Time, a telephone
befriending service to help combat loneliness. Find out more at:
www.ageuk.org.uk/services/befriending-services/sign-up-for-telephone-befriending/
Don’t forget, we offer a free, online mental health awareness course to our members. To find our more, visit:
www.almshouses.org/seminars-and-events/training-seminars/
Tuesday 28 April 2020
A number of
oranisations are hosting free webinars to support charities during the Covid-19
lockdown. A few that are coming up over the next few days are:
NCVO – Governing during a pandemic: what are the key things trustees need to focus on
Stone King LLP – Endowments, charity land disposals and support for charity property owners during COVID-19
National Housing Federation – Coronavirus: finance and regulation for smaller housing associations
You do not need to download any specific software to take part – just follow the instructions in your confirmation email a few minutes before the webinar is due to start. Most last an hour and there’s the opportunity to ask the presenters questions.
Don’t forget, we also offer a number of online training courses, which can be found at:
www.almshouses.org/seminars-and-events/training-seminars.
We’re also looking to host a webinar on trustee recruitment in June. We will get in touch with all members in due course with more details.
Monday 27 April 2020
Housing LIN has developed some useful guidance on supporting residents, family and friends after a bereavement and includes links to bereavement support services. You can access the briefing note at:
www.housinglin.org.uk/Topics/type/Coronavirus-COVID-19-Top-tips-in-Bereavement-Care-in-Specialist-Housing/
The Charity Commission has published guidance on how to manage financial difficulties in your charity caused by coronavirus. This includes tips on how to review your current financial situation and minimise costs if needed. The guidance can be found at:
www.gov.uk/guidance/manage-financial-difficulties-in-your-charity-caused-by-coronavirus.
Tuesday 21 April 2020
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Further to the information we provided yesterday (Monday 20th April 2020), we have been advised that the PHE telephone number given below should not be used to request PPE as this department is no longer dealing with this. We will update members with a new telephone number as soon as one becomes available.
Richard Macey,
Director of Charities at M&G
Investments, has given an update on the M&G Fund and the impact of
Covid-19 on investments. You can read Richard update at:
www.almshouses.org/news/mg-fund-update/
The Charity Commission has warned of an
increased risk of fraud and cybercrime against charities during the Covid-19
pandemic. They have issued some guidance on what to look out for and the main
types of scams being used.
www.gov.uk/government/news/coronavirus-covid-19-increased-risk-of-fraud-and-cybercrime-against-charities
The Charity IT Association (CITA) is offering a free, two-hour IT consultation to help charities develop their IT capability. Their Tech Surgery is usually £100 for charities with a turnover of more than £50,000 but will be free of charge to all charities during the Covid-19 outbreak.
www.charityithelp.org
Monday 20 April 2020
The Almshouse Association been in touch with Public Health England/Department of Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock’s office, Jo Churchill and others to make sure that almshouses are not overlooked when it comes to support for the sector with a particular concern over PPE and testing.
We are currently working with the various departments
however, in the interim, we have been advised that the best thing to do would
be for each individual almshouse to call PHE’s main switchboard on 020 7654 8000. From there, you should select option 9 where the
operator can provide you with a number through which you will be able
to find out about PPE in your area. You will need to provide a postcode to do
so. If there is any reason why you do not qualify, let us know and we will try
and break the deadlock. We are sorry that we can’t do more at present but we
are working on this as a priority.
The Department of Health and Social Care report Coronavirus (COVID-19): adult social care action plan was published last week and provides some useful information on distribution of PPE. This includes details of seven wholesalers that are providing supplies to care providers registered with the CQC (and hopefully broader stakeholders such as almshouses): Careshop, Blueleaf, Delivernet, Countrywide Healthcare, Nexon Group, Wightman and Parrish and Gompels. The Association has contacted these suppliers; details of their supply capability and purchase criteria are recorded here
Thursday 16 April 2020
The Almshouse Association has made a representation to the government on personal protective equipment (PPE) and Covid-19 testing in almshouses. You can read the update from our Chief Executive here
The
government and Public Health England have previously published guidance on PPE
at:
On
Wednesday 15 April, the government also published its adult social care action
plan, which includes information on supporting those who require health and
care services. This can be found at:
www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-adult-social-care-action-plan
Tuesday 14 April 2020
Last week
the UK government announced a £750m package to help charities during the
Covid-19 outbreak. Few details have been given so far but The Almshouse
Association is looking at whether almshouse charities will be able to access
any of this funding and, if so, how. We will keep you updated.
The National Emergencies Trust has launched a coronavirus appeal and small charities that support vulnerable people can apply for grants from their local community foundation. To find your nearest local community foundation, please visit:
www.nationalemergenciestrust.org.uk/coronavirus
If you
provide homes to over-75s and are worried that you residents might be suffering
from loneliness during the Cobid-19 outbreak, you can refer them to Re-engage (formerly Contact the
Elderly). The charity provides call companions and you can refer an elderly
person via their website.
www.reengage.org.uk/refer/
For more
information on reducing loneliness and social isolation, check out the Housing
LIN’s new resources at:
www.housinglin.org.uk/Topics/browse/loneliness-and-isolation/
Thursday 9 April 2020
Press reports are suggesting that the current lock down is likely to continue beyond next week with the possibility of more stringent lock down measures being put in place. We recommend keeping an eye on the government website over the coming days for any formal announcements.
The
Almshouse Association office will be closed for the Easter weekend. We will,
however, be back at 9:00 on Tuesday 14 April. You can still contact us by phone
or email but we will not be able to respond until next week.
Charity Bank
have developed an online Covid-19 hub with useful resources for charities. You
can also sign up to their newsletter for regular updates.
https://charitybank.org/news/covid-19-resource-hub
Wednesday 8 April 2020
The Charity Commission has updated its
guidance for charities during the Covid-19 outbreak. This includes new guidance
on SORP and safeguarding. This can be found at:
www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-the-charity-sector
Don’t forget: We offer free online safeguarding training here
The Almshouse Association has published guidance on what to do if one of your residents passes away. This is based on the guidance already given in Standards of Almshouse Management and Support and Care, but also contains some information on what to do if one of your residents dies after contracting coronavirus. You can view the guidance at:
www.almshouses.org/news/in-the-event-of-the-death-of-a-resident/
A number of our member charities have shared what they’re doing to deal with the Covid-19 outbreak in their almshouses. A summary of what they’re doing can be found at:
www.almshouses.org/news/looking-after-your-residents-during-the-covid-19-lockdown/
The National Council of Volunteers (NCVO) has made a number of its member-only resources available to all during the Covid-19 outbreak. This includes information on including volunteers. Take a look at their guidance at:
https://knowhow.ncvo.org.uk/coronavirus/involving-volunteers#
First Posted 8 April 2020 12:56; last updated 29 April 2020 – see more recent updates for latest news on Covid-19