This issue was due to reach your inbox yesterday. With the sudden changes to the lockdown rules in Greater Manchester this was paused, to allow us to send out the link to new government guidance in a separate ebulletin.
In this issue:
Last week we excluded mental health and wellbeing from the COVID-19 monthly snapshot report. This information has now been published and a copy of the report is available on the publications page of our website.
If you know someone who would like a copy, but does not have access to the internet, please ask them to give us a call on 0161 667 2526, and we will print out a copy and post it to them.
There are still things about mental health and wellbeing that we have little feedback about. Do you agree with the information in the report? Have you, or someone you know, tried to access mental health services during the pandemic? Did you know where to go for help? Was the help you needed available?
Please share the link with your friends and family and encourage them all to complete the anonymous survey - www.healthwatchtameside.co.uk/covid-19-survey
We can also provide paper copies of the survey, with a FREEPOST envelope for return, or we can complete the survey by phone. Our phone number is 0161 667 2526, and we have an answerphone, as all staff work part-time. We will call you back next time we are working.
The more voices we hear, the stronger our message to commissioners and providers of services can be. It is your feedback that influences changes to the way services are provided.
Thank you.
Shielding
The guidelines for people who are shielding changes today. You can find out more at www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19. The change to local rules has not affected this.
If you live in, or need to travel to Oldham, the guidance is slightly different. People who are shielding are asked to continue, and people are asked not to have visitors to their homes (unless they are in your social bubble). For more information see www.oldham.gov.uk/coronavirus
What have your experiences been during the lockdown and shielding period? What are your thoughts about the easing of guidelines, including social distancing and wearing masks? Have you been using technology whilst you have been staying at home? Do you have any thoughts about accessing health care using technology?
We would really like to hear your feedback. Please complete the COVID-19 survey described in the previous section about mental health and wellbeing. This survey covers all these topics. The anonymous online survey is at www.healthwatchtameside.co.uk/covid-19-survey
We can also provide paper copies of the survey, with a FREEPOST envelope for return, or we can complete the survey by phone. Our phone number is 0161 667 2526, and we have an answerphone, as all staff work part-time. We will call you back next time we are working.
It is really important that the people who decide what services are available know what members of the public think. Healthwatch Tameside tells the decision makers what we are hearing.
Thank you.
Minds Matter Call-in Service
There is a new service from Minds Matter which is a helpline service.
The new service is open between 10.00am-2.00pm from Monday to Friday on 0161 470 6100 (excluding bank holidays).
This is for Tameside & Glossop residents who are experiencing low mood and anxiety where social issues are a factor but who are not already open to mental health services. Calls will be answered by Peer Support Workers who offer direct support and/or signposting and, where appropriate, you can access a Mental Wellbeing Practitioner.
Minds Matter is connected into the whole mental health system, so can also support into the wide range of mental health support and services as required.
For more information see www.thebiglifegroup.com/service/mindsmatter/
COVID-19 (coronavirus) guidance
With all the changes that are still being announced, it can be hard to keep up-to-date. What are the social distancing rules? When should masks be worn, and who does it apply to? Questions about health appointments and social care.
Here are some trusted websites you can look at, to get information. If you can't find what you are looking for, give us a call on 0161 667 2526. With so many changes happening, it may be that not all the sites have been updated yet.
Tameside Mental Health - www.tameside.gov.uk/coronavirus/mentalhealth
Tameside Council website - www.tameside.gov.uk/coronavirus If you have further queries, or need help while self-isolating or shielding, the number to ring is 0161 342 8355.
Tameside & Glossop Clinical Commissioning Group - www.tamesideandglossopccg.org/coronavirusaccessingprimarycare
NHS website - www.nhs.uk/health-at-home/
Action Together - support and information to voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) organisations can be found on their website www.actiontogether.org.uk/covid-19 This link also includes information about volunteering.
Healthwatch is the new independent consumer champion created to gather and represent the views of the public. Healthwatch will play a role at both national and local level and will make sure that the views of the public and people who use services are taken into account. This email has been sent by Healthwatch Tameside, part of the Action Together family. Registered office 131 Katherine Street, Ashton-under-Lyne. This email and any attachments are believed to be free from viruses but it is your responsibility to carry out all necessary virus checks and Action Together accepts no liability in connection herewith. If received in error Action Together can be contacted by phone on 0044 (0)161 339 4985 or via email info@healthwatchtameside.co.uk Please don't print this email unless you really need to. | |||
