PKAVS CARERS HUB

Coronavirus Advice for Unpaid Carers

Anyone providing regular support to a vulnerable friend or relative will want to do what they can to protect their own health and that of those they look after during the coronavirus outbreak.

Like everyone, unpaid carers (including young carers) and people being cared for should familiarise themselves with the public health advice on how to protect themselves from infection. As the situation is changing quickly, the guidance may also change, so carers should therefore check regularly to make sure they are following the latest guidance at:

NHS Inform - Coronavirus

Carers who do not already have an emergency plan in place may also want to talk with family and friends about who could take over their caring role if they become ill or need to self-isolate – particularly while social work services are under additional pressure during the coronavirus outbreak. It will also be important to make sure you have key information about the person you care for easily available - so that anyone taking over care has all the information they need.

Where carers and family and friends are unable to provide essential care for someone, they should contact their local social work department. Contact details here: 

Social Work Departments Contact Information

See NHS 24 for advice on coronavirus symptoms; precautions to take; and what to do if you think you may have become ill with coronavirus 

NHS24 Scot

Prevention is better than cure!

 Scottish Government Coronavirus Support for Shielding Vulnerable People 

Details of shielding support for vulnerable people to arrange for food and medicine deliveries, and other support services are available on the Scottish Government website, including details on how you can use the text service to recieve a food parcel if you are in the shielding category.

PKAVS Carers Hub Services

The Carers Hub is still operating to provide you with support throughout the Coronavirus Outbreak. We have changed the way we provide services to best protect our Carers, Service Users, Staff and Volunteers.

We are here to offer you a listening ear, provide information, advice and sign post you to appropriate practical support. This support is available irrespective of whether you are registered as a Carer with PKAVS or not. You can also check our Facebook page (@PKAVSCarersHub) for information and advice. 

You can contact us

• By telephone

9am-5pm Monday to Friday on 01738 567076

Evenings and Weekends on 07759058207

• By Email 

carershubadmin@pkavs.org.uk

• Facebook

@PKAVSCarersHub

Emergency and Future Planning

In these unprecedented times, it is important to look at the bigger picture and start planning ahead. We do not know what is around the corner and everyone is at risk of contracting Coronavirus. For unpaid carers, this is a risk that we do not want to take. Therefore, it is better that we are prepared as well as staying safe. Having an 'Emergency Plan' in place will provide you with a peace of mind and support you as a carer to plan ahead.

• What is an emergency plan? It is a written document which lets people know what needs to be done to support the person you care for if you are unable to carry out your caring role at short notice - for example if you are being admitted to hospital or you have a personal incident or accident. An emergency plan is sometimes also called a future plan.
• Why is an emergency plan important? Having an emergency plan can help to prevent an emergency becoming a crisis. An emergency plan makes sure that all the information and knowledge you carry in your head about the person you care for is written down. This can be shared in an emergency, in order to help support that person. Completing an emergency plan can give you peace of mind and help you feel reassured about what would happen in the event of an emergency.
• Who should I involve in the emergency plan? Completing an emergency plan can help you to have conversations with your friends and family members about your caring role and provide the opportunity to check if and how they can help in an emergency. Where possible, it is important to discuss the emergency plan with the person you care for to find out their views and wishes.
• What can I include in an emergency plan? Think about all the care and support that you provide - it can help to think about a typical day. If your caring situation changes a lot over time think about what a good day and a bad day look like. Emergency plans need to include details about the care and support you provide to the person as well as emergency contacts, health needs and preferred routines. It’s also important to think about who needs to have a copy of the plan.

 Watch the Emergency Planning video created by ENABLE Scotland

• Emergency Plan Toolkit - Having 'Emergency Planning Toolkit' will help you create an emergency plan. By answering ‘Who, What Why, Where and When’, you will be able to plan for any unforeseen circumstances. This toolkit can be developed over a period of time to allow you to complete an emergency plan to support the person you care for. As you work through the toolkit, you will be asked to consider all eventualities and possible solutions. You should involve all relevant family, friends and professionals in this process. Once you have worked through the toolkit you should have enough information to complete your emergency plan (ENABLE Scotland, Emergency planning, viewed 09 April 2020, https://www.enable.org.uk/get-support-information/families-carers/future-planning/emergency-planning/ 

DOWNLOAD YOUR EMERGENCY PLAN TOOLKIT TODAY! (once downloaded, you need to click the 'Enable Editing' to disable the document from a protected view) 

  EMERGENCY PLAN TOOLKIT

GUIDE ON HOW TO COMPLETE AN EMERgGENCY PLAN

         For further information on future planning, please click the following links below...

Planning for the future and an emergency

Support for carers in the community

Making an Emergency Plan

Perth and Kinross Council

The Perth and Kinross Council Facebook page will provide local updates for residents of P&K and is worth following.

Perth and Kinross Council - Facebook Page

Perth and Kinross Council also have a new page, providing information for anyone who might need some extra support from their community in the next few weeks and months, and at those who are well and able to offer that support. If you're an individual or part of a community group who could help support the most vulnerable in Perth and Kinross, please get in touch. This page will be updated regularly, so please do check back.

https://www.pkc.gov.uk/coronavirus/communitysupport

PKC has established a new central helpline number to encourage individuals who are seeking any form of community food support. Community food support is provided by Foodbanks, Community Larders and community groups. Through this helpline, individuals may also be offered with advice about other support that may be available to them. If a referral for community food support is deemed relevant, then details will be forwarded to the organisation concerned to make arrangements in line with their operating hours. The number to call is 0345 30 111 00 and open from Monday - Friday 8:45am - 5pm.

A helpline has been opened to provide advice to Scots who are at high risk from coronavirus and do not have a support network at home. The service is aimed at people who are older, disabled, are pregnant, or who received a flu jab for health reasons. It will connect you to local services which can help provide food and medicine as well as emotional support. The phone number is 0800 111 4000

The Community Care and Crisis Grant provides assistance to people in an emergency situation and may be able to help you if you are struggling to make ends meet during the Coronavirus pandemic. You can contact them on 01738 476 900 (option 2) or email welfarefund@pkc.gov.uk

Alternatively, you can apply online at 

Community Care Grant and Crisis Grant Online Application

For enquiries on Single Person Discount, email localtaxes@pkc.gov.uk or contact 01738 477 430

For Council Tax Reduction or Housing Benefit, email HBEnquiries@pkc.gov.uk or contact 01738 476 049 or visit:

Council Tax Reduction and Housing Benefit

For general queries on Welfare Rights, email welfarerights@pkc.gov.uk or phone 01738 476 900 (option 1). 

Other Organisations Offering Support, Advice and Information

• Perth Citizens Advice Bureau - any client who would like advice on employment, benefits, consumer etc. should contact their office by phone on 01738 450 580 or email per-advice@perthcab.org.uk 
  • If you need help to claim Universal Credit, please phone 0800 023 2581
• Samaritans Perth - 01738 626 666 or 08457 909 090 / 116 123 (general)
• Coronavirus Helpline for Business - to help small businesses affected by the pandemic. Contact 0300 303 0660 (Monday - Friday from 8:30am - 5:30pm)
• HMRC Helpline - 0800 015 9559
• Coronavirus Support in Perthshire - is a Facebook page information and support for people in Perth and Kinross. You need to join the group to be able to see regular updates and information. Visit Coronavirus Support in Perthshire
• Perthshire Coronavirus Helping Hand - is a Facebook page which was set-up for people who wish to volunteer. if you would like to help out, visit their page at Perthshire Coronavirus Helping Hand
• Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) - has a great resource on their website for minimising risks at home. Please visit RoSPA
• Andys Man Club Perth is a peer to peer support group for men over 18 to help them through life. Their Facebook page is for everyone to follow and share to help us challenge the stigmas of mental health and to promote suicide prevention across the whole of the UK. Visit their page @andysmanclubperth
• Womens Wellbeing Club Perth is a group set up for ladies to meet and talk about mental health issues. In a safe place that is non judgemental and where you can let things out to others. Online support and information is available online by visiting their Facebook page @womenswellbeingclubperth
• Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs - support services are still open for business. There is a helpline, bereavement support and one-to-one support all available online or by phone. Helpline: 08080 10 10 11 Helpline email: helpline@sfad.org.uk Webchat available on their website at https://www.sfad.org.uk/
• Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) - the remit of the service is from PRI only. RVS now picks up from Main Entrance, take home and ensure alls well with the patient.  A follow-up call a couple of days later to see that all is ok and the patient is managing.  Particular emphasis is on how are they organising their shopping, prescriptions and if they fancy/need telephone befriending. If assistance is required ie Shop Drop (SDrop)/Prescriptions/TBF we ask they call the office where some basic information is taken and the service is then coordinated.  If the following week they still need a prescription collected and dropped off or shopping done for them, they just call again. All services are completed adhering to social distancing regulations and all drivers have hand sanitizers/masks and have read the CV19 literature.  If its telephone befriending they are after, it will go on the list for a call every week. If you need any further assistance/information call Jayne Bird on 01738 633975 or email Jayne.Bird@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk

Emergency Contact Numbers

• Fire/Police/Ambulance - 999
• Social Work Access Team and after hours number - 0345 30 111 20
• Access Team can be used to call if you are concerned about neglect or abuse of a vulnerable adult) - 0845 30 111 20
• NHS24 - 111PRI Direct - 01738 623311
  • If anyone is in a mental health crisis they need to call their own GP or call 111
• Ninewells Hospital - 01382 660111
• Murray Royal Hospital - 01738 621151
• Community Mental Health Teams (for individuals in crisis age 16-64)

Perth City – 01738 413070

South Perthshire Locality (Crieff/Kinross) – 01764 657120

North Perthshire Locality (Blairgowrie/Pitlochry) – 01828 626000

• Older peoples community Mental Health teams (over 65)

North Perthshire Team – 01796 474818

South Perthshire Team – 01764 653173

Strathmore Team – 01250 877843

Perth City Team – 01738 414564

• Pharmacies - call your local GP to find out where your prescription is
• Alzheimer's Scotland 24-hour Support Line - 0300 222 1122
• Men's Aid Safe Line for men who are suffering from domestic abuse - 0808 800 5005

Practical Information and Community Support

NORTH PERTHSHIRE

• Carse Area

Community Volunteers - (Over 70s) Shopping/prescription collection

Invergowrie – Kelly Kyle – 07542879721

Longforgan – Elaine Stewart – 07801563553

Inchture – Jenna Gallazi – 07479466013

Grange – Greta Macdonald-Whittle – 07546923522

Errol – Gilly Low – 07890154193

St Madoes/Glencarse – Rev Marc Bircham – 01738 861023

General contact CLLR Alasdair Bailey on 01738 861023 if no answer by local contact or your area isn’t listed

• Madoch Community Transport

They have modified their services from passenger to food supplies delivery and are not limiting delivery services to older people only but for anyone in the local area who needs something delivered to them. Most of the goods they have have been donated by local businesses so there are no charge for the items but donations are welcome to help cover the running costs. 

They have a team of volunteers who can run shopping errands and pick-up prescriptions to those who need it.

Please contact:

- Oli Gage-Walker (Community Transport Coordinator) on 01738 310 412

- Anthea Bircham (Madoch Centre Coordinator) on 01738 861 023

• Blairgowrie and Rattray

Elder Voice - has been shut down. However, Samantha and a few other volunteers are offering some services. To access the support, please follow the instructions:

1. Carer can call Samantha on 07936 067 294 directly if they feel confident, if not PKAVS Carers Support Workers can call on carers behalf

2. Inform Samantha of your details and what support you need

3. Samantha will put the details out on her volunteer WhatsApp group and a volunteer who is free picks this request

4. The carer leaves their shopping list and money/card in an envelope at the door (if they cannot do online shopping).

5. Volunteer will pick this up and do what needs to be done i.e., shopping, collect prescription

6. They will leave the items at the door of the carer with receipts etc. in an envelope

7. This is a 100% free services and volunteers are not accepting any fee including travel expenses (will inform you of any changes)

8. If a carer cannot get to the bank, has no card or money, the volunteer can pay for this and will be reimbursed by the project

For further information and support, please contact:

PH10 6AB - PH10 6JZ - Ian Richards (07754 542 336)

PH10 6LA - PH10 6XZ - Pete Richardson (07754 542 250)

PH10 7AA - PH10 7BZ - Gill Oakes (07754 542 400)

PH10 7DA - PH10 7RE - Sam Stewart (07936 067 294)

From 9 am - 5 pm ONLY - call 111 or 999 if an emergency

Discover Blairgowrie website Blairgowrie and Rattray Coronavirus Community Support

• Alyth Community Support Group 

is re-establishing volunteer network that was organised following the last flooding incident in 2015. Please contact Ryan Mollison at ryan@theanglersinn.co.uk 

•  Balbeggie Village Shop Support

is offering to deliver shopping and prescriptions. You can also call to have a friendly chat. Contact Gary Carson on 01821 640 887 or email GCstores.balbeggie@gmail.com

• Coupar Angus Community Larder

The larder has extended their support to help surrounding neighbours in BURRELTON, KETTINS, ARDLER and MEIGLE.

Have you been furloughed? Waiting for payments? Your income has shrunk? Or generally, struggling with keeping on top of the amount of food you need for your family during this time? If you need a little extra help, the larder is there for you! No referrals.

Come along on Tuesdays or Fridays, 10 am-noon, at Bank of Scotland House on Union Street where friendly volunteers will assist.

The larder also has school materials such as pencils, jotters, paper, (thanks to Coupar Angus Primary) craft materials, books and games that anyone can come along and take, borrow or swap. These resources are available to ALL.

If you are self-isolating and cannot make it along to the larder, please get in touch via the FB page or call 07864 743017.

If you would like to donate any items of food, craft resources, books and games they would be delighted. They really are helping those who really need it and are extremely grateful for the help. Please either contact the FB page or contact 07864 743017.

• Kirkmichael Village Shop

is offering free deliveries in the afternoon from Monday - Friday. Please contact 01796 881 432

•  Luncarty, Redgorton and Moneydie

For those who are self-isolating and require any support then the Luncarty Support Group are happy to help with the following:

- Essential food and prescription delivery.

- Posting mail and keeping in touch.

For more information contact Luncarty, Redgorton and Moneydie Community Council on Facebook @luncartyrmcc  or on one of the following numbers:

Frank Stevenson 07794 152 747

Terri McAllister 07595 641 860

Sharon McKinnon 07534 012 474

Lyn MacKintosh - 07904 537065

Angela Loudon - 07786 721 366 (Redgorton)

• Pitlochry Food Share and Pitlochry Food Bank

There is a gazebo placed outside the Atholl Centre to help people who are struggling financially at this time. It is open 24/7. They can provide food deliveries to those in need. Donations are also appreciated.

The Pitlochry Food Bank is open for referrals Monday to Friday 10.00am - 5.00pm or by arrangement. Call Iain Walker on 07397 884453

• Aberfeldy and  surrounding villages (Weem, Dull, Camserney, Fortingall, Fearnan Kenmore and Acharn area)

Feldy-Roo is a Food Delivery Service based at The Fountain Bar & Restaurant in Aberfeldy.

In addition to their own food delivery menu which is now available to everyone in the town, they are also providing a FREE delivery service to OVER 70s and to the most vulnerable who are living in self-isolation. They are providing a FREE hot meal every night of the week cooked at The Fountain Bar & Restaurant. The over 70s on their delivery route are also receiving a FREE morning paper as a result of generous financial support from various local groups and businesses.

Please like and follow their Facebook page Feldy-Roo and help them to support our elderly community members.

PERTH CITY 

• Community Volunteer Support

If you are self-isolating and need some help, there are various community groups that have been set-up across Perth City with LOTS of volunteers ready and willing to help you with shopping, prescription collection, phone calls and community fridge/take and leave food boxes

Perth City - NORTH (Letham, Tulloch, Fairfield, Muirton, North Muirton and Bertha Park)

Volunteers organised by the North Perth Covid19 Group - Letham4All / Tulloch Net / North Muirton Community Council / Riverside Church

Tel: 01738 444061

Email: northperthcv19help@gmail.com

Perth City - CENTRE

Volunteers Organised by The Perth North Church Calls will be to the Letham Hub and co-ordinated to the Perth North Church volunteers

Tel: 01738 444061

Email: northperthcv19help@gmail.com

Perth City - SOUTH (Craigie, Friarton, Moncrieffe, Cherrybank)

Volunteers Organised by the National Christian Outreach Centre (The Mustard Seed)

Tel: 01738 639792

Email: office@pwamm.com

Perth City - EAST (Bridgend, Kinnoull and Ganochy)

Volunteers Organised by the Loving Your Neigh-bour Group—Kinnoull Parish Church, St Marys Monastery, Bridgend, Gannochy & Kinnoull Community Council

Tel: 07521 654105

Perth City - WEST (Western Edge Area and Oakbank)

Volunteers Organised by the Perth Baptist Church

Tel: 07394 177185

Email: care@perthbaptistchurch.org.uk

If you don’t see your area mentioned, please call the nearest group as all the groups are working together to cover all areas of Perth. If you need additional support you can contact Perth and Kinross Council on communitysupport@pkc.gov.uk or visit the website PKC Coronavirus Community Support

• North Perth City (Tulloch, Muirton, North Muirton, Fairfield and Letham) - offering a shopping service where food can be dropped at the door. Also offering dog walking service for those in isolation. They also have a telephone befriending for those in isolation and front-line workers who need support. Contact Grant McLaughlin - 07790518041
• A&B Taxi - can offer Click & Collect pick-up at any supermarket. Carers need to place their ordered food and the staff will go and pick this up and deliver to the carers door. Please contact The Carers Hub so that we can inform them of your details and orders.
• Letham4All - there is a foodbank and community can collect from the Community Hub on Tweedsmuir Road between 9am-1pm and 5pm-9pm. Can also help with shopping and prescriptions. Please note that ONLY over 16's are allowed into the centre. Any further information call 444061 – perhaps advise to call ahead if certain items required. They have a community fridge up and running from 9am - 9pm (Monday to Friday) and 9:30am - 1:30 (Saturday and Sunday). Donations are being received from M&S Food, Aldi and Tesco which includes fresh daily produce and personal care products. Items are priced at 20p per item/package. This can also be given FREE on a case by case basis if there is a need or people struggling to buy food due to financial impact of COVID-19 pandemic.
• Tulloch.Net - have a food share which is open until 11 am daily at The Community Hub, 2 Tulloch Square. They have a range of free produce and food items for families in need. 
• North Inch and Muirton Community Council - have 'Give or Take' boxes set-up in the local area to make food sharing accessible during lock-down. Give if you can or take what you need. You can even share books or messages of good will. Be the 'WE' not the 'I'. Boxes are painted in GREEN so you can easily spot them on:

- both Muirton and Tulloch Coop

- Riverside Church in North Muirton

- 3 on Dunkeld Rd - at the shops, Asda entrance and the BP garage

- 1 on Balhousie St outside the store,

- 1 outside the Grammar and 1 at the North Inch Campus

• Scone and District Community Council Helpers' Helpline has over 120 volunteers throughout Scone to help with shopping, posting letters or a friendly phone call. They can also arrange to knock on your window every few days just to check on you if you live alone. The SDCC helpline contact number is 07595 242 283. This number will be manned by a core of volunteers from 11 am - 4 pm Monday to Saturday. You can visit their Facebook page @sconeanddistrictcc

• The National Christian Outreach Centre on Riggs Road, Perth has set up a food centre which can be accessed by anyone who is struggling to buy food and offers telephone support. Contact 01738 639 792.

SOUTH PERTHSHIRE

• Kinross

For people in the Kinross area there has been a group set up called Kinross Kindness to support people who are self isolating. They are volunteers who will collect shopping, prescriptions, give advice or a friendly voice. Contact no 01577 212036. They are open from Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm.

• Crieff and Comrie 

Campbells Bakery are doing free local home deliveries. Call 01764 652114.

The Handy Shop are doing fruit and veg boxes at £7 or £10 (£1 for delivery). You can order over Facebook or call 01764 652030.

Crieff Co-Op is also delivering shopping - you can call 01764 654951 or go online.

Comrie Community Council has set up a helpline and are being manned by volunteers on a rota basis. They also provide assistance with picking up shopping, posting letters, a friendly phone call, urgent supplies of any sort and any other things. Please contact Tim Lucas on 01764 679 555 or visit their Facebook page @Comrie Perthshire or website at

Comrie Community Council

Shopping Services and Food Delivery

• There are a number of supermarkets that you can order online with for delivery to your home.

• Gloagburn are delivering from their farm shop. Possible £5 delivery charge - Tel 01738840864

• Willows Coffee Shop and Restaurant food delivery – Tel 01738 441175

• Martins Fruit Bazar – Will deliver fresh fruit and veg to doorstep – 01738 621428

• McCash Pet Store – Can telephone orders and collect in car park – 01738 623245 

• Tower Bakery – deliveries available from Monday – Friday 09:00 – 15:00. Call 01738 563333

• Highland Health Store – offering free delivery to Perth area. Place order over phone and they will deliver 01738 628102

• Crees Inn Abernethy – are delivering a bowl of soup to elderly and vulnerable. Call 01738 851086

• Simon Howie Butchers - Delivering orders - call 01738 626376

• Lindsay the Butchers - Delivering orders - call 01738 621496

• Fish From Littles  - Phone 01764 654509 for fresh fish, mussels, prawns etc (orders are being taken at Crieff Shop). Phone in your order and they will deliver to anywhere in Blairgowrie and Coupar Angus.

 Updated on: 09/07/2020