Information Guides

Coronavirus

Easy read guide about Coronavirus and how to keep safe

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Easy read guide on how to shield the vulnerable from Coronavirus

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Mencap have published an easy read information sheet

Mencap Easy Read information Coronavirus

People with a learning disability

You may be finding the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak stressful. You may be worried about changes that might happen because of it, including having to stay at home. You may also be worried about your family or those close to you.
Public Health England has easy read guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19) and how it may affect you.( See link above)There is also other information available about coronavirus (COVID-19) from Mencap and how to manage difficult feelings you are having.

What-makes-us-worried

What-can-help

There are ways you can take care of yourself and prevent spreading the virus:
• as you are asked to now stay at home you should keep in touch with people you trust (like friends, family and employer) over the phone or internet – follow the advice from the stay at home and social distancing guidance
• there may also be self-advocacy groups in your area offering more support online or by phone – you can ask your families or carers for help to search for these groups
• it is also important to get information about coronavirus (COVID-19) only from places you can trust, such as the NHS website

While it is important to be aware of coronavirus (COVID-19), it is important not to forget about any other health conditions you might have. Make sure you take any medication you have been prescribed, keep any hospital appointments you have (unless you have been told otherwise by the hospital) and tell people if you can’t attend appointments.

Autistic people

You may be finding the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak stressful and be worried about getting the virus or changes that might happen because of it, including having to stay at home. There are ways you can take care of yourself and prevent spreading the virus.

Managing difficult feelings or behaviours to do with hygiene, washing or fears of infection
Some mental health problems can cause difficult feelings or behaviours to do with washing or hygiene. If you experience this, you might find it hard to hear advice about washing your hands.
It is important to follow government advice on helping to avoid the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), but if you find you are going beyond the recommendations, if this is making you feel stressed or anxious, or if you are having intrusive thoughts here are some things you could try:
• don’t keep re-reading the same advice if this is unhelpful for you
• let other people know you’re struggling, for example you could ask them not to discuss the news with you
• breathing exercises can help you cope and feel more in control. You can find a simple breathing exercise on the NHS website and Mind’s pages on relaxation have some relaxation tips and exercises you can try
• set limits, like washing your hands for the recommended 20 seconds
• plan something to do after washing your hands, which could help distract you and change your focus
• it could also help to read some of Mind’s tips in their information on obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

The National Autistic Society have a number of resources you may find useful

Links

Protect your mental health – 5 ways to wellbeing from In Control + Mencap
http://www.in-control.org.uk/media/16786/41.%20in%20control%20factsheet%20five%20ways%20to%20wellbeing%20v1.pdf

Self Directed Support

An Introduction to Self-Directed Support – In Control + Mencap:
http://www.in-control.org.uk

Advice on where to get grants –

http://www.disability-grants.org/grants-for-disabled-adults.html