A message about Coronavirus (COVID-19) for the people who use our services

We know that you may understandably be concerned about what Coronavirus (COVID-19) means for you and your support from POhWER.

POhWER’s staff are all safely working from home while providing remote support to people so they can remain safe and continue to receive the advocacy support that they need.

POhWER remains committed to providing information, advice and independent advocacy support wherever possible. Even if we can’t provide advocacy in person at this time due to the government’s social distancing advice we will still do what we can to support you, including providing help by phone and email.

Our Help Hubs are open for you to call or email as usual. They may be very busy so we would ask for your patience but we will respond to everyone who sends us an email or leaves us a voice message, if you can’t get through to one of our Hub staff immediately.

We will be updating our website regularly to provide new information as it becomes available and will provide information in as many formats as we can.

Further information and guidance

• Information from NHS about Coronavirus and what to do if you are experiencing symptoms: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
• Government Information on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable from COVID-19 (Also provided in easy-read): https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19?utm_source=3873f3e5-929b-476c-902e-1d9e40d98101&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate 
• Government Advice on how to look after your mental health and wellbeing (Also provided in easy-read) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-the-public-on-mental-health-and-wellbeing?utm_source=f4fe9d0e-2e25-4f75-acc1-64ceb6d0f3a4&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate
• Mind’s guidance about mental wellbeing and the Coronavirus: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/
• Rethink’s guidance about temporary changes being made to the Mental Health Act in response to Coronavirus: https://www.rethink.org/news-and-stories/blogs/2020/03/coronavirus-temporary-changes-to-the-mental-health-act/
• If you're worried about your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak you are able to contact the Samaritans by calling 116 123 or emailing [email protected]. The service is available 24 hours a day.
• Latest coronavirus guidance on social distancing and vulnerable people, which has been translated into various languages: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people#history
• Easy read information on the corona virus: https://www.easy-read-online.co.uk/erdocs/easy-read-online/
• Easy read information on staying at home and away from others
• Coronavirus guide for Parents from NHS 
• Coronavirus glossary in easy read