COVID-19: Services, support and advice

Updated: 26/2/2021

Our services and support

We’re offering all our support and advice service for carers, either over the phone or online (for groups).  If you need help, support or someone to talk to, please get in touch on 01904 715 490. We will be able to directly support you or signpost you to the most appropriate service to help you. 

Groups and events

Please see our events calendar for our support groups and activity session dates and how to book a space. If you’d like to take part in a group and need help setting up Zoom, please let us know as we’d be happy help. 

As the situation is evolving we will maintain updates through our website and monthly email news. If you would like to receive our monthly email news and don’t already, please get in touch. York Carers Centre is also contacting by telephone the most vulnerable carers who are registered with us to ensure they know where to get support. This is particularly aimed at those carers who don’t have internet access.

Government advice for carers

Help from City of York Council

If you’re on your own and struggling to manage or you don’t have any support, but need it City of York Council have set up a COVID-19 helpline, contact covid19help@york.gov.uk or call 01904 551 550.  Please also continue to refer to City of York Council for general COVID-19 guidance.

‘I am a carer’ Letter

If you’re worried about having to prove that you’re a carer whilst carrying out caring responsibilities during periods of social restrictions we can provide you with an NHS and York Carers Centre letter to show that you are a carer registered with us.

Carers may need to leave the house regularly for some of the following reasons:

  • Shopping for supplies for the person they care for
  • Collecting prescriptions
  • Cooking, cleaning, or helping with personal care
  • Paying bills

If you are out of the home carrying out essential caring responsibilities we would recommend that you carry with you either:

  • A DWP carers allowance entitlement letter
  • A copy of an NHS shielding letter sent to the person you care for
  • The official identification letter provided by the NHS and York Carers Centre to unpaid carers registered with us – please get in touch with us to request a this letter if you need one.

Please note we can provide the official carer identification letter to any unpaid carer living in York, or caring for someone who lives in York. If you live in a different area please contact your local carers centre who may be able to help.

Vaccines

Carers will be invited for a COVID-19 vaccine as part of priority group 6, although if you are over 65 or clinically extremely vulnerable you will be invited earlier.

If you receive Carers Allowance or had a Carers Assessment, the DWP and local authorities are working in partnership with NHS England, and you will automatically receive an invitation letter to arrange your vaccine appointment. Please don’t contact the NHS to seek a vaccine, they will contact you when it is time for your priority group to be vaccinated.

Your NHS Patient Record will identify you as a carer, and it is these records that are used to coordinate the COVID-19 vaccination programme. If you are concerned that your GP practice doesn’t know that you care for someone who can’t manage without your help, you can let your GP know. As phonelines are likely to be busy it would be worth contacting your GP through their website if possible, or try calling in the afternoon when phonelines are less busy.

For more local vaccine information see the Vale of York CCG website www.valeofyorkccg.nhs.net

Resources

  • We have compiled a range of national and local coronavirus resources which may be helpful to carers (see the ‘in this section’ menu).