In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have recently set up a 'Telephone Buddy Service' which aims to help reduce the sense of isolation many of the more vulnerable people in North Lincolnshire are experiencing during this time, and to ensure that their overall wellbeing is maintained.

People who choose to register with the service will be paired up with a 'Buddy' -one of our friendly and DBS-check volunteers.

The service user and Buddy together will decide how often the service user is to be contacted -this might be every day, or every few days! 

When the buddy calls, they will be able to provide recent information updates on COVID-19 that the service user may not be aware of, in addition to signposting them to useful local services to help with things like shopping, picking up prescriptions etc, and also just provide a friendly voice to chat to and pass the time for a little while!

If you would like to benefit from this service or know someone who might, please register at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/serviceuserform

Or give us a call on 01724 844986, or email us at enquiries@healthwatchnorthlincolnshire.co.uk

Alternatively, if you'd like to contribute to our work and become a volunteer, please complete our online form (link below)

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/telephonesupportbuddyapplication

(updated 02.04.2020 at 10:20)

On 23.03.2020 the UK Government announced that where possible, we MUST now all stay at home.

Government advice states:

• Only go outside for food, health reasons or work (but only if you cannot work from home)
• If you go out, stay 2 metres (6ft) away from other people at all times
• Wash your hands as soon as you get home

Do not meet others, even friends or family.

You can spread the virus even if you don’t have symptoms.

All non-essential stores will now be closed, and all gatherings of more than 2 people in public should not take place. 

Whilst these rules may seem harsh, it is hoped that these measures will prevent the spreading of the virus and relieve pressure from the NHS -enabling staff and resources to be used more effectively to treat those who need it.

For more information and further advice, please visit:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/full-guidance-on-staying-at-home-and-away-from-others

COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It's caused by a virus called Coronavirus which was first identified in Wuhan City, China in December 2019. A number of cases have since been confirmed in European countries, including the UK.

Who is the most at risk?

People who are deemed the most at risk of contracting COVID-19 include:

• The elderly
• Those with a compromised (weakened) immune system
• Those who have recently travelled to heavily infected areas, such as China, Italy, Iran, South Korea and France.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to most other strains of Flu, and people who have the infection may experience:

• Fever
• Shortness of breath
• High temperature
• Aches and pains

It's important to note that symptoms may appear up to 2 weeks (14 days) AFTER initial infection, by which time the infected may have already spread the virus without realising. 

What can I do to protect myself?

There are a number of things which individuals can do to help prevent themselves from contracting COVID-19, as well as preventing it from spreading. Some things that you can do include:

• Wash your hands frequently with warm water and antibacterial soap for at least 20 seconds
• Make sure you catch sneezes and coughs in tissues and bin them immediately. 
• Clean shared spaces regularly (e.g. work spaces). It is also a good idea to disinfect items which are touched by many people, e.g. light switches and door handles. 
• Maintain social distancing (1-3 meters) from people who are coughing or sneezing

What should I do if I think I have Coronavirus?

If you think you may have Coronavirus or have recently been in contact with somebody does, the advice given by the NHS is to:

• DO NOT attend you GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital, as this could spread the infection further
• Stay at home (self-isolate) and avoid close contact with other people
• Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service to find out what to do next (link below)

https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19

Do you have an experience of a health and social care service in North Lincolnshire that you'd like to share? We want to hear about it!

We'll be at the Ironstone Centre every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday morning at our Healthwatch Hub on the ground floor!

So come along for a chat and let us know what you think of the services in North Lincolnshire