March 2020.
Dear Parents and Carers,
We have been carefully monitoring the current Covid-19 situation, both national and local advice.
As ever, our priority is the families we support, our staff, and our volunteers. At this point in time, we have no reported cases in any staff or volunteers at Bexley Voice.
However, as many of our members and families may be considered more ‘at risk’ from Covid-19, it is important that we put the health and wellbeing of them, and our staff and volunteers, first and support efforts to manage the spread of the virus. For this reason, we will be following advice and will temporarily stop our face to face services, with immediate effect, in line with government guidelines. This includes Tea and Talk Drop ins, School Visits and Workshops.
Our team will still be available via:

• Facebook – which is by far the quickest way to get a response to any questions you may have. Please see note below re access to the BV Facebook Group
• Email  - this may be a slower response as the inbox is not currently monitored daily.

We will share any updates and information we are sent from health, social care and Education on the home page of our website – so check www.bexleyvoice.org.uk if you can.
Other places to check for up to date information would be:

• The Bexley Local Offer www.bexleylocaloffer.uk
• Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust  http://oxleas.nhs.uk/

We know that for many of our members, our services and advice are a vital source of support and recognise the impact this may have, but hope that you will understand and support the steps we have to take to protect us all.
We will be keeping in touch via the website, Facebook group and eBulletin, if necessary, through this challenging time.
Don’t forget to share any ways you develop to keep our children entertained and calm along with ways to maintain our sanity over the coming weeks with us …. Together we can make a difference.
​
Keep Safe – your Bexley Voice Team

Note: Access to Bexley Voice Facebook Group
Our Facebook group is a closed group and you need to be given access to it by the administrator.
When you join as a member on line, you can tick to request access to the FB group.
You are then sent an invitation that you need to accept to access the group.
If you are a member and asked to join but have not received an invitation – please check your junk file and accept.
If you still cannot find it – please email bexleyvoice@hotmail.co.uk and we will try and sort you out J
If the email address you use for your Facebook account is different to this email address, the invitation will not work. You would need to send us the relevant email address for us to try again.
 
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COVID 19 - INFORMATION/UPDATES :

SUPPORT/SERVICES DURING VIRUS RESTRICTIONS 7 April 20
Bexley Coronavirus helpline - 020 3045 5398
Many of you will have friends, family, neighbours and other support networks to help you, but if not Bexley Council are here if you need help during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Whether you need someone to get shopping, pick up other essentials, or to give you information, guidance and advice.
The helpline will be open from 8am to 8pm you can alternatively apply for help online.

​BATS ‘Shop N Drop’ Service
Dear Parents & Carers,
Bexley Accessible Transport Scheme (BATS) are offering a ‘Shop n Drop’ service. If you are currently isolating or social distancing or finding it difficult to go food shopping with your son/daughter you can call the following number 01322 311 333 to book one of BATS community volunteer drivers to collect shopping for you and deliver to your door step.
They will also collect prescriptions/ medication and transport to hospital appointments.
You do not need to currently be using their service to access this support.​

HEALTH:
Lindsay Malakzai, our Designated Clinical Officer, is sending us regular updates:
Please click on the date to see the updates:
Update on accompanying children to hospital 1 April 2020
26 March 2020
19 March 2020
​ ​

FROM SOCIAL CARE:
If your family are known to the Children with Disabilities team, you should have received a letter, to use at Supermarkets, to gain access at quiet times. If you have not received it by email or post please get in touch with them if it would be useful.

FROM EDUCATION:
IPSEA update on school closures
Travel Assistance Application Notice - March 2020

FROM OTHER PARENT/CARERS - click to go to link
​Home Education:
THE ENTIRE LIST OF EDUCATION COMPANIES OFFERING FREE SUBSCRIPTIONS DUE TO SCHOOL CLOSINGS
Children's Artist teaches how to draw
PE with Joe
Free on line resources to use at home
​Twinkle - Free resources - cant seem to link at present
Health:
Emergency Hospital Admissions Template - developed by the parent of a young man with LD and health issues. For use if not able to accompany your CYP to hospital.
Services/Support:

GOVERNMENT/POLICY
Article re Government Policies
Steve Broach on new Bill
​Contact Website - includes updates and advice on all areas.

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