May 2020.
Dear Parents and Carers,
As the current situation continues and we are not able to meet, we are pleased to outline our new virtual support offer.
Whilst we will continue to respond to phone and email contact as we are able, we have developed what we are able to provide using social media and on line technology.

​On 2 June, we launch our BV Virtual Voice. On alternate Tuesdays (varying times) we will be bringing you a Facebook live session, delivered within our Facebook Group. This will incorporate a video clip from a professional, who will update us on their service and how to access support. Where there have been questions submitted in advance, the answers will be provided too.
Any questions submitted during the live stream of the video presentation, will be dealt with by the BV team at that time or after appropriate follow up.
In the weeks between these sessions, we will facilitate virtual, one to one, sessions with a number of professionals.

More details will be made available regarding deadlines for questions and booking process for one to one sessions over the coming days.
We will continue to share any updates and information we are sent from health, social care and Education here.
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 will be keeping in touch via the website, Facebook group and eBulletin,  through this challenging time.

​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.
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.​

COVID 19 - INFORMATION/UPDATES :

OPEN LETTER FROM LBB AND NHS SE LONDON CCG

Click on page one to download the letter...

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FROM EDUCATION
Guidance for parents and carers of children attending out of school settings up to the end of term and through the summer holidays during the coronavirus outbreak. Click here . Issued 1 July 2020
Bexley SEND Helpline - learning at home during Coronovirus Pandemic: Support for Parent/Carers of children with SEN. click on link to see page one.  Click here to see page 2. 29 April 2020
Bexley SEND Newsletter - click to see page 2. 29 April 2020 now available - sign up to receive future editions.​
Educational Psychology - Ideas how to support your child during lockdown - click here
IPSEA update on school closures. click link
Travel Assistance Application Notice - March 2020 click link

NHS GUIDANCE FOR PARENT CARERS

2 July 2020 - Guidance for Parents on routine vaccinations during Covid 19. -
Click here
​29 April 2020 - Guidance for unpaid carers - preparation in case of hospital admission -click here
17 April 2020 - Guidance from the NHS for parent carers on Covid 19 and other childhood illnesses - click here
3 April 2020 - Learning Disabilty and Autism FAQ - click here
April 2020 -  Advice for parents during coronavirus - if your child is otherwise unwell - click here

Oxleas Update

17 April 2020 - update on OXLEAS Services - click here

​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​ ​

USEFUL LINKS FROM SHIELD

COVID-19 resources – 17 April 2020 for families

• Coronavirus: dealing with bereavement and grief, Cruse Bereavement Care
• Supporting bereaved children during the outbreak, Childhood Bereavement Network
• Guidance for the public on the mental health and wellbeing aspects of coronavirus (Covid-19), Public Health England
• Coronavirus and your wellbeing, Mind
• Coronavirus: advice for carers of those with severe mental illness, Rethink Mental Illness
  
• Tips on managing your mental health during Covid-19, Rethink Mental Illness
• Coronavirus information for single parents, Gingerbread

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.​

FROM SOCIAL CARE:
Update from the Children with Disabilities Service 7 May 2020 Click here
Short Breaks Approach Document April 2020 Click here
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 OTHER PARENT/CARERS - click to go to link
​Home Education:
20 April 20  As the schools start the Summer Term, the Government have announced a range of extra support for home learning. So if you are supporting your child at home, or simply want to spend some extra time learning more, there are details on the plans announced yesterday on the Government Website:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-major-package-to-support-online-learning 
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/GUIDANCE

• What parents and carers need to know about early years providers, schools and colleges during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, Guidance, Department for Education, 18 June 2020
  
• Supporting children and young people with SEND as schools and colleges prepare for wider opening, Guidance, Department for Education, Updated 18 June 2020
  
• Help children aged 2 to 4 to learn at home during coronavirus (COVID-19), Guidance, Department for Education, Updated 28 May 2020
  
• Guidance for households with grandparents, parents and children living together where someone is at increased risk or has possible or confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection, Public Health England, Updated 18 June 2020
  

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

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