Making connections to combat loneliness
To combat loneliness and keep spirits up, Port of Leith Housing Association in Edinburgh has set up more ways to keep people connected.
Manager Maureen Combe said: “We’ve introduced a few new things that are working really well. We send packs to our tenants three times a week with activities to keep their minds active. We include quizzes, puzzles, jokes to keep people smiling and gentle exercise routines to keep people moving.”
The service has also started delivering birthday cakes and cards outside people’s doors and staff come along, socially distancing of course, to sing happy birthday. Watch a video where tenants came out in force to celebrate Eva’s birthday here.
The tenants are huge supporters of the NHS and take part in the ‘Clap for carers’ each Thursday and clap and cheer from their windows. They made a big banner too which hangs from one of the schemes.
Maureen continues: “Our housing officers make regular courtesy calls to our over 65s to check in and see if anyone needs any particular support and are on hand to give advice and just have a chat. We’ve had excellent feedback from our tenants and families and we’re thinking about making a memory book or quilt after things get back to normal to remember all the positives during this difficult time.”
Read more
Rachel stays connected with William
Childminder, Rachel Adam, is making sure one of her four-year olds doesn’t miss out on his learning and other activities, while he’s at home during lockdown.
Rachel explains: “I’m only able to look after some of the children whose parents are key-workers at the moment. So, although William currently isn’t in my care, I wanted to make sure that he can still keep up with his learning while at home. Every fortnight, I put together a pack with various activities for him to do. He loves them and he’s doing a great job.”
Rachel keeps in regular contact and gets photographs from his parents showing William completing the activities. She links activities to his alphabet and numbers and other interests and things he likes to do. Rachel then awards certificates to mark his achievements.
Rachel said: “It’s more important than ever to stay connected during these unusual times. I didn’t want William to feel left out and miss things just because he wasn’t able to come and see me and the other children each day. It’s good for us all to stay in touch and let each other know what’s happening.”
Sandra Robinson, inspector said: “It is lovely to hear how Rachel is continuing to support the child and their family in an innovative way so that they continue to feel included, respected and valued.”
Read more
Mandalas from the sky
Pupils at Camphill School, Aberdeen have been getting creative during lockdown and designing stunning mandalas (circular geometric patterns) in their grounds.
Read more
A joint statement from the Care Inspectorate and the SCMA
The Care Inspectorate and the SCMA have issued a joint statement:
Following the UK Government announcements last week regarding some relaxations to lockdown restrictions in England (including in relation to childminding settings in England), we thought that we should clarify that the official position has not changed in Scotland. We would stress that –
- Current guidance on the closure of daycare services for children and childminding services in light of the Covid-19 restrictions published by the Scottish Government that took effect on 30 March 2020 remains in place. This advises that childminding settings can only be open to provide childcare for key workers and vulnerable children and that they cannot provide this childcare for more than two families (excluding their own families) at any one time
- Childminders are reminded that providing childcare for any other families at this time would be contrary to the restrictions which have been put in place to reduce the impact of the virus, keep children and families safe, and save lives. It is also the expectation of the Care Inspectorate that childminders should follow national guidance during this pandemic
- We are aware that childminders are continuing to receive increasing approaches from parents/carers as some employers return to work. However, until such time as the position in Scotland changes all childminders should comply with the national guidance.
Read more
Cornerstone - Growing Together
Cornerstone has come up with lots of ideas and activities to keep the people they support from home connected and busy during lockdown.
From learning a new sign each week using Makaton to online karaoke and bake-off competitions, there’s something for everyone. The charity, which provides support to children, young people and adults with disabilities and other support needs, is also finding ways to make sure that people can stay relaxed and feel safe in their homes during this difficult time.
Sharon Irvine said: “We have kick started our activities with a spring art competition and the chance of winning a £10 Amazon voucher! There will be more mini events after the success of our Easter Egg decorating competition which a lot of people we support had a good and creative time decorating their eggs. We have also sent out an exercise video made by the people who do these at our day activity group.”
This week’s ‘Marshmallow Challenge’ sounds a bit tricky! Participants must build the tallest, free-standing structure they can using only spaghetti, tape and string and try to balance a marshmallow on top.
Visit their facebook page to see what else they are up to.
Read more