Safeguarding
people
in the
midst of coronavirus
(Please note: if you click on any of the underlined words it will bring up a link to which you can click through)
The
Coronavirus (Covid-19) threat continues to emerge in the UK and throughout the
rest of the world. At these difficult times, we would like to help churches not
only promote everyone’ wellbeing but also consider actions for those who are
more vulnerable in the next weeks and
months.
As churches close for the foreseeable future, everyone needs to keep safeguarding a priority even if not meeting and ensure care for the more vulnerable through
phone calls, messages and WhatsApp groups.
There are
many initiatives to help people connect via the internet, though streaming and
other measures. There is a range of advice on the URC website
Home
visits
If you have
to undertake home visits for any purpose, you are advised to take precautions,
or to consider alternative ways of keeping in touch.
The
Methodist Church shares top tips for those receiving visits as well as for
those who are undertaking them here. It is paramount to
ensure that
the elderly, impoverished families and the vulnerable have food and essential
provisions and access to support relevant to their needs during these challenging
times.
Under
current circumstances, it is also essential that Elders, ministers, CRCWs, church
safeguarding coordinators and those with pastoral responsibilities need to make sure that communication with under 18s and
vulnerable people is kept within government and health guidance about levels of
contact and self-isolation.
Where people are living
in their own homes, with or without additional support from friends, family and
carers, the government has provided specific guidance that can be accessed here.
Children
and young people
In alignment with
relevant government guidance regarding closure of schools and colleges, all
children and youth-related activities, events and services are advised to be
suspended for the coming weeks. This includes mentoring sessions, Sunday
schools and messy groups. It would be risky to replace formal meetings at your
church premises with informal meetings at the home of youth leaders or ministers.
Provide information to and
educate children and young people about coronavirus and enable parents/carers to
discuss the situation with them. The Charity Save the children provides valuable
guidance on this here.
Adults
at risk
The
government already identified adults who are at increased risk of severe
illness from the virus. This includes those who are pregnant, those who are
aged 70 or older, with or without health conditions, and other groups who may be at particular
risk due to complex health problems such as:
· people who have received an organ
transplant and remain on ongoing immunosuppression medication
·
people
with cancer who are undergoing active chemotherapy or radiotherapy
·
people
with cancers of the blood or bone marrow such as leukaemia who are at any stage
of treatment
·
people
with severe chest conditions such as cystic fibrosis or severe asthma
(requiring hospital admissions or courses of steroid tablets)
· people with severe diseases of
body systems, such as severe kidney disease (dialysis).
Those who
fall into above categories need to be at the centre of our care and support in
the upcoming weeks along with people who are living with mental health issues,
disabilities and learning difficulties and any person who rely on others
‘personal assistance to meet their basic needs.
Regular
contact and texts over the phone will be a valuable source of help for those
who require a reminder of medication or need someone to order food supplies.
Our duty to safeguard individuals does not stop during the epidemic. We can
identify key services in our local area and signpost vulnerable people who are
at risk or might be at more risk due to coronavirus outbreak to local support
services.
Access
to specific advice and support
Some individuals might
need specific help depending on their personal wellbeing and life
circumstances. Below it is a list of specialist advice issues by different
organisations.
· The National Eczema Society has offered advice
on handwashing techniques for
people with eczema and other skin conditions.
· Cancer charities have worked together to produce
information on Covid-19 for anyone affected by cancer.
Domestic abuse
Reports from China
revealed that incidents of domestic
abuse increased following the outbreak of the virus. If you
are aware of risks of domestic violence against children, men and/or women, remain in
contact with the family on a regular basis, provide affected members the
contact details of Women’s Aid telephone number
0808 2000 247 (24-hour helpline) and make a prompt referral to
children’s or adult case services in your local area.
Fraud
We also need to be
careful about fraud. There are warnings about Covid-19 fraud and scams to be
aware of. Action Fraud has issued a warning and information which is not
specific to the faith sector. Read
more here
In any case or
situation, speak to Church Safeguarding Coordinator or the Synod Safeguarding
Officer who can be of valuable help at these moments. Also, print and share the
Appendix
U of our recently updated
safeguarding policy of the URC, which includes useful contacts for supporting
people affected by different forms of abuse.
Any community events and services like
foodbanks, lunch clubs, shelters for homelessness or other groups must follow
guidance from the government.
Churches
and their partner organisations might plan forward with the view to minimise, suspend
and/or find alternative ways to run services for the benefit of the vulnerable
groups. Another source of help can be advice provided by support organisations.
The Joint
Public Issues Team (JPIT) have produced a simple guide on how you
can support foodbanks during the coronavirus pandemic.
Likewise,
the Trussell Trust has also issued guidance on
how churches can support volunteer supported charities.
If a member or church
attendee has been found infected by the virus, the church needs to take up all
measures not to isolate this person from emotional or other support.
A telephone contact per
day will be enough and very important for those who will be worried about their
health and their unavoidable quarantine. In any case, the government’s guidance
has to determine any action and contact with this person.
The epidemic of
Coronavirus brings uncertainty, anxiety, even feelings of fear and panic. Whilst it is normal to
feel worried, if someone is starting to feel overwhelmed, it’s important to
acknowledge their feelings and share with someone they trust.
Charity Young Minds has
issued advice for anyone feeling anxious about the virus. Mind
has also offered information on what to do if you are worried about your
wellbeing. There are also now more than 400 volunteer-led groups working to
offer aid to people affected by the virus. See
more here.
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