Briefing from Coalition of Carers in Scotland
PPE for Unpaid Carers
The NCOs have produced some resources to help with raising awareness of PPE and unpaid carers.
- A briefing paper on questions that carers may have about accessing PPE can be downloaded here
- Some examples of PPE messaging for unpaid carers to use for social media can be downloaded here
- An PPE Infographic for unpaid carers which you can use/share, can be downloaded here
- A PPE poster for unpaid carers which you can use / share, can be downloaded here
– can be downloaded here: https://www.dropbox.com/t/Sy22BlgEcLq8GU5G
Testing for Unpaid Carers
The guidance around coronavirus testing in Scotland has been updated and now includes unpaid carers as key workers under Priority Group 4. You can read the full guidance on testing here.
Connecting Scotland Programme
Last week, a £5 million fund for getting people online was announced : https://www.gov.scot/news/getting-people-online/ The fund is not just about getting kit to people but also supporting them to work it properly so they can connect with their family, friends and services.
Coronavirus, Poverty and Carers Report
Last week Oxfam published their report on the impact of the coronavirus on carers and poverty. You can download the report here.
We also joined forces with Oxfam and over 100 caring, anti-poverty, women’s rights and other national and local organisations to issue an urgent plea for politicians to do more to protect carers, including those in Scotland, from a growing poverty crisis. To read the letter in full: https://oxfamapps.org/scotland/2020/05/06/coronavirus-care-letter/
Additional Payment for Carers in receipt of Carers Allowance
The Scottish Government announced that it is planning on giving carers an additional payment to help with extra costs as a result of COVID-19. If passed by Parliament on 20th May, carers will get a double payment in their carers allowance supplement in June, meaning they will get £460 – more info here https://news.gov.scot/news/extra-payment-for-unpaid-carers
Support for Motability Customers
Some good news for Motability Scheme customers. Since lockdown has led to fewer drivers on the road, the Scheme is seeing a lower level of claims, enabling it to share this saving with customers. As a result, Motability are set to send an insurance-based refund of £50 to all customers. Also, for customers who are experiencing temporary and exceptional financial need in relation to COVID-19, they are able to access an advance of the £600 Good Condition Bonus (GCB) which is usually paid at the end of a lease.
For further information: https://news.motability.co.uk/scheme-news/updates-from-the-motability-scheme-regarding-covid-19-coronavirus/
