Given the latest advice from government in relation to coronavirus (COVID-19), we have taken the difficult decision to suspend our home visiting and group support. This has been a difficult decision, however we feel it is the best way to ensure families, volunteers and staff remain as well as possible and that we don’t create additional risk.
With immediate effect, we have transferred to remote support by telephone which will be managed by our staff and volunteer team. Depending on the length of the pause to normal service, we will also look to introduce virtual support for groups. We will communicate directly on our progress in this regard. We have decided not to close our referral process just yet, however will notify everyone of the circumstances and will keep our partners updated on our plans.
Our office is now closed with staff working from home. We encourage contact with us through our website, by email or phone – www.homestarteastlothian.co.uk: 01875 616066 (being diverted) or admin@hometsarteastlothian.co.uk
We are grateful for donations received to date to enable this approach to work well. We welcome any further contributions through our donation site here https://homestarteastlothian.co.uk/fundraise/
We have already given advice to our staff and volunteers, based on the national guidance from NHS Scotland ( https://www.scot.nhs.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/ )and the Scottish Government( https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/ ), We encourage people to seek information about the virus and actions to be taken only from these official sources. You will also find information on seeking help for all those in Scotland / England / Wales, regardless of residency.
We have highlighted the latest advice and information to families we support, specifically paying attention to the latest advice on symptoms and self-isolation.
As a support organisation working with many people across East Lothian we prioritise the health and wellbeing of all those connected with us. Maintaining remote support will be important for many. In these difficult times, we are also connecting with new collaboratives in local areas who are responding to very local needs, helping us to connect families to any further support. We have also committed that our staff will have time to volunteer within these groups or other community initiatives where they can.
This overall decision has been part of our detailed planning. We repeat that it is not ideal, however the wellness of everyone in our community is a priority and, whilst we always want people to know we’re here when they need us, it will be in a different way for a while.
You can find useful advice on your own wellbeing from the charity Mind https://www.mind.org.uk/ .We’ll also begin to post useful information for you and your children in our social media channels. You can follow us on Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/eastlothianhomestart/ ) and Twitter ( https://twitter.com/ ).
We will update our website and social media should the situation change and, should further action be required, we will communicate directly with families, our volunteers and partners. Thank you for your support.
Kind regards
Home-Start East Lothian Team