Call 01322 668501 • Email admin@wearebeams.org.uk OUR SERVICES ABOUT FUNDRAISING EVENTS SUPPORT US PROFESSIONALS CONTACT CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) COVID 19 TESTING AND VACCINATION FOR PAS 15th April 2021 Please check the current guidance relating to Covid19 testing and vaccination for your PAs. In brief, all PAs are entitled to a rapid Lateral Flow (LFT) test twice weekly, followed by confirming PCR testing for positive results. PAs should order their rapid LFT kits from the universal testing portal as the current portal closes on 26th April. Click HERE for full information. Lateral Flow tests are only for those without symptoms, anyone with symptoms should self-isolate immediately and book a test online or by calling 119. Click HERE to book your test. Vaccines Personal assistants are eligible for their Covid-19 vaccination as a frontline health and social care workers if any person they are caring for is clinically vulnerable to Covid-19. PAs should now access an appointment for their vaccination by contacting their GP or any GP in the area they work in. If you cannot access an appointment via this route, or do not have an eligibility letter for your vaccination, then please contact your Local Authority vaccination lead on kcccovidvaccinations@kent.gov.uk _______________________________________________ Kent County Council has launched a helpline, called Kent Together – which provides a single point of contact for those in need of help during the Coronavirus crisis. This will link to Community Hubs across the count to put people in touch with local support. The website address is www.kent.gov.uk/KentTogether or you can T: 03000 41 92 92 The situation in respect of COVID-19 is changing daily. Beams DP Case Workers will endeavour to maintain up to date advice and support you where they can. ACAS will be reviewing and updating their advice daily in respect of Coronavirus (COVID-19) and both employers and employees should check their website for up to date advice . Please follow the link below to ACAS website :- www.acas.org.uk/coronavirus Your DP Case Worker will have access to updated information and advice from ACAS and can be contacted if you have any concerns. Please be aware that your DP Case Worker is not an expert in this topic but will help you or signpost you wherever they are able. COVID VACCINATIONS FOR UNPAID CARERS Unpaid carers who receive carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of a disabled person, are now able to register for a vaccination. Please click HERE to view letter. Carers will need to register with their GP, more information is available on this page: https://www.kentandmedwayccg.nhs.uk/your-health/coronavirus/covid19vaccine In order for these links to work, you will need to hold ctrl button at the same time as you click the link. FLU VACCINATIONS FOR PAS/CARERS Some PA’s/carers may be entitled to a free flu vaccination, please refer to the NHS website for more details https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/flu-influenza-vaccine/ If you feel that your PA should receive the flu vaccination you will need to provide them with a letter confirming their employment as a key front line worker using the template provided HERE. WHAT IS THE DIRECT PAYMENT SERVICE? The Direct Payment Service provides a range of information and practical support for disabled children, young adults up to 25 years of age, and their families in receipt of, or interested in taking up, Direct Payments within Kent. HOW CAN THE DIRECT PAYMENT SERVICE HELP? We understand that receiving or considering Direct Payments for the first time can be a daunting prospect. The Direct Payment Service aims to make the experience as simple as possible by supporting children, young adults, and their parents throughout the process. The Direct Payment Service can provide practical and informative support such as: Helping you understand the ‘Direct Payment Agreement’ Discussing your options around the recruitment process, assist with writing and placing adverts, sending out job application forms and collating responses. Carrying out DBS Checks for Personal Assistants (PAs) Supporting good employment practice Working with you to manage your Direct Payment budget Obtaining information in accessible formats where required Providing template documents for all your needs Our support includes face to face, telephone, and email support from your dedicated Direct Payment Case Worker. If you have any queries or would like to speak to a member of the Direct Payment Service regarding anything to do with Direct Payments then please do not hesitate to contact us. T: 01322 669245 E: directpayment@wearebeams.org.uk GARDEN APPEAL – PLANT A SMILE Beams have launched an appeal to fund a new garden at our respite unit, Dragon’s Retreat. Our current garden is well used and in desperate need of repair, the wheelchair swing has broken and parts of the garden are out of action. Click HERE to find out how you can get involved. CONTACT US 01322 668501 admin@wearebeams.org.uk OUR ADDRESS We Are Beams 38-40 St David’s Road Hextable Kent BR8 7RJ SOCIAL MEDIA SUPPORT US DONATE ©2018-2020 We Are Beams • All Rights Reserved • Privacy Statement • Registered Charity Number 1054129 • Website by Panoramic Design