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Our Next Drop In

Our next Drop In on Wednesday 19th January 10am-12 noon will be virtual. As usual, we’ll be sending out a list of who’s taking part a few days before. Look out for it in your inbox! (If you’re not subscribed to our newsletters, email ali.davenport@manchester.gov.uk to be added to the list.)

Getting Vaccinated

If you haven’t had your Covid vaccines yet, there is still time. No one at a vaccination centre will judge you. You will be welcomed, vaccinated and thanked for doing so. It remains one of the most effective defences against Covid and will not only protect you but also your family, friends, colleagues and everyone in the city.   You can book and manage your vaccination appointments online. See this NHS information.   There are also Walk In vaccination centres across the city. This Manchester City Council website page has information on times and dates.

The Council are offering a free taxi service to get individuals and families to and from particular vaccine centres for Covid jabs. If you can’t walk there, use public transport or don’t drive, this service can help. It's available for listed sites – find out which ones and how to book in this ‘Manchester Jab Cab’ information.

Updated Testing Guidance

The guidance around testing changed this week. Having a PCR test following a positive lateral flow device test has been temporarily suspended. Due to the current high rate of infection, it’s highly likely a positive LFD result is a true positive.

Anyone in England who receives a positive lateral flow device (LFD) test result for COVID-19 is no longer required to book a confirmatory PCR test. You should instead begin self-isolating immediately and report your result on gov.uk. People should only have a follow-up PCR test under certain circumstances: if they wish to claim the Test and Trace Support Payment, for example.   If you have any of the main symptoms (a new continuous cough; a high temperature; a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell), you can book a PCR test. However, the guidance says: ‘You do not need to take a PCR test if you have already taken an LFD test and the result was positive.’   Find out more in this key document - the Government's Stay at Home guidance, updated on January 11th. There is also this guidance for contacts of people who have tested positive for COVID-19 and this article from Manchester Health & Care Commissioning.

Staying At Home 

The majority of people with a positive lateral flow device (LFD) test result can be confident they have COVID-19. For most people, it will be a mild illness. The important thing is to stay at home and self-isolate.

The updated Stay at Home guidance says: ‘Your self-isolation period starts immediately from when your symptoms started, or, if you do not have any symptoms, from when your positive LFD or PCR test was taken, whichever test was taken first. Your self-isolation period includes the day your symptoms started (or the day your test was taken if you do not have symptoms), and the next 10 full days’.   It is now possible to come out of self-isolation before the end of the 10 full days if you receive two negative LFD results, 24 hours apart, on days 6 and 7.   Check the Stay at Home guidance for further information and to find out what to do if you live in the same household as someone with COVID-19. Here is an infographic using pictures about how to reduce the spread of infection in a household. There is also guidance for contacts of people who have tested positive for COVID-19.

Getting Tested

There is currently a high demand for Lateral Flow Test kits so please use any kits you have before ordering or collecting more. Kits are available to collect at pharmacies or community collection points if you can’t order them online. Find out more about lateral flow testing and where to get kits (it has a local pharmacy search) in this NHS information.   If you need a PCR test, this government information tells you how to arrange it.

Self Isolation Support Payments

If you have been told by the NHS Test and Trace service to self isolate and are employed and receiving certain benefits or unable to work from home and will lose income as a result of having to stay at home, you may be eligible for a one-off payment of £500. The scheme will end on 31 March 2022. Find out more on Manchester City Council’s website. 

Guidance For Unpaid Carers

The Government has updated COVID-19 guidance for people who provide unpaid care, including vaccinations, emergency planning, PPE, young carers, visiting care homes, support and more.  

Household Support Fund - Important Update

In response to the Government’s Household Support Fund, Manchester City Council has sent cheques (£100 or £70) to over 53,000 households in receipt of Council Tax Support. IF YOU RECEIVED THIS ONE-OFF PAYMENT, YOU HAVE UNTIL 14TH JANUARY TO CASH IT! Check that older relatives or other people who may need support have opened the letter and are aware of the cheques.

The Council has also set up a discretionary Household Support Fund for Manchester residents who don’t receive Council Tax Support but are in receipt of a qualifying benefit and pay household bills such as council tax, rent, mortgage, gas, water and phone. The discretionary fund will support eligible households through small one-off grants to meet daily needs such as food, clothing, and utilities. Grant amounts are: £100 for families with dependent children under 19, £70 for singles and couples with no children. See this Council information on the Household Support Fund to find out about eligibility and how to apply.

Manchester Community Hub

Don’t forget, Manchester City Council has a dedicated community helpline for residents at this time. It can help with a range of needs, including delivery of food and medication and managing fuel top-up payments. Call 0800 234 6123 on Monday to Friday between 9am-5pm or text 078600 22876 and your message will be responded to by the next working day. This video in British Sign Language (BSL) tells people about the service and how they can get support.

If your personal circumstances have changed due to COVID-19, see this Council webpage for where to get advice.

We have a Local Offer Coronavirus Advice & Information page that brings together resources to support you during the pandemic.

Carers Support

Learning Sessions

Carers Manchester have two online sessions coming up: Welfare & Benefits, Tuesday 18th January, 10.30am-12pm Managing Stress, Tuesday 25th January, 10am - 12pm Book through their events page, where you can also find out about various carer support groups in the city.

Join the Witherslack Group for a free webinar offering practical advice to parents and carers supporting girls with ASD and associated needs. It’s on Wednesday 26th January, 10-11am. The session will be recorded so you can still register for the session and a copy of the recording will be sent to you after the event. 

Winter Walk

Join Stepping Out with The Ramblers and Manchester Carers Forum for a carers walk in Heaton Park on Wednesday 26th January at 11am. The walk will take around 1 hour and lunch will be provided. Carers and their cared for welcome. To book call Miriam on 07903 685 435 or email miriam@manchestercarersforum.org.uk.

Carers Wellbeing Afternoon

Thursday 27th January, 1–4pm Crumpsall Community Hall, Cleveland Road, Crumpsall M8 4QU Join Buzz Manchester and Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust for an afternoon of wellbeing activities, as well as a yummy comforting hotpot (veggie option available). 40 spaces, carers and their cared for welcome. To book call Ben on 07552 249 937 or email ben.talbot@gmmh.nhs.uk.

Wills & Lasting Power Of Attorney

If you missed the Carers Manchester talk for Carers Rights Day on wills and Lasting Power of Attorney (POA), visit their web blog. This includes information on free sessions around wills and POA with Greater Manchester Mental Health at The Curve in Prestwich during 2022. 

Stuff To Do

Online Play Sessions

The Seashell Trust in Stockport runs free online sessions every Wednesday for babies and pre-school children with complex and additional needs. These are fun and interactive sessions that you can take part in at home. It runs during term time from 11am to 12 noon. To book contact outreach@seashelltrust.org.uk.

Inclusion Sessions In The North

As Manchester Youth Zone is still closed at the weekend, their Inclusion Session (disabilities and/or additional needs) for 8-25 year olds runs on a Friday 4-6.30pm. There's no waiting list. People can join on the website and will be asked to attend a New Members Meeting before joining sessions. Weekly activities include games, arts & crafts, multi sports and fitness, gym access, sensory play and much more. If you’d like more information, visit the website or contact Corrina, the Inclusion Manager, for a chat at corrina.aitchison-hayles@manchesteryz.org or 0161 203 5333.

Free Drama Sessions In Moss Side

Odd Arts are starting their free drama sessions again at Moss Side Powerhouse on Monday 17th January. Drama drop in 9-13 yrs 4.30-5.30pm and Social action through arts and theatre 13+ years 5.45-7pm. Sign up by emailing yasmin@oddarts.co.uk. If a young person has additional needs, let Yasmin know and they will be supported to take part and have fun.

Young People

Free Travel Training for 14-25s

Since autumn, Manchester City Council has been funding free Travel Training for young disabled people aged 14-25 living in the city. It’s proving popular! Travel Training is a one to one experience geared to the young person, developing their confidence and skills in travelling independently on public transport or by walking. It’s being run through Greater Manchester Youth Network (GMYN) with seasoned Travel Trainer Phil Samphire who has supported many young people in travelling around the city and beyond. To sign up, contact psamphire@icloud.com or 07429 351627.

Help Setting Up Groups In Schools

One Education want to help set up groups for autistic and neurodivergent young people in Manchester high schools. They’re asking young people aged 16-25 to share their ideas and experience of school through a Zoom interview or written answers to some questions. See this link to sign up.

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