December 2021 Update
We’re all aware of the recent increase in COVID-19 cases due to the new Omicron variant.
We want everybody to be safe, so please follow Government advice and protect yourself, and others.
- Get vaccinated and get your booster dose
- Wear a face covering in most indoor public places and on public transport
- Work from home, if you can
- Let fresh air in if you meet indoors. Meeting outdoors is safer
- Get tested and self-isolate if required
There has been a national call-out for people to join the vaccination effort. If you are able to volunteer, you can do so here.
At A Better Start Southend, we want to help give every child the best possible start in life! We are learning more about the Omicron variant daily and as a result the Government’s response is changing quickly.
Quick links:
A Better Start Southend Services
YourFamily Update
Useful Advice Lines
Where to get advice on COVID-19
Helpful resources
Contact Details for ABSS Services
A Better Start Southend Services
A Better Start Southend works with and through partners to deliver services and activities that make up our programme. Some changes to the services may be needed in light of the rising number of cases. For example, one-to-one appointments may take place over the telephone; group support meetings or training may go online. A list of all our services and the contact details of those delivering them can be found here.
YourFamily Update
The YourFamily team is still working though mainly from home, so please email them on yourfamily@eyalliance.org.uk. YourFamily are available to chat on the phone, via email or text, depending on what suits you. If needed, we can arrange a physical meeting outdoors for those families who need immediate support. Please note that YourFamily will not be operating during weekends and Bank Holidays this month.
Useful Advice Lines
To get advice or treatment for you or your family’s physical or mental health from NHS 111, you can:
Go online to 111.nhs.uk (for assessment of people aged 5 and over only).
Call 111 for free from a landline or mobile phone.
To talk to someone if you are not feeling ok, you can contact Southend Samaritans
Call 0330 094 5717 or 116 123(free) from a landline or mobile
If you want to talk to someone about domestic abuse please use Freephone 24-Hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline
Go online to www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk (access live chat Mon-Fri 3-10pm) or call 0808 2000 247 from a landline or mobile phone
Early years family support
Your local Southend Family Centre is open until 24 December, re-opening 4 January. In an emergency you call them on 01702 2208180 during the festive period.
If you would like some one-to-one support, the Southend Visiting Programme can put you in touch with a volunteer to your family and will visit each week for two to four hours, usually for around 6 months. Email ABSSreferrals@home-startessex.org.uk Alternatively get in touch with Family Lives. They provide immediate support from volunteers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call them on 0808 8002222 or visit their website on www.familylives.org.uk
Families with disabled children
If you have a disabled child(ren), you might consider Contact. They can provide support ranging from advice on benefits and tax credits to education and accessing special provision for children with additional needs. Phone them on 0808 808 3555 or visit their website contact.org.uk
Families involved with the child welfare and family justice systems
If your children are involved with or need social care service and would like some support, contact the Family Rights Group on 0808 801 0366 or visit their website www.frg.org.uk
Parenting solo?
Gingerbread is for single parents, and you can contact them on 0808 802 0925 or visit their website www.gingerbread.org.uk
Crying baby?
If your baby is crying or sleeping poorly, contact the Cry-sis Helpline on 08451 228669 for support.
If you and your family are experiencing financial crisis One Love, St Vincents, Storehouse can help including providing referrals for Food Bank Vouchers.
Go online to svp.org.uk or call 01702 592980 or email them at southendsupport@svp.org.uk
Housing crisis
If you have a housing crisis, call local homeless charity, HARP Southend, on 01702 615000. Or contact Southend City Council on 01702 215002 or visit their web page Homelessness – Southend-on-Sea City Council
Where to get advice on COVID-19
There is lots of advice online and the following links may be helpful;
- Latest Government guidance
- Southend-On-Sea – Coronavirus advice and support
- Specific advice for pregnant women
We encourage parents and families who are concerned about Coronavirus/COVID-19, to gain information from UK Health Security Agency, NHS or Government sources, as this is the most accurate form of information available and is updated regularly. Always check information you see on social media is from a recognised source such as those listed above.
Helpful Resources
- Our friendly mascot, Pip has some helpful tips, advice and activities to help you talk to your children about the Coronavirus! Pip’s Guide to Covid-19: 2021 edition
- A Better Start Southend: caring for your child during the Coronavirus pandemic
- The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health: Advice for parents during Coronavirus
- Action for Children: support for parents
- COVID Self-Care tips for Southend
Please stay in touch with us for further updates and we wish you all well!
Phone: 01702 880370
Email: abetterstart@eyalliance.org.uk
Website: www.abetterstartsouthend.co.uk
