Support and Testing

Across Dundee, people are concerned about the current situation with coronavirus (COVID-19).

Dundee City Council is working closely with Scottish Government and sharing information as soon as we can, to help you prepare for today and tomorrow, as well as the weeks and months ahead.

In our city, we have fantastic communities and pro-active groups who are already pulling together - we need more of that spirit going forward.

This page will give advice and guidance to help families and communities support each other in these difficult times, including details of lifeline help for those most in need and how to access this.

It also details how members of the public who are showing symptoms of coronavirus can get access to testing.

Please be aware that this is a fast-moving situation and we will update this page whenever we have new information to share.

Community Support Centres

As a response to the coronavirus pandemic, Dundee City Council is taking steps to support people and communities through this challenging time.

A network of Community Support Centres has been established at the following locations across the city:

Balgarthno Campus
Claypotts Castle Primary
Coldside Campus
Grove Academy
North East Campus
Rowantree Primary
St Paul’s Academy
Tayview Primary

View a map showing the locations of the centres

These Community Support Centres will provide a range of coordinated support to assist people during the crisis, starting on March 30 with the provision of childcare for key workers and vulnerable children.

None of the centres will be open to the public apart from the essential childcare provision as the council is asking people to follow national advice and stay at home to save lives.

Members of the public continue to be encouraged to use online services wherever possible, as well as email and telephone (contact 01382 433129 for general enquiries or 01382 431205 for Council Tax, Council Tax Reduction or Housing Benefit enquiries).

This website signposts many sources of support during the Coronavirus outbreak, and provides a portal for online payments and services.

The Community Support Centres serve as focal points for distribution and outreach services for people who face challenges due to the continuing pandemic, and also allow the council to identify where intervention is needed.

Staff can offer a telephone and email-based advice and information contact service on a range of issues, including financial advice and applications, as well as signposting to other services.

The city council is also working with Dundee Volunteer and Voluntary Action to co-ordinate the recruitment and deployment of volunteers from the centres (see below).

Childcare provision at the centres will be available from 8am to 6pm. It is only for the children of key workers who have secured places for their children through an application process, and vulnerable young people who have been identified by the council.

Work at the Community Support Centres will develop as the coronavirus situation continues and impacts on individuals and communities.

What can we all do to help with the situation?

There are many ways to help ourselves and others. Make sure you're up to date with all the latest advice by regularly checking official sources of information.

The Scottish Government is releasing regular updates and advice. Please check their website in the first instance.

There is a specific Dundee City Council page on Coronavirus, which is updated in line with national guidance.

Urgent help for people shielding

A helpline has been launched to provide lifeline support and supplies for vulnerable people who have been advised to shield themselves against coronavirus, but have no way to access services.

The Freephone number - 0300 123 1403 (operates from Monday-Friday, 8am-8pm) - allows those in Dundee who have been identified by Scotland’s chief medical officer because of specific health conditions to speak to council advisers, who will then be able to target emergency aid directly.

Make a request for assistance

This could include the urgent delivery of food, hygiene products and medicines if the person taking shielding precautions has no other method to access these vital supplies.

Dundee City Council is encouraging shielded people to seek the assistance of family and close friends first wherever possible, always following the Government advice to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. However, if they feel they need urgent crisis support, they can contact the helpline.

Requests can also be made via the Tayside Cares web portal.

For further information please read our frequently asked questions.

Support for those at increased COVID-19 risk

A new national helpline has been established to provide essential assistance to those who don't have a network of support but are at an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

This service offers help to those who do not have family or existing community support and cannot get online and who are over 70, disabled, require the support of mental health services, are pregnant or receive a flu jab for health reasons. This service is in addition to localised support already available for people who have received letters advising them to shield themselves. However, any of those in the shielding category who are not yet receiving assistance, who do not have family and cannot get online can access support via this new helpline.

Anyone not in these categories but still looking for support should visit the Tayside Cares web portal.

The helpline - 0800 111 4000 - operates Monday to Friday, 8am-8pm.

Callers will be automatically connected to their local authority who will support them to access the service they need, such as:

essential food and medication
links to local social work services for vulnerable children or adults
emotional support
contact with local volunteer groups.

For more information please read our frequently asked questions.

Testing for COVID-19

Testing for coronavirus is available to anyone over the age of five who is showing symptoms – a high temperature, new, continuous cough or loss of taste or smell.

The tests can be booked at sites across Scotland, including one in Perth, or at mobile testing units which are visiting Dundee and other areas of Tayside.

A limited number of home test kits are also available.

The expanded programme ensures that anyone with symptoms can find out if they have the virus, and will therefore be able to know whether or not they should be isolating.

Tests can be booked online. NHS and social care key workers, and symptomatic household members of those workers, should still access testing through the NHS.

The latest dates and locations for the Mobile Testing Unit (MTU) are:

May 23-31, Michelin Athletic Club, Drumgeith Road, Dundee;
June 1-5, Arbroath High School, Keptie Road, Arbroath;
June 6-14, Michelin Athletic Club, Drumgeith Road, Dundee

Please note that dates and locations may be subject to change at short notice.

Protecting People

Alcohol Consumption

This is a stressful and unprecedented period, and in times of stress we can find ourselves drinking more often or more heavily.

Many of our routines have changed, which migh make it hard to keep on top of how much we are drinking. There are many negative effects of alcohol, including poorer sleep, increased feelings of stress, anxiety and depression and a lowered immune system.

Alcohol Guidelines
Men and women shouldn't drink more than 14 units per week, over at least 3 days.

This is roughly no more than 6 pints of beer, a bottle and a half of wine or 7 double shots of spirits a week.

If you have concerns around your own or another's alcohol consumption you can get support:

Drinkline, a free, confidential helpline. Call 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am-8pm, weekends 11am-4pm).

Alcoholchange.org.uk - Coronavirus hub includes tips and links for managing your drinking and guidance for professionals.

Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP) - COVID-19 advice for heavy drinkers.

Support for families
Harmful drinking can cause issues for other household members, including children and young people, such as financial worries, relationship problems, and parenting difficulties. Visit Scottish Families Affected by Drug and Alcohol website for more information.

Crisis Support

Emergencies 999
Samaritans, 116 123
Breathing Space, 0800 83 85 87
NHS 24, 111
Visit the Suicide? Help! website. You can also download the 'Suicide? Help! app in IOS app store or Google play store.

Domestic Abuse / Violence

You may be someone's only chance to get help - if not you, who?

We want to make sure that the most vulnerable people are safe during the current situation.

For women and children experiencing domestic abuse home is not always a place of safety.

We know perpetrators will use social isolation as a way to control and harm victims of abuse.

Women and children experiencing domestic abuse may not be able to reach out for support during this time.

Please keep your eyes and ears open
If you are concerned about someone experiencing domestic abuse do not hesitate to phone the police 999.

Scotland's Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline: 08000 27 1234 or visit their website.
Dundee Women's Aid Support Line, 01382 207099
WRASAC Support Line, 01382 201291
Rape Crisis Line, 08088 01 03 02
AMIS free and confidential helpline – 0808 800 0024 (9am to 4pm, weekdays), email support – support@amis.org.uk. We offer high-quality, ongoing support to any man in Scotland that is in an abusive relationship. Men can email us at any time. This is also confidential and preferable for many who cannot call us, including those with hearing impairments. We work with any man who lives in Scotland and is over 16 years old, inclusive of transgender and non-heterosexual men. Anyone concerned about a man can also use our services to get information and advice.
Revenge Porn Helpline, 03456 000459
Modern Slavery Helpline, 08000 121 700
Shakti Women's Aid, 01382 207095
Amina Helpline for Muslim Women, 0808 801 0301
LGBT Helpline Scotland, 0300 123 2523
Men's Advice Line, 0808801 0327

Out of Hours Service

Contact outwith daytime hours can be directed to:

Social Work Out of Hours Service, Tel 01382 307999 (evenings between 4.45pm and 9am, and weekends).

Safeguarding Adults

We want to make sure that the most vulnerable people are safe during the current situation.

Here are some things to think about if you are offered, or need, support during this time.

Use existing and trusted community groups
If not, could a family member, friend or neighbour who you know and trust help?

Not sure? Don't answer the door
If you're not sure about an offer of help, ask the person to leave details and talk to someone your trust about it.

You can reach the First Contact Team
Call 01382 434019 if you need support or you feel unsafe. In an emergency call 999.

Safeguarding Children

The people of Dundee need to be on the lookout for vulnerable children.

We want to make sure that the most vulnerable people are safe during the current situation.

Schools and nurseries in Dundee play a central role in contributing to the safety of all local children, especially those who may be at risk of abuse and neglect.

When children are not at school we do not see them as often and this can make it more difficult to make sure that they are safe. A range of services are still available to support and protect children who may be at risk of harm.

If you are concerned for the welfare of a child please contact the Dundee Child Protection Line on 01382 307999, call the police on 101 or visit Dundee Child Protection Committee's website and report a concern online.

Information is also available on the new Child Protection Scotland website.

Substance Use

Integrated Substance, Tel 01382 632542
Visit NHS Inform Substance Misuse Service webpage.
We Are With You (formerly Addaction), Tel 01382 206888
Hillcrest (Cairn Centre), Tel 01382 200532.

COVID-19 and mental health

The outbreak of COVID-19 can be very stressful for all of us. Fear and anxiety about the disease can be overwhelming, adapting to a limited public life is anything but easy. Have a read through the resources on the Mental Health Foundation's website to manage stress and anxiety better.

Tayside mental health and wellbeing resources and support

Many people will experience an increase in mental health symptoms throughout this coronavirus outbreak due to the impacts of:

quarantine,
financial difficulties and uncertainty,
social isolation, and
anxiety about potential health impacts of COVID-19.

These are likely to be higher among people with existing mental health conditions, financial worries, frontline workers or those with underlying health issues¹.

However anyone can be affected and experience symptoms such as low mood, insomnia, anxiety, irritability, poor concentration and stress.

Therefore it is important that we all look after our mental health and wellbeing during this time.

The following resources offer useful information and advice as well as direct support. It is not a complete list and will be updated regularly.

General

NHS Inform – hosts a wealth of advice on symptoms, social distancing, caring for a cough or fever, as well as how to look after your mental wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic
Ready Scotland – useful information to help you to stay safe and well during the coronavirus outbreak. Includes information on helping in your community, how to provide practical help and emotional support, where to find additional support and advice for community groups

Local services

Local mental health and wellbeing support services are continuing to support existing clients via telephone and online. If possible, email or check for updates on Facebook. Phone messages will be checked as often as possible.

Penumbra Dundee Wellness Services
People can get in touch with general enquiries via: dundee.nova@penumbra.org.uk or dundee.carers@penumbra.org.uk
01382 223487 (messages are being picked up daily Monday-Friday)
General updates will be posted on Facebook www.facebook.com/penumbradundee/

Penumbra Angus Wellbeing Services
Enquiries and referrals can be made via: angus.nova@penumbra.org.uk
Angus Peer Service – telephone appointments can be booked through GP Practices
Angus Suicide Prevention Service –telephone and email support (Monday to Friday 9am-5pm). Contact aspss@penumbra.org.uk or 0800 135 7899
General updates posted on Facebook www.facebook.com/penumbraangus/

Community Listening Service (Tayside wide)
The Community Listening Service has moved to a telephone listening service during the coronavirus outbreak. Anyone in Tayside can contact the listening service – phone or text 0796 777 1941 – to arrange a telephone appointment.

Drug and alcohol services

We Are With You (formerly Addaction) are offering online and telephone support. Free confidential support to people experiencing issues with drugs, alcohol or mental health (online and telephone service).

Tayside Council on Alcohol (TCA) - contact can be made via:
Email: enquiries@alcoholtayside.com and
Facebook: www.facebook.com/alcoholtayside
Phone (leave a message):

Perth 01738 580336
Dundee 01382 456012
Angus 01241 872989

SMART Recovery – online SMART meetings

Online support

Tayside

Cool2Talk - This is a confidential place and 121 counselling service for young people aged between 12 and 26 to freely ask questions about things that are affecting them.

Suicide? Help! – an information app for people who are thinking about suicide or worried about someone else. As well as providing information about suicide, such as how to get help and what signs to look for in others, this app provides details of relevant local services.

Money Worries? – This app is a comprehensive resource which points people to the right help in a crisis. Search for 'Money Worries? Find the right help in a crisis' on the app stores.

National

Living Life to the Full - a free life skills course teaching how to tackle and respond to issues or demands in everyday life. Includes specific wellbeing advice related to Coronavirus for adults, young people and their parents and health workers.

Beating the Blues - a computer based self-help programme which uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for people experiencing mild to moderate depression or anxiety. Available in Tayside via GP referral.

Headspace - Using proven meditation and mindfulness techniques, Headspace helps its users to train their minds, to experience benefits including less stress, better sleep, focus and improved relationships (Headspace are offering more free functions during the Coronavirus crisis) Also available as an app.

Moodscope – an online tool to track wellbeing day-to-day, increasing awareness of the causes of our ups and downs. There is the option of sharing with a nominated online support ‘buddy’.

Helplines and advice

Breathing Space - 0800 83 85 87 - listening advice and information for people feeling low, stressed or anxious.

Samaritans – 116 123, email: jo@samaritans.org – provides 24 hour confidential emotional support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide.

SANE – 0300 304 7000 – offers emotional support and information to anyone who is worried about their own mental health, or a concerned family member, friend or professional.

CALM – 0800 58 58 58 – helpline and webchat dedicated to preventing male suicide.

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide – 0300 111 5065, email: email.support@uksobs.org – exists to meet the needs and break the isolation of those bereaved by suicide.

Shout – Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 for free 24/7 text based support for anyone in crisis, struggling to cope and in need of immediate help.

Drug use helpline (Know the Score – confidential information and advice online and by telephone) – 0333 230 9468.

Alcohol helpline (Drinkline Scotland – alcohol helpline for anyone worried about their own or someone else’s drinking) – 0300 123 1110

Domestic abuse helpline (Domestic Violence Helpline – confidential support from highly trained female advisors) – 0800 027 1234

Rape Crisis Scotland helpline (Rape Crisis Scotland – confidential support, advice and information. For anyone, women and men, affected by sexual violence no matter when or how it happened) – 08088 01 03 02

Bereavement helpline (Cruse Bereavement Care) – 0845 600 2227 – offers support to people who have lost someone close.

LGBT health and wellbeing helpline (LGBT Helpline Scotland – information and emotional support) – 0300 123 2523

Parents helpline (Parentline Scotland – tips, advice and support for parents) – 08000 28 22 33

Mental health national websites

Clear Your Head - Resources and tips to help look after yourself if you feel things are getting on top of you.

SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) – Hub of information and guidance about looking after your mental health as the coronavirus developments continue.

Samaritans – compiled resources and information for people worried about their mental health during the coronavirus outbreak.

Mind – information on coronavirus and your wellbeing, including useful checklists to help people to prepare for and cope with social isolation.

Mental Health Foundation – information on looking after your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak.

Young Scot - find out more about what’s happening and the simple steps you can take to help prevent catching COVID-19 and spreading to others. Also find out more about what you can do if you are feeling anxious and worried, and how you can support others in your community.

Young Minds – support for young people and parents who are struggling with news about coronavirus. Information for parents on talking to their children about coronavirus.

COSLA – advice for supporting children and young people during COVID-19

References

1. The Lancet

Mental health self-help guides

NHS Mental wellbeing audio guides:
Listen to a series of mental wellbeing audio guides from Dr Chris Williams to help you boost your mood. Topics include: Low mood, sadness and depression, anxiety control training, overcoming sleep problems, low confidence and assertiveness, and unhelpful thinking. You can listen to them privately, in your own time, to help you through feelings such as anxiety or a low mood.

Moodjuice
This site is designed to help you think about emotional problems and work towards solving them. Emotional problems are often the mind and body’s way of saying that something needs to be changed in our life.

nhsinform.scot: Mental health self-help guides

Depression: Work through a self-help guide for depression that uses cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
Anxiety: Work through a self-help guide for anxiety that uses cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
Problem solving self-help guide: It's easy to feel overwhelmed by problems, particularly if you're experiencing mental health difficulties. Work through a self-help guide for problem-solving that uses cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

What you can do to help in your community

If you are able, you can be a great source of support and relief to other members of your community by looking out for them and for each other to help contain the spread of the virus and support those at most risk.

You can take some simple steps yourself, by:

checking up on neighbours;
offering to help with dropping off supplies or medicines;
and providing a friendly ear and emotional support to those who are self-isolating, or who do not have a network of family or friends close by.

Please always ensure you are complying with the national guidance on social distancing to help prevent the spread of the virus. Volunteer to help in your community

Dundee Volunteer and Voluntary Action is co-ordinating a list of local volunteers. To register your interest, email volunteer@dvva.scot

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Support and Testing

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