Support and Testing

Update 7th December 2020

Eligibility for the Self Isolation Support Scheme was expanded on 7 December 2020 to include; 

1. parents or primary carers of children required to isolate; and 
2. applicants who would ordinarily have an underlying eligibility for Universal Credit (based on earnings prior to the self-isolation request period); who experience a reduction in earnings as a result of being asked to self-isolate.  

The scheme will last until 31 March 2021. Backdated applications (28 September – 6 December) from applicants who would qualify for the SISG following changes made on the 7 December are not currently being accepted. There will be no scope for retrospective revisions of decisions involving those who would have been eligible prior to 7 December had the changes been in place then. 

From 12 October 2020 the Council’s Scottish Welfare Fund will be administering the Scottish Government Self Isolation Support Grants.

The purpose of the grant is to assist people on low incomes to self-isolate and in doing so prevent the spread of COVID-19. This should support people to be able to meet the Test & Protect Service's requirement for them to self-isolate during the 10 day period. 

You may be eligible for a £500 payment if you meet the following criteria:

• You have been required by the Test and Protect Service to self-isolate as a result of COVID-19, either because they have tested positive for coronavirus, have recently been in close contact with someone who has tested positive or are awaiting a test result;
• are employed or self-employed;
• are unable to work from home and will experience reduced earnings as a result; and
• are currently receiving ,or has been awarded but not yet received a payment of:
  •  Universal Credit;
  • Working Tax Credit;
  • Income-based Employment and Support Allowance;
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance;
  • Income Support;
  • Housing Benefit; and/or 
  • Pension Credit.

Grants are paid per eligible person, not per household, therefore a couple who both meet the eligibility criteria for a grant will be paid £500 each.

You will need to provide evidence to verify your application prior to an award being made.

Evidence requirements

• Evidence that the Test & Protect Service has requested that you self-isolate,
• Proof that you are in receipt of one of the qualifying benefits listed above,
• A bank statement,
• Proof of employment/self-employment and that you cannot undertake your job/run your business without social contact or from home.
• Proof that your pay/income will reduce as a result of having to self-isolate.

Read the Self Isolation Support Grant Frequently Asked Questions.

For those who do not meet the criteria for a Self Isolation Support Grant but who are experiencing financial hardship and are unable to meet your daily living expenses, you may be entitled to a Crisis Grant. Apply to the Scottish Welfare Fund or find out more.

Apply for Self Isolation Support

(Note that the application process will also ask if you need any help with obtaining food, medication or other support required as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic)

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

The drive-through Coronavirus Tayside regional testing facility is at Dudhope Castle, Dundee. Access to the site at Dudhope Castle is via Barrack Road in the city centre and the testing site is in the staff car park within the grounds of the castle on the west side. The public car park will be unaffected and will remain operational. The facility is open from 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week.

Anyone with Coronavirus symptoms, however mild, can get a free swab test that takes less than a minute. Tests should be booked or ordered as soon as symptoms begin www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 0300 303 2713.

The facility will provide self-administered tests for the community and anyone who gets a test at the site can expect to receive their results the next day.

In addition, a walk-through Coronavirus testing centre is now open in the centre of Dundee.

The facility is within the Park Place car park on the University of Dundee campus and is operated by Mitie on behalf of the UK Government.

The site operates seven days a week, from 8am to 8pm, and is only for those who don’t have access to a car.

Those who can drive to get tested should continue to use the existing test centre at Dudhope Castle Car Park.

Tests must be booked in advance at www.nhsinform.scot/test-and-protect or by calling 0800 028 2816.

People should only book at test if they have coronavirus symptoms (a high temperature, a new and continuous cough, or a loss or change to their sense of smell or taste).

The Dundee site is the first self-cleaning facility in Scotland. This involves decontaminating each testing cubicle with dry mist between each use - helping to speed up the cleaning process and increase the testing capacity.

View the Frequently Asked Questions

In addition to this, mobile testing units will focus service provision in Angus and Perth & Kinross.

Dates and locations:

If you develop symptoms, you should self-isolate at home straight away along with other members of your household.

Self-isolation means you should remain at home and should not go to work, school, public areas or use public transport. You should not go out to buy food or other essentials. You must stay at home.

Downloadable COVID-19 isolation advice for households

While you are self-isolating, you should: 

• stay at least 2 metres (6 feet, or 3 steps) away from other people in your home
• stay in a different room from other people in your home, ensuring it is well-ventilated
• sleep alone in a separate bed
• spend as little time as possible in shared areas (sitting room, kitchen, bathroom)
• avoid using your kitchen while others are present
• use a separate towel to dry your hands after you wash them; and
• clean your kitchen, bathroom and other surfaces throughout the house every day

You should always:

• wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds regularly, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser if your hands aren’t visibly dirty
• catch your coughs or sneezes in a disposable tissue and put it in the bin, or catch them in the crook of your elbow; and
• avoid touching your face, and especially your mouth, nose or eyes

It will be helpful to think about who you could ask for help to make sure you can stay at home and self-isolate successfully, such as your family, friends or neighbours who could collect food or medicines for you.  You can also often arrange to have repeat prescriptions delivered, and retailers can offer deliveries of food and other essentials.

The app will alert you if you have been in close contact with another app user who tests positive for coronavirus. And if you test positive, it can help in determining contacts that you may have otherwise missed while keeping your information private and anonymous.

Using the Protect Scotland app, along with sticking to current public health measures, will help us to stay safe when we meet up, socialise, work or travel.4

Find out more and download the app at the Protect Scotland website.

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.

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

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.
• 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

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).

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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 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:
Email: dundee.nova@penumbra.org.uk or dundee.carers@penumbra.org.uk
Tel: 01382 223487
General updates will be posted on Facebook

Penumbra Angus Wellbeing Services
Enquiries and referrals can be made by emailing angus.nova@penumbra.org.uk
Angus Peer Service – telephone appointments can be booked through GP Practices
Angus Suicide Prevention Service – telephone and email support aspss@penumbra.org.uk or 0800 135 7899
General updates posted on Facebook

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.

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
Phone (leave a message):

• Perth 01738 580336
• Dundee 01382 456012
• Angus 01241 872989

SMART Recovery – online SMART meetings

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’.

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

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.

References

1. The Lancet

• Managing anger and irritability
• Tips on staying happy
• Being more assertive
• Dealing with negative thinking
• Improving sleep
• Tackling low mood and depression
• 4 steps to problem solving
• Understanding and coping with panic
• Understanding and overcoming worry

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)