Last updated 25 March 2020
Background
Following the most recent Government advice, SMART is rapidly adapting service delivery to ensure we are able to continue supporting service users in the safest way possible. There have been a number of changes to our normal service provision.
Current Service Provision
Homelessness Services
Following the latest government advice, we are in the process of closing the Somewhere Safe to Stay Hubs in Milton Keynes and Bedford and we are working with local authorities to obtain hotel accommodation for our registered rough sleepers in these areas. This will enable our service users to self-isolate and keep safe.
Under the same advice, we have temporarily closed the SMART Prebend Centre to visitors.
SMART is working hard to implement immediate measures to continue supporting our rough sleeping and homeless service users throughout this period. We will post new information on our website as changes to services are made.
COVID-19 Advice for Homeless_Rough Sleepers
Please contact services on the numbers below with any queries:
Milton Keynes Somewhere Safe to Stay Hub: 01908 983270
Bedford Somewhere Safe to Stay Hub: 01234 866044
SMART Prebend Day Centre: 01234 365955
Substance Misuse Services
Wokingham Drug and Alcohol Service for Adults and Young People
Following government advice for people to Stay at Home, our staff in Wokingham are making contact with our service users by telephone to provide continuous support through this challenging time
For clients with ongoing prescribing needs, there is no need for you to attend a prescribing clinic unless you have been explicitly asked to. If you have any questions regarding your prescription or ongoing needs, please talk to your Recovery Worker about the arrangements that have been made for you.
Please contact the Wokingham office with any queries on 01189 772022
SMART Howard House Residential Detoxification Unit
SMART Howard House is currently closed to new admissions until further notice. Staff are putting additional measures in place to protect existing residents and prevent transmission of Covid-19 from staff and community visitors. This means that visitors to the unit have been restricted, including sub-contractors and family and friends. We are working with residents to ensure they continue to receive safe and effective care.
Please contact SMART Howard House with any queries on 01865 200955
We are working hard to keep our services safe
Rest assured that we are continually updating our information and ensuring a safe environment for our service users, staff, suppliers, sub-contractors and volunteers.
Be aware of the symptoms
The following symptoms may develop in the 14 days after exposure to someone who has Covid-19 infection:
- A cough
- A high temperature
- Shortness of breath
What to do if you think you have the virus:
- If you suspect you may have contracted the Covid-19 infection, you SHOULD NOT attend a SMART CJS service without first accessing advice and calling and speaking to the SMART CJS team
- Call NHS 111
- DO NOT go directly to your GP or other healthcare environment
- Take the ONLINE TEST
- Access general advice from the NHS about what to do and how best to minimize spread
Keep up to date
Key information from the government:
What’s the best way to prevent the spread of covid-19?
- If you have accommodation, then stay at home
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser. This is particularly important after taking public transport
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in a bin
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in the home and work environment
Additional resources
- Diabetes UK has provided an updated information pagefor people living with diabetes.
- Asthma UK has released a blog post with advice for people with asthma.
- The British Heart Foundation has published guidance for people with health problems.
- The Cystic Fibrosis Trust, Primary Immunodeficiency UKand the Mental Health Foundation have all issued advice and support.