Hft support during the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic

As a charity that provides vital support services for some of the most vulnerable adults in our society, we’d like to reassure everyone that our staff teams continue to work hard to provide a consistent level of services, in line with official guidance issued by government and the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

We are mindful of the need to be agile and responsive so we can protect the safety of both our staff, and the people we support – many of whom not only rely on the services we provide but have found yourselves among the group who are most at risk.

Hft has a dedicated committee who meet virtually regularly to work through the latest advice from the government, keep staff updated and to secure the health and wellbeing of both our colleagues and you. 

We continue to do all we can to ensure you and your families are given the vital support you need.

Visiting our services

We know how difficult the pandemic has been for you and your families, so we welcome the removal of restrictions. We’re pleased to confirm that people we support can have ‘named visitors’ who will be able to enter the service for regular visits. There is no limit on the number of ‘named visitors’ but visitors will need to comply with the service’s testing, PPE and social distancing requirements. As always, your safety, our staff teams, and family members are at the heart of everything we do.

Please do contact our services if you would like to arrange a visit.

Covid-19 vaccinations

You will have heard in the news that, on 15 March 2022, the government cancelled vaccination as a condition of deployment in health and social care.

Although not required by law, we encourage our staff, people we support, family, friends, and visitors to be fully vaccinated, to help keep everyone safe.

Our staff teams also continue to keep the PPE and infection control measures in place that have been so effective in protecting the vulnerable people we support throughout the pandemic, in line with government guidelines.

Guidance and information

• For family carers of people with learning disabilities who are looking for support and information, please contact our Family Carer Support Service.

You can download a copy of the My Feelings resource referenced in the Looking after our feelings video at www.hft.org.uk/myfeelings 

Supporting Hft

There are many ways you can support people with learning disabilities through this challenging time.

• If you would like to support your local Hft service, please contact the regional office to find out how you might be able to help out.
• Alternatively, please do take a look at the Get involved pages of our website for more information on how you can support our charity at this difficult time.
• You can also make a donation to help support our work to ensure people with learning disabilities get access to the services they need.

What’s next?

Please be assured that Hft staff will be working to continue to deliver the same excellent levels of care that we would under normal circumstances. For families of the people we support, please visit the Families section of our website for more information on how we’re supporting people throughout the pandemic, and the latest family newsletter updates.