Guides about coronavirus if you are a support worker
Take a look at the headings below and the links to easy read guides underneath.
Lockdown rules
Easy read guide to the lockdown rules in England which came into place in January 2021 (PDF).
Information about the government's plan to move out of lockdown (aka "the roadmap").
Vaccine
See our wepbage about the coronavirus vaccine which includes easy read guides and answers to frequently asked questions.
Financial support
If you live in England and have been told to self-isolate by the NHS Test and Trace app, you may be entitled to a payment of £500 under the Test and Trace Support Payment scheme.
Doing a test
Easy read guide to testing yourself for coronavirus (COVID-19) using a home test kit (PDF).
About coronavirus
What will happen if I get coronavirus (COVID-19)? (PDF)
What to expect from coronavirus (COVID-19) if you live with other people (PDF)
What to expect from coronavirus (COVID-19) if you live on your own (PDF)
Social distancing
About social distancing if you live with other people (PDF)
A guide to the 2 metre and 1 metre plus social distancing rules (PDF)
The government have created these signs that can be used to show the carrier may have difficulties or concerns in maintaining social distancing.
Face coverings
There are different rules for wearing face coverings depending on where you are.
We have created this easy read guide on face coverings rules for people living in England (PDF). (Please see separate guidance for people in Northern Ireland (PDF) and Wales.)
People who do not have to wear a face covering
This guidance explains why some people do not have to wear face coverings (PDF).(For example; because you have a disability that means you cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering, or because it causes severe distress).
If you do not have to wear a face covering, there are cards (sometimes called "exemption cards") that you can take with you when you go out to help explain why, if someone asks you in public. The cards can also be used to ask someone else to remove their face mask or covering so you can understand them better.
Please use these cards if you need them:
Going to work or working from home
How to work safely during the coronavirus pandemic (PDF)
How to make online meetings accessible (PDF)
Traffic light cards to help you communicate in meetings (PDF)
Test and trace
About the NHS Test and Trace application (PDF)
What to do if you are contacted by NHS Test and Trace (PDF)
The NHS have also created easy read posters like this so people know when and how to get a test for coronavirus.
Going to hospital
What may happen if I have to go to hospital because of coronavirus (COVID-19) (PDF)
What may happen if someone I know has to go to hospital because of coronavirus (COVID-19) (PDF)
These guides also explain what may happen when some people get very poorly with coronavirus and die. We have created information about bereavement and going to funerals to help with this.
However, it is very important to remember that this doesn't happen very often. Most people who have coronavirus will get better.
This letter from NHS England and NHS Improvement (PDF) is about the Clinical Frailty Scale and that it should not be used for patients with a learning disability or autism.
You can also see our response to the NICE guidance here.
When you need to go to hospital
Despite coronavirus, hospitals are still open to everyone who may need them.
Leeds Clinical Commissioning Group have made some information and resources to make sure people know that they can still use their local hospital when they need it. This includes an easy read guide (PDF) and animation.
Rights to healthcare
We've created this guide to explains the rights of people with a learning disability when accessing healthcare (PDF) during the coronavirus outbreak.
If you are concerned that someone's needs are not being met speak to the hospital learning disability nurse or safeguarding team.
If you need help, contact the Learning Disability Helpline.
Food shopping
We've created some letters for you to use to contact your local supermarket and find out when their priority shopping hours are, and if they can provide support with your shopping:
Help with shopping letter from a support worker (PDF)
Help with shopping letter from a person with a learning disability (PDF)
Information from other organisations
You might find it useful to take a look at some information and resources relating to coronavirus (COVID-19) from other organisations.
Books Beyond Words are offering free downloads of their resources which are aimed at families and carers of people with a learning disability, including:
Easy read information on protecting people most likely to get very poorly from coronavirus (PDF) (from Public Health England)
Coronavirus guidance for carers (from Carers UK)
These cards are for people to carry with them to help explain why they are not wearing a face covering if someone asks them in public (PDF) (from Keep Safe)
Information about the people who do not have to wear face coverings on public transport (From GOV.uk)
Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for social care: Best interest decisions (Social Care Institute for Excellence)
Talk to us
We know this is a difficult and unusual time. We're here to help.
If you need information or advice you can contact our helpline or if you can, have a chat on our online community
Contact the helpline Go to the online community