Hi, I really liked your post because it gives a personal opinion and an individual experience. That's the point really, we are all in completely different circumstances, different ages/jobs/priorities/financial and so on. One size does not fit all and it's good to see things from the perspective of others, thank you. x
Thankyou for your kind comment which I've only just seen,its been a strange few days! There are so many ripples with how this virus affects people both physically and emotionally. Sometimes it just hits me what a complex process it would be for any government. Groups of people are and will suffer terribly. The concept of shielding was a scary one and I think the limitations placed on those who were shielded probably gave the best indication of how dangerous this virus can be. I think the early news footage of the extent to which countries ahead of us were disinfecting public areas made me feel this was no ordinary flu. In February a friend and I wanted to book a holiday in Italy. She was very keen to go at the end of March, she felt the virus was nothing to worry about ,but I managed to persuade her the end of September. Not going to happen. I bought my travel insurance when we booked and it covers Covid,apparently now it wont if people do travel.
I think quite a few people were surprised at not being included in the shielding group,especially as initially the government stated that everyone in receipt of the flu jab would need to isolate for 12 weeks. It must have been a complex process deciding who should be included and sometimes people have been added or taken off as more is understood. I did wonder if diabetes were not included as they were such a large group. Maybe the government thought there would be too high a demand on voluntary resources. Of course even amongst diabetics there is a vast range of risks depending on comorbidities. I think if I was shielded the apparent advice from August to get back out their would be terrifying. Of course it's not quite that brutal mute Boris and read the fine print and it will be down to the shielded or their carers to negotiate with their healthcare professionals as to whether they individually should return to work/school etc. Of course any financial support via SSP or furlough will disappear. SSP can be accessed via fit note if your GP thinks its warranted. I am beginning to realise that just being categorized as shielded may offer some protection especially when negotiating with employers.
I know their are concerns about diabetic childeren returning to school. I may be wrong but I'm sure Gov.uk says their is little risk so they can return. That of course is debatable as to whether enough known. Parents certainly shouldn't be fined. However once again you see the ripple affect. What happens if the child does remain at home but employers insist the parent returns to work. What if it's the parent who is vulnerable? What's happening to individuals with learning disabilities, dementia,those who struggle with mental health who attend day centres and their carers? I worked in a day centre for 30 years and so I am very aware of the challenges faced by carers and service users. Day centres are shut for the foreseeable future but I know the staff are working desperately hard supporting people as much as they can. My late father was diagnosed with dementia in 2010 and I saw first hand how sevices were decimated by the time of his death.
There is tremendous concern about the mental wellbeing of childeren and young people. Yet again support services cut to the bone.
For 18 months I worked in research and campaigns for the Citizens Advice. Fantastic organisation and a job I'd always wanted. When funding meant my role absorbed elsewhere I was to be honest relieved. For anyone who has seen I daniel Blake and thinks its exaggeration it isnt, maybe everything wouldnt happen to one person but I personally came across every scenario. Add to that homelessness, housing shortages,unscrupulous employers breaking as many rules as they could get away with, zero hours contracts, rising child poverty. The icing on the cake was Universal Credit a brilliant way to make those already suffering suffer more. Dont even get me started on PIP.
So the services that are needed to support people ,the safety net,is pretty much on its last legs before the pandemic. For the past ten years I've been shaken on how little people seemed to care about it. Of course on the whole we dont pay a lot of attention unless we need something. If the economic forecast is true and we have an unprecedented recession a lot of people are in for a bit of a shock. Need childcare because grandparents cant do it,or have realised after having a break maybe they dont want to. Good luck with that. Employer not complying with being Covid Safe? Fewer places have Union reps in workplace and to be totally honest they can give advice but usually pretty toothless. In current situation have to experience the risk and report to HSE who also been affected by cutbacks. Zero hour contracts ,reduction in workers rights. Unemployed? 5 week wait for UC although they will offer a loan but this will place you in debt before you start. Rent caps mean you will find it hard to find somewhere to rent that you can afford. Housed by council? In Dorset even those with the highest need of accommodation due to health needs faced up to 5 years wait for suitable accommodation. It's all quite grim and all the individual can do is start to arm themselves with as much information as possible. If your not in one join a Union, they cant work miracles but gives some protection. Citizens advice are excellent. Their website is a source of excellent information. Face to face support isnt happening at the moment but you can call Advice Line or email them. They cant answer legal questions but can point you in direction of solicitors who offer free advice for half an hour. Turn to Us and Entitled to can offer benefit calculators and Advice on debt. Shelter for housing problems and debt. In general whatever problem CAB can point you to someone who can help. Everyone's circumstances are different and sometimes problems can seem totally overwhelming but in these difficult times there are people who can help and often just the act of acknowledging and sharing the problem really helps. Even in dark times theres always help,and hope if you know where to look.