CORONAVIRUS Update v 5 – 8th April 2021

Given the current progress in the reduction in Covid cases nationally and in the borough of Guildford we have reverted to our guidance to volunteers that applied in October 2020. This allows volunteers to conduct visits in the home, where both the family and volunteer are happy with this and after completing a detailed checklist. Volunteers will support families via weekly phone /text /videocalls etc, where indoor or outdoor visits are not possible.

When a new family is referred to Home-Start Guildford (or contacts us directly), we will complete the first stages of the assessment by phone. Then, if the family wish to do so (and subject to confirmation that no-one in the family is unwell or displaying Covid-19 symptoms) a staff member will visit the family and have a conversation outside, or inside if safe to do so, with the appropriate checklist completed.

Our Pirbright family group continue to meet indoors on Tuesday mornings in the Jubilee Community Hall, with Covid safety procedures in place and a maximum of 15 parents, as detailed in the current legislation. We are pleased to be opening a new family group at the Guildford Family Centre, Hazel Avenue, Bellfields at the end of April.

We would encourage you to continue to refer suitable families. You can be assured that we will do our best to provide them with support in ways which are helpful and fully compliant with current government guidelines.

Please contact us via the usual office number 01483 511181 from 9am- 4:30pm, if you wish to discuss making a referral or support for your family. Alternatively, please check our website www.hsguildford.org.uk

With warmest wishes,

The Home-Start Guildford Team
8th April 2021