In line with Government advice, and in common with other sector providers, Apex Scotland has put into place a range of measures designed to safeguard staff, our service users and the public as much as is possible while the risks of transmitting the coronavirus are significant.
Given the strong advice to reduce personal contact situations, we have put into place home-based working practices and have stopped all group- based work including training until further notice. Everyone already booked on these has been notified and staff have received guidance on changing the nature of their interactions to a media -based approach.
Given the nature of our services it is not possible to set a one size fits all directive, but all staff are aware of the need to minimise contact and to maintain the highest levels of hygiene. Most of our staff are now concentrating on helping our service users manage through this period, especially in terms of accommodation, access to benefits and mental health and addiction issues. Where possible we are looking to provide this through phone contact and long-arm mentoring, as well as acting as advocates for individuals and families. Where necessary some one-to-one meetings will go ahead within the advised parameters, and service users and partners should assume that Apex services will be continuing as far as the restrictions allow us to. This is, of course, influenced by any direct impact on our staff sickness levels and public transport restrictions. We continue to communicate with our partner agencies and funders to ensure that we maintain valuable activity during this time especially the most essential activities such as food banks and supporting the most vulnerable.
Our social enterprise, All Cleaned Up, is equipped and qualified to undertake deep cleans and is on stand-by for any demand for this. Queries about this can be made directly to All Cleaned Up on 0131 453 5033 or 07912076375.
This response will be updated regularly as the advice changes, please stay well and remember to look after your neighbours.