In response to the evolving COVID-19 situation, we wanted to update you with what we’re doing here at Youthlife, as this is clearly a worrying time for many parents, carers and young people. Youthlife understands the trust you place in us to deliver services for children and young people and we take this responsibility very seriously.

As of this morning Monday 15^th March, appointments are going ahead as planned. We are closed tomorrow for St.Patrick’s Day. There will be a further update on Wednesday 18^th regarding appointments and services.

We want to reassure you that the safety and wellbeing of clients and colleagues is always our top priority. We’re carefully following the advice from the Public Health Agency and WHSCT during the current COVID-19 outbreak.

Children and young people who do not have additional health issues are not a high risk group for the virus and it’s important that we do not add to our children’s anxiety at this time. However, we all have to think about the wider family circle of our service-users, especially the risk to older people, those with reduced immunity and those with underlying health conditions.

Following the current Public Health guidance, Youthlife has instructed all staff to stay away from work if they have a new cough, fever or sore throat. Any staff member who has been in contact with someone who has been self-isolated due to any of these symptoms will also be instructed to stay off work for a period of 7 days.

We do not have any staff members who have recently returned from any of the affected countries abroad.

We have introduced additional cleaning and disinfecting throughout the premises. We will ensure that all counsellors remain at least two metres away from their clients during therapy sessions. We will monitor the official guidance carefully and give you further updates as the situation develops.