Since the outbreak of COVID-19 and implementation of social distancing measures, we have utilised social media and telephone support to maintain connection with vulnerable individuals and families.

In a very short period of time, we have experienced significant increases in the number of families who are in need of intensive personalised support. 

Requests for assistance have been received from regions including The Black Country, Birmingham and Cheshire, in addition to increases in referrals from across the Sub-Anglia region where we are based.

Since lockdown was initiated; Athena has been involved in delivering urgent, solution focused strategies for families and Carers who have been pushed into crises due to the severity of their socio-economic situations combined with reductions of essential health and social care services.

Our direct experience and reports across the Country show exceptional consequences for many families due to the inflexibility and requirements for sameness that are a common characteristic of the learning needs their children or cared for present.

Athena is currently engaged in supporting families in crises via telephone and email support, and through the development of bespoke support plans, learning strategies and compiling activity resources that can help to mitigate the challenges of social isolation.