Will this be allowed?

[Lissy23]

I am in a local lockdown area and from tomorrow I’m not allowed to mix in private homes or gardens with another household.

I have been struggling with my mental health since before Iockdown and I’ve had bad PND. My DS is now nearly 2 and it’s not improving. I was on the waiting list for therapy before Covid, but I haven’t heard anything yet. I’ve been suicidal and have regular panic attacks. My DP works 5 days a week, leaves at 7:30 and gets home gone 5pm. I’ve been going to my in laws regularly (before the local lockdown, to keep both safe and sane and so I’m not alone with my thoughts with a toddler. My parents live 200 miles away.
I don’t think I’ll be able to manage if I don’t go to my in laws regularly.
They have said they’re happy to form a support bubble, even though neither of us are a single household.
I have spoken to a local mental health charity who I’m in constant contact with about it and they said they’ll back me up if I need it.
I have spoken to my GP about how I’m feeling too and they have it on record.

I just don’t want to get a criminal record or a fine or for my in laws to get into trouble. But I honestly don’t think I’ll make it to the other side of this if not.

Bump

Could you move in with them temporarily?

Unfortunately not, I couldn’t move in, they don’t have space.

Is there an exemption to visit someone for health reasons, surely you would fall within that criteria?

Is meeting up in public places still allowed where you are?

I also used to go to playgroups etc but they’ve all gone now.

I’d only be seeing them as one household, no other household indoors.

I think it you could make a strong argument that it’s a caring relationship, with your in laws helping you to manage your mental health struggles.

It would be very harsh for anyone to object to this.

Well we don't know what the rules are going to change to but you clearly (and therefore your dc too) have a need for this contact and unless your dp can help more I don't think you've much choice.

You can meet them as often as you want in the park or a cafe any public place. Be nice for your daughter too to be out doing things.

Think there is an exemption for care and assistance to a vulnerable person, so you may fall within that.

Can you meet them outdoors? That would be far better than indoors and would mean you still have contact.

“ Well we don't know what the rules are going to change to”

I think the OP does because she is in a local lockdown area

OP I am certain that this falls within support/care for a vulnerable person. I am in a similar situation and in your shoes would continue the contact.

Op isn't there an exemption for providing care? I think it's been there from the very start xx

@AldiAisleofCrap

You can meet them as often as you want in the park or a cafe any public place. Be nice for your daughter too to be out doing things.

If op is in the North East or similar then no she can't. Op, can you build in some structure so you could demonstrate if asked how they are providing care? So for example they watch the baby while you sleep, you then discuss your mood, you then tell them any positive things you did yesterday (exercise, eating healthily) and what you plan to do today? I may be talking bollocks but I'd argue them doing those things is providing care.

I’m sure it would be ok to carry on. They said yesterday it was still ok for grandparents to continue providing childcare, so for your mental health you would be wise continuing to see them in a support bubble.

Childcare is allowed. And caring for a vulnerable adult is allowed. So carry on visiting the in laws - Your mental health is every bit as important as someone else’s physical health.

I'm sure I heard there is exemption for caring duties.

Grandparents are now allowed to do informal childcare.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-54240681