Mental health

[paulhollywoodshairgel]

My sister lives a good 4 hour drive from me (also in a tier 2) I'm very scared for her mental health at the moment (not related to covid) she lives with her husband who is WFH. In the past it's helped her to come and stay with me. We are already in a bubble with my dad. Can you change bubbles so that she can come here? I know my dad wouldn't mind. I feel at the moment she is in genuine crisis. Any advice welcome. The gov website is just making me dizzy at the moment!

I don't think it is allowed as she has a partner, but having experience of mental health issues in relatives i know how worrying it is and how their mental health can hit crisis point.
Is it the fact her husband working from home making it worse, how is he supporting her?

You can't change bubbles but you can see people you are not in a bubble with for medical care reasons. Would this fall under that?

If your sister is in crisis then go and get her. In the incredibly unlikely chance that you get stopped by the police, explain as you have here. They will not stop you going to get her.

Health emergencies are a valid exception to the guidelines, and this is a health emergency.

Honestly...and I am a big rule follower in COVID times...if you feel she's having a genuine mental health crisis just do what you have to do.

I don't think many would blame you for it at all.

(although I do wonder why her DP isn't supporting her?)

There is a clause that means you can 'break the rules' if you are concerned about someone's safety. Technically, you can't change bubbles and swap your bubble with your dad for one with her, but, if you are genuinely concerned that not having her stay with you puts her at risk, you can do it.

You can't change bubbles

You can change bubbles, but you need to have a ten day gap between your old bubble and your new one (and fulfil the usual criteria).

If your DSis is in genuine crisis, do you need to contact a MH crisis team on her behalf to obtain help for her? If not but she is still in a bad way, go and get her. No need to change your support bubble. There are exemptions for those in need of care.

He is very supportive of her in all things I should've said. But to the point where I think HE needs some support as well. He's an absolute gem in fact. Patience of a saint thrown in! I think I just feel so powerless so far away. I think of things escalate any further I'll just drive there and face the consequences if any.

Thank you for all your replies by the way

What consequences are you expecting? Just go and do it.

I have had to support my DP through very serious MH health issues so can relate to the stress her partner is probably in, go and get her.