Corona virus support - useful links
LOCAL COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES
Cheltenham Borough Council
https://www.cheltenham.gov.uk/coronavirus Also can help with printing requirements for local organisations helping in the Corona virus outbreak, contact: communityservices@cheltenham.gov.uk
Gloucestershire County Council - Community Help Hub People who are able to volunteer to help others during the Corona Virus outbreak can register here and this includes local businesses who can offer help. It is also a way to register yourself, neighbours, or, people in your street who need help and requirements.online at www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/helphub or by calling 01452 583519 Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 5pm
Gloucestershire County Council - Schools advice A dedicated phone line and email address has been set up to help parents with all school related enquiries, including questions relating to Free School Meals. Tel: 01452 426015. Email COVIDSchoolenquiries@gloucestershire.gov.uk
Gloucestershire County Council - concerns about a vulnerable adult of child Adult helpdesk: (01452) 426868 and Children & Families Front Door (Gloucestershire County Council) 01452 426565 or email childrenshelpdesk@gloucestershire.gov.uk
CCP (Community Wellbeing Service) Social Prescribers and Community Well-being Agents can help: In times of change, for example, after redundancy, health issues or retirement, in times of emotional hardship, such as after bereavement, if people are worried about debt, financial or housing issues, if people are lonely or socially isolated, if people don't know where to turn for support, if people would like to volunteer in their community. The service if for those who are 16 and over. They take direct referrals from health professionals including GP surgeries and Integrated Community teams or can be contacted directly by individuals on 0300 365 64 63. www.ccp.org.uk/communitywellbeing - General enquiries email: communitywellbeing@ccp.org.uk and secure referral email: glccg.ccpcommunitywellbeing@nhs.net
Age UK Gloucestershire If any person is worried or has an immediate problem they can contact the Help team on: 01452 422660 Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 4.00 pm. They will prioritise more urgent issues over non-covid-19 enquiries. Website: www.ageukgloucestershire.org.uk
They also provide social isolation support for older people through a new Freephone number for telephone friendship with a staff member or volunteer on: 0800 2980579(9.00 am to 4.00 pm). An out of hospital service for older people recently discharged from hospital: 01452 420937 / 420928
Advice to mutual aid groups on supporting older people safely and effectively, or for individuals who want to offer help: cwalker@ageukgloucestershire.org.uk https://www.ageuk.org.uk/gloucestershire/ourservices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-older-people/
'Greet your Street' – make a cup of tea, open your window or front door and Greet Your Street 11 a.m. every day. Wave, smile or say hello to your neighbours, share a joke, reassurance and stay connected. Just remember to stay 2 metres apart. Essentialinfo@ageukgloucestershire.org.uk
They are also running an online social group which older people can join, get and share info and ideas on staying occupied, there are quizzes and discussion groups https://www.facebook.com/groups/gloucestershirespringboard
Age UK Gloucestershire have also complied a useful directory of local information
https://www.charltonkingsparishcouncil.gov.uk/uploads/62413-age-uk-chelt-info-01-07-2020.pdf
GEM 'Going the Extra Mile' Project for one-to-one support with job search / looking for volunteering / training (including on-line) / cv writing / interview skills etc. The Navigator Developers who work one-to-one with people who are unemployed and have barriers to employment including low confidence, will still be able to support individuals through phone and email contact during this time of Corona Virus outbreak. Tel: 01452 699741 gem@ggtrust.org
Guideposts Stay Connected is a free helpline for anyone worried about themselves or someone else who is in self-isolation or needs support at this time. A call with the Stay Connected helpline gives people the tools and confidence they need to live well during self-isolation, which can include: practical guidance to staying in contact with families and friends; planning for self-isolation including food, shopping and medication; tips on adjusting to self-isolation; advice on what's out there online to help people stay connected with others;advice for carers/family members; a listening ear and a friendly conversation.You can contact Stay Connected: 0800 048 7035 (Monday to Friday 9.00-5.00) or by email: hereinfo@guideposts.org.uk or visit Stay Connected online for resources, information or to make a referral www.guideposts.org.uk/stay-connected
GRCC Volunteering Guidelines: https://www.grcc.org.uk
NCVO Championing Voluntary Action - knnowledge and e-learning for charities, social enterprises and community groups ncvo.org.uk
Neighbourhood Watch Scam Advice and support on keeping yourself and loved ones safe https://www.ourwatch.org.uk
NHS Volunteer Responders Provide a range of volunteers including Community response volunteers (collecting shopping, medication or essential supplies for someone who is self-isolating), Patient transport volunteers (for people who are medically fit coming out of hospital), NHS transport volunteer (taking medical supplies between medical organisations), Check-in and chat volunteers (telephone service), Short-term telephone support volunteers - https://www.goodsamapp.org.uk
MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING
NHS website: mental and physical well-being during Corona virus outbreak www.nhs.org https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters Support on mental well-being whilst staying at home and Corona Virus anxiety tips.
Samaritans Phone free on 116123 Or email: jo@samaritans.org Currently face-to-face appointments are suspended owing to corona virus. The listening service is in full operation.
Swindon and Gloucestershire Mind Offer a wide range of support for mental well-being. Email: alexwellbeing@sgmind.org.uk Tel: (01452) 245338
CRISIS team For working age adults with mental health issues. This is for when mental health deteriorates and you need a higher level of care. Crisis Support contact 0800 169 0398. Can be referred through GP. Emergency contact: 07659 140 000
Youth Work resources https://youthworksupport.co.uk/
NATIONAL GUIDANCE
Current advice from the NHS
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
https://mentalhealth.org.uk/coronavirus
https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/
Latest news from Public Health England (PHE)
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/public-health-england
Latest news from the Government (including job retention scheme)
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
Coronavirus Q&A from the World Health Organisation
https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses
Latest advice on social distancing/isolation from the Government
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people
Guidance for employees, employers and businesses:
The government has issued updated information on healthcare advice for employers and support for businesses. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-employees-employers-and-businesses
Hardship fund:
The government has confirmed a £500 million hardship fund will provide council tax relief for vulnerable households. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-confirms-500-million-hardship-fund-will-provide-council-tax-relief-for-vulnerable-households