Latest coronavirus information for older people and vulnerable people

We’re compiling some useful links to reliable information across the web to help us all during the coronavirus (Covid-19) situation.

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Important information

For information and guidelines from the NHS please visit the UK government website www.gov.uk/coronavirus

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We have used the NHS guide to help us provide links to useful information from many charities and organisations that help people with health conditions listed in the guide.

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Help with food and essential supplies

If you or the person you care for has a medical condition that makes you extremely vulnerable to coronavirus, you can register for help from the government with deliveries of food and essential supplies.

Register for help if you are extremely vulnerable on the government website.

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Please contact us to tell us about any more websites we should be featuring on this page. Thanks.

Information is being regularly updated on many of these websites.

Check the NHS website for advice if you or your family have symptoms

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Local foodbanks – Get the latest information about foodbanks in our area:

Luton Foodbank 

Bedford Foodbank 

Asthma UK – Read the useful guide for people suffering from Asthma

British Lung Foundation – Specific advice for people with lung conditions including COPD

British Heart Foundation – Lots of relevant information for people with a heart or circulatory condition

Kidney Care UK – Advice and guidance for people with kidney conditions

British Liver Trust – Information for people with liver conditions including hepatitis

Parkinsons.org.uk – Regularly updated information for people with Parkinson’s disease

Motor Neurone Disease Association – Not regularly updated information but they do offer a helpline

MS Society – Plenty of valuable information for people with Multiple Sclerosis

Mencap – See the excellent easy read guide about coronavirus from Mencap for people with learning disability

Scope UK – Scope provide a free information line for disabled people including those with cerebral palsy 

Diabetes UK – See all the latest information for people with diabetes

Sickle Cell Society – Read all the latest advice and information for people with sickle cell disorder

The Terrence Higgins Trust – The charity is updating their advice for people with HIV and Aids

Cancer Research UK – Find out about specific guidance for cancer patients

Cystic Fibrosis Trust – This charity provides some very good information for people with cystic fibrosis

NRAS (National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society) – There’s plenty of guidance for people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis

Lupus UK – Read this charity’s advice for people with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

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Help from our local councils

Regularly updated coronavirus information from our local councils:

Regularly updated coronavirus information from Citizens Advice:

Check what benefits you can get.

If you need help paying bills.

If you’re struggling with living costs.

If your employer tells you not to work.

If your partner makes you feel threatened/frightened.


Paying your utility bills

The Money Advice Service – Advice for those struggling to pay your gas or electricity bills

Npower – If you are an Npower customer and are struggling with your utility bills

EDF Energy – If you are an EDF Energy customer and struggling to pay your bills

British Gas Energy Trust – Help with your energy bills regardless of who your supplier is

Affinity Water – Help with your Affinity Water bill

UK Power Networks – Support for vulnerable people in the event of a power cut 

Paying your rent or mortgage

The Money Advice Service – Help available to those with mortgages or paying rent

Help for the self employed

The Money Advice Service – Your rights if you are self employed

Benefits

Gov.uk – Claiming benefits if you find yourself out of work 

Overdrafts/Credit Cards

Moneysavingexpert – Temporary measures to help with overdraft and credit card interest 

Managing your money

The Money Advice Service – Help if you have reduced income/lose your job

Hardship Funds

Turn2Us – The Turn2Us website has a grants search facility alongside it’s benefits calculator

Disability Grants – Grants for disabled people

Glasspool – Grants to ease hardship

Moneysavingexpert – Grants for low income families

Donations

Justgiving.com – If you’d like to help financially and show your support during the coronavirus crisis

The Trussell Trust  – If you can help by donating food or supplies  to a food bank 

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We are here to help

Our hard-working team offers a telephone helpline on 01582 470 900, open Monday to Friday in office hours. Or email us anytime.

During the coronavirus crisis we can help you access reliable health and support information, and also put you in contact with NHS services to get medications delivered.

We are here with a listening ear too, offering emotional support to disabled people, people with long term health conditions, carers and families.

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Can you help?

The National Care Force is a nationwide network of care providers, healthcare workers and volunteers ready to support the most vulnerable during the coronavirus outbreak.  See the The National Care Force website for full details.


 

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