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:
Asthma UK – Read the useful guide for people suffering from Asthma
British Lung Foundation – Specific advice for people with lung conditions including COPD
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
Diabetes UK – See all the latest information for people with diabetes
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
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 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.