Keep protecting each other Coronavirus Tier 4 - Stay Home There is a new strain of Covid-19 which spreads even faster z Around 1 in 3 people have no symptoms, so will be spreading it without realising z You must not leave home except for specific purposes: food, medical reasons or work z Do not travel unless necessary z Work from home if you can z You can leave home to exercise, by yourself, with your household or support bubble or with one person from another household. z ONLY up to two people can meet in public outdoor spaces z Fresh air can reduce the spread of the virus. If you are indoors, remember to let the fresh air in.
HANDS
FACE
SPACE
This is a fast changing situation. The most up to date information will always be available at www.gov.uk/coronavirus
Update on COVID-19 vaccinations
Foodbanks
The roll-out of the new COVID-19 vaccine has begun, with those at most risk being offered the vaccine first. Vaccinations will be offered in a range of settings as supplies become available. Look out for updates online or from your GP. www.selondonccg.nhs.uk/what-we-do/covid-19
Bexley Foodbank
Winter Fuel Payment Most people born before 5 October 1954 are entitled to the Winter Fuel Payment to help with heating costs. Call 0800 731 0214 or visit www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment or www.ageuk.org.uk/winter for more tips and advice.
Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme The Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme, which runs until 31 January 2021, pays £500 to eligible residents on low incomes if you are told to self isolate. Find out if you are eligible and apply at www.bexley.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19 under the ‘Help and Information’ section. If you do not have internet access, please call 020 8068 1225.
07932 431350 between 10am and 4pm https://bexley.foodbank.org.uk or email info@bexley.foodbank.org.uk Slade Green Food Bank
07538 300768 or email sladegreenbiglocal@outlook.com
Healthy Start vouchers If you are 10 weeks pregnant or have children under the age of four and receive income support you could qualify for free vouchers every week www.healthystart.nhs.uk/healthystart-vouchers/do-i-qualify
Debt advice Citizens Advice Bureau - www.bexleycab.org.uk Christians Against Poverty - www.capuk.org StepChange Debt Charity - www.stepchange.org Shelter gives practical housing advice and support online, in person and by phone www.shelter.org.uk 0344 515 2000
Looking out for each other
Community Champions
Why not contact an elderly neighbour and check they are okay? If you know someone who isn’t online, please share local information that they might not have seen. Is there anyone you know who might be feeling isolated and lonely that you could call and brighten their day?
Are you active in your community? We have created a network of nearly 400 Community Champions to help us keep people safe, reassured and supported in these uncertain times.
Isolation Help Bexley
Visit www.bexley.gov.uk/community-champions to find out more and join them.
Isolation Help Bexley is a group of over 800 residents who volunteered and came together in response to COVID-19. They support the elderly and vulnerable, particularly those with no digital footprint, by carrying out tasks such as collecting prescriptions, buying a newspaper or walking a dog. www.isolationhelpbexley.com or call 0333 050 9227.
Useful contacts Domestic or sexual abuse
If you are concerned for anyone due to domestic abuse you can report this anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. If you need support the organisations below can provide advice and help. Solace Women’s Aid Solace Duty Line - 020 3198 4659 (9am to 5pm) Email bexley.community@solacewomensaid.org www.bexleydomesticabuseservices.org.uk National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000 247 (24 hours)
Carers’ Support (Bexley) provides emotional support for carers, including someone to talk to, advice and information about other services. Call Carers’ Support (Bexley) on 020 8302 8011 or email info@carerssupport.org
Staying healthy
It is important that anyone who needs medical attention still receives it during the pandemic and that you turn up for hospital or doctor appointments. The NHS 111 telephone service can help if you have an urgent medical problem and you’re not sure what to do. In an emergency always call 999. Visit www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/ nhs-services/urgent-and-emergency-care
Keeping children and adults safe If you have concerns about the safety of a vulnerable adult, child or young person, please contact the Council -
Adults - call us on 020 8303 7777 Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm and ask for ‘screeners’ or email screeners@bexley.gov.uk
Visit www.bexley.gov.uk/ coronavirus-covid-19 (under the Help and information section)
Children and young people - call 020 3045 5440, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, or 020 8303 7777 or 020 8303 7171 for out of hours (5pm to 9am Monday to Friday and 24 hour cover at weekends). In an emergency always call 999.
Our Coronavirus helpline 020 3045 5398 can also help you access support if your existing network is unavailable because of the pandemic
Mental health
Sign up to our weekly enewsletter at www.bexley.gov.uk/newsupdates
Mind in Bexley - 0808 196 3896 www.mindinbexley.org.uk Every mind matters www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters