Local organising to support the most vulnerable in our communities

What you need to do

Use the quick NHS coronavirus status checker to tell us about your current experience of the virus.

This provides information around a range of help and support services, including specialist domestic abuse services, mental health support, and parenting.

Living with a severe mental illness can be challenging, and the current coronavirus pandemic could create additional problems. Rethink are here to help you ease or overcome some of these problems.

Find information and tips for managing your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak (also known as COVID-19).

You might be worried about coronavirus (COVID-19) and how it could affect your life. This may include having to stay at home and avoid other people.This might feel difficult or stressful. But there are lots of things you can try that could help your wellbeing. 

If you’re worried about the impact of coronavirus on your mental health, you are not alone. The COVID-19 pandemic is a new and uncertain time for all of us and will affect our mental health in different ways. However you are feeling right now is valid. Find here advice on things you can do to keep mentally healthy during this time.  

Domestic abuse isn’t always physical – it’s a pattern of controlling, threatening and coercive behaviour, that can also be emotional, economic, psychological or sexual. Abuse is a choice a perpetrator makes and isolation is already used by many perpetrators as a tool of control. If you need help recognising the signs of abuse, you can find information and resources on www.refuge.org.uk.

We know that this is a difficult and worrying time for everyone – but particularly so for adults and children living with abuse, and the professionals working hard to support them. On this site are sharing resources to help support you through this time, and more will be added as things progress.

“Covid-19 does not cause domestic abuse, only abusers are responsible for their actions.”

Protecting children during the Covid-19 outbreak

Helping men escape domestic abuse.

When victims are forced to stay in the home or in close proximity to their abuser more frequently, the perpetrator can use any tool to exert power and control over the victim. We need to remember that abusers aren’t always intimate partners, they could be adult children, siblings or step-family too. 

If you would like help, please reach out for support in any safe way that you can.  If you are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police - the police will continue to respond to emergency calls.  If you are in danger and unable to talk on the phone, call 999, and then press 55. This will transfer your call to the relevant police force who will assist you without you having to speak. 

Emotional and practical support for LGBT+ people experiencing domestic abuse. Abuse isn’t always physical- it can be psychological, emotional, financial and sexual too. Speak out, don't suffer in silence.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice and support for parents and carers.
Whether you're working from home with your kids for the first time or supporting children with anxiety due to coronavirus, we've got tips and advice for you.

As UK schools close, or run at a limited capacity as a result of COVID-19, we know that parents and carers are having to manage their child’s use of technology and help them learn remotely. This can feel overwhelming but Childnet are here to help!

As your children spend more time at home and are going to be online more than ever, here is a list of easy-to-use resources. They are broken up into ages and include quick activities, films and plenty more fun ways to engage with your children. From identifying fake news to online bullying – there is plenty for you and your family to use.  

General advice; health, finance, benefits etc.

Free debt advice online

Working Families is the UK’s work-life balance charity. Helping working parents and carers—and their employers—find a better balance between responsibilities at home and in the workplace.
A quick guide of benefits you might be able to claim if your income changes as a result of Coronavirus. 

Federation of small businesses.
As the impact of Coronavirus hits the UK economy, The Federation of Small Businesses has produced a webinar to give guidance and answers to your questions.

The coronavirus pandemic has changed life for everyone, but some older people are among the hardest hit. Age UK is determined to be there during this crisis.

Whatever you're going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. We're here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

We provide new essential items for local children and teens living in crisis and poverty. Including craft kits and well being packs via The Branch community hub in chippy as well as Co-op food vouchers and reconditioned laptops and iPads for children and teens struggling to do schooling from home.

We are unable to deal direct with families in need but just require a referral from a professional such as a social worker, St Mary’s church , CAP, GP, health visitor, pupil support advisor etc.