Page updated: 5/11/2020
New National Restrictions from 5 November Information on the new national restrictions, including what they mean for working from home and business closures, why they are being introduced, and the financial support available.
Suffolk County Council has published information about the kinds of support available during the pandemic, including getting food shopping or medication delivered, what to do if you or someone you know is clinically extremely vulnerable, and what to do if you're worried about your business, paying rent or council tax.
Home, But Not Alone emergency phoneline 0800 876 6926
You can call the Home, But Not Alone phoneline if you live in Suffolk and need urgent help due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Home, But Not Alone service may be able to link you with local groups or shops who can support you to access essential supplies.
This emergency phoneline is for people who:
- do not have any support available from friends, family or neighbours
- are struggling for food, medicines or other essential supplies
- are feeling lonely and isolated
If any of these apply to you, call 0800 876 6926 (available 9am to 5pm, from Monday to Friday)
Financial hardship help and advice 0800 068 3131
Hardship Fund: For financial advice or support with access to food, call The Suffolk Advice and Support Service 0800 068 3131
Helping Your Community - Resources and Guidance to Share
Coronavirus cases are rising in Suffolk. Help us to stop the spread of the virus, by sharing accurate and easy to understand information from Suffolk County Council.
Suffolk County Council - Coronavirus Updates on YouTube
Public Health England also has simple and clear pictures and resources to share on social media, websites and more.
Suffolk Learning Disability Partnership have put together some easy to read and understand guidance about the coronavirus on their website. You can download information for yourself or someone else on lots of topics including what the coronavirus is and why it's important to get a flu jab.
Become a Message Cascader - Help out with our response to the COVID-19 pandemic by sharing information with family, friends, colleagues and community groups
Friends Against Scams aims to protect and prevent people from becoming victims of scams.
Be aware of people offering or selling:
- Virus testing kits
- Vaccines or miracle cures
- Overpriced or fake goods to protect yourself from coronavirus
- Shopping or medication collection services
- Home decontamination services
Children and Young people
National Guidance and Support
GOV.UK - Coronavirus (COVID19) Education and Childcare provides up to date guidance for teachers, school leaders, carers, parents and students.
Get advice on supporting children and young people with their mental health from the NHS - Every Mind Matters.
What is coronavirus, and why is everyone talking about it? This illustrated book is aimed at children from 5 to 7 years old. With input from an expert medical consultant, as well as advice from teachers and child psychologists, this is a practical and informative resource to help explain the changes we are currently all experiencing.
Suffolk Guidance and Support
The Source is an online hub of information and advice for young people in Suffolk, covering topics such as mental health, employment, relationships and housing. There is lots of useful advice on who to contact and where to go for support.
Suffolk Parent Carer Network, have helped us produce a series of illustrated and simple family leaflets. These include 5 tips for getting better sleep, and 5 tips for people with challenging behaviour. These leaflets are free to download from the Suffolk County Council website.
Emotional Wellbeing Gateway website
If you are worried about the emotional wellbeing and Mental Health of a child or young person. Find information, advice and guidance on emotional wellbeing issues, and local mental health support services, such as the Emotional Wellbeing Hub and Kooth.
COVID-19 (coronavirus) Information for parents and carers of children and young people with SEND.
This has various services and support for families which has been put together by the Suffolk Parent Carer Network who supports families who care for a SEND child or young person.
Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Support
Need help now?
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and need to talk to someone
For immediate emergency assistance Emergency Services Call or Text: 999
For urgent, non-emergency medical advice
- Call: NHS 111 Or go to: NHS 111 Online
- Samaritans Email: jo@samaritans.org Call: 116 123
- First Response is a 24/7 helpline offering immediate advice, support and signposting for people with mental health difficulties. If you are experiencing something that makes you feel unsafe, distressed or worried about your mental health, call: 0808 196 3494
Suffolk Guidance and Support
Suffolk Mind: The Suffolk Mind Team have put together a number of resources for adults and children to help them stay well during the pandemic. For advice and helpful resources please go to the Suffolk Mind website.
Dementia Support:
Dementia Together free helpline - 08081 688 000
The helpline will continue to be available 7 days a week for continuous support throughout this difficult time. Dementia Together Navigators will also be able to complete a detailed assessment over the phone offering support, education and a listening ear to you throughout this difficult time.
Befriending Services:
If you are concerned about meeting at groups, many befriending services offer telephone support
Domestic Abuse:
See this list of Organisations supporting domestic abuse
Cruse Bereavement Care, Suffolk - Are continuing to support clients and will be doing so by phone.
Suffolk Drug and Alcohol Recovery Network - COVID-19 updates and help
Suffolk and Norfolk Constabulary crime reduction advice:
suffolk.police.uk/firstprinciple and norfolk.police.uk/firstprinciple 1st Principle will give you advice and tips for a range of crime prevention issues. There are even some self-assessment forms to enable you check your home security and help you to make improvements
National Guidance and Support
The Stay Alive app is a suicide prevention resource for the UK, packed full of useful information and tools to help you stay safe in crisis. You can use it if you are having thoughts of suicide or if you are concerned about someone else who may be considering suicide
GamCare - The National Gambling Helpline is open 24 hours every day on Freephone 0808 80 20 133, or you can live chat with us.
Relate UK - Live Chat, Telephone and Webcam Counselling
The charity Sudden provides advice for people bereaved by COVID-19 and their carers.
Keep moving and online activities
Keep Moving Suffolk
Keep Moving Suffolk is a local campaign to support & encourage people to get active and stay active, in response to the Coronavirus outbreak.
A list of local organistions offering online events & activities
Help at home
Local information and support organisations:
- Meal delivery services
- Domestic cleaning services
- Food banks
- Parish and Town Councils: Town and parish councils across Suffolk are prioritising the most vulnerable
Suffolk Family Carers Contact our Information Hub on 01473 835477, email us on hello@suffolkfamilycarers.org