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Coronavirus information Suffolk | Community Directory

Coronavirus information Suffolk

Last updated: 29/11/2021

LATEST NEWS: 

  • From Tuesday 30th November, face coverings will be compulsory in shops and on public transport
  • All contacts of suspected Omicron cases will be required to self-isolate for 10 days regardless of a person's vaccination status
  • Anyone entering the UK will require a PCR test by the end of the second day after their arrival and will need to self-isolate until they have a negative result. The change will be brought in "as soon as possible" following agreement with the other UK nations (Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland)
  • The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) - the UK's vaccine advisory body - will consider giving the booster vaccine "to as wide as group as possible". It will also reduce the gap between the second dose and booster

Other news:

BOOSTER VACCINATIONS – YOU DON’T NEED TO WAIT UNTIL YOU’RE INVITED

Anyone in an eligible group who had their 2nd dose of COVID-19 vaccine at least six months ago, can now get their booster vaccination without an appointment. You can now get your vaccinations by: 

Those eligible for a booster vaccination include:

  • those living in residential care homes for older adults
  • all adults aged 40 years or over
  • frontline health and social care workers and volunteers

You do not need to wait to receive a letter or text from the NHS.

More information: Who can get a COVID-19 booster vaccine

How do I get my NHS COVID Pass?

An NHS COVID Pass shows your coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination details or test results. This is your COVID-19 status.

You may be asked to show your pass to travel abroad, or at events and venues in England asking for proof of your COVID-19 status.

How to get your NHS COVID Pass

You can get an NHS COVID Pass digitally through the NHS App or the online NHS COVID Pass service.

You can download your digital NHS COVID Pass and print it.

If you cannot apply digitally using the NHS App or online service, you can ask for an NHS COVID Pass letter to be sent to you in the post.

Who can get a COVID-19 vaccine?

Everybody aged 12+ can have a free Covid vaccination.

Find out more about who can get a COVID-19 vaccine

For all local vaccination information please see: https://sneevaccine.org.uk

Where can I get vaccinated ?

Everybody aged 12+ can have a free Covid vaccination, you can book your COVID-19 vaccine here nhs.uk/CovidVaccination

For all local vaccination information please see: https://sneevaccine.org.uk

The NHS is using a range of community buildings, GP premises and hospitals to deliver vaccinations. 

Where is my nearest Vaccination centre?

Testing and Vaccination Centres in Suffolk

Walk-in Clinics

Need transport to take you to your Covid vaccination?

Once you have an appointment booked, call Connecting Communities to arrange transport. Connecting Communities will be charged at a normal bus fare rate. Tel 0345 606 6171

https://communities.suffolkonboard.com/ 

Or see what other options are available: Community Transport in Suffolk

Find your NHS number

You may be asked for your NHS number to have your covid vaccination

Find your NHS number

Suffolk Learning Disability Partnership

Easy read guide - COVID-19 vaccine

How to get regular rapid tests

Collect test kits to do at home, from:

  • any of the 47 libraries in Suffolk
  • over 130 pharmacies in Suffolk  (you will need a collect code so you can pick up rapid lateral flow test packs from a pharmacy)
  • the regional testing centre at Copdock, near Ipswich
  • the local testing centres in Ipswich (Portman Road car park) or Lowestoft (Belvedere Road car park)

Other ways:

  • Order test kits to use at home, online from Gov.uk or call NHS 119.
  • Your workplace may be offering rapid testing, speak to your employer

More information: Regular rapid coronavirus tests if you do not have symptoms

How to stay safe and help prevent the spread

Coronavirus remains a serious health risk. You should stay cautious to help protect yourself and others.

  • Meet outside, or open windows and doors for indoor visitors
  • If you think you have symptoms stay at home and take a PCR test
  • Wear face coverings in crowded places and on public transport
  • Wash your hands with soap regularly, and for at least 20 seconds
  • Get vaccinated

Find out how to stay safe and help prevent the spread

Become a Message Cascader

Help out with our response to the COVID-19 pandemic by sharing information with family, friends, colleagues and community groups:

Easy read versions

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)

Suffolk Advice and Support Service (SASS) 0800 068 3131

Suffolk Advice and Support Service (SASS) is a free phoneline and is available to support vulnerable people in our communities (who do not have a network of family or friends to call upon), to access emergency support such as:

  • emergency food and medicine deliveries, if you are self-isolating
  • befriending schemes
  • support with basic care needs
  • debt/money advice

The telephone number is freephone 0800 068 3131 and is staffed from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

You will be asked to indicate what you need help with. Your call will then be routed to an appropriate organisation in your local area who can support you or signpost where appropriate. This may include uploading your details onto the Warm Handover digital platform that member organisations can use to send referrals in a secure way. 

Debt/money advice queries will be answered by specialist debt advisors on-hand to assist.

What other help is available?

Local Welfare Assistance Scheme (LWAS)

Support will continue to be provided to families and individuals through the existing Local Welfare Assistance Scheme (LWAS). The scheme helps those experiencing financial Hardship, whereby local organisations across Suffolk can submit an application for support, on behalf of an individual or family. The LWAS can help with household furniture and white goods, fuel vouchers (electricity and gas top-ups), supermarket vouchers, and contributions towards increasing costs during the winter months.

Applications on your behalf can be made by our trusted gateway partner organisations only. Members of the public that wish to apply for this support should contact a gateway partner, who will assess your circumstances and submit an application for you (you cannot directly refer yourself). To find a gateway partner in your area who can support you with an application, please contact one of our trusted partners.

For further information:

LWAS from Offshoot Films on Vimeo.

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.

Coronavirus: A Book for children about COVID-19, available for a small cost from the Nosy Crow website. 

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. 

Suffolk Childcare

Early years settings Test and Trace support payment for parents

Emotional Wellbeing Gateway - Mental Health Services & Support

Whether you are experiencing mental health issues, are worried about someone you care for, or want to know how to stay mentally well, the Gateway website is the place to go for families and professionals to access mental health support services in Suffolk 

Emotional Wellbeing Gateway

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.

Helping your Community

Local information and support organisations:

Suffolk Family Carers Contact our Information Hub on 01473 835477, email us on hello@suffolkfamilycarers.org 

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

Become a Message Cascader - Help out with our response to the COVID-19 pandemic by sharing information with family, friends, colleagues and community groups

Update Suffolk InfoLink

If you have a record on InfoLink, please update it and let the community know what activities and support you are offering

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