Leave Website Skip to main content

Coronavirus information Suffolk | Community Directory

Coronavirus information Suffolk

Last updated: 19/07/2021

(COVID-19) Coronavirus: How to stay safe and help prevent the spread

England has moved to Step 4 from 19 July

While cases are high and rising, everybody needs to continue to act carefully and remain cautious. This is why we are keeping in place key protections:

  • testing when you have symptoms and targeted asymptomatic testing in education, high risk workplaces and to help people manage their personal risk.
  • isolating when positive or when contacted by NHS Test and Trace.
  • border quarantine: for all arriving from red list countries and for those people not fully vaccinated arriving from amber list countries.
  • cautious guidance for individuals, businesses and the vulnerable whilst prevalence is high including:
    • whilst Government is no longer instructing people to work from home if they can, Government would expect and recommend a gradual return over the summer
    • Government expects and recommends that people wear face coverings in crowded areas such as public transport;
    • being outside or letting fresh air in
    • minimising the number, proximity and duration of social contacts.
    • encouraging and supporting businesses and large events to use the NHS COVID Pass in high risk settings. The Government will work with organisations where people are likely to be in close proximity to others outside their household to encourage the use of this. If sufficient measures are not taken to limit infection, the Government will consider mandating certification in certain venues at a later date.

You must self-isolate if you are told to do so by NHS Test and Trace, for example if you have come into contact with someone who has tested positive. This remains the law, regardless of your vaccination status.

From 16 August, if you have been fully vaccinated you will be exempt from the requirement to self-isolate if you are a contact of a positive case. You will instead be advised to take a PCR test as soon as possible.

(COVID-19) Coronavirus: How to stay safe and help prevent the spread

Where can I get vaccinated ?

If you're aged 18 or over you can now book your COVID-19 vaccine 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

ALL SUFFOLK'S RAPID TESTING CENTRES HAVE NOW CLOSED

Collect test kits to do at home, from:

  • any of the 47 libraries in Suffolk
  • over 130 pharmacies in Suffolk
  • 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

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)

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

What other help is available?

Local Welfare Assistance Scheme (LWAS)

Any organisations working with people who are facing severe financial hardship due to COVID-19 can refer into the Local Welfare Assistance Scheme.

The Local Welfare Assistance Scheme primarily provides household furniture and white goods, plus fuel (electricity and gas top ups) and supermarket vouchers to address identified need. The Local Welfare Assistance Scheme does not accept applications from members of the public. You must be referred into the scheme by a gateway partner.

Find a gateway partner from the list of organisations who can refer into the Local Welfare Assistance scheme.

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 who supports families who care for a SEND child or young person. 

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

 Actions

 Print
Add to My Shortlist