MHNE have assembled a selection of relevent resources at the time of writing, including information, guidance and practical advice around coronavirus. This information is updated but some links or information may have changed. Please contact us via our contact form or on social medial if you have comments or suggestions.
Check our social media pages for recent updates - Twitter, Facebook.
COVID-19: Coronavirus latest information from the UK Government and NHS
General information from the NHS about preventing the spread and contraction of the virus, vaccinations and answers to commonly asked questions:
http://NHS.UK/coronavirus
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/common-questions/
If you start to experience symptoms and believe you could have Coronavirus:
Contact your GP, visit http://NHS.UK/coronavirus or call NHS 111 to speak to someone for advice on what to do next.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): getting tested
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested
Coronavirus Vaccinations: NHS information about the vaccinations and booking them
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/
Protect yourself and others from Coronavirus :
- Wear a mask or face covering on public transport and indoor spaces where there is greater risk of transmission.
- Make sure indoor spaces are well ventilated
- Observe physical distancing of at least 2m (6ft) and physical distancing to stop wider spread.
- Use hand sanitiser if you're using public transport, out shopping for esentials etc. Wash your hands with soap more often than usual.
COVID-19: guidance on social distancing and for vulnerable people
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people
Spring 2021 - Roadmap out of Lockdown - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-response-spring-2021/covid-19-response-spring-2021-summary
Information for the public from Government:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public
Collection of government guidance for various sectors:
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-list-of-guidance
Mental Health specific information
MH Support for NHS staff
Helpline and text service for NHS staff providing support, from coaching and bereavement care to mental health and welfare support. Helpline 0300 131 7000 https://people.nhs.uk/helpFor the 24/7 text helpline simply text FRONTLINE to 85258
North East and North Cumbria Suicide Prevention Network
https://www.stopsuicidenenc.org
Northern Mental Health Support (put together by Newcastle University with Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW))
https://northernmentalhealth.org/
Coronavirus and your wellbeing (from Mind)
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/
Looking after your mental health during the Coronavirus outbreak
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/looking-after-your-mental-health-during-coronavirus-outbreak
Public Health England - advice on mental health & wellbeing, including for people with specific mental health problems & on getting help in a crisis
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-the-public-on-mental-health-and-wellbeing/guidance-for-the-public-on-the-mental-health-and-wellbeing-aspects-of-coronavirus-covid-19
FACE COVID - How to respond effectively to the Corona crisis - by Russ Harris, author of The Happiness Trap
Practical steps based on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_O8grFdwMDuGVIE_RvdRfhHhf6xf3tY8/view
Every Mind Matters has now released expert advice and top tips on how to look after your mental wellbeing
http://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters
Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust - information on NHS mental health services from CNTW
https://www.cntw.nhs.uk/
Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Trust- for information on NHS mental health services from TEWV
https://www.tewv.nhs.uk/important-changes/
Check NSUN on twitter for the latest updates on how changes to services and lockdown in the UK will impact mental health service users.
Financial, Housing and Money Related Information
This is a good resource from Durham County Council:
https://www.durham.gov.uk/covid19money
Citizen's Advice what it means for you
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/health/coronavirus-what-it-means-for-you/
National Debtline Coronavirus Information and Fact Sheet
https://www.nationaldebtline.org/EW/factsheets/Pages/coronavirus-advice-and-support/help-and-advice.aspx
Moneysaving Expert Help and Rights
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2020/03/uk-coronavirus-help-and-your-rights/
Covid-19: managing your mental and financial wellbeing
https://www.moneyandmentalhealth.org/covid-19-mental-financial-wellbeing/
Shelter: Find out how coronavirus has affected housing legislation, benefits and your rights.
https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/coronavirus
Coronavirus and benefits (useful summary of information from Newcastle City Council)
https://www.newcastle.gov.uk/services/welfare-benefits/welfare-rights-and-money-advice/coronavirus-and-benefits-special-page
From the DWP - Coronavirus support for employers, benefit claimants and businesses
Please visit this DWP link for detailed and up to date changes - they are quite wide ranging:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/coronavirus-support-for-employees-benefit-claimants-and-businesses
Foodbanks or Meal services
Trussel Trust - Find a Foodbank: https://www.trusselltrust.org/get-help/find-a-foodbank/
Information Now - Newcastle based information about food
http://www.informationnow.org.uk/article/food-banks-in-newcastle/
http://www.informationnow.org.uk/article/free-meals-cheap-food/
Food for vulnerable people - Commercial food access options.
Updated summary from DEFRA of supermarket and other food box scheme options.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SIpvvfywO2m3gKOutCL4BJoVw6bxyF0S/view
Coronavirus - advice for VCSE organisations and fundraisers
VONNE have produced an excellent collection of advice and links for the community and voluntary sector, and to support a range of vulnerable groups and health conditions.
https://www.vonne.org.uk/news/coronavirus-advice-vcse-organisations-and-fundraisers
Government Guidance for the safe use of multi-purpose community facilities
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-the-safe-use-of-multi-purpose-community-facilities
VONNE has also opened up its funding pages to everyone. Funding Directory contains the details of more than 100 charitable trusts and foundations that are actively funding charities and community groups in the North East region.
https://www.vonne.org.uk/fine-directory
Connected Voice - Advice and updates for the sector
https://www.connectedvoice.org.uk/latest-news/737-advice-on-coronavirus-covid-19
Connected Voice have set up a funding page listing opportunities that are geared up to tackling the Covid-19 pandemic and supporting charities and community groups at this very difficult time. It's updated on a regular basis:
http://www.connectedvoice.org.uk/funding-opportunities
Durham Community Action - has produced guides for volunteers and volunteer providing organisations:
Covid-19 Advice for Volunteers
Covid-19 Good Practice Guide for Volunteer Involving Organisations
Grants Online - COVID 19 Latest Funding Updates (open access)
https://www.grantsonline.org.uk/coronavirus.html
NCVO have also provided a useful resource.
http://ncvo.org.uk/practical-support/information/coronavirus
NSUN is maintaining a national list of COVID-19 related funding sources here:
https://www.nsun.org.uk/News/covid-19-information-for-user-led-groups-and-organisations
COVID-19: guidance for social or community care and residential settings
This guidance will assist social, community and residential care employers in providing advice to their staff on the novel coronavirus, COVID-19:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-residential-care-supported-living-and-home-care-guidance
Guidance for hostel or day centre providers of services for people experiencing rough sleeping
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-services-for-people-experiencing-rough-sleeping
Coronavirus advice and planning for people experiencing homelessness (Groundswell)
https://groundswell.org.uk/coronavirus/
COVID-19 Advice for Asylum Seekers and Refugees
Services for asylum seekers and refugees updated due to Corona Virus (Covid-19).
https://newcastle.cityofsanctuary.org/home/covid-19-updates
North East Councils - Service Disruputions and Local Advice (eg. schools, social care)
Newcastle City Council
https://www.newcastle.gov.uk/services/public-health-wellbeing-and-leisure/public-health-services/coronavirus-covid-19
Durham County Council
https://www.durham.gov.uk/coronavirus
Gateshead Council
https://www.gateshead.gov.uk/article/14980/Information-on-Coronavirus-COVID-19-
South Tyneside Council
https://www.southtyneside.gov.uk/article/69129/Coronavirus-COVID-19-
Sunderland Council
https://www.sunderland.gov.uk/coronavirus
Northumberland County Council
https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/Care/Health.aspx#coronavirus
Middlesbrough
https://www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/community-support-and-safety/coronavirus-covid-19
COVID-19 Volunteering
NHS Volunteer Responders
This programme enables volunteers to provide care or to help a vulnerable person, which is permitted under the new rules announced by the Government on 23rd March 2020. Signup here:
https://www.goodsamapp.org/nhs
Newcastle City Council is seeking Volunteers
Citylife Line has been set up by Newcastle City Council for people wanting to volunteer their time while also providing a service for people to register their need for assistance.
http://www.newcastle.gov.uk/citylifeline
North Tyneside - VODA Volunteers
Good Neighbours COVID-19 Volunteer Response - offer or receive help with shopping etc.
https://voda.org.uk/covid-19-volunteering/
Mutual Aid UK Groups - National Community Support Network
A national page to coordinate the community organising to support the most vulnerable and isolated during the Covid-19 outbreak. Check the page for groups in your area, there are already many across the North East.
https://covidmutualaid.org/
https://www.facebook.com/CovidAidUK/
People Together
https://people-together.co.uk/
Coronavirus and Human Rights (from NSUN)
https://www.nsun.org.uk/News/covid-19-and-human-rights