West Berkshire Council

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Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Find information about community support and our services during the coronavirus pandemic, on our information for residents pages, our information for businesses pages, and our community support hub page which has guidance to help coordinate community organisations.

See a summary of our Local Outbreak Control Plan and read our frequently asked questions. 

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I need some help

We know that this is a difficult time for everyone and that no one in the community remains unaffected by this global emergency. That said, the current situation will leave some of our residents in greater need of support with their daily lives, whether this be help with shopping or a listening ear. If you are one of these residents, the Community Support Hub is here to help.

The Hub is open five days a week, from Monday to Thursday 8:30am to 5pm and on Fridays 8:30am to 4:30pm and has already been used to help hundreds of local people. You can ask for help from our Community Support Hub service here.  Although the Hub is open during office hours there is provision for out of hours emergencies.

Many local community groups have been set up to help and you can find your local community support groups and what they can help you with here.

Food, Prescriptions and Assistance

Coronavirus Guidance - Families and Individuals

Coronavirus Guidance - Community Groups

 

Flu Vaccine Guidance

Get your flu jab!

  • This year, with COVID-19 in circulation, it's more important than ever that eligible groups are vaccinated to protect them from flu. The flu vaccination is FREE for a range of people including:
    • Those with a long term health condition
    • People living with someone who's at high risk of coronavirus (on the NHS shielded patient list)
    • Children aged 2 and 3, pupils in Primary School and in year 7
    • Pregnant women
    • People aged over 65 - where capacity allows, it is now being offered to those over 50
    • Carers

If you're in an eligible group - make sure you get vaccinated. Ask your pharmacist or GP if you're eligible for a free flu vaccine.

More flu vaccine information:

Mental Health and Wellbeing

It is well recognised that these times of coronavirus can cause undue pressure and anxiety. If you are struggling to cope, in the first instance it is recommended that you talk to your GP or alternatively contact the Common Point of Entry on 0300 365 0300 (Mental Health referral service).

In addition, these are specially dedicated helplines for West Berkshire:

  • West Berkshire Suicide Prevention: If you or someone you know is struggling with poor mental health and/or have had suicidal thoughts please visit this website for a range of resources for immediate and non immediate emotional support. 
  • Samaritans Newbury - emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 116 123
  • Shout: 24/7 UK text messaging service to correspond with trained volunteers and clinical specialists about anything that is worrying you. Text SHOUT to 85258, 24 hours a day
  • Kooth:  Free online counselling and emotional wellbeing support for young people 11-18 years of age.
  • Emotional Health Triage Service - Free service open to children and young people (under 19 years old) in West Berkshire who need support with emotional health difficulties.
  • Talking Therapies Berkshire - 0300 365 0200 - for those aged 17 and over. 8am to 8pm Monday to Thursday, and 8am to 5pm on Fridays.
  • Eight Bells for Mental Health - Contact coordinator@eightbellsnewbury.co.uk or mobile: 07387 962220 for existing members and anyone else needing help or advice for mental ill health by phone or email on Mondays 8am-8pm and Tuesdays to Fridays 10am-5pm (closed on weekends). Eight Bells Peer Supporters have set up a WhatsApp Group to offer friendship and a listening ear to all members; please email for more details.

The following links and resouces have some really useful tips, advice and suggested activities to support good mental health and wellbeing:

Keeping active indoors - for seniors and the less able

It can be harder to keep active and get out during the current lockdown with the colder weather and shorter days. Keeping your spirits up and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is really important, particularly for those who are less able to get out for daily exercise due to health issues or older age. Keeping active helps overall health and can improve balance, flexibility and muscle strength, reducing the likelihood of having a fall or needing medical attention. Exercise can also help the release of the 'happy hormones' endorphins and can help promote a sense of wellbeing.

There are a wide range of free exercise sessions online for all abilities, including seated workouts, so it is worth having a look at different options to find something that suits you. These sessions are particularly aimed at adults in later life or those with restricted movement.

Additional useful links and resources

  • Citizens Advice West Berkshire Due to government guidelines on coronavirus, Citizens Advice West Berkshire has closed their charity's face-to-face advice sessions. However, there are many ways to access their free, confidential, independent and impartial advice. Please pdf icon view this document [115kb] to find out how to contact them during this time.
  • Links to help and support in West Berkshire from West Berkshire Directory
  • Our Adult Social Care Advice page also contain information to help you find the right support.
  • Public Health England
  • ASD Family Help - support, advice and activities for individuals on the autistic spectrum and/or other learning disabilities, their parents, carers or professionals within Wokingham & West Berkshire Boroughs in Berkshire, UK
  • Berkshire Vision - supporting the visually impaired