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

• Food banks and meal services
• NHS Volunteer Responders are delivering food, prescriptions and essential items purchased by vulnerable residents, if needed. The organisation can be contacted on 0808 196 3646 (8am to 8pm).
• Berkshire Age UK's Easy Shop can provide a shopping service for £6 per shop to people over 60 years old who find accessing the internet difficult. Contact Easy Shop on tel 01635 522255 or email easyshop@ageukberkshire.org.uk. 
• Free NHS prescription delivery service from Lloyd's Pharmacy
• Universal Credit - Anyone seeking to make a new claim for Universal Credit should call the service on 0800 144 8444.
• Apply for Test and Trace Support Payment
• Transportation and mobility services from Volunteer Centre West Berkshire

• Domestic Violence - We know all too well that periods of enhanced stress can put an even greater strain on our domestic relationships, which can lead to an increase in domestic violence incidents. If this is something that is affecting you, please know that help will always be available to you. The information in these leaflets will let you know who to contact and what to do if you feel unsafe. There is never an excuse for domestic violence.

  •  West Berkshire support and guidance for coronavirus and domestic abuse [251kb]
  •  Coronavirus and Domestic Abuse: Further West Berkshire Support and Guidance [334kb]
  • Flag DV - Free Legal Advice Group for Domestic Violence

 

Coronavirus Guidance - Families and Individuals

• Covid-19 local cases data
• NHS Test and Trace app
• Latest NHS information and advice
• Check your symptoms: NHS 111 (NHS)
• Book a free test (NHS)
• Follow the latest self-isolation advice (NHS)
•  Covid-19 (Coronavirus) - quick guide for parents and carers [1Mb]
• What happens when you go for a coronavirus test at a regional centre (Newbury Showground)
• Guidance on shielding and protecting people clinically extremely vulnerable from COVID-19 (Gov.uk)
• Guidance for those who provide unpaid care to friends or family (Gov.uk)
• Coping with family life during coronavirus (Berkshire West Safeguarding Children Partnership)
•  Stop Hate UK: Coronavirus update and advice [150kb]
•  Coronavirus and Modern Slavery: West Berkshire Support and Guidance [265kb]
•  TVP - Cyber Protect COVID-19 specific newsletter [389kb]
• Videos of students from St Bartholomew's and Trinity School talking about the importance of the rule of 6, wearing a face mask and social distancing.  Watch these two videos here and here.

 

Coronavirus Guidance - Community Groups

•  Guidance for Community Groups responding to COVID-19 [289kb]
•  Example visitor sign in sheet [12kb]
•  Coronavirus: 'Play Your Part' posters [1Mb]

 

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 will be offered to those over 50 later in the year
  • 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:

• www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/who-should-have-flu-vaccine/
•  Flu Vaccination who needs it and why - Winter 2020-21 [651kb] 

 

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).

Winter Wellbeing 2020 - NHS Berkshire West has published a handy set of information about GP visits, looking after your mental health, and who to contact if you are feeling unwell: Winter wellbeing information 2020 [761kb]

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

• Emotional health academy helpline: 01635 503587 - for young people 11-18. Monday to Friday, mornings and afternoons.
• 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:

•  Self Care Resources 2020 [383kb]
•  NHS Every Mind Matters website (NHS)
• 10 Tips to Help if you are worried about Coronavirus (NHS)
• Well being resources for children and families (Berkshire West Safeguarding Children Partnership)
• Get Berkshire Active - be active at home

 

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  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
• 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