Coronavirus: Advice from other organisations
This page is no longer being updated - please contact the organisations listed directly for the latest information
View this page in an accessible format
Thank you to Healthwatch North Yorkshire for many of these links
Adrenal insufficiency
The Society for Endocrinology is advising slightly different sick day rules for patients with adrenal insufficiency during the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. To support this, their webpage has very clear and easy to use guidance
Advocacy
VoiceAbility - Advocacy during coronavirus, Access to establishments statement
Alcohol
Al-Anon Family Groups - Al-Anon Family Groups are still available to provide support to anyone whose life is, or has been, affected by someone else’s drinking.
Alcoholics Annonymous - Coronavirus news
Drinkaware - Information, facts and advice about alcohol and Covid-19
Alzheimer's (and see Dementia)
Alzheimer's Society - Information for people affected by dementia, Alzheimer’s Society local services update, Toolkit for COVID-19 volunteers
Anaemia
Pernicious Anaemia Society - Following some confusion caused by the guidelines issues to doctors and others about access to regular B12 injections for Pernicious Anaemia during the pandemic, the British Society for Haematology has changed the guidance. The Pernicious Anaemia Society played an active part in the re-writing on the guidance having received many calls from confused and concerned members of the public. Read more
Arthritis
National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society - Coronavirus and rheumatoid arthritis
Asthma
Asthma UK - Health advice for people with asthma
Autism
National Autistic Society - Information about coronavirus, Coronavirus: latest updates and resources
NHS - Important advice to staff supporting people with a learning disability or autistic people, Getting NHS help when you need it during the coronavirus outbreak - plain English
Council For Disabled Children - NHS England and NHS Improvement have produced a Coronavirus FAQs document for their Learning Disability and Autism Programme. They will provide an update on questions and answers each Friday for the next few weeks. We will add this update to our weekly FAQs newsflash which you can sign up for here.
Benefits
Turn2Us - Benefits and coronavirus
Gov.uk - All face-to-face assessments for sickness and disability benefits suspended for 3 months
Universal Credit - Coronavirus and claiming benefits
Bereavement
Advice and links to other organisations from Healthwatch England
Cruse Bereavement Care - Coronavirus: dealing with bereavement and grief
The Good Grief Trust - Coronavirus bereavement advice, Pop-up Good Grief cafes
Blood
NHS Blood and Transplant - Information about blood donation. You can still travel to donate. Giving blood and platelets is essential to the NHS and vulnerable patients. Please keep donating
British Sign Language
SignHealth - Information – BSL videos
Cancer
Macmillan - Advice on coronavirus for people with cancer
Lymphoma Action - Advice on coronavirus for people with cancer
Blood Cancer UK - Coronavirus information for people affected by leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma or any blood cancer
Eve Appeal - Gynaecological cancer and coronavirus
CLIC Sargent (Young Lives vs Cancer) - Supporting you through coronavirus
Healthwatch England - Cancer and coronavirus advice article, 28 April 2020 - It’s understandable you might feel anxious about COVID-19. The Government and the NHS have both confirmed that cancer treatment should continue to be prioritised during the response to the COVID-19 emergency.
Carers
Carers UK - Information for unpaid carers – Carers UK, Joint Statement from Carers Trust and Carers UK, Coronavirus - further support, Coronavirus - protecting your mental wellbeing
Carers Trust - Guidance on coronavirus
Rethink Mental Illness - Coronavirus: Advice for carers of those with severe mental illness
Carers’ Resource - Coronavirus updates
Northamptonshire Carers: Support for carers and young carers - Coronavirus is having a huge impact on carers of all ages. Northamptonshire Carers have pulled together a page full of useful resources for carers and young carers including support available and those with health conditions including official guidance and ways of coping in unprecedented times.
Children and Young People
NHS - Coronavirus in children, NHS vaccinations update
Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health - Advice for parents during coronavirus - what to do if your child is unwell or injured
YoungMinds - Coronavirus mental health advice for young people, What to do if you’re anxious about coronavirus, Coronavirus mental health advice for parents and carers and other articles
BBC - Coronavirus: What is being done to tackle the virus? (Newsround), Coronavirus: Here’s some advice if you’re worried about it (Newsround), Coronavirus: How to help kids cope with life without school
The Lowdown - Online emotional support chatbot or wellbeing support helpline: 01604 622223 (both monitored between 1:00pm and 3:30pm Tuesday to Friday and Mondays 1:00pm to 7:30pm)
Mentally Healthy Schools - Responding to the coronavirus: resources for mental health and wellbeing
The Mix - Help, I’m worried about coronavirus
Young Northants - Online safety checklist
Children's Commissioner - Children’s guide to coronavirus
Achieving For Children - Easy read and support resources about COVID 19
Gingerbread - Information for single parents
Public Health England - Guidance for parents and carers on supporting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
Northamptonshire Sports - Active Northants online exercise and activity classes for teenagers
University of Plymouth - Student’s story takes light-hearted look at pandemic to help children stay safe
Crohn's and colitis
Crohn’s & Colitis UK - Coronavirus: Advice for people with Crohn’s and colitis
Debt
Citizens Advice - If you can’t pay your bills because of coronavirus, Coronavirus - what it means for you
Step Change - Debt and coronavirus
Dementia
Alzheimer's Society - Information for people affected by dementia, Alzheimer’s Society local services update, Toolkit for COVID-19 volunteers
Dementia UK - Coronavirus (COVID-19): information for families looking after someone with dementia
The British Psychological Society - Supporting older people and people living with dementia during self-isolation
Innovations in Dementia - Guide and short films made with people with dementia to help volunteers interact, with deliveries, befriending and transport.
Dentists
Healthwatch England - Changes to Primary Dental Care services
Northamptonshire CCG - See the simple patient leaflet for local dentistry access
Diabetes
Diabetes UK - Advice for people living with diabetes
- If you are concerned about your diabetes during the coronavirus pandemic, the NHS is here to help. Contact your GP Practice or Diabetes team.
- If you have diabetes and have been contacted by your specialist eye or foot care team, please go to your appointments to receive treatment to avoid these problems getting worse. Clinics are taking extra protective measures to keep people safe.
- The 4Ts – toilet, thirsty, tired and thinner – are signs of a life-threatening diabetic emergency, diabetic ketoacidosis or ‘DKA’. If you recognise these signs, seek urgent medical advice from your GP Practice (or 111 out of hours); if you already have diabetes, contact your Diabetes team; or if you feel very unwell, call 999.
- If you have diabetes and see a cut or blister on your foot, it may be a sign of a foot ulcer. Call your GP Practice to get it checked as soon as possible. If you do have an ulcer or other serious foot problem, you will be referred to see a specialist urgently.
- If you are experiencing a serious or life-threatening emergency – call 999.
Disability (and see Benefits above)
Scope - Coronavirus information
Disability Rights UK - Coronavirus information
Government - Supporting disabled people through the coronavirus outbreak
Anglian Water - Priority Services
Sense - Information and resources for disabled people during Coronavirus
Domestic abuse
Locally, the following sources of support are available:
- VOICE - www.voicenorthants.org - (currently providing telephone and video support due to the coronavirus situation) - 0300 303 1965
- You can also download the Voice Home Support Hub app www.voicehomesupporthub.co.uk
- EVE – www.eveda.org.uk or call 01604 230311
- Northampton Domestic Abuse Service (NDAS) – www.ndas.co or call 0300 0120154
Read more local advice on Northamptonshire County Council website
Women’s Aid - Coronavirus: Safety advice for survivors, The impact of COVID-19 on women and children experiencing domestic abuse, and the life-saving services that support them
The National Domestic Abuse Helpline - 0808 2000 247 or go to www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk
Respect - Male victims can call Respect on 0808 8010 327 or go to mensadviceline.org.uk
GALOP - LGBT victims can call GALOP on 0800 999 5428 or go to www.galop.org.uk/domesticabuse/
As of 30 April 2020, any woman who needs to travel to find refuge from domestic violence can do so for free on any UK train. Email railtorefuge@womensaid.org.uk to access.
In addition, Boots shops are now dedicating space for victims to access support.
Easy Read information (see Learning Disability below)
Eczema
National Eczema Society - Advice on coronavirus (COVID-19) for people with eczema
Exercise
NHS Fitness Studio - Take your pick from 24 instructor-led videos across our aerobics exercise, strength and resistance, and pilates and yoga categories.
NHS One You home workout videos
Sport England (Stay in, work out) - Tips, advice and guidance on how to keep or get active in and around your home
Reach for Health - The centre in Daventry has put together 12 exercise plans designed to keep people active and also tailored to individuals who may have disabilities. They also have a helpline open from 10am to 4pm each day: 01327 828 260
Gambling
GamCare - Update on COVID-19
Aquarius (a GamCare partner) - Telephone counselling support/0300 456 4292 or email: northamptonshire@aquarius.org.uk
Grief support (see Bereavement)
Gypsies and travellers
Friends Families and Travellers - Covid-19: Guidance for supporting people living on traveller sites, unauthorised encampments and canal boats
Heart
British Heart Foundation - Information for people with heart and circulatory diseases (British Heart Foundation)
Resuscitation Council UK - Statement on COVID-19 in relation to CPR and resuscitation in first aid and community settings
HIV
Terrence Higgins Trust - Coronavirus and HIV
Homelessness
Groundswell - Coronavirus advice and planning for people experiencing homelessness
Shelter - Housing advice: coronavirus
Internet safety
Northamptonshire County Council and NAYC Resources about young people and internet safety: Online Safety Agreement, Professionals Advice Sheet – Online Safety
Kidney
National Kidney Federation - Information and advice for patients
Kidney Care UK - Guidance for patients with kidney disease
Learning disability (see Easy Read information above)
NCC Local Offer - Special Educational Needs coronavirus guidance - Information, resources and guidance relating to coronavirus for families with children and young people with special educational needs (SEN)
NHS guidance - Getting NHS help when you need it during the coronavirus outbreak - Easy Read, Getting NHS help when you need it during the coronavirus outbreak - plain English
Easy Read Online - Easy Read advice about Coronavirus and self-isolating, Coronavirus Glossary - a list of those words and what they mean, New rules on staying alert and safe
Mencap - Information about Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Learning Disability England - Keeping Informed and In Touch during Coronavirus
Ineqe Safeguarding Group - Makaton video about the Coronavirus
LGBTQ+
Stonewall - COVID-19 – How LGBT-inclusive organisations can help
Lung conditions
British Lung Foundation - Information for people with lung conditions, What is the difference between self-isolation and social distancing?
Medicines
The Patients Association - Patients Association work during coronavirus
Mental health and wellbeing
NHS/Gov - Every Mind Matters - Looking after your mental health, Public Health England new online guidance setting out principles to follow to help people to manage their mental health, List of mental health helplines, Changes to mental health legislation under the coronavirus bill, Apps to manage your health and wellbeing, COVID-19: guidance on supporting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing, What to do if you’re a student and it’s all getting too much
Healthwatch England - Coronavirus is affecting my mental health – what can I do?
Campaign to End Loneliness - Coronavirus and social isolation
Mind - Coronavirus and your wellbeing
Independent Age - Regular phonecalls for older people
The Silverline - 24/7 helpline for older people who want a friendly chat
Side by Side - Supportive online community run by Mind for people experiencing mental health difficulties
Samaritans - Whatever you’re going through, a Samaritan will face it with you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call 116 123 for free, If you're worried about your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak
FarmWell - Isolation and loneliness - information and resources for the Farming Community
Mental Health Foundation - Looking after your mental health during the outbreak, Podcasts for your wellbeing
National Survivor User Network (NSUN) - COVID-19 update, COVID-19: General Information, COVID-19: Mental Health Information, COVID-19: Advice for User-Led Organisations and Groups, COVID-19: Mutual Aid, COVID-19: And Human Rights, COVID-19: Keeping in touch with each other when we can't meet face to face, Resources on how to support yourself and others with mental health.
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy - Coronavirus anxiety: how to cope if you’re feeling anxious about the outbreak
World Health Organization - Coping with stress during the outbreak
Beat Eating Disorders - Eating Disorders and Coronavirus, The Sanctuary is an online group created specifically in response to the coronavirus and subsequent social distancing & anxieties this could lead to for people with an eating disorder. A safe space for people with an eating disorder to share concerns and advice on how they are coping with the pandemic
Rethink Mental Illness - COVID-19 and mental illness, Coronavirus: Advice for carers of those with severe mental illness, Managing your mental health during the Coronavirus outbreak
Anxiety UK - #Coronanxiety support and resources
OCD UK: OCD and coronavirus
YoungMinds - Coronavirus mental health advice for young people, What to do if you’re anxious about coronavirus, Coronavirus mental health advice for parents and carers and other articles
The Patients Association - Self-care during self-isolation and social distancing
Every Mind Matters - Every Mind Matters has created new COVID 19 specific content to help support the public’s Mental Health during this difficult time
Headspace - The app is making some of its content free at the moment, including meditations, sleep, and movement exercises to help you out, however you’re feeling.
FutureLearn - Is offering courses that will help you manage your mental health and support others who are struggling during lockdown.
Royal Society of Psychiatrists - has created a series of videos in multiple languages on maintaining positive mental health during COVID-19. The video includes some basic tips individuals can do to support their mental wellbeing during this time as well as the importance of staying connected.
M.E.
M.E. Association - ME Association Guidance: Coronavirus and ME/CFS
Military
Army Families Federation - Covid-19 advice including housing, allowances, education, foreign & commonwealth, rebasing, wellbeing and support
Combat Stress – For Veterans’ Mental Health - Self-care during COVID-19
Royal British Legion - Their response to COVID-19 and updates. The Legion’s contact centre remains fully operational to support the Armed Forces community and can be reached on 0808 802 8080 (8am-8pm, seven days a week) or at info@britishlegion.org.uk.
Multiple sclerosis
MS Society - MS and coronavirus, Simple exercises for MS, Pilates for MS, Ask an Expert – weekly webinar
NHS volunteer responders
Members of the public can sign up quickly and easily at goodsamapp.org/NHS to become NHS Volunteer Responders. They can be called on to do simple but vital tasks such as: delivering medicines from pharmacies, driving patients to appointments, bringing them home from hospital, or making regular phone calls to check on people isolating at home. Recruitment has been very successful so is currently paused.
Older people
Age UK - Coronavirus information for older people, Coronavirus - a short guide
Independent Age - FAQs - Coronavirus
U3A - Latest guidance and advice on coronavirus plus some great ideas to keep learning together
The British Psychological Society - Supporting older people and people living with dementia during self-isolation
Armchair Gallery - A free app that allows older people, and those who support them, to enjoy the life-changing benefits of art. In this era of lockdown and mass isolation it feels even more relevant than before.
Reach for Health - The Reach for Health Centre is running a telephone service to assist with improving the caller’s independence, wellbeing and mental health. They can help with social isolation, concerns over wellbeing and advice on activity and exercise. The helpline is: 01327 828 260 and is open from 10am to 4pm each day. Find more information about their service.
Public Health England - Active at Home booklet
Northamptonshire Sports - Resources and advice on staying active at home for older adults, Get Up & Go Strength and Balance Classes
Other languages
Doctors of the World - Information about Coronavirus in other languages
COVID-19 Infographics - Infographics about Coronavirus in various languages
NHS - Information about coronavirus in other languages
Royal Society of Psychiatrists - has created a series of videos in multiple languages on maintaining positive mental health during COVID-19. The video includes some basic tips individuals can do to support their mental wellbeing during this time as well as the importance of staying connected.
Race Equality Foundation - COVID-19 Translated Materials Resources
Parkinson's
Parkinson’s UK - Understanding coronavirus and Parkinson’s, Parkinson’s UK Community Group (Facebook)
Pregnancy
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists - Information about coronavirus for pregnant women and their families
Ramadan
Public Health England - Stay at home for Ramadan
The Muslim Council of Britain - COVID19 – #RAMADANATHOME
NHS - NHS urges public to stay safe ahead of Ramadan
Scams and fake information
Whilst there are lots of people and groups who are doing amazing work in local communities, we need to be aware that there are people who will use the current situation to exploit others for their own benefit. Scams can come in the form of people knocking on your door, fraudulent emails, phone calls, text messages or posts via social media. Fraudsters will attempt to get recipients to disclose personal or financial information or click on links that may contain malware - which then will be used for their own fraudulent purposes. Find out more on the Northamptonshire Trading Standards page and find a list of scams on the National Trading Standards page.
If you receive any such fraudulent contact please report via: Action Fraud, 0300 123 2040, Citizens Advice Consumer helpline, 0808 223 1133, to report offers of financial assistance from HMRC contact phishing@hmrc.gov.uk
The Patients Association is giving advice about how not to be caught out by fake news and how to watch out for the signs of false information.
Alzheimer’s Society - Four ways to spot a coronavirus financial scam and protect people affected by dementia
Self-isolation and Shielding
British Lung Foundation - What is the difference between self-isolation and social distancing?
Healthwatch North Yorkshire - Things to do while you’re stuck at home
Healthwatch England - Coronavirus: What does shielding mean?
Royal College of Occupational Therapists - Staying well when social distancing (Advice to support people who are undertaking social distancing and for families to support their children while schools are closed)
The Patients Association - Highly vulnerable patients – what to do if you have not been contacted?
Sensory loss
Action on Hearing Loss - Information and support during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Living With Hearing Loss - Your COVID-19 Hearing Loss Survival Guide
Sign Health - Information for deaf people or those hard of hearing
Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) - Coronavirus: How RNIB can help you, Essential links and information on supermarket opening times
Guide Dogs - New phone line launched to support you during the coronavirus outbreak - 0800 781 1444 between 9am-5pm Monday to Friday.
Macular Society - Coronavirus information and advice
Sight Advice FAQ - Covid-19 information
Smoking
COVID-19: advice for smokers and vapers
NHS - 10 self-help tips to stop smoking, 10 myths about stop smoking treatments, Using e-cigarettes to stop smoking, Passive smoking
ASH (Action on Smoking and Health) - #QuitforCOVID and other resources
Stroke
Stroke Association - Information for people affected by stroke, Managing loneliness and isolation
Terminal illness
Marie Curie - Coronavirus if you’re affected by terminal illness
