The coronavirus pandemic is having a huge impact on our mental health. It is especially hard for people with depression: the relapse and overdose rate has increased by 30% since March 2020. MIND is here to help. They have an infoline open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday on 0300 123 3393, and you can visit their website for reliable information and tips to help you cope during this time. Remember that the Samaritans are always here to help – you can call them free on 116 123.
Click here for information from Malvern Hills District Council about help and support available to households and businesses, as well as information about council services.
Do you need some help while self-isolating?
If you, or someone you know, needs a hand with collecting shopping or prescriptions, or just wants someone to talk to, our NHS Volunteer Responders are here to help.
Join the thousands of others throughout England who are already receiving support – even if it’s just for a friendly chat.
Call 0808 196 3646 or visit nhsvolunteerresponders.org.uk.
Get the latest information from the NHS on COVID-19 and the Coronavirus that causes it.
See the latest information, rules and advice from the UK Government.
If you are worrying about money, these organisations can help:
Citizens Advice
Their national website – lots of information as well as contact details.
The local Worcester office website has their contact information including a text-for-call-back number and e-mail address.
The local Kidderminster office website has their contact information and a webchat.
The Money Advice Service, run by the government, has links to accredited organisations that offer free debt advice.
And these two websites offer helpful and impartial advice and information on what financial support is available: Paul Lewis Money and Martin Lewis’s MoneySavingExpert.
The current situation can be a scary time for children, and a difficult thing for parents and carers to explain. The Children’s Commissioner for England has produced a helpful guide.
ROBert explains the coronavirus. Children are asking about Coronavirus, this video uses PLAYMOBIL to help explain in a way that children can understand what is happening right now, what we can all do to ease the situation, and why it so important to avoid contact with other children and adults.
Everybody Worries, a picture book for children who are worried about Coronavirus, by Jon Burgerman, published by Oxford University Press.
Worcestershire County Council have this page with tips on looking after yourself whilst staying at home.
Please note the following warning about scams, from Trading Standards – further information is available from www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk
