Coronavirus Local Support

News

2nd April 2020

Help and Support - COVID19

 

Tamworth Self Isolation Support Group  

 

CONTACT NUMBER - 01827 59646 manned by 5 volunteers between 10am-3pm. They will call back asap if the lines are busy.

 

The service is for those who are unable to do their own shopping etc and are: - self isolating, those who are vulnerable/high risk and those in the very high risk category (1.5million people in the UK are being written too and should have a letter this week to tell them whether they are in the very high risk category and what precautions they should be taking).

 

The services they currently offer to those who are in the categories detailed above:

 

  • They have an agreement with Tamworth Co-op. People who are isolating can ring the service, get a unique reference number and be signposted to Tamworth Co-op. They provide the unique ref to the co-op and can order food items, pay for them over the phone and have them delivered to the door/doorstep. Having the unique reference number puts them as priority. I would advise families to give a few days’ notice to make sure it’s delivered in time.
  • For families on low income, they can signpost for emergency supplies and essential items to be dropped off –they will have to ask questions to check they are in such need and will take initial enquiries first – similar to food bank criteria’s. They will soon be working together with the food bank and are waiting for Councils to have conversations and link these services together and share food stores amongst.
  • They have links with CAB and other advisory services for those who need money, benefits, bills advice and can request these services to work with our families via telephone.
  • They offer befriending phone call service for those who are isolated or need someone to talk too. See poster for Be-friending service attached. – I’m sure this is for anyone, whether isolating or not.  
  • They have links with SpringPharm Pharmacy. For those who need medication they can temporarily transfer their prescriptions to be sent to this pharmacy and have them delivered to the door.

 

Food Bank

 

The way to make a referral for a food parcel now that we are unable to issue paper vouchers is by telephoning

01827 302436 and selecting Option 4 (Coffee Shop)

Foodbank is open Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday and Friday (Not Thursdays or weekends) between 12.30 and 3.00 pm.

The service is COLLECTION ONLY  they are unable to deliver. 

 

However, I wasn’t sure whether it might be possible to consider if for example, Scheme Managers could collect the food parcel for sheltered schemes or whether any housing officers could collect if the need arises, for people who have no other family, friend or neighbour that could collect for them?  There might be an option to call Lee Bates and see if he MAY be able to assist ?

 

When you make a referral for a food parcel you will need to give the details below so that the Foodbank volunteer can raise the necessary paperwork their end. 

 

  • Full Name
  • Full Address Including Postcode (Postcode is ESSENTIAL)
  • Date of Birth
  • The number of Adults and their ages in the household
  • The number of Children and their ages in the household
  • Any Allergies in the household

 

In addition to the above the Foodbank are also accepting specific requests for hygiene products for example, Toilet Paper, Tampons, Toothpaste and whilst the request can be put forward they cannot guarantee the item will be available but will do their best to oblige if they have the item available.

 

If you ring the number and are not able to speak to a volunteer there is a message facility so that you can leave a message and your contact number to request a call back.

Prepayment Meters for Gas and Electricity

 

Energy firms are putting in place new measures to help prepayment customers unable to top up during the coronavirus pandemic.  Plans include posting cards loaded with emergency credit to those unable to leave home as they need to self-isolate. 

Important: This is a fast-changing situation. The info below is the best we have currently, but we'll be updating this as we know more.

Regulator Ofgem has written to all suppliers, saying it expects them to "take proactive measures to support prepayment meter customers, including customers in vulnerable circumstances".

We also understand the Government is working with suppliers and the Citizens Advice charity to develop guidelines for energy companies, covering topping up prepayment meters, as well as options for those who could struggle to pay their bills if income reduces.

For more information please click below:

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2020/03/energy-firms-move-to-help-customers-unable-to-top-up-due-to-coro/

Useful Contact Numbers 

 

Anything Medical please contact your own GP, NHS 111 or NHS Website www.nhs.co.uk

 

Staffordshire Cares

Staffordshire Cares are a team of skilled call handlers who can provide information, advice and guidance and can process social care enquires.

0300 111 8010

 

Staffordshire County Council (recycling, social care, blue badges, highways, lighting, families, education) www.staffordshire.gov.uk 0300 111 8000 contactus@staffordshire.gov.uk

 

Tamworth Borough Council (Housing, Benefits, homeless advice, waste collections) www.tamworth.gov.uk

01827 709709

 

Citizens Advice www.casestaffs.org.uk/tamworth

(Can contact through the website) National Website – www.citizensadvice.org.uk

03454 040506

 

Tamworth Advice Centre www.citizensadvice.org.uk/local/mid-mercia

0300 3309002

 

Wellbeing Matters (Mental Health Support) https://wellbeingmatters.mpft.nhs.uk/ Self-referral helpline - 01827 288843

 

Mind Charity (Mental Health Support) www.mind.org.uk

0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm)