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COVID 19 - Coronavirus

Coronavirus updates 

On this page you can find information and guidance about Covid.

Living safely with COVID


Vaccination clinics


Where do I get the latest local information?


Government and NHS information

GovernmentNHSGet medical help

Coronavirus Vaccine Information - Community Languages Toggle accordion

Coronavirus Vaccine Information - Community Languages

NHS England: https://www.england.nhs.uk/london/our-work/covid-19-vaccine-communication-materials/

This video explains how the vaccine is given, and gives clear evidence that the vaccines work and are safe.

The videos have been produced in the following languages: Arabic, Bengali, Gujarati, Polish, Punjabi, Romanian, Spanish, Swahili, Turkish, Urdu, Yoruba.

See also videos from Cllr Iqbal Zia, former Mayor of the City and District, about his experiences of having his Coronavirus vaccination, in English, and in Urdu

Coronavirus Vaccination Myths & Scammers Toggle accordion

Coronavirus vaccination myths and scammers

If you are wondering what is is true and what is myth and misinformation when it comes to Covid vaccinations, read on.

Here are some stories from younger people:

Stories | Get More… From Your Jabs (getmorefromyourjabs.com)

Other very useful resources are:

The final link above – A Healthier Future – clearly sets out information about side effects, pregnancy, and fertility, for example.

Download - at the link below - a leaflet about a number of untrue vaccination myths that are doing the rounds on social media.

Combatting Covid-19 misinformation Spotting scammers

Hertfordshire County Council - Coronavirus - Frequently asked questions Toggle accordion

Hertfordshire County Council - Coronavirus 

Frequently asked questions

Benefits and financial advice Toggle accordion

Benefits and financial advice

Support for benefit claimants

Business updates

Our Business Support Services page has details and links to resources for businesses, employers and employees. 

Coronavirus Business Support page

Supporting Organisations & Community Volunteering

Compassionate Community Connector Programme Toggle accordion

Shopping?

Email or call us with your shopping list, and we’ll arrange for someone to do this shopping and one of our staff or trusted volunteers will deliver it to your door.

Telephone Tech Support?

Want to video chat with your family through Skype or Facetime? Need to know how to set up online shopping orders? Call our friendly phone tech support volunteers to help you gain confidence with your tech.

Feeling lonely or isolated at this difficult time?

Let us know and we’ll arrange for someone to give you a call.

Can’t get out? or need to go into hospital? Need someone to look after your pet?

Let us know and we’ll see what we can arrange.

Postcard Pal

Would you like to receive a message from a child home from school who would like to exchange postcards/letters?


Get in contact

Telephone: 020 8207 5115
Email: help@communities1st.org.uk
Website: www.communities1st.org.uk/covid19support

 

If you wish to download a poster, you can so here:  

Here to help poster

Organisations offering help Toggle accordion

HertsHelp:

0300 123 4044,info@hertshelp.net.
This is network of community organisations working together to help you find independent support.


Hertfordshire Independent Living Service: 

01727 847264
They provide a range of services to help older and vulnerable people stay healthy and independent.


Age UK Herts: 

0300 345 3446info@ageukherts.org.uk
Helps make a later life in Hertfordshire a fulfilling and enjoyable experience.


Citizens Advice: 

01727 811 118www.castad.org.uk 
or contact the Hertfordshire Adviceline on 03444 111 444 or from a mobile on 03000 3300 650.


St Albans and District Foodbank: 

01727 613 019info@stalbansdistrict.foodbank.org.uk.
Helps local people in crisis.


Mind in Mid-Herts: 

01727 865070admin@mindinmidherts.org.uk.
Creates opportunities for individuals to make choices, find their own solutions and build resilience.


Carers in Herts: 

01992 586969,contact@carersinherts.org.uk
Provides advice, information and support to unpaid carers.


Ollie Foundation: 

07715 311891,contactus@theolliefoundation.org.
Set up to support families with suicide.


Herts Young Homeless: 

03333 202 384,Info@hyh.org.uk.
Empowers young people to be able to deal with the difficult situations in their lives.


Relate: 

0300 003 2324,Info.lnwh@relate.org.uk
Offers a range of services to help you with your couple and family relationships.


London Colney Good Neighbourhood Scheme: 

01727 261104,
Monday or Friday 10am – 1pm.


Redbourn Care Group: 

01582 794550,  info@redbourncaregroup.co.uk.


Support For All: 

01582 380910info@wheathampstead-pc.gov.uk 
A Wheathampstead group set up to help isolated and vulnerable people.


 

Find a food bank Toggle accordion

We know it’s a challenging time for everyone at the moment as the coronavirus pandemic unfolds.

Food banks are grassroots, community organisations aimed at supporting people who cannot afford the essentials in life.

If you cannot afford food, you can find information about your local food bank using the button below.

Food bank finder

Looking after your mental health and wellbeing Toggle accordion

Information for Adults

The following organisations are delivering services that can help you to look after your mental health and well-being.


Local organisations

Hertfordshire Partnership Foundation Trust (HPFT) Mental Health Services

The Wellbeing Service offers short term support to people with mild to moderate mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Please visit: https://www.northessexiapt.nhs.uk/hertfordshire for more information about the service

HPFT remains open, for more information or to make a referral for services please contact the Single Point of Access (SPA) number (8am - 7pm): 0300 777 0707

Herts Mind Network deliver a number of services including peer support, domestic abuse services, complex needs outreach services, dementia and carers support as well as a range of online services including Meeting Places and Wellbeing Courses.  There are a number of sessions including ‘Coronavirus and your Wellbeing’ and ‘Overcoming Anxiety and Fear’.

You can contact them on 0203 727 3600 where your call will be triaged and directed to the most appropriate service or find out more on the website:  www.hertsmindnetwork.org

Mind in Mid-Herts deliver a range of services to support individuals who are suffering or who have suffered from mental and emotional distress.  Emotional support  is available on the telephone during the covid-19 pandemic on 03303 208100 and you can find out more about online social groups and living well courses including ‘Feeling Well’ to reduce feelings of depression and sadness and ‘Learning to Relax’ and ‘Building Courage’ to cope with anxiety on the website www.mindinmidherts.org.uk

Viewpoint is a user involvement charity in Hertfordshire for people with mental health or drug and alcohol problems.  For more information on social activities and programmes please see their website www.hertsviewpoint.co.uk or you can also find out more by visiting the Viewpoint Facebook page.

Guideposts is a mental health and wellbeing charity that deliver services including befriending, carer support and support for people on the autism spectrum.  For more information please visit  https://guideposts.org.uk/hertfordshire-services/ or call 01923 223554.


Other local support

Drug and Alcohol services

You can contact Change Grow Live (CGL) Drug and Alcohol Recovery Services from 09:00-19:00 by phoning them on 0800 652 3169 or emailing Herts@cgl.org.uk.  CGL recovery workers are offering support over the phone.

Domestic Abuse

If you are experiencing domestic abuse or worried about someone else who might be you can contact Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse Helpline: 08 088 088 088 (freephone Mon-Fri 9am-9pm, Sat/Sun 9am-4pm) or visit the website for more information: www.hertssunflower.org

If you are in immediate danger always dial 999


Information for people on the autism spectrum

National Autistic Society:  https://www.autism.org.uk/


Carers

There is advice for carers from Hertfordshire County Council at https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/adult-social-services/carers/carers.aspx and updates on service changes that may affect the person you are caring for at https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/about-the-council/news/coronavirus-service-updates.aspx#DynamicJumpMenuManager_2_Anchor_5 

Carers in Herts have up to date information, advice and resources on their website at https://www.carersinherts.org.uk/ and they can be contacted on 01992 586969 or by email on contact@carersinherts.org.uk


Bereavement

Cruse Bereavement Care Hertfordshire provide telephone support to bereaved people via a telephone helpline. You can access support on 01707 278389 Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.  For helpful resources see the Cruse website: https://www.cruse.org.uk/get-help/coronavirus-bereavement-and-grief

InTouch is a countywide emotional support line for older people, open Monday to Friday 9am – 4:30pm. Tel:  01992 629 358 OR 01992 634 964 OR 07538 954 189

Email: InTouch@ageukherts.org.uk


Apps / National Websites

There are a number of apps and national website to support your mental health and wellbeing.

Mind - www.mind.org.uk

Samaritans - https://www.samaritans.org/

Sane - http://www.sane.org.uk/ - out of hours helpline Tel: 0300 304 7000 from 4.30pm - 10.30pm every day

Alcohol Heath Alliance uk - in order to support those in recovery at this difficult time, the Alcohol Health Alliance has put together a list of resources which may be useful. https://ahauk.org/recovery-during-coronavirus/

NHS Mental Health apps library: https://www.nhs.uk/apps-library/category/mental-health/

Public Health England’s Every Mind Matters service has launched a new suite of tips and advice, focussed on looking after people’s mental wellbeing during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.  Resources include a tailored COVID-19 Mind Plan, content for individuals and their loved ones on managing their mental wellbeing during the outbreak, and support for specific mental health issues such as anxiety, stress, low mood and trouble sleeping.

For more information visit: www.everymindmatters.co.uk


Already working with a service?

If you are currently receiving support from a service or have been recently discharged, you can contact the service if you are struggling with your mental health. Most have a duty line and a website where you can find out how to continue accessing services. 

If you are already using HPFT services and need help, please contact:

Your care co-ordinator on the number provided to you or if you need help in the evening, weekend or bank holiday call our Out of Hours Helpline Tel: 01438 843322


Need help now?

If you need help in a mental health crisis 

Hertfordshire Partnership Foundation Trust (HPFT) Mental Health Services

Call our Single Point of Access (SPA) Tel: 0300 777 0707 from 8am - 7pm 

Email: hpft.spa@nhs.net

Alternatively, call the Out of Hours Helpline Tel: 01438 843322

Herts Mind Network – Mental health helpline

Anyone experiencing mental health distress can call the Crisis Helpline for emotional support and signposting.  Available to provide emotional support 24 hours a day, every day of the week.  To contact the helpline please call us on 01923 256391.


 

Communities 1st - Volunteer Roles Toggle accordion

Community Volunteering - COVID-19

Latest news about Coronavirus