You may be worried about Coronavirus (Covid-19) and how it has had an impact on you or your family. There may have been many changes for you and your loved ones over this period, such as having to spend a lot of time at home or you could be concerned about your finances, work or your health. This can feel difficult and stressful, however, there are many organisations that can support you to overcome some of these worries
We are all having to change the way we live our lives due to the current pandemic. This might feel strange and uncomfortable and may also be having an impact on our wellbeing. There is lots of support available to help us through this
The Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation mental health support helpline is available 24-7 for adults, older adults and children and young people requiring urgent mental health support during the Covid-19 pandemic
Call 0345 646 0827, 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Press 1 if you live in Sandwell or Wolverhampton. Press 2 if you live in Dudley or Walsall
You can access the One You, Every Mind Matters, stay at home tips
https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/coronavirus-covid-19-staying-at-home-tips/
You can also text SHOUT to 85258 - A free 24/7 mental health line
Please see the services below for further support:
NHS Every Mind Matters (Stay well at home)
Mental Health Foundation (Looking after your mental health during the Coronavirus outbreak)
COVID19: Government guidance for the public on mental health and wellbeing
Any death may leave us feeling shocked or numb. At the time of the Covid-19 pandemic when we would most naturally want to be able to draw together with immediate family, we find that we are asked to maintain social distance. We may also need to self-isolate, either for our own health or for the health of others. In our bereavement we have the extra loss of human contact that might normally give us great comfort. It’s good to connect with those who love us as much as we can, be this by electronic devices such as computers, laptops, tablets or phone
This is already a difficult time and it may be more so if you are bereaved, please follow the link below for guidance and support
Finding out more about the five ways to wellbeing can really support us all with our mental health. Practising the five ways to wellbeing can help us to prevent some mental health difficulties and it can also help us to overcome some of the difficulties that we might have been experiencing during the pandemic. Click on the image below to find out more
It could be that you have felt isolated or lonely during this time. If so, these organisations can help
You could find that during this time your drug and /or alcohol use has increased. If you would like support with this, you can access these services for help and guidance
This can be a difficult and worrying time for everyone but particularly so for adults and children living with abuse. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, please call 999 and ask for the police. Silent calls will work if you are not safe to speak – use the Silent Solution system; call 999 and then press 55 when prompted
If you can’t use a voice phone, you can register with the police text service, text REGISTER to 999. You will get a text which tells you what to do next. Do this when it is safe so you can text when you are in danger, find out more
Many people who provide care often do not recognise themselves as a carer and can therefore be unaware of the support available to them. Below are some services with information available that can provide help and support
You may find that your eating habits have changed during the pandemic. Eating a healthy diet is important to maintain health and boost your immunity
Find out about eating a healthy diet here
Pregnant women do not appear to be more severely unwell if they develop coronavirus than the general population. As this is a new virus however, how it may affect you is not yet clear. It is expected that the large majority of pregnant women will experience only mild or moderate cold/flu like symptoms
If you have a long term health condition, your GP can give you specific advice. Below are links to sites with general information on how you can look after yourself during the outbreak
We recognise that this period may be one of increased financial pressure. For any concerns relating to finances please see the links below
Citizens Advice Dudley Borough provides free, independent and confidential information and advice on a wide range of issues.
For help call their Contact Centre on 0300 3309 044
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday (local rate) between 9:30am-3:30pm.
Visit their website: www.citizensadvicedudley.org for more information and a complete list of all the services that they offer across the Dudley Borough.
Citizens Advice Dudley Borough offer a FREE Debt Advice service:
Call their mobile number 07799 070595 Monday to Friday between 9.30am-4pm.
Text “Debt” to 07799 070595 at any time with your name and contact number. Someone will contact you within two working days
Black Country Foodbank helps vulnerable individuals and families in crisis through the provision of 3-days’ emergency food supplies while a longer-term solution is developed. The services they provide have an enormous impact on the people who use them, giving them an important breathing space at a time of great need
Stop Loan Sharks investigate and prosecute loan sharks. Their official title is The England Illegal Money Lending Team. They are the lead organisation in England with the power to prosecute loan sharks and illegal money lenders. Since 2004, they have helped over 30,000 people who have borrowed from loan sharks
For locating and contacting local services and organisations please visit Dudley Community Information Directory.
