Coronavirus (Covid-19)

Our Carers Hub remains open and you can contact us on 0300 303 1555, or email us at hello@carersfirst.org.uk


Our webchat will be available: every Wednesday 6-8pm. Visit our website and click on the "chat to us" button to open a chat window 


If you need some support, or you just want to contact us for a chat, our team are available to talk and find the help you need. 

Our community team have collated a wealth of local information during this challenging time and are ready to help and will make contact with those who request support either by phone or video chat.


Useful links:

Rapid testing is available at two sites in Hackney for unpaid carers who do not have COVID-19 symptoms. The tests give results within 40 minutes and are for anyone who needs to leave their home for work or volunteering - such as providing unpaid care. Public Health are recommending people get tested regularly, maybe every week, to ensure they are not COVID-19 positive.

The tests can be booked online under "book a rapid test".

The two testing sites are at:

  • 18 Edward's Lane, Stoke Newington, N16 OJJ
  • Shellgrove Community Hall 29-8 Shellgrove Rd, Stoke Newington, N16 8UU

Community Support

Hackney Council, Volunteer Centre Hackney and local voluntary and community organisations are working in partnership to support residents that are affected by COVID-19. There is some work underway to compile a list of key services and information for what is open during the winter break, in particular to support people who need to self-isolate and who are Clinically Extremely Vulnerable.


Hackney Covid-19 helpline

The Covid-19 helpline is available for residents who need some additional support and advisers can also help to access some of the resources we have in the local community.  Residents or health and care professionals can call 020 8356 3111.  


In addition, the Find Support Service map now has over 150 organisations listed that are providing help to people in Hackney.  Categories include chat and check-in, stay fit and healthy, benefits advice and employment advice.  

 

Food provision - for Hackney residents only

There are a number of different pathways to support people as listed below. All can be accessed via the Hackney Council helpline: 

· People who are in food poverty and need some support to access food options from the voluntary and community sector

· People who can't afford food and who have been asked to isolate from NHS Test & Trace (they need an NHS ID number)

· People who can’t afford food and are Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (CEV) on current list held by Hackney Council - funding for a CEV offer will only start when Hackney enters Tier 3 restrictions or a further national lockdown.

 

Prescription delivery service

Volunteer Centre Hackney is coordinating a volunteer prescription delivery service again. As before, they are aiming to match volunteers to pharmacies, to help with their capacity. So please promote the service to any pharmacy you may come into contact with. They can also support residents individually, but please encourage residents to contact their pharmacy, their GP or to book their delivery online with their pharmacy in the first instance, as otherwise VCH could be inundated with resident requests. 

 

However, if they cannot get through to their pharmacy, GP or cannot book this online, then you can share their contact details - prescriptiondeliveries@vchackney.org / 07305086347 or 07305086348.  

Hackney Council

Information about disruption to services and find out how to volunteer and request support

Your Wellbeing

It's natural to feel anxious during times of uncertainty. Here are some tips which may help you

Emergency Plans

It is advisable to make a plan should you be unable to continue your caring role

Benefits Support

Read the latest information on the coronavirus and benefits guidance from Turn2Us



Mutual Aid Hackney

Facebook group connecting residents to community support

Bereavement

Information regarding funerals and bereavement support

Scams

Guidance from the National Trading Standards Scam Team, including online training

Things to do

Some suggestions of things to do during lockdown