Coronavirus links

National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society

Coronavirus and rheumatoid arthritis

Versus Arthritis

Versus Arthritis provides support and services to people living with arthritis, for more information visit:  https://www.versusarthritis.org/

Asthma UK

Health advice for people with asthma

National Autistic Society

Information about coronavirus
Coronavirus: your stories

Sunderland Keeping People Connected

A project led by NHS partners and Sunderland Clinical Commissioning Group to provide guidance and support to local people with learning disabilities and autism. As well as signposting to appropriate services, the team provides information about COVID-19 and how it can impact individuals in a way that is easy to understand.  Read more 

All Together Better

ATB partners have worked together to maintain a range of services to support local people with mental health needs, learning disabilities and autism and their families.  Read more

Cruse Bereavement Care

Coronavirus: dealing with bereavement and grief

During the global coronavirus pandemic we are facing a tragic loss of life, often under very difficult circumstances.

Bereaved people may have to deal with increased trauma, and may be cut off from some of their usual support network. Those who are already struggling with bereavement, or whose relatives or friends die through other causes will also be affected.

Cruse Bereavement Care has put together these resources to share how bereavement and grief may be affected by this pandemic. It covers some of the different situations and emotions bereaved people may have to deal with. They will be adding to and updating this information as the situation develops.

The Good Grief Trust

The Good Grief Trust is run by the bereaved for the bereaved.  It is an umbrella organisation which is working with other organisations across the country to provide bereavement services during COVID-19

Sunderland Crematorium Services

Online streaming of funeral services from Sunderland Crematorium began Monday 4 May.  The introduction of the webcam at services will allow more bereaved people to pay their respects during this difficult time. The council has had to make a series of changes to bereavement services under the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020, including the introduction of weekend services and limiting the number of mourners to immediate family members only.  Access arrangements for services can be booked through funeral directors with viewing options including live web-streaming, 28 day viewings and downloadable options. There are no limits on the number of people viewing.

Planning care at the end of life

Planning care at the end of life

NHS Blood and Transplant

Information about blood donation

British Sign Language

Information – BSL videos (SignHealth)

Cancer and coronavirus

Cancer and coronavirus

National Cancer Programme

What to do if you are worried about cancer during the CV outbreak.

Below are the links to two short films that have been produced by the National Cancer Programme Team for cancer patients and the wider public.

• A video message compiled by a range of national cancer charities encouraging people to go to their GP surgery if they are worried about signs and symptoms of cancer.
• Video messages from National Clinical Director for Cancer, Prof. Peter Johnson on the importance of contacting your GP if you have any signs of cancer and what coronavirus will mean for people’s care.

FACT Sunderland

FACT Sunderland support for people who are self isolating due to cancer and are offering support with household products and food to people who have to self-isolate due to receiving treatment, or suffering from cancer. 
If you need to contact the Team during the Coronavirus outbreak please call 07759139351 or email: info@fact-cancersupport.co.uk

St Benedict’s Hospice

St Benedict’s Hospice provide a variety of support for people who are in the at risk group due to a terminally ill disease, for further information ring 0191 512 8400

Macmillan

Advice on Coronavirus for people with cancer

Lymphoma Action

Advice on Coronavirus for people with cancer

Bloodcancer UK

Coronavirus and blood cancer

The Eve Appeal

The Eve Appeal have developed a cancer and coronavirus information hub, so that people can access up to date and accurate information on gynaecological cancer pathways, from first investigation of symptoms through to follow up post treatment, as well as information on the national cervical screening programme.

Northern Cancer Alliance

The Northern Cancer Alliance website has brought together sources of COVID-19 information and support for people affected by cancer. This includes information from cancer charities such as Macmillan, Cancer Research UK and the Teenage Cancer Trust, as well as tumour specific charities such as Bowel Cancer UK, Breast Cancer Now and Bloodwise.

The website also includes health and wellbeing information and the latest COVID-19 guidance from the NHS and the UK government, including information in alternative formats such as easy read and British Sign Language.

This is a link to the film that the Northern Cancer Alliance has produced to encourage patients to present at their GP if they are experiencing potential cancer symptoms during the pandemic. This is building on the national campaign, with a clear focus on the cancer related messages.

The Northern Cancer Alliance COVID-19 webpages can be accessed here

Sunderland Carers Centre

During this time are offering information, advice and guidance via email, telephone or social media 

More Than Grandparents

More Than Grandparents are offering support to kinship carers who are raising their grandchildren or a relative or friend’s child in Sunderland by providing home delivery services and ideas on how to entertain the children. 
Based in Hendon you can call Melanie on: 07501 191 338
Email: morethangrandparents@gmail.com
Website: www.morethangrandparents.com 

Carers UK

Includes advice on making a contingency plan, getting a carer's assessment and guidance for working carers.
Joint Statement from Carers Trust and Carers UK

Carers Trust

Guidance on coronavirus

Rethink Mental Illness

Coronavirus: Advice for carers of those with severe mental illness

Changes to Carer’s Allowance

During the COVID-19 pandemic, new measures allow unpaid carers to continue to claim Carer’s Allowance if they have a temporary break in caring, because they or the person they care for gets coronavirus or if they have to isolate because of it.

The government has also confirmed that providing emotional support counts towards the Carer’s Allowance threshold of 35 hours of care a week across the UK. For more details of recent updates, please see new A-Z of changes.

Read more 

NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank launch card

NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank launch card for carers to support vulnerable customers and those in isolation, they have introduced a new ‘companion card’– a supplement to their existing current accounts that will enable vulnerable customers and those in extended isolation to give trusted volunteers a way to pay for their essential goods.

Advice for parents during coronavirus

Whilst coronavirus is infectious to children it is rarely serious. If your child is unwell it is likely to be a non-coronavirus illness, rather than coronavirus itself.  Whilst it is extremely important to follow Government advice to stay at home during this period, it can be confusing to know what to do when your child is unwell or injured.  Remember that NHS 111, GPs and hospitals are still providing the same safe care that they have always done. Here is some advice to help

Coronavirus - A book for children

The Gruffalo illustrator Axel Scheffler, worked with consultant Professor Graham Medley, two head teachers and a psychologist to make sure this book got the messages right, answering questions about quarantine, how you can catch the virus and what happens if you get it. Access it here!

The Mix

Essential support for under 25s

Help, I’m worried about coronavirus

Grace House

The Grace House charity is still offering support for families who have someone within the family, aged 25 or under, with any form of disability. Their short breaks service for disabled children aged 5 - 17 years, 11 months is still open, ran by Sunderland Care and Support. They are working from home and currently offering:

• group activities for adult carers via video links eg Mindfulness, journalling for wellbeing, crafts, Zumba, with more planned;
• a closed Facebook group called Families First on our Facebook page to enable carers to share information and issues;
• telephone counselling for clients who are keen for their counselling to continue at present;
• fun activities to support our fundraising efforts eg online quiz, short story competition, online dog show.
In "normal" times they arrange inclusive family activities, especially in school holidays. They are exploring ideas for this now. 

They are also in contact with everyone who uses us to see how people are managing and to see what other kind of support they can offer. If anyone would like more information please contact us via their Facebook page, or email: info@gracehouse.co.uk or for any queries please ring: 0191 5979191

Southwick Neighbourhood Youth Project

Southwick Neighbourhood Youth Project are providing support to children and young people who live in Southwick ward, by providing careers support, keeping in tough digitally, setting challenges and playing games, delivering activity packs and working with networks to ensure food banks can still serve those most at need.  Visit their Facebook page 

Youth Almighty Project

Youth Almighty Project are supporting vulnerable families and individuals in Silksworth, Barnes, Sandhill and St Chad’s.  They have a team of volunteers so if you need help or know of someone who does find them on Facebook or call 0191 5238000

Sunderland North Community Business Centre

Sunderland North Community Business Centre are providing support to children and young people via digital mediums 

Sunderland Community Action Group 

Sunderland Community Action Group are providing support to children and young people via their digital mediums.
Visit their Facebook page  

Blue Watch Youth Centre

Are providing support to children and young people who live in Ryhope and St Michael’s wards, by providing virtual support via WhatsApp and Facebook, including quizzes, bingo and much more, check out their Facebook page  

CHANCE

Providing a variety of services to people in the East End, Hendon, from general advice to  meals to kids on free school meals, and supporting low income families with washing powder, etc.  Contact Julie via Facebook or ring 0191 567 0978.

Fiscus

Are providing support to households in Sunderland with essential goods and bundles for babies,
find the Team on Facebook

Sunderland Libraries

Online learning for kids - Children can keep their mind active and creative and stave off boredom using online resources such as our subscription Ziptales.visit https://www.sunderland.gov.uk/libraries and click ‘Digital Resources’. Follow the link to the Ziptales website and enter your library card number to enter.

For toddlers you can make your own Rhyme Time session using the Wind the Bobbin app, all free to download.

There are plenty of children’s ebooks too, all the favourite authors, including plenty of David Walliams, Jacqueline Wilson & all the Harry Potters!

Your library card number is the long number beginning with an ‘L’ on your library card or the 6 digit number given when you join online.

Underdogg and the Indoor Adventure

‘Underdogg and the Indoor Adventure’ - This is a comic and activity booklet.  It is hoped it will bring some comfort and explanation of these uncertain times to our younger children

Kooth

Kooth is a free, anonymous, online counselling and emotional well-being platform for children and young people, accessible through mobile, tablet and desktop and free at the point of use

Children’s Commissioner

Below is some Coronovirus information in easy read:

• Information about the Coronavirus 
• Stay at home
• Staying at home and away from others
• Keeping in contact with people
  (Aimed at people with a learning disability and/or Autism)
• Handwashing
• Keeping away from other people
• Sunderland #Staying Connected

Learning Disability England

Have pages on their website to share information and resources about the virus and what you can to do to stay safe and well, and how people are staying connected and finding solutions

Sunderland Keeping People Connected

For anyone who is autistic or has a learning disability or both in response to Coronavirus

Crohn's & Colitis UK

Coronavirus: Advice for people with Crohn's and colitis

Essence Service

The Essence Service is based in Sunderland and offers a wide range of practical and emotional support for people have been diagnosed with Dementia and their carers.  They have put together this Activity Pack to keep you entertained at home 

Alzheimer’s Society

Information for people affected by dementia - Includes the section, “Somebody I care about is living with dementia. What should I do about coronavirus?”

Online support:

• Advice and guidance on a range of issues is available on their website.
• They would encourage people to join Dementia Talking Point. This is our online community where people affected by dementia can receive valuable support from people in similar situations.

Further support:

• People with questions about what they should be doing and how they should be interacting with people living with dementia at this time can access this guidance.
• Any community groups or individuals that wish to support vulnerable adults during this time can contact Alzheimer’s Society for information and guidance. This includes how to access their online Dementia Friends awareness sessions.

Website: www.alzheimers.org.uk or Telephone: 0333 150 3456

British Psychological Society COVID-19 Resources

The British Psychological Society are creating a set of covid19 specific resources including; Talking to children about Coronavirus; Psychological impact on older people; Supporting older people and people living with dementia during self-isolation

Dementia UK

Dementia UK have launched a series of new webpages giving support and advice relating to the coronavirus outbreak. Including:

• Advice for people with dementia and their families, regarding the coronavirus
• Coronavirus: questions and answers
  
• Leaflets and information - includes links to leaflets on Caring from a Distance, Dealing with Restlessness and Calming Techniques

Activities for Older Adults During COVID19

A guide to online resources for those providing care for people with dementia

How to get an NHS dentist appointment during COVID-19

Routine dental care has had to change because of COVID-19, with social distancing rules making it difficult to access services. Here's some information on how to access an NHS dentist during the pandemic.

Diabetes UK

Advice for people living with diabetes 

The Diabetes UK Helpline is available for anyone who is worried about diabetes. Trained staff are available Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm on 0345 123 2399 or by email: helpline@diabetes.org.uk

Visit their advice for healthcare professionals on coronavirus (COVID-19) and diabetes and their coronavirus advice page for people living with diabetes and their families. These pages are based on the most recent guidance available and also signpost to other relevant sources of support and information. We’ll continue to update these pages as new guidance is released. 

They have some helpful information to help people staying at home and managing their diabetes and to help people cope with stress and other emotions. There is also a useful coronavirus thread on their online forum, where members are sharing information and experiences. People can follow and keep up to date with them and their advice and support on the Diabetes UK Facebook and Twitter feeds.

Ramadan - the Ramadan advice pages provides information on safe fasting and diabetes, including a
factsheet on religious fasting.

The North of England team at Diabetes UK have recently opened a public Facebook group in order to reach and support more people living with diabetes in the region.

The group is a great opportunity to chat to others living with diabetes, share positivity and receive updates from healthcare professionals and from Diabetes UK. Anyone with an interest in diabetes – from people living with the condition to health care professionals – is welcome to join.

The group is not used for any medical questions and Diabetes UK asks people to refer to their relevant healthcare professionals for medical advice.  The group is called ‘Diabetes UK chat: Your Friends in the North’.

For the latest information around coronavirus and diabetes, visit their website or call the Diabetes UK helpline on 0345 123 2399.

NHS new online support for people with diabetes

New online tools for people living with diabetes are now available on the NHS to help people manage their condition during the coronavirus pandemic. Three new services will allow people to manage their condition online, with a range of online videos and training available on each app for children and adults.

Keepsafe

Easy read information and UK guidance about Coronavirus

When should I cover my face
Child and parent exemption card - This is a version of the face covering exemption cards for children with special needs or autism and their parents. Each card explains a different reason why it's ok to not wear a mask.

Turn2Us

Benefits and coronavirus

Gov.uk

All face-to-face assessments for sickness and disability benefits suspended for 3 months

Universal Credit

Coronavirus and claiming benefits

Scope

Coronavirus information

Changes to Carer’s Allowance

During the COVID-19 pandemic, new measures allow unpaid carers to continue to claim Carer’s Allowance if they have a temporary break in caring, because they or the person they care for gets coronavirus or if they have to isolate because of it.

The government has also confirmed that providing emotional support counts towards the Carer’s Allowance threshold of 35 hours of care a week across the UK. For more details of recent updates, please see new A-Z of changes.

Read more

Sunderland North Community Business Centre

Sunderland North Community Business Centre are offering an employability service to anyone in the City who is unemployed, at risk of redundancy, had their hours reduced to zero, need support to register for Universal Credit or just need someone to talk to so they can signpost them to the relevant services. Telephone advice service to support residents with Claiming Benefits, Creating CVs, finding another job. Telephone Karen 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday 0191 537 3231.

Learning Disability Matters

The Coronavirus (COVID – 19) pandemic has led to great uncertainty, worry and challenge for families of children and young people with a learning disability.  They know important for families to maintain their resilience, connections, health and wellbeing during this challenging time which can be difficult. The Learning Disability Matters for Families team have pulled together in one place a range of resources, contacts and useful information from across national and region.

In an emergency situation call Police 999

What is domestic abuse and how can I get support?

If you are experiencing or feel at risk of domestic abuse, or are worried about someone who might be,
find out where you can go for advice and help.

Wearside Women in Need

Offer support to people across Sunderland through domestic violence with non-judgemental information, advice and guidance.  Contact the free phone number for advice 0800 066 5555.  Access their website.

Women's Aid

Coronavirus: Safety advice for survivors

The impact of COVID-19 on women and children experiencing domestic abuse, and the life-saving services that support them

The Women's Aid website provides a wide range of resources to help women and young people.

This includes The Survivor's Handbook which provides a range of information including legal and housing advice, tips on how to create a safety plan and advice for people with specialist housing needs. It's available in 11 languages and in audio. 

They also run a website to support to children and teenagers who may be living in a home affected by domestic violence, or who may be in a violent relationship themselves.

Website: www.womensaid.org.uk

Bright Sky

A free to download mobile app providing support and information to anyone who may be in an abusive relationship or those concerned about someone they know. The app is also designed to be used by professionals looking for information about issues around domestic abuse such as online safety, stalking and harassment and sexual consent. It looks like a weather app so the abuser wouldn’t suspect if it was on a survivor’s phone. Visit here.

The Safe and Together Institute

Providing advice on how domestic abuse support work might be adapted during the pandemic crisis. Visit here.

National domestic abuse helpline

The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is a freephone 24 hour helpline which provides advice and support to women and can refer them to emergency accommodation.

There are translation facilities if your first language is not English. The Helpline also offers BT Type talk for callers with hearing difficulties. The Helpline worker contacts the Type talk operator so that the caller can communicate through them.

Telephone: 0808 200 0247
Monday to Sunday, 24 hours

Online submission form

Refuge

Their helpline offers advice and support to women experiencing domestic violence.

Refuge also provide safe, emergency accommodation through a network of refuges throughout the UK, including culturally-specific services for women from minority ethnic communities and cultures.

Their website also includes some information for men who are either being abused or who are abusers.

Telephone: 0808 200 0247
Monday to Sunday, 24 hours

Email: info@refuge.org.uk
Website: www.refuge.org.uk

Rights of women

Rights of Women offers confidential legal advice on domestic and sexual violence. They produce free information sheets which can be downloaded from their website.

Family law advice line: 020 7251 6577
Tuesday to Thursday, 7pm to 9pm
Friday 12pm to 2pm

Criminal law advice line: 020 7251 8887
Tuesday 7pm to 9pm

Immigration and asylum law advice line: 020 7490 7689
Monday, 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm
Thursday 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm

Textphone advice line: 020 7490 2562 (on the days and times above)

Administration: 020 7251 6575
Fax: 020 7490 5377
Email: info@row.org.uk
Website: www.rightsofwomen.org.uk

Finding Legal Options for Women Survivors (FLOWS)

FLOWS gives legal advice to women who are affected by domestic abuse - they also give advice to front line workers.

Helpline: 0203 745 7707
Monday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm

Email: FLOWS@rcjadvice.org.uk
Website: https://www.rcjadvice.org.uk/family/flows-finding-legal-options-for-women-survivors/

Respect - Men's Advice Line

The Men's Advice Line is a confidential helpline for all men experiencing domestic violence by a current or ex-partner. They provide emotional support and practical advice, and can give you details of specialist services that can give you advice on legal, housing, child contact, mental health and other issues.

Helpline: 0808 801 0327
Monday and Wednesday, 9am to 8pm
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 9am to 5pm

Email: info@mensadviceline.org.uk
Website: www.mensadviceline.org.uk

ManKind Initiative

The ManKind Initiative is a charity offering information and support to men who are victims of domestic abuse or violence. This can include information and support on reporting incidents, police procedures, housing, benefits and injunctions. They can refer you to a refuge, local authority or other another support service if you need it.

Telephone: 01823 334 244
Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm

Email: admin@mankind.org.uk
Website: new.mankind.org.uk

SurvivorsUK

This is a helpline for men who have been victims of rape or sexual abuse.

They may be able to arrange counselling or a support group if you live in the London area, or provide details of an appropriate service if you don't.

You can contact the SurvivorsUK helpline through an online chat service, text message or WhatsApp.

Online chat: www.survivorsuk.org/ways-we-can-help/online-helpline/
Text message: 020 3322 1860
WhatsApp: 07491 816064
Monday to Sunday, 12pm to 8pm

Admin: 0203 598 3898
Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5pm

E-mail: info@survivorsuk.org
Website: www.survivorsuk.org 

RCJ Advice Family Service

RCJ Advice Family Service can give legal advice to people who are affected by domestic abuse or need family law help – find out more on the RCJ Advice website

National Centre for Domestic Violence 

The National Centre for Domestic Violence helps people get protection from their abuser. They provide free legal support to all survivors of domestic violence, for example by helping individuals get injunctions from their local court. 

Telephone: 0800 970 2070
Website: www.ncdv.org.uk

Rape Crisis

Rape Crisis (England and Wales) is an umbrella organisation for Rape Crisis Centres across England and Wales. The website has contact details for centres and gives basic information about rape and sexual violence for survivors, friends, family, students and professionals. Rape Crisis (England and Wales) also runs a freephone helpline.

National Freephone Helpline: 0808 802 9999
Monday to Sunday, 12pm to 2.30pm and 7pm to 9.30pm

Website: www.rapecrisis.org.uk

Honour Network Helpline

The Honour Network Helpline is a national helpline run by Karma Nirvana, a national charity which advises victims and survivors of forced marriage and honour-based abuse.

Helpline: 0800 599 9247
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

Website: www.karmanirvana.org.uk

Action on Elder Abuse

Action on Elder Abuse gives confidential advice and information to older people who are victims of violence or abuse. A relative or friend of the person being abused can also contact the helpline on behalf of the older person. The helpline can be used in the case of older people who live at home, in a care home or who are in hospital.

Helpline: 0808 808 8141
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

Tel: 020 8835 9280
Email: enquiries@elderabuse.org.uk
Website: www.elderabuse.org.uk

National Stalking Helpline

The National Stalking Helpline can provide advice on how to deal with any type of stalking behaviour. This includes advice on how to report the behaviour to the police, and what you can expect if you report something.

Helpline: 0808 802 0300
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 1pm to 4pm

Email: advice@stalkinghelpline.org
Website: www.stalkinghelpline.org

Respect Phoneline

Respect Phoneline offers information and advice to men and women in heterosexual or same-sex relationships who want to stop their violent behaviour.

Telephone: 0808 802 4040 (free from landlines and most mobiles)
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

Webchat: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 10am to 11am and 3pm to 4pm

E-mail: info@respectphoneline.org.uk
Website: www.respectphoneline.org.uk

National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline

Galop provides support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people experiencing domestic violence.

Helpline: 0800 999 5428
Monday to Tuesday, 10am to 5pm
Wednesday to Thursday, 10am to 8pm
Friday, 10am to 5pm

Tuesday 1pm to 5pm is a trans specific service

Woman’s Trust Browse Safely

If you are in an abusive or controlling relationship, it’s important to make sure you take measures to protect yourself online. Find out more here

NERAF

Are providing telephone support to people who have substance misuse addiction, if you need support ring 0191 514 8520 

Wear Recovery

Wear Recovery is a dedicated service for anyone in Sunderland experiencing problems with drugs and alcohol.  Call for support on: 0800 234 6798

Talk to Frank

Coronavirus: drinking and taking drugs during the outbreak

Rehab 4 Addiction

Helping you to find addiction rehab

Rehab 4 Addiction was founded to assist those affected by substance misuse and their loved ones. They offer a range of services, and help signpost you to the most effective treatments. This includes alcohol rehab, drug rehab, detox services, intervention, aftercare and outpatient counselling. Their helpline advisors are committed to helping you in your quest to locate effective treatments for addiction.

New emergency phone line for Sunderland Eye Infirmary patients

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing rules, patients who have an urgent eye problem and need to attend the Emergency Eye Department at Sunderland Eye Infirmary should now call a new 24/7 emergency number - 0191 5699952 - before arriving at the hospital.

Patients calling the new 24/7 emergency number at Sunderland Eye Infirmary will speak to a specialist who will carry out a telephone consultation and, if necessary, arrange for patients to be seen face-to-face.

This is for the protection of their patients and staff will avoid large numbers of people in their waiting room and reduce the amount of time patients need to spend in the Emergency Eye Department.

Any emergency patients attending Sunderland Eye Infirmary will be asked to call the new 24/7 emergency number on arrival. This is a temporary measure during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Guide Dogs - new phone line

Guide Dogs are providing answers and information for people with sight loss and their families during the coronavirus outbreak. They can help you identify ways to continue living actively, independently and well, refer you to their other services or help you access services by other providers. Please call 0800 781 1444 between 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Guide Dogs has changed the way it provides services in response to social distancing, eg, Guide Dogs staff can now arrange to contact you regularly by phone to provide individual support through the social isolation period.

To access this and other services please call 0800 781 1444 between 9am-5pm Monday to Friday or visit their website to find out more.

Deafblind customers who use BSL should contact Guide Dogs via their webpage, clicking on the SignVideo logo on the right hand side, or through a SignVideo app. This connects you to a SignVideo interpreter who will then connect to the information line.

The College of Optometrists

The College of Optometrists has produced a poster explaining the process of visiting an optician - access it here 

Sunderland Foodbanks 

Sunderland Foodbank provide food parcels to those in greatest need living in Sunderland.  Request support via their website or ring 0191 543 7191

Washington Community Food Bank

St Michael's Church will no longer be an Outlet for WCFP referrals.  New client's referrals should be advised to attend Oxclose Church. Oxclose Church will be open on Wednesday from 9.30 until 12 noon and this coming Friday on the following Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the same times until further notice. This will continue until circumstances allow the group to re-open Unit O, Barmston Furniture and St George's Church. Updates on www.facebook.com/washingtoncfp/

Salvation Army 

Salvation Army offering foodbank support through agency referrals.  Find your nearest branch here

Free School Meals

Plans set out to support pupils eligible for free school meals

SNCBC

SNCBC are leading on delivering a food shop service - to those identified through the Council referral system and potentially supporting volunteers who have registered through the online system - contact nikkivokes@communityopportunities.co.uk -  read more here

Food support for shielded patients

To receive a priority supermarket slot, Shielding individuals must register on the website, once they have received their NHS letter, or use the phone line available. When signing up, they must request essential food supplies in order for their data to be passed onto supermarkets. Once registered for priority access with supermarkets, individuals will not be removed from supermarket lists if they subsequently de-register for food boxes. However, each supermarket manages their own home delivery system and priority access with supermarkets does not necessarily guarantee a regular frequency of delivery.

Co-op: Supporting vulnerable customers with food

The Co-op have launched a gift card scheme for those shielding or self-isolating and reliant on others to do their shopping or who are volunteering to help someone they know, including as part of a local support group. By calling a dedicated Co-op phone line on 0800 029 4592, they can purchase a gift card which can be shared with friends, neighbours or volunteers to pay for shopping in their local Co-op store. If a volunteer group wishes to buy multiple cards to support vulnerable people, they can do this by emailing their requirements to giftvouchers@coop.co.uk.

The Healthwatch Team are now working from home, as you would probably expect, but we are still very much available to support you with your Health and Social Care questions.  

Our information and signposting service is running as usual and is free, confidential, and independent. 

We continue to provide information on local health and social care services, including the NHS, community services and care homes through our e-bulletins, which are sent out monthly, but during this time, are being sent out more often to keep you up to date, as things are changing so quickly.  Not already signed up?  Click here to be included in the next mail out!

Even if you are unsure about the support you need, please get in touch on 0191 514 7145.  We do not always have all of the answers, but we will find them for you!

British Heart Foundation

Information for people with heart and circulatory diseases (British Heart Foundation)

British Lung Foundation

Here you’ll find all our information about coronavirus and useful links for the latest updates

What should I do if I have COPD?

Resuscitation Council UK

Statement on COVID-19 in relation to CPR and resuscitation in first aid and community settings

Terrence Higgins Trust

Coronavirus and HIV

Basis Sunderland

Are providing support to people who are homeless, for help and guidance search for them on Facebook, or ring:
0191 567 0033

Sunderland YMCA

Are supporting young people to self isolate, for help and guidance contact Leesa on: 0191 5676160

Accessing advice and services on Rough Sleeping and Homelessness 

Normally advice services would be available by the Housing Options Team at Fawcett Street, either by pre-arranged appointment or by simply turning up. Due to the Emergency Protocol introduced by the Government, Fawcett Street is now closed. The service can still be accessed by phone. The Housing Options Team are available Monday to Friday 8.30 to 5pm, or through their Out of Hours team, 5pm to 7am 7 days a week.  The contact number for both is 0191 520 5551

Shelter

Housing advice: coronavirus

Groundswell

Coronavirus advice and planning for people experiencing homelessness

South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust recognise that patients may feel anxious about coming into hospital and they have been working with their Consultants to produce a range of
short video messages and patient information leaflets to reassure patients

Sunderland Libraries

Providing access to a wide variety of e-books 

Media Savvy

Providing adult learning classes and live streaming to keep our minds busy and improve our skills and knowledge, visit their Facebook page for further information

Active Families NE

Providing fun and active sessions for toddler, children, parents and carers.  To join the fun, log onto their Facebook and message them for details

Life Kitchen

Providing online cooking classes to you to enjoy.  See their Facebook page

Sunderland North Community Business Centre

Keeping the community informed and providing links to on line activities and resources to keep children and young people active and supported through their SNCBC Youth and Play Facebook page 

Harry Potter at Home

"Harry Potter" author JK Rowling has launched an online Potter hub to keep children educated and entertained during the coronavirus pandemic.  Visit here.

Child Accident Prevention Trust

Essential safey advice for families

National Kidney Federation

Information and advice for patients

Kidney Care UK

Guidance for patients with kidney disease

Sunderland Initial Response Team (IRT)

For if you feel you need urgent help:  Telephone: 0303 123 1145
The service is available 24 hours, 7 days a week, throughout the year.

Samaritans

Free confidential helpline if you feel you need to talk.  Telephone: 116123  
Website: www.samaritans.org

Samaritans are launching a self-help app this Mental Health Awareness Week to help you be kind to yourself every day

Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne & Wear Trust

For a range of Self Help Guides go to website: https://web.ntw.nhs.uk/selfhelp/

Wellbeinginfo.org

Looking after your Mental Health and Wellbeing 

IMPACT North East

IMPACT North East volunteers are offering telephone / video counselling and group support to people living in Sunderland.  Also, they have set up a support project for blue light workers offering telephone counselling.  Visit them on Facebook 

North Star Counselling

Provide online and telephone support, and post out support packs to children, contact Nicola on 07717288713 for further information

Sunderland Counselling Services

Sunderland Counselling Service is running as usual, but have adopted a non-contact policy.  This means appointments will be carried out by telephone.  With Team members contacting clients to make suitable arrangements.  If you live in Sunderland and need support you can call the Team on 0301231145  between 9am – 4.30pm or email: office@sundelandcounselling.org.uk

Sunderland Mind

Sunderland Mind's staff are busy working from home to provide as much support for the community as possible. If you need to contact the Team they are available Monday - Friday between 10am and 2pm. Any messages left will be answered as soon as they can. Their current phone number is 07984595542

Washington Mind

Washinton Mind's staff are currently working from home to offer support and our main office will be running on skeleton staff, and phones will be answered from Monday to Friday, between the hours of 10am and 2pm: 0191 417 8043

Washington Mind, with the support of Sunderland City Council, have developed at this time, two ‘brief’ videos. These videos aim to help increase awareness around the impact of some of the changes COVID-19 has thrust upon us and ways in which we can take care of ourselves. Washington Mind have also developed a brief online ‘training’ session which aims to increase awareness of how stress can impact upon us and how this knowledge can help increase understanding and enhance resilience.

Follow this link for more info: https://wellbeinginfo.org/coping-covid19/

Supporting your wellbeing - Facing the challenge of social isolation

The Trust, in partnership with Newcastle University, have developed the Northern Mental Health Support website: www.NorthernMentalHealth.org which provides support, advice, resources and on-line information for everyone facing the challenge of social isolation as a result of COVID-19. The website contains advice on how to maintain your mental health, exercise, socialising (at a distance), dealing with financial problems as well as a section specifically on resources in the CNTW Trust footprint in the North East and North Cumbria.

Young Minds 

Tips, advice and where you can get support for your mental health during the coronavirus (covid-19) pandemic here

Kooth 

Accredited by the BACP and a trusted delivery partner of the NHS, Kooth is a transformational digital mental health support service for young people. 

Access their website

NHS

List of mental health helplines

Changes to mental health legislation under the coronavirus bill

Apps to manage your health and wellbeing

Healthwatch England

Coronavirus is affecting my mental health – what can I do?

Campaign to End Loneliness

Coronavirus and social isolation

Mind

Coronavirus and your wellbeing

Plan for staying at home or indoors

Independent Age

Regular phonecalls for older people

The Silverline

24/7 helpline for older people who want a friendly chat

Elefriends

Supportive online community run by Mind for people experiencing mental health difficulties

Samaritans

Whatever you're going through, a Samaritan will face it with you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

Mental Health Foundation

Looking after your mental health during the outbreak

Podcasts for your wellbeing

National Survivor User Network

Looking after your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak

British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy

Coronavirus anxiety: how to cope if you're feeling anxious about the outbreak

World Health Organization

Coping with stress during the outbreak

Beat Eating Disorders

The Sanctuary is an online group created specifically in response to the coronavirus and subsequent social distancing & anxieties this could lead to for people with an eating disorder. A safe space for people with an eating disorder to share concerns and advice on how they are coping with the pandemic

Rethink Mental Illness

Coronavirus: Advice for carers of those with severe mental illness

Mental Health Foundation

Supporting your mental health while you have to stay at home

Anxiety UK

#Coronanxiety support and resources

Inspire South Tyneside

Access mental health and emotional wellbeing packs:

Primary Mental Health Pack
Advice for Parents Pack
Secondary Mental Health Pack
Adult Mental Health Pack

MBC Arts - Free phone in service for socially isolated Sunderland residents

Free to pick up the phone to anytime between 10am and 1pm between now and June 5th 2020. The landline is 0191 514 5545. Looking forward to hearing from you, and hope this service will be of help and make a difference to our community.

MBC Arts understand the huge impact Covid-19 lockdown and social distancing is having on the mental health and feelings of loneliness being experienced by so many people locally. They want to say THANK YOU to the National Lottery for providing funding support to operate a free phone-in service for anyone and everyone in our area who is experiencing anxiety or loneliness, or whose mental health is being affected by current lockdown and social isolation measures.

They will be taking calls for three hours every weekday from anyone who wants someone to talk to and is looking for a friendly voice at the other end of the phone. You can call about anything you need to - whether it is just to have a friendly chat, or to talk through any worries or concerns you might have due to the lockdown and to get problems off your chest. They cannot give advice but we will be there to listen, and can also provide details for local services who may be able to assist, dependent on need.

Creative Minds

Creative Minds - North Star Counselling provide online and telephone support, and could post out support packs to children, find out details here

Every Mind Matters

Every Mind Matters is the new platform of NHS and PHE to support people’s mental health and wellbeing, particularly through this period of lockdown.

Suicide prevention

Suicide prevention at time of pandemic: supporting people with mental illness, those who are isolated, in crisis or bereaved; addressing domestic violence & alcohol & financial hardship. A rise in suicide is not inevitable. See the key graphic from the report of Professor Louis Appleby and others published in The Lancet. 

Gambling Health Alliance

The objective of the Alliance is to bring together organisations and individuals who have a shared interest in reducing the damage caused to health and wellbeing from gambling. Access their website

COVID-19 and Smoking

Professor John Newton, Director of Health Improvement at Public Health England said:

“In light of this unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, there has never been a more important time to stop smoking. Not only for your own health but to protect those around you. It will also help alleviate the huge pressures on the NHS.”

The British Medical Journal Tobacco Control blog includes a page where resources, research and news reports about COVID19 and smoking, are being updated.

The Cochrane Tobacco Addiction has collated a Special Collection: Coronavirus (COVID-19): effective options for quitting smoking during the pandemic of the best available evidence-based ways to help people quit smoking.

British Psychological Society COVID-19 Resources

The British Psychological Society are creating a set of covid19 specific resources including; Talking to children about Coronavirus; Psychological impact on older people; Supporting older people and people living with dementia during self-isolation

Every Life Matters

A Guide to looking after yourself and others contains practical information about things you can do now to look after your mental health and wellbeing, and how you can support others.

Check out the Covid-19 Pages on their website for more information.

All Together Better

All Together Better (ATB) partners have worked together to maintain a range of services to support local people with mental health needs, learning disabilities and autism and their families.  Read more

In response to COVID-19, ATB partners have rapidly deployed an enhanced model of care to respond to patients who present to Sunderland Royal Emergency Department with urgent mental health needs.  Read more

Sunderland Psychological Wellbeing Service

Sunderland Psychological Wellbeing Service (SPWS) is a commissioned group of mental health care providers from the NHS and third sector, who work in partnership to provide assessments and a range of treatments for people with common mental health problems. They see adults from the age of 16 upwards and there is no upper age limit. To find out more call 0191 566 5454, visit www.sunderlandiapt.co.uk or download their leaflet.

M.E. Association

ME Association Guidance: Coronavirus and ME/CFS

Pallion Action Group

Pallion Action group is open from Monday - Friday 10am - 2pm for telephone advise on: 07534983971 or 0191 5142011 and ask to speak to Karen

SHARP

SHARP are continuing to offer advice by telephone between 10am and 4pm Monday – Friday. to people who live in Washington & Coalfields areas
To speak to their Advice Team call: 07477875783.  If you do not get an answer please leave your name and phone number and they will get back to you asap

Citizens Advice Sunderland

Offer free, impartial and confidential advice and information to people in our community to help them find the way 
forward and resolve their issues
Advice Line: 0300 330 1194
Debt Line: 0191 415 8998
Universal Credit Claim Line: 0800 144 8444 - 8am - 6pm
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SunderlandCitizensAdviceBureau

FISCUS

FISCUS povide advice, crisis support and community services in Sunderland and the wider North East.  Telephone: 0191 4470920 or 07983 355 212 

Christians Against Poverty

Christians Against Poverty are a national debt counselling charity who offer citywide support.  Telephone: 0800 3280006  

National Debt Helpline

Worried about money?  Click here

Northumbrian Water

Northumbrian Water can offer support with costs for vulnerable groups and low-income households to reduce household bills by up to 50% visit their website for more information or ring on 0345 733 5566.

Utilities

If people are struggling to get out to top up their key meters they should in the first instance contact their utilities provider who should have a system in place to arrange for a top up.

NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank launch card

NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank launch card for carers to support vulnerable customers and those in isolation, they have introduced a new ‘companion card’– a supplement to their existing current accounts that will enable vulnerable customers and those in extended isolation to give trusted volunteers a way to pay for their essential goods.

Banking for vulnerable people

NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank have announced the introduction of a new ‘companion card’ – a supplement to their existing current accounts that will enable vulnerable customers and those in extended isolation to give trusted volunteers a way to pay for their essential goods. Find out more...

MS Society

MS and coronavirus

Simple exercises for MS

Pilates for MS

What can you expect when you’re discharged from hospital?

The usual processes the NHS follows to discharge you from hospital have changed during the coronavirus pandemic. Here’s what you can expect when it’s time to leave hospital.

Read more...

Coronavirus overview

NHS 111 service for coronavirus

Find out what to do if you think you have symptoms. To protect yourself and others, do not go to a GP, pharmacy or hospital.

Advice for people at higher risk

Volunteering

Members of the public can sign up quickly and easily at goodsamapp.org/NHS to become NHS Volunteer Responders. They can be called on to do simple but vital tasks such as:

• delivering medicines from pharmacies;
• driving patients to appointments;
• bringing them home from hospital;
• or making regular phone calls to check on people isolating at home.

Age UK Sunderland

Information and updates on Coronavirus, comments from Age UK Sunderland and ways you can support older people.

Age UK Sunderland is offering a new Lunch on Wheels service to ensure the older people of Sunderland receive a meal during the current crisis.
Support is also available in the form of Crisis Food Packs, food shopping and welfare calls.

If you would like more information on this service, visit Age UK Sunderland website, phone 0191 5141131 / 0191 514 8334 or email enquiries@ageuksunderland.org.uk

Age UK

Coronavirus information for older people

U3A

Latest guidance and advice on coronavirus plus some great ideas to keep learning together

Armchair Gallery

A free app that allows older people, and those who support them, to enjoy the life changing benefits of art. In this era of lockdown and mass isolation it feels even more relevant than before.

British Psychological Society COVID-19 Resources

The British Psychological Society are creating a set of covid19 specific resources including; Talking to children about Coronavirus; Psychological impact on older people; Supporting older people and people living with dementia during self-isolation.

Parkinson's UK

Understanding coronavirus and Parkinson's

Parkinson's UK Community Group (Facebook)

A message from your local pharmacies

As the UK responds to the COVID-19 pandemic, community pharmacies in Sunderland are working tirelessly to ensure that everyone’s medicines and healthcare needs will be met over the coming days and weeks.

To help pharmacies cope under the increasing pressure, the Local Pharmaceutical Committee (LPC) are asking patients for their help.

Read how you can help...

Breast screening team welcomes back patients

The Gateshead Breast Screening Unit resumed its vital services from Monday 10th August.  Read more...

Active Sunderland - 2020 events and activities

Active Sunderland BIG events have been moved to later in the year.

Please check individual event pages for new dates and further information.

Existing entries will remain valid and will be transferred to the new date. If you are currently registered for an event and are unable to attend on the new date, please contact them at active@sunderland.gov.uk to arrange a full refund.

Sport England Keep Moving

To keep you moving (and as an alternative to the Green Goddess) try Sport England Keep Moving 10 minute exercises to keep you stretching and moving specifically designed for and by older people.  You can also do taekwondo  and online yoga and whilst you are stretching you can listen to 70 years of sports commentary to BBC Sounds.

Active at Home

Public Health England, Sport England and the National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine have developed a booklet to provide practical guidance to older adults on home-based activities that will help to maintain their strength and balance.

Active Living at Home booklet

Supporting your recovery after COVID-19

Information for family, friends and carers - supporting your family member, relative or friend following their COVID illness can be challenging.

You may be providing emotional and physical help in addition to all your other responsibilities.

This can be a very stressful time for you both and the information within the website below hopefully will give you reassurance and support during their recovery

Find out more

Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

Information about coronavirus for pregnant women and their families

Maternity support

Maternity support during COVID-19

Sunderland Safeguarding Adults Board

Safeguarding adults

The operational response to safeguarding adults concerns has been reviewed to take account of the current COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation, and guidance has been produced for organisations working in Sunderland, who support and care for and/or provide services to our City’s residents.  Please see here for your information and please share with your staff and networks as appropriate 

At a time of panic and uncertainty, it's vital that you avoid misinformation and use only credible sources of information to help you feel more in control. We're aware of fake information and scam emails in circulation, so on our website and social media channels we make sure to share only trusted, verified information. But if in doubt, rely on information from:

The NHS

The Government

Avoiding Scams - easy read

Cyber-scams & Fraud update from the Northumbria Police Force Specialist Cyber Investigation Team.

View home working information

View universal credit scams

View updating malware and ransomware guidance

View ransomware information

View phishing emails

View counterfeit medical supplies

View Govenment texts

View article - Cyber experts step in to prevent criminals exploiting Covid-19

View Corona Virus malware updates

View Corona Virus scams

View cloud backups

View Corona Virus map

View Covid-19 Phishing emails

Flu vaccination: who should have it this winter and why

This year, the list of those recommended to have the flu vaccine has been updated to include a household contact of someone on the Shielded Patients List for COVID-19.  

Find out the full list of those at particular risk, and more about the annual flu programme.

Stay at home: guidance for households with possible or confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection

Latest guidance for households with possible or confirmed coronavirus infection

Updated advice on Shielding

From 1 August, shielding advice was relaxed further, allowing those shielding to do even more, such as visit shops and places of worship, provided they take particular care to maintain social distancing and minimise contact with others outside their household. For further information and the latest advice, please visit the government website.

Gov.uk

Stay-at-home guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection. Includes documents in Easy Read and a variety of languages

Independent Age

Regular phonecalls for older people

Campaign to End Loneliness

Coronavirus and social isolation

Mind

Coronavirus and your wellbeing

Plan for staying at home or indoors

Royal College of Occupational Therapists

Staying well when social distancing

Advice to support people who are undertaking social distancing and for families to support their children while schools are closed.

Sunderland YMCA

Sunderland YMCA are supporting young people to self isolate, for help and guidance contact Leesa on 0191 567 6160

Living With Hearing Loss

Your COVID-19 Hearing Loss Survival Guide

Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)

Coronavirus: How RNIB can help you

Latest coronavirus news and advice

Macular Society

Coronavirus information and advice

Sight Advice FAQ

Covid-19 information

New phone line for people with sight loss

Guide Dogs are providing answers and information for people with sight loss and their families during the coronavirus outbreak. They can help you identify ways to continue living actively, independently and well, refer you to their other services or help you access services by other providers. Please call 0800 781 1444 between 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Guide Dogs has changed the way it provides services in response to social distancing, eg, Guide Dogs staff can now arrange to contact you regularly by phone to provide individual support through the social isolation period.

To access this and other services please call 0800 781 1444 between 9am-5pm Monday to Friday or visit https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/covid19 to find out more.

Deafblind customers who use BSL should contact Guide Dogs via the webpage https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/covid19, clicking on the SignVideo logo on the right hand side, or through a SignVideo app. This connects you to a SignVideo interpreter who will then connect to the information line.

Hearing Aid Batteries

If people need hearing aid batteries they need to ring 0191 519 5800 – you will need their battery colour and size to hand.

Speech and language therapists at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust have been working in innovative ways to adapt patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic, including introducing video consultations.

Staff have been piloting ‘telehealth’ digital technology to help patients to access speech and language healthcare services remotely during the pandemic. Using NHS Attend Anywhere - a secure video call service - they have been able to provide video consultations for a number of adults including head and neck cancer patients and others with neurological conditions; for children with communication problems, and for residents in some Sunderland care homes. In addition, they have been able to offer telephone clinics in some cases.  

A presentation for a webinar - put together by Specialist Speech and Language Therapist Caroline Ewers with the support of colleagues Laura-Jayne Watson and Charlotte Craig – highlighted ways in which the service has adapted to help the Trust meet the unprecedented demands created by the pandemic.  A recording of the webinar is now available on the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists website 

Stroke Association

Information for people affected by stroke

Managing loneliness and isolation

Headway Wearside

Headway Wearside work with households with people who have acquired a brain injury or suffered with a stroke.  They share information and give ideas for activities within the home to people living in Sunderland.  Telephone Kim on: 07830346985

St Benedict's Hospice

Keep up to date with our local hospice on their Facebook page

Marie Curie

Coronavirus if you're affected by terminal illness

NHS Test and Trace - points to be aware of 

In line with Government guidance please see below information to follow from Wednesday 13, May 2020.

People should now aim to wear a face covering when in confined public spaces, such as some shops and public transport, the Government has advised.

Passengers using the Tyne and Wear Metro, buses, the Shields Ferry and rail services are being urged to follow this advice by regional transport body Nexus.

Nexus has new guidance for passengers including advice on face covering plus signs at stations and messaging to help people distance while using stations and vehicles.

People should only make essential journeys by public transport if they have no choice, but if you need to do so we want to make sure you can do so with confidence.

Their message is to follow what the Government says, wear a face covering when using public transport, as you should in other confined spaces including some shops.

Remember for all up to date information about Public Transport in Tyne and Wear please go to: www.nexus.org.uk/coronavirus

Also, if there is anything they can help you with as Nexus Community Relations Officers, please do not hesitate to contact them direct via email to: community.relations@nexus.org.uk.

Downloads

social distancing generic facemask
bus face covering liner
ferry face covering

Volunteers needed to support fellow residents of Sunderland

Can you offer your time to support local residents?  Click here for more!

NHS

Members of the public can sign up quickly and easily at goodsamapp.org/NHS to become NHS Volunteer Responders. They can be called on to do simple but vital tasks such as:

• delivering medicines from pharmacies;
• driving patients to appointments;
• bringing them home from hospital;
• or making regular phone calls to check on people isolating at home.

Covid-19 Mutual Aid UK

Covid Mutual Aid UK is a group of volunteers supporting local community groups organising mutual aid throughout the covid-19 outbreak in the UK. It focuses on providing resources and connecting people to their nearest local groups, willing volunteers and those in need.

Find your local group

Gov.uk

Planning the coordination of spontaneous volunteers

Voda

Useful short animations to support volunteering during the COVID-19 emergency

British Red Cross

Give help if you can, or get some help if you are in need

Free Training for Coronavirus Volunteers

The British Red Cross has developed a step-by-step guide for anyone responding to the coronavirus outbreak.

The free online guidance, developed by experts in emergency and crisis response, aims to help responders to support people in their communities safely.

Sunderland residents and others who wish to register themselves to become a volunteer can do this directly via the Sunderland Council Covid 19 webpage.