If you need any support during this period, see below for contacts and services.
There are also resources specifically for Act Now Members – aged 16-25
Christmas support
Food Bank Services
If you need food supplies over the Christmas season, there are different ways you can access a food bank.
Citizens Advice has provided some guidance on how to use & access a food bank. This also covers how to get a referral to use a food bank plus information on how to search for foodbanks for which you do not require a referral.
Please note that some food banks may close or have reduced access over this time, and some may still be open. We suggest double checking with the service you may need to use around their open and closing times.
Crisis at Christmas
Crisis warmly invite you to join their online Christmas program of activities and entertainment this year. There are daily wellbeing sessions, creative classes, virtual museum tours plus games, quizzes, live music and an interactive magic show. They also have resources to download and our new youtube playlists for activities and a selection of things to do anytime.
The program runs every day from 23- 29 December. See www.crisis.org.uk/joinuslondon for more details and to join sessions.
We recommend downloading the zoom app for the best experience on zoom. All sessions are free but you will need wifi or plenty of data to participate. Our Crisis at Christmas helpline number is 0800 520 0606 and will be open each day from 9:30am- 6:30pm from 19 December to 3 Jan – call them to book an advice or befriending session!!
Cardboard Citizens IAGs
Please note that Matt is available for urgent IAGs by phone and email on 5 Jan from 1pm – 5pm.
We will also be running a Community Check In on Friday 8 January from 11.15am – 12.30pm which will be a “Time to Speak,” session led by Ian. You can register for this session here.
Wellbeing Support
Latest advice from the NHS during the Coronavirus Outbreak: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
Information and advice about Coronavirus from Groundswell: https://groundswell.org.uk/coronavirus/
Mental health first aid advice: If you feel to be at imminent risk to yourself or others please call an ambulance on 999 or attend the nearest hospital A&E department as a matter of urgency.
If otherwise in mental health crisis, search for your borough’s mental health crisis line – these are easy to find online and are normally accessible 24hrs a day 365 days a year. You can also request an urgent appointment with your GP.
List of NHS mental health helplines – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/mental-health-helplines/
Urgent emotional support: Call Samaritans for free on 116 123 – they are always open and able to talk.
For advice if at risk of homelessness – Shelter: www.shelter.org.uk
For advice if homeless – Crisis: 0300 636 1967
If sleeping rough you should self refer to StreetLink to be able to access accommodation provided by Greater London Authority (GLA) to enable people to isolate – www.streetlink.org.uk or by calling 0300 500 0914
For legal advice Civil Legal Advice: www.gov.uk/civil-legal-advice (not open on Christmas Day, Boxing Day or New Year’s Day)
For financial hardship: if not homeless ask your local Citizens Advice Bureau, another community organisation or your GP for a referral to your local foodbank.
For general advice: contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau
For local support during lockdown visit: covidmutualaid.org/local-groups/ to see what support is available in your local area run by volunteers.
Waltham Forest food services: Waltham Forest Mutual Aid are offering food to anyone who needs it. (Citz Member Nicci Durkan is coordinating this!) Phone 07380 316013 for more information.
Tower Hamlets food services still operating as of 24 April 2020: Click table below to see contacts and times for other services in Tower Hamlets.
Other Support Services
Therapists for Covid – offering a free 20 minute online session to anyone who would benefit from free emotional support https://www.therapistsforcovid.org/
Stonewall Housing – advice about housing issues for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+): 020 7359 5767
Streetlink – refer or self refer a rough sleeper for support: 020 7840 4430
Young Women’s Trust: youngwomenstrust.org/coronavirus-help
COVID-19 Resource Hub for people of colour: sparkandco.co.uk
London Homeless Info: londonhomelessinfo.wordpress.com/coronavirus
