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
Omicron variant: keeping up with Covid safety measures and how to get vaccinations
We encourage all members to get as up to date with vaccinations as possible including booking your 1st, 2nd and booster jabs at the earliest opportunity in order to keep yourselves and others safe.
For the best advice about how to get your vaccinations, including eligibility and how to access walk in clinics, please visit the NHS website by clicking here.
Covid vaccine programme - information on registering with a GP
As Covid-19 vaccines are rolled out nationally it’s more important than ever to be registered with a GP if you want to be offered a Covid-19 vaccine as soon as you are eligible. Please see the links below for information about how to register with a GP, right of choice, how to deal with problems with registration or unfair refusal and why it’s important that GPs register those in need:
How to register with a GP surgery
Your right to choose your GP practice
Homeless Link article on why GPs must register those in need
Your right to a GP and how to deal with problems with registering including if you are unfairly refused
Wellbeing Support
Crisis at Christmas: Our latest update from Crisis at Christmas is that they will be operating this year, but that the manner in which this is offered may change in reaction to the changing alert level and regulations around Covid-19. You can monitor the Crisis website for updated information by clicking any of the following links:
Day centre information
Information on online provision
Please note you can also call a special Crisis at Christmas call centre between 21st December and 4th January on 08005200606 for more information. The line should be contactable between 9.30am and 7.30pm on these dates
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 – www.nhs.uk
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: www.crisis.org.uk or call 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.
Please also be aware that any members who are in financial hardship can contact Matt Lucas, Membership Manager at matt@cardboardcitizens.org.uk or ring him on 07568957910 to enquire about how you may be able to access urgent grant support to help you. Please be aware that Matt may be on leave at certain times, and this will be made clear in his voicemail and email if this is the case.
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.
Find your local foodbank: www.trusselltrust.org
Meal provision in Lewisham around Xmas: www.lewishamlocal.com
Advice on food banks and services for those in food poverty in Tower Hamlets: www.localoffertowerhamlets.co.uk
Other Support Services
Stonewall Housing – advice about housing issues for people who identify as LGBTQ+: www.stonewallhousing.org or call 020 7359 5767
Young Women’s Trust resources: youngwomenstrust.org/coronavirus-help
Extensive Resource Hub for people of colour: sparkandco.co.uk
(Covid 19 mutual aid groups are unregulated community groups and although these can be a great resource for support please be mindful that they are open and accessible to anyone in your community. Please be mindful of your personal safety and do not meet or give personal details to those offering help who are not from trusted sources. Please be mindful that giving such details to individuals who you do not know or trust may put you at risk.)
