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
And Creative Opportunities through the crisis
Please note: The services that organisations are able to provide are currently changing on a regular basis due to the current COVID-19 outbreak. If you have any problems contacting these services, please contact Bonny between 9-5pm, Mon-Fri on 07421 383 770 or email bonny@cardboardcitizens.org.uk and we will try to offer additional support where possible.
Urgent 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 daily hot meals to anyone who needs one. (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 BAME Resource Hub: sparkandco.co.uk
London Homeless Info: londonhomelessinfo.wordpress.com/coronavirus
