Covid-19 emergency – Latest local information

New Coronavirus support line launched

A new support line has been launched to support the most vulnerable members of our community.

The new support line – which can be reached on 0300 126 1000 (Option 5) – allows those who cannot leave their homes under current restrictions and those who have nobody to call upon for help, to request support in getting access to food, prescriptions and other vital services that they require.

There are a large number of people across Northamptonshire who are currently in isolation for various reasons. These include individuals displaying symptoms of Coronavirus and those with existing health conditions, those who are pregnant or those aged 70 and above.

The Customer Service Centre at Northamptonshire County Council will be managing the helpline, ensuring that each call is appropriately triaged so that individuals receive the care and support that is appropriate to their needs.

The Community Resilience Service will co-ordinate requests for help in conjunction with the District and Borough Councils, mapping those requests by area and linking them up with local community groups, volunteers and voluntary organisations who have pledged their support

Those requiring help are asked to call the support line on the following number:
0300 126 1000 (option 5)

For more information on Northants County Council Website click here

Home Support App To Help Victims of Crime During Social Distancing

Voice for Victims and Witnesses – the free, confidential support service for victims and witnesses of crime in Northamptonshire – is today releasing the Voice Home Support Hub app, to help people cope and recover from the effects of crime during social distancing.

The app is available for download now, for free, here…

The lockdown measures imposed to help stop the spread of Covid-19 have, for many, resulted in a loss of routine structure and traditional social networks that people rely on for support following traumatic experiences. This can have a profound effect on an individual’s ability to recover from crime, especially at a time when latent anxiety is prevalent in many regarding the health of themselves, friends and family.

Voice – which is still operational and supporting people by phone and online during social distancing – has therefore created its Home Support Hub application to help breakdown these barriers to recovery by providing practical information on how to stay physically and mentally healthy during social distancing. The app details elements such as how people can improve their sleep pattern or harness their creativity to help their recovery journey.

Although created for those recovering from trauma, the Voice Home Support Hub contains practical advice for anyone struggling with their mental health during this period of isolation.

Anyone who has been a victim or witness of crime in Northamptonshire can access Voice, regardless of when the crime took place, and regardless of whether they have reported anything to the police or not. Support is free and confidential. Call 0300 303 1965 or visit voicenorthants.org.

Find out more about Voice here…

Online Safety For Young People

As the vast majority of young people are being schooled online, they are spending a significant amount of time on the internet. The internet is amazing tool but it does expose young people to some risk.

The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Agency’s (CEOP) education team have designed some amazing resources, designed at helping parents and carers have conversation about internet safety, suitable for a range of ages.

The resources can be found here…

Volunteer to help those in need

Are you free to volunteer to help someone in need due to the coronavirus pandemic? Perhaps you’re part of a group that already provides help in the community?

In addition to the Government’s volunteer scheme for people to help the NHS, NCC is co-ordinating a local effort along with other councils and partner organisations for people to help their community.

They want to hear from you if you can volunteer or if you represent a community group that needs extra volunteers in the coming weeks and months.

Details on the NCC website here…