This news article is more than 6 months old
Support and Advice during COVID-19
Get advice for anyone identified as Clinically Extremely Vulnerable from East Sussex County Council
In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, residents, voluntary groups and communities in the Rother District have come together to support the vulnerable, elderly and those in self-isolation.
Where possible, people should seek support from family and friends. For example:
- Shopping on their behalf
- Ordering and picking up Click and Collect shopping
- Setting up online shopping and regular deliveries
- Arranging delivery of prescriptions
Many supermarkets are offering online volunteer vouchers that someone can purchase and give to someone else on their behalf.
Public Health England (PHE) has advised people who are self-isolating to do what they can to avoid visitors to their home and any deliveries of groceries, medications or other shopping to be left at the door so please ensure that when you are providing support this advice is followed.
If you know someone who is self-isolating, contact them via phone and text and check that they’re ok. By its very nature, self-isolation is a solitary experience and their wellbeing will likely be improved by talking to someone.
Finding support for specific issues
Support is available if you need to:
- access mental health support in East Sussex
- get support if you’re a carer
- get support if you’re experiencing domestic abuse
- get shopping, food deliveries or afford food
- stay active and improve your health
- look after your physical and mental wellbeing
- find employment – contact the Work and Health Programme East Sussex online or call 01273 516347
- get help or advice about benefits – contact the East Sussex welfare benefits helpline.
If you need advice on a health issue and aren’t sure what to do, you can use the NHS 111 online service or call 111. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones. You should use the NHS 111 service if you urgently need medical help or advice but it’s not a life-threatening situation.
Getting help from NHS Volunteers
You can get help directly from the NHS Volunteer Responders. This service is available for people who have ever been advised to shield, are vulnerable to coronavirus, have caring responsibilities or are self-isolating – you do not need a letter from your GP.
NHS volunteers can help with shopping for food and essentials, collecting prescriptions, or just provide a friendly chat.
If you, or someone you know, would like to register for support from the NHS volunteers please call 0808 196 3646 (Freephone, 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week). Visit the website for more information: NHS Volunteer Responders.
Community Connectors
Community Connectors is a ‘Social Prescribing’ service – a bit like a prescription for your lifestyle. When everyday life is affecting someone’s mental health and wellbeing, knowing how to access the support available can make a big difference.
Community Connectors works in partnership with GPs in Hastings, Rother, Eastbourne, Seaford and Hailsham to help people access local services and activities that can help. The service is available to people aged 16+, who are experiencing issues affecting their mental health and wellbeing.
- Phone: 01323 340151
- Email: social.prescribing@nhs.net
- Website: Southdown Community Connectors
Rother Community Hub
Rother Community Hub is here to help people affected by the pandemic who have no one else to turn to.
The trained staff in the hubs will listen to your needs and put you in touch with the group or person best placed to help locally. They can help you with things like:
- supporting you with options to help you get food and essentials
- signposting to a volunteer to help you with shopping for food or essentials, or collecting your prescriptions
- putting you in touch with a local organisation or group who can help you cope with the impact of coronavirus
- referring you to local befriending services if you are lonely or isolated and would like someone to talk to.
For details of known support groups within the Rother District, please visit the Rother Voluntary Action website
Alternatively, please call Customer Services on 01424 787000 (option 4) who will be able to provide details of known support groups in Rother.