Towcester Town Council

A Facebook Group for those who have an experience of Covid and are trying to come back to a place of physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. We run regular Zoom Peer Support Groups, and there's a wealth of information too. We don't permit debate on politics or conspiracies but offer support, empathy and, solidarity and community.

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.

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 are co-ordinating a local effort along with other councils and partner organisations for people to help their community.

We 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.

Who can sign up?
We particularly want to hear from community groups and volunteers who can offer help with:

* tackling loneliness through phone or face-to-face contact, where appropriate
* prescription collection for someone who finds themselves unable to leave the house
* community support such as transporting items between foodbanks or helping in a kitchen

Click the link to find out more and to sign up.

If you are aware of anyone who is extremely vulnerable, please direct them or their family to this link.

Click this link to self-diagnose and for medical advice. Call 111 in an emergency.

Volunteers across the town have come together to offer assistance to those who are self-isolating who may need support. Join to request or offer your support.

HSENI has produced an example risk assessment which shows the kind of approach HSENI expects a small business or workplace to take when carrying out a risk assessment for COVID-19 in the workplace.

Northamptonshire Community Foundation are launching a Coronavirus Response and Recovery Fund in partnership with the National Emergencies Trust

An online system through which businesses can apply for grants from West Northamptonshire Council (WNC). The grant support scheme is aimed mainly at supporting small businesses which were forced to close by the UK Government. See our news item on 7th April for more details or click link above to apply.

If your business will be impacted by the Covid-19 outbreak, please complete this government survey.

Claim a grant through the Self-employment Income Support Scheme
Self-employment and Universal Credit
If you cannot pay your tax bill on time
Carry out work in people’s homes safely (tradespeople)
Drivers’ hours rules relaxations
Negotiate a mortgage payment holiday

Click this link to report a crime online.
For non-emergencies call 101 (lines may be busy)
Only use 999 if there is a risk to life emergency

This link takes you the UK Government's Cyber Aware website which provides advice and links for staying safe online.

Reports of fraud, scams and phishing emails particularly relating to the coronavirus are on the increase. Here are some tips:

Don’t click on the links or attachments in suspicious emails, and never respond to unsolicited messages and calls that ask for your personal or financial details.

Always install the latest software and app updates to protect your devices from the latest threats.

Use strong passwords and turn on two-factor authentication where available.

Back up your systems regularly.

To report a fraud or cyber crime, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk

Free, confidential support service for victims and witnesses of crime in Northamptonshire.
Call 0300 303 1965, visit voicenorthants.org or download the app by clicking the link above.

Please support our local foodbank with essential supplies for those most in need.

If you are concerned about family and friends in other parts of the UK, this link is being updated daily with other local support groups.

If you need to talk to someone call 116 123 or visit their website.

Follow this link for advice and support from our MP including access to government services.

Visit MIND's website for support and guidance

During the coronavirus pandemic, Anxiety UK will be extending their helpline hours to provide additional support in the evenings until 10pm and over the weekend between 10am -8pm so that they can offer support to as many people as possible. 03444 775774

Get help and advice about a wide range of issues, call 0800 1111, or talk to a counsellor online, send Childline an email or post on the message boards.

The free, 24 hour, confidential helpline for older people. 0800 4 70 80 90

Nightline is a student listening service which is open at night and run by students for students.

Age UK runs a free national advice line that is open 8am to 7pm 365 days a year. To speak to someone, just call 0800 678 1602

You can contact an adviser through the national phone service, Adviceline:
Adviceline: 03444 111 444
Text relay: 03444 111 445

Adviceline is available 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. It’s usually busiest at the beginning and end of the day. It's not available on public holidays.

If you call from a mobile, we’ll ask you to enter a local landline number on your keypad. This can be any number - we only use it to send your call to a local adviser if one’s available.

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.

This blog page shared by local teachers contains links to eduction companies offering free resources.

This blog page contains links to free online learning resources for all ages. Why not learn a new language or skill if you are in self-isolation?