COVID-19 - community support
What help is on offer?
Many people are being supported by family, friends, carers or neighbours during the pandemic.
If you don’t have anyone to support you, or need extra help in coping with the effects of coronavirus, this page tells you about some of the different options available to you.
Community Hubs
For those who do not have anyone to help, community hubs have been set up to make sure that no one is left without support. Contact your local community hub.
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
- find employment – contact the Work and Health Programme East Sussex – call 01273 516347 or email WHPreferral@sussexcommunity.org.uk
- get help or advice about benefits - contact the East Sussex welfare benefits helpline
- get help or advice with your finances
- get advice on keeping warm and well, and the Warm Home Check Service.
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.
Extra support information leaflet
For information on who to contact if you need extra support and other useful information, please download our leaflet:
Coronavirus: no on left to cope on their own [1.3 MB] [pdf]
Coronavirus: No one left to cope on their own in East Sussex large print version [53.8 KB] [docx]
Please email Support Services Admin to request this leaflet in a different format or language.
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.
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 (8am to 8pm, 7 days a week). Visit the website for more information: NHS Volunteer Responders.
Get help or advice with your finances
If you’re struggling or worried about finances or debt:
- Find out what support you can get on GOV.UK
- Visit our benefits pages
- Get in touch with the local welfare benefits helpline
- Visit Citizens Advice
- Find other local organisations that can offer support and advice on 1Space East Sussex
- Get in touch with a local organisation that has been given extra funding to offer advice and support to people who are facing financial pressure or debt as a result of COVID-19: 1Space East Sussex - finance advice
If you need extra help or information, contact Health and Social Care Connect.
Communication support and BSL for D/deaf people
DeafCOG can support D/deaf people with BSL or other communication. Their volunteers can help if you don’t have people local to you that can sign, or if you are feeling lonely or worried.
Website: DeafCOG COVID19 support
Text: 07703 378 098
Email: info@deafcog.co.uk
Support for ethnic minority people in East Sussex
People from ethnic minority background who are affected by Covid-19 and would like to access bilingual or outreach support can receive help from Diversity Resource International. Their outreach workers and bilingual advocates will contact those in need, and provide over-the-phone or video support whilst signposting them to further organisations, if required. For further information or support, please contact them:
Email: community@driorg.com
Telephone: 07775 332 866