UPDATED FRIDAY 1ST MAY
There is no better place to be than Manchester for community spirit. People from across our region are self-organising to protect each other from the impact of COVID-19 – from delivering food, baby supplies and medicine to neighbours who are self-isolating, to setting up phone lines to make sure people don’t feel alone at home.
Helpline available for those affected by bereavement
Online and telephone support is available to anyone within Greater Manchester, bereaved or affected by a death. Call 0161 983 0902, Monday to Friday 9-5pm or Wednesday 9-8pm or visit the website.
Over 50s with money worries can access free adviceÂ
Over-50s with money worries are being offered free 30-minute phone chats with financial advisers who are offering their expertise in response to the coronavirus crisis.
Older people who are anxious about their pensions or other finances can book a ‘no strings attached’ call with a regulated financial adviser at emergencyfinancialadvice.org.
New 24/7 Mental Health helpline launched
A brand-new service has been launched that will make it easier for people in Greater Manchester to find and receive mental health support – anytime, day or night.
The service, Shout, allows people to simply and discreetly communicate with trained crisis volunteers by text message. The service is overseen by clinical supervisors.
After texting a crisis volunteer will reply. The volunteer will offer support and respond to questions until they, and the person using the service, feels in a safe calm place. The volunteer will also provide signposting to other services that can offer specialist support and ongoing help in their local area.
Shout, can be contacted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, simply by texting ‘SHOUT’ to 85258.
Find out more about GM mental health support available during the COVID-19 pandemic here.
New Community Hubs Launched in Every BoroughÂ
Community Hubs have been established in each local authority area to provide support for the most vulnerable in each borough.
The hubs coordinate support for those who do not have any other way of sourcing food and medical supplies. They are also helping vulnerable residents to access hardship grants.
FIND YOUR NEAREST COMMUNITY HUB HERE.
Coronavirus hotline launched in ManchesterÂ
A new coronavirus support hotline has been set up for vulnerable people self-isolating without friends or family to help them.
The hotline number – which will be open Monday to Saturday, 8.30am to 5.30am – is 0800 234 6123
Free radios available for over 70sÂ
It has also been announced that Local BBC radio stations have joined with manufacturers and retailers to set aside thousands of DAB digital radios to be given away for free to vulnerable people aged over 70.
From Monday 30 March, the charity Wavelength is inviting people to nominate someone for a free radio by completing an online application form at wavelength.org.uk
Communities coordinate local support using Facebook
Facebook groups have set up across the region to help neighbours look out for each other:
Wigan
Leigh Community Coronavirus Support
Bolton
Salford
Coronavirus Support Group for Walkden and Surrounding Area
Oldham
Manchester
Wythenshawe COVID-19 Community Support
Stockport
Reddish Covid-19 virus – self-isolation neighbourhood outreach
Bramhall community support group
Tameside
Tameside Mutual Aid (COV-19 Support)
Trafford
Sale and Ashton Village Assistance
Rochdale
Coronavirus Support Group Borough
Rochdale Area Covid-19 Aid Group
Heywood Coronavirus Support Group
Away from Facebook, you can download the community app and website called Nextdoor. When you sign up you are automatically placed into your local area group:Â https://nextdoor.co.uk/neighborhood_feed/
Phone services
Oasis
Oasis is launching a friendly phone line for people in isolation who are feeling lonely and anxious. The Friendship Line number is 020 7921 4272 and will be open from 11am to 3pm, Monday to Friday.
The Silver Line
The Silver Line is the only free confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people, open 24 hours a day, every day of the year: 0800 4 70 80 90
If you know someone doing their bit for the community, get in touch: [email protected]
Hi Kirsty, there is a useful Facebook link in Salford: https://www.facebook.com/groups/630588901059643/
Paul.