Firstly, for latest Government advice and information on Covid19 please visit: Coronavirus (COVID19) – What you need to know
Secondly, the NHS guidelines on Coronavirus symptoms and what to do can be found here: An Overview on Coronavirus
Thirdly, there is also guidance on what social distancing is. I am not the expert and do not offer advice on Coronavirus on this page: Guidance on Social Distancing
In isolation and need to ask for help?
PLEASE BE SAFE
There’s so much love and support out there. However, please be mindful that there are people out there that are not as kind. Please do not answer doors to people you do not know. No official body will be knocking on doors asking for money in return for Covid19 tests, shopping or other. Please do not accept paracetamol of anyone you don’t know or hasn’t been bought from a chemist/shop.
Below are just some of the groups and organisations offering support:
For people needing help understand universal credit please visit the government’s guidelines: What is Universal Credit?
For those needing help with insurance and want to know what’s covered, The Guardian has a fantastic article explaining what might and might not be covered for weddings, income protection, and rental guarantees.
HMRC have just set up a help line specifically for the self employed and businesses who will be struggling now due to the you know what. They will give you advice on your tax and any benefits you can claim for. Please use the Coronavirus helpline : 0800 0159 559.
‘Covid Co-operation Harrogate’ is a fantastic group where many local people are volunteering to collect groceries, medicines, and run errands. For those that are fit, healthy and can offer help please reach out as I know the admins are creating a spreadsheet of everyone in need of help. It is a great group to be part of, thank you to Susie for setting it up!
For Knaresborough, please join the Knaresborough Coronavirus Support Community Group on Facebook.
Just ‘B’, part of Saint Michael’s, has launched the Hear to Help helpline to provide support and advice to those who are feeling anxious or struggling with their emotional well-being. Hear to Help will be available to everyone between 8am-8pm, seven days a week, and will be staffed by specialist support workers. The service starts on Monday March 23 at 8am, by calling 01423 856799.
The Dementia Forward helpline 03300 578592 remains open and they are here for people who are affected by dementia and struggling at the moment. Hopefully they will be able to help or are there if you just need to chat.
Supporting Older People will be offering telephone befriending and practical support in the Harrogate and Knaresborough area to any older people who are self isolating. If you know anybody who would benefit from this service please telephone us on 01423 531490 or 07535508043. If you would like to volunteer please get in touch! A regular phone call from a friendly, trustworthy person can make a huge difference to someone who is feeling isolated and lonely.
Oatlands Community Group can help those living in and around that area.
If you have a group that should be on here. Message me below this post or DM on social media.
How to tell people I am or a member of my family is high risk?
#LetterBoxLifeLine
For those who don’t have a printer, or don’t know how to contact anyone you can put a pillowcase hanging from your letterbox if you are vulnerable and in need of supplies. Neighbours can see you need help and come and assist at a safe distance #letterboxlifeline
You don’t need to. Simply display the below picture on your front door so they know you may not answer if they knock.
Don’t have a car during Covid19?
Blueline
The brilliant people at Blueline taxis are now giving people over 70 a free ride to the shops for them to do their shopping. Call 01423 530830 to book.
The Harrogate Bus Company
These guys are just great! They wanted to do their bit to help alongside the amazing volunteers in our town (yes, that’s you!) So when you’re taking supplies to elderly people who have to stay at home, you can ride for free!
Yorkshire Vehicle Buyers
Yorkshire Vehicle Buyers, are hoping to continue to buy cars/vans throughout Harrogate District which they can do completely contactless. However, with vehicles out and about all over Harrogate district they are happy to offer help to anyone needing supplies, shopping, medicine etc.
Also to ease future possible problems for people who have had to self isolate and may find if their vehicles haven’t been in use the battery goes flat. Rachel and her team will gladly go round and restart people’s cars for FREE.
Chris and his van
Chris White from Harrogate is out and bout in his van should anyone want errands doing. Please message him on facebook or call him on 07973580069.
Special supermarket opening times
While I encourage you to use your locals (fond here) there are times where you’ll need to use your supermarkets. Here a list of special opening times for key workers and over 70s:
Asda Harrogate
- Asda is prioritising NHS workers in larger stores every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8am to 9am.
- There’s a restriction of three of the same items per person
- £5 million donated to FareShare and the Trussell Trust
Sainsbury’s Harrogate
- From Monday the store will be open from 8am until 8pm
- Restrictions on number of items do apply
- Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Sainsbury’s will dedicate 8am – 9am to serving elderly, disabled and vulnerable customers, as well as NHS and Social Care workers.
Co-Op
- All stores have a dedicated shopping hour for those at higher risk and the people who care for them. Please check your local store for this information.
- there’s a restriction of two of the same items per person
- The Co-op are giving 6,500 students who would usually get a free meal at the Co-Op’s 25 Academy schools a £20 voucher to use at any Co-Op store.
Morrisons Harrogate
- Morrisons in Harrogate is open 9am until 10am for vulnerable people.
