We’ve put together a list of resources for help, advice and support during Covid-19. The focus is on Birmingham and the Black Country but there are some national charities included. This list is only a snapshot as there are lots of resources and support out there and we’ll add to the list as the situation unfolds. If you know of a resource or organisation that should be on this list, please get into touch at [email protected]
Mutual Aid + Council support
Find your local mutual aid group here.
SCVO provides list of all Mutual Aid or Community Support groups in Sandwell here.
Get emergency help from Sandwell Council emergency support here.
Sandwell Council provide a list of helpful Sandwell community organisations.
Community Action Response, launched in the face of the emerging coronavirus crisis, lists five things you can do to help others.
Victim Support is still providing services to those in need across the Sandwell area.
Advice + support for victims of domestic abuse
Updates from Black Country Women’s Aid are here.
Safe Lives have shared resources to help support anyone living with domestic abuse; they will add more as time progresses. However they suggest that if you or someone else is in immediate danger please call 999 and ask for the police.
The Haven Refuge in Wolverhampton is still ‘open’ and can support via their helpline or live chat. They also have a Safety Planning Toolkit.
Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid have made the decision to close down their Drop-in services across Birmingham and Solihull, but have enhanced capacity on freephone Helpline and in Home Options Hub for women affected by homelessness. Their services will continue to support women and children safely. Follow them on twitter, Facebook for live updates. Website is here with key information.
Women’s aid online chat service, open 10am-12pm, Monday-Friday.
Chayn supports victims of domestic violence and offers an online chat. If you need to secure your devices or clear your browsing history after accessing support, take a look at Chayn’s DIY online safety guide.
Refuge national helpline contact form is here.
Call National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
Covid 19 – loneliness, mental health, law and other resources
Rights of Women; helping women through the law have set out an approach to coronavirus and child contact arrangements.
Rehab4Addiction’s guide for better mental health during covid-19.
Relate has increased the availability of trained counsellors to support relationships during this unprecedented time. Details about their live chat, telephone and webcam counselling services can be found here.
If you’re worried about your mental health Samaritans have put together a guide.
Age UK provide information on coronavirus, including updates on how you can look after yourself and loved ones and ways you can support older people.
QueerCare is helping people deal with Covid-19 by providing guidance on how to support people effected in safe ways which do not spread the infection or put more people at risk, and helping people link up in local groups which do dispatch and safeguarding in effective ways.
Disability Resource Centre is a disability charity that provides information and services for disabled people in Birmingham Solihull & West Midlands. Information about change in services due to Covid-19 is here.
Birmingham LGBT Centre’s specific domestic abuse service is open. Contact them on 0121 643 0821 / [email protected] (Mon-Fri 10am-6pm) for advice and support.
Age UK Birmingham is providing emergency support for people during coronavirus including a Hot Meals on Wheels Service providing hot meals to isolated and vulnerable older people in need across North Birmingham; they also offer referral to other meal provision across Birmingham and Sandwell as and where available. Email: [email protected] / tel: 0121 437 0033 – from the main phone menu press 1 to connect to the Seymour Centre.
Spring to Life, Birmingham are offering well-being support and counselling over the phone or online video conferencing for people struggling with isolation and their mental health; phone 07856 277028.
Solidarity Kitchen is providing free hot meals to people in Birmingham who are in need. If you need a free meal, ring on 0121 667 6387 or visit the website for more information.
Support from Bangladeshi Women’s Association regarding food deliveries, advice on loss of employment and mentor programme for young people in Sandwell is here.
UK Government financial support
Self-employed and loss of income – the Self Employment Income Support Scheme.
If you are not eligible for the above, apply for Universal Credit.
If you need advice on the above, Citizens’ Advice is independent of the Government.
The Government have set up a Tax helpline to support businesses affected by Covid-19.
Advice for creatives:
The latest advice, guidance and emergency funding measures from the Arts Council are here.
Advice from Redeye on how to adapt your practice and diversify income is here.
What IPSE is doing and advice for freelancers and the self-employed.
Information and guidance for artists and arts organisations on a-n’s website.
Funds for creative practitioners:
a-n is offering bursaries of £500 – £1,500 to help support those whose livelihoods have been impacted by Coronavirus Covid-19.
This list from UK Fundraising features funding to help individuals affected and charities hit by a drop in income.
Families
Families with children who are eligible for free school meals can now claim supermarket vouchers worth £15 a week for each child. Schools will be able to order vouchers directly from supermarkets and get these emailed or printed and sent to families. Free school meals are available to all children in reception, year 1 and year 2 of infants and also those who are in receipt of qualifying benefits. Click here to find out if you’re eligible.