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How can I get help during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic?

This page features information about employability and financial support during the Coronavirus pandemic. There is also information about Northumberland Communities Together, and how they can help you by delivering your food and medicine.

How can I get help?

If you're having a difficult time or struggling at the moment please get in touch, we'll find you support and connect you with people in your area.

Please contact the Northumberland Communities Together Response Hub.
 
Phone: 01670 620015 between 9am to 6pm, seven days a week. 
 

SignVideo

British Sign Language users can now contact the Northumberland Communities Together Response Hub using SignVideo Web Access, an online sign language interpreting service. 

To contact us using this service click this link: northumberlandcc-covid.signvideo.net

If you like to learn more about this service click here
 

Onecall

If you are worried about the immediate welfare (health or well-being) of a child or adult contact Onecall - 01670 536400 - 24 hour service, 365 days a year.
 

 

Shielding 

If you have a medical condition which makes you extremely vulnerable to coronavirus (COVID-19), you may be eligible for shielding support. Shielding is a measure to protect people who are clinically extremely vulnerable by reducing interaction with others.
 



Safe Families Information

Safe Families are offering remote support for all Northumberland families with children  who may be struggling for a variety of reasons during the Coronavirus pandemic. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, or carer for children, many issues have come up in recent times with homeschooling, isolation, and a range of other concerns. 

This  service is open to anyone who may benefit from some outside, remote support to help them, and you can refer yourself at any time via the Safe Families contact form, located here.

Bereavement support - Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The death of a loved one is one of the most difficult moments that any of us have to face. That is why the Government have created a leaflet which will help bereaved families, friends, or next of kin make important decisions.

Please click here to view the Government leaflet. 

 

The National Bereavement Partnership - COVID-19 Hub

This hub was created to provide support to all affected by the COVID-19 pandemic by working closely with the NHS Trusts and other relevant organisations.

Please click here for more information about The National Bereavement Partnership.

You can call their free helpline on 0800 448 0800, open every day from 7am - 10pm.

Employability support - Coronavirus (COVID-19)

If you are newly unemployed, or the Coronavirus pandemic has affected your work, you can get support through a range of Northumberland Council employment and skills programmes.

 
For further information, you can contact us by email at careersteam@northumberland.gov.uk, or call us on 07827 244027.
 

 

Universal Credit

Financial support for vulnerable residents - Coronavirus (COVID-19)

This section provides information regarding financial support for Northumberland residents during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

 

Assistance for Northumberland Residents

Whilst it is right that the government has taken action to ensure that all those employed receive statutory sick pay and are paid if they need to self-isolate, what action is being taken to protect those with zero-hour contracts and the self-employed?
 
All individuals will be offered the opportunity to be supported to access benefits in line with government guidance.
 
Click here to learn more about claiming benefits during the coronavirus outbreak. This page includes information about statutory sick pay, universal credit, jobcentre appointments, and more.
 

 

Council Tax Support, Housing Benefit, and Universal Credit

Residents can make an application for:
If residents are otherwise experiencing hardship but are not entitled to benefits they may choose to contact the Northumberland Community Bank.
 
Northumberland Emergency Transition Support (NETS) provides crisis support to residents of Northumberland. Details of the support available and the application process can be found here.
 
Residents can also telephone 0345 600 6400 and follow the options for Benefits then NETS team. Lines are open from 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Thursday and 8.30am to 4.30pm on Friday.

 

The Hardship Fund

The Government’s Hardship Fund will be used to reduce bills further for those already receiving council tax support, new claimants of council tax support and to establish a hardship fund in the county.
 
PLEASE NOTE: Residents already receiving support through the Council Tax Reduction Scheme don’t need to contact us, as the additional help will be automatically applied to bills in the next few weeks.
 
The Council Tax Hardship Fund will be allocated to qualifying residents. This is an additional £150 of funding for those who already receive support due to their financial situation.
 
The scheme will help towards the cost of Council Tax for people on a low income or those who claim certain benefits including Universal Credit. It means that those who may have lost work or money due to coronavirus, could now benefit from this means of help.
 

 

Mortgage holidays - am I entitled?

The government has announced a 3 month mortgage payment holiday. Residents are advised to contact their mortgage provider.

Citizens Advice during COVID-19

Citizens Advice provides free, confidential and impartial information and advice on a range of issues, including money, benefits, housing, and employment. If your circumstances have changed due to COVID-19, they may be able to help you.

Click here to visit their website, and learn more about Citizens Advice during coronavirus.

Click here to follow Citizens Advice Northumberland Facebook page.

How to contact Citizens Advice Northumberland during the coronavirus outbreak:

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