Coronavirus (covid-19) information hub

Local COVID Alert Level in Northumberland is HIGH - find out what this means for you here

 

Find out how to download the NHS Covid-19 app here

Concerned for someone's welfare

Here you can find information and contact details to be used if you are concerned about someone's welfare.


Please click on the links below for more information if you are concerned about someone's safety or welfare:

Vulnerable adults

If you are worried about a child or adult's immediate welfare, who lives in Northumberland, contact our Onecall service on 01670 536 400

Click here for more information about Onecall.

What is Onecall?

Onecall brings together adult social care and healthcare staff from the NHS Foundation Trust with Northumberland County Council staff from children’s services, and partners in Northumbria Police. Our priority is providing help at the earliest opportunity before the situation becomes more serious.

When do I use Onecall?

Onecall aims to help the most vulnerable people to keep safe and well 24 -7.
For example, if you need help with:
  • Living safely and independently at home
  • Looking after someone who is ill or disabled
  • Caring for a child or young person
  • Family support, if you are concerned about a child or young person
  • Reporting abuse or neglect of a child or adult
  • Finding alternatives it you can't live at home
  • Recovering from an illness or injury at home 

If you need medical advice and support fast, but it's not life threatening, call your GP or NHS 111.

You should always call 999 in an emergency - for example, when someone's life is at risk, or someone is seriously injured or critically ill. 

What happens if I contact Onecall?

When you first contact Onecall, we will work with you to direct your call to the right person. Depending on your query we might need to gather more information about what’s wrong before we can direct you to someone who can help you.
 
Our experienced team includes social workers, district nurses, therapists, early help workers, or specialists in mental health, telecare or home improvement depending on the nature of the enquiry.

Safeguarding information & advice regarding coronavirus (COVID-19)

The latest advice and information around safeguarding adults during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

This information was last updated 15 April 2020

Safeguarding adults at risk of abuse or neglect continues to be a priority for all agencies in Northumberland. Some people may be particularly at risk during the Coronavirus outbreak, due to isolation, domestic abuse, financial scams, and other forms of abuse. It is important that everyone is aware of these risks and knows how to reduce or report them.
 
Please continue to report any concerns about a vulnerable adult or a child who is at risk of neglect or abuse in Northumberland by using the following contact details:
Professionals should continue to report safeguarding adults concerns in the usual way by completing the Safeguarding Adults Enquiry Form.  
 
You should always call 999 in an emergency.
 

Information for those self isolating or shielding

If you or a family member are self-isolating or shielding it is important that you are aware of the increased risks at this time, and who you can contact for support:

Domestic Abuse support and advice

It is recognised that this is a time of increased risk for those living with domestic abuse. There are a range of national and local services and support available:
 

Other useful websites

Please click on the boxes below to find out about how to be mindful of coronavirus scams and information for volunteers.

National Trading Standards and Friends Against Scams have highlighted a number of scams they are currently aware of. They warn that criminals come in all shapes and sizes and can contact you at the door, by phone, post of online:
  • Be aware of people offering miracle cures or vaccines for coronavirus – there is no specific treatment for coronavirus (COVID-19). Treatment aims to relieve the symptoms until you recover.
  • People impersonating healthcare workers, claiming to be offering ‘home-testing’ for coronavirus – this is a scam and these kits are not currently available to buy. People impersonating other professionals such as Social Workers, charity workers etc.
  • Emails saying that you can get a refund on taxes, utilities or similar are usually bogus and they are just after your personal and bank details.
  • There are lots of fake products available to buy online that say they can protect you or cure coronavirus. These will not help and are designed to take your money.
  • There are new mobile phone applications that claim to give you updates on the virus but instead, they lock your phone and demand a ransom.
  • Your bank or the police will never ask for your bank details over the phone.
  • People offering to do your shopping or collecting medication and asking for money upfront and then disappearing.
Tips to avoid being scammed:
  • Be cautious and listen to your instincts. Don’t be afraid to hang up, bin it, delete it or shut the door.
  • Take your time; don’t be rushed.
  • If someone claims to represent a charity or other organisations, ask them for ID, and contact their office to check their identity. Be suspicious of requests for money up front. If someone attempts you into accepting a service they are unlikely to be genuine. Check with family and friends before accepting offers of help if you are unsure.
  • If you are online, be aware of fake news and use trusted sources such as .gov.uk or NHS.uk websites. Make sure you type the addresses in and don’t click on links in emails.
  • Only purchase goods from legitimate retailers and take a moment to think before parting with money or personal information.
  • Protect your financial information, especially from people you don’t know. Never give your bank card or PIN to a stranger.
The National Trading Standards Team and Friends Against Scams have produced a poster “Wash your hands of Coronavirus Scams!” which contains some useful guidance.
 
Further information can be found on the following websites:
The role of volunteers is crucial at the present time, not only in supporting the most vulnerable people in our communities, but also in recognising and reporting any concerns. 
 
It is important to be aware that some people are at increased risk of abuse or neglect at this time, and some vulnerable people may be exploited by others.
 
Where possible volunteers should offer their help or support via local or national co-ordinated schemes such as Northumberland Communities Together  (01670 620015) or NHS Volunteers Responders.
 
If you are a volunteer, or an organisation supporting volunteers, it is important that you are aware of some of the key messages about safeguarding adults and how to report concerns. Please see below some useful resources:
 
Waltham Forest have produced and shared a short video to support and train volunteers in relation to safeguarding adults and children. The video is available below and on Youtube – https://youtu.be/HHQG8CJROhU. The key message for volunteers is for them to report any concerns to their single point of contact, or report directly to Adult Social Care using the contact details above.
 

Safeguarding Children information & advice regarding coronavirus (COVID-19)

The latest advice and information around safeguarding children during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

This information was last updated 15 April 2020.

Safeguarding children and young people at risk of abuse or neglect continues to be a priority for all agencies in Northumberland. Some vulnerable children and young people may be particularly at risk during the coronavirus outbreak, due to isolation, increased use of technology, domestic abuse, and other forms of abuse. It is important that everyone is aware of these risks and knows how to reduce or report them.

Please continue to report any concerns about a child, young person, or vulnerable adult who at risk of neglect or abuse in Northumberland by using the following details:

Professionals should continue to report safeguarding children concerns in the usual way, by completing the children's services social care referral form. 

You should always call 999 in an emergency.

Information for those self-isolating or shielding

If you or a family member are self-isolating or shielding, it is important that you are aware of the increased risks at this time, and who you can contact for support:

  • If you need help or support at this time, try to use existing or trusted community groups
  • Is there a trusted family member, friend, or neighbour who could help?
  • If you are struggling with managing at home and need support for basic things like food, and have been unable to get help from family, friends, or local community groups, you can click here to contact Northumberland Communities Together (Telephone: 01670 620 015)
  • If you are not sure about an offer of help, do not answer the door; ask the person to leave their details and talk to someone you trust

Please click on the links below for useful information relating to the current coronavirus (COVID-19) situation:

Domestic Abuse support and advice

It is recognised that this is a time of increased risk for those living with domestic abuse. There are a range of national and local services and support available. Please click on the links below for more information:

Other useful websites 

Please click on the boxes below to find out about how to be mindful fo coronavirus scams and information for volunteers.

National Trading Standards and Friends Against Scams have highlighted a number of scams they are currently aware of. They warn that criminals come in all shapes and sizes and can contact you at the door, by phone, post of online:
  • Be aware of people offering miracle cures or vaccines for coronavirus – there is no specific treatment for coronavirus (COVID-19). Treatment aims to relieve the symptoms until you recover.
  • People impersonating healthcare workers, claiming to be offering ‘home-testing’ for coronavirus – this is a scam and these kits are not currently available to buy. People impersonating other professionals such as Social Workers, charity workers etc.
  • Emails saying that you can get a refund on taxes, utilities or similar are usually bogus and they are just after your personal and bank details.
  • There are lots of fake products available to buy online that say they can protect you or cure coronavirus. These will not help and are designed to take your money.
  • There are new mobile phone applications that claim to give you updates on the virus but instead, they lock your phone and demand a ransom.
  • Your bank or the police will never ask for your bank details over the phone.
  • People offering to do your shopping or collecting medication and asking for money upfront and then disappearing.
Tips to avoid being scammed
  • Be cautious and listen to your instincts. Don’t be afraid to hang up, bin it, delete it or shut the door.
  • Take your time; don’t be rushed.
  • If someone claims to represent a charity or other organisations, ask them for ID, and contact their office to check their identity. Be suspicious of requests for money up front. If someone attempts you into accepting a service they are unlikely to be genuine. Check with family and friends before accepting offers of help if you are unsure.
  • If you are online, be aware of fake news and use trusted sources such as .gov.uk or NHS.uk websites. Make sure you type the addresses in and don’t click on links in emails.
  • Only purchase goods from legitimate retailers and take a moment to think before parting with money or personal information.
  • Protect your financial information, especially from people you don’t know. Never give your bank card or PIN to a stranger.
The National Trading Standards Team and Friends Against Scams have produced a poster “Wash your hands of Coronavirus Scams!” which contains some useful guidance.
 
Further information can be found on the following websites:
The role of volunteers is crucial at the present time, not only in supporting the most vulnerable people in our communities, but also in recognising and reporting any concerns. 
 
It is important to be aware that some people are at increased risk of abuse or neglect at this time, and some vulnerable people may be exploited by others.
 
Where possible volunteers should offer their help or support via local or national co-ordinated schemes such as Northumberland Communities Together (01670 620015) or NHS Volunteers Responders.
 
If you are a volunteer, or an organisation supporting volunteers, it is important that you are aware of some of the key messages about safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and how to report concerns. 
 
Waltham Forest have produced and shared a short video to support and train volunteers in relation to safeguarding adults and children. The video is available below and on Youtube by clicking here. The key message for volunteers is for them to report any concerns to their single point of contact, or report directly using the contact details above.

 

Coronavirus (Covid-19) and domestic abuse

Here you will find information to help you at this particularly stressful time, as well as the other resources we have on our web page below.

PLEASE NOTE: All of our local DA and SV services are continuing to offer support (via phone and online) and are still accepting referrals. The Dogs Trust Freedom Project is still up and running and taking referrals.

See Useful Contacts information below for our local service details:

Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services (NDAS)
Web Chat service is live:Monday to Friday on 01434 608030. See also the webpage. 

Safe Lives
Please visit Safe Lives for information regarding Domestic Abuse and COVID-19. See also their Safety planning guide for victims and survivors during COVID-19.

Surviving Economic Abuse
Surviving Economic Abuse is a UK charity dedicated to raising awareness of economic abuse and transforming responses to it. Please click here for guidance from Surviving Economic Abuse - designed to support your economic wellbeing and safety.

Women's Aid
You can access Women's Aid online chat service here.

Against Violence & Abuse
See the Silent Solution Guide (what to do if you need to call 999 but can't speak) from the charity Against Violence & Abuse.

Refuge
Refuge have a Tech Abuse & Tech Safety Resources for Survivors and Professionals.

Crimestoppers 
Crimestoppers are running a campaign across the North East to remind people that they can report any suspicions or concerns around domestic abuse. Crimestoppers is an independent charity that has existed for almost 32 years; any information provided to them will be passed onto the authorities and they will remain totally anonymous.

Key Change
The Open Clasp Theatre Company’s ‘Key Change’ is currently available to view online for free. Key Change was devised with women in HMP Low Newton to tour to male prisons.  Winner of The Carol Tambor ‘Best of Edinburgh’ Award 2015, Key Change premiered in New York in 2016 and was the prestigious New York Times Critics’ Pick.

NSPCC
The NSPCC’s Learning e-mail includes a number of links to resources which are helpful for children about Covid-19 and how parents / carers can talk to them about the issue.
 

FLOWS (Finding Legal Options for Women Survivors) 
This is a legal support service, designed to help protect women against domestic abuse. Phone line and email consultancy remains in place: 0203 745 7707 (9am-5pm Monday to Friday).

A self-referral app has been created if it is difficult for a women isolating with her abuser to call us discreetly - women can contact us without having to call us or access an email account and this page can be accessed  by clicking here. This is in addition to our existing referral app for statutory organisations and front line professionals which can be found by clicking here. We are also exploring other safe contact methods such as web chat and this should be live shortly.

Domestic abise survivors can directly register for CourtNav without having to be referred by an organisation or the FLOWS team first. Please click here to access CourtNav. CourtNav will be accessible 24/7 and directs survivors to domestically accredited legal aid providers who can assist them. For any technical difficulties accessing CourtNav, survivors can either email or call: 0203 974 7899 (9am-6pm Monday to Friday and 10am-12pm on Saturdays. Closed on bank holidays).

This page was updated on 25 June 2020