CORONAVIRUS UPDATE 26.06.2020
Bassetlaw Action Centre remains closed until further notice, however we are now able to offer a Volunteer Shopping Service to those in need of essential shopping. Our Community Car Scheme is now starting to take bookings and Home Support cleaning services will resume from 1st July 2020. Please call for more details Telephone: 01777 709650.

Our staff continue to offer telephone consultations and support.
Staying Well Courses and Minibus trips are postponed until further notice.

Bassetlaw Action Centre is a community resource agency offering help and support to individuals and organisations throughout Bassetlaw; promoting the independence of older and vulnerable people and supporting individuals with long term conditions.

Opening times: Mon- Fri 09:00am - 13:00pm (outside these hours an answerphone service is available).

Tuxford Mine of Information will now be closed until September to ensure we are able to adhere to government guildlines on saftey and social ditancing within the building. In the meantime if you need any urgent help we are happy for you to call on 07432 646 325. TheTuxfordian will not now be printed until the September edition due to availability of ink. Advertisers will have their advertising period altered accordingly. Because of continued knock on effects of the current Covid - 19 situation and the possible interuption of printing once again, we are looking at the possibility of producing an online 'print at home' edition, where current advertisers will be given free space for a period of two years and also a quarterly online buisness directory which will offer free listing to current advertisers for the same period. We will keep you updated.

The Mine is set at the heart of the community to serve the community, offering information, advice, training & support to those who need it.

The Mine of Information is a resource centre for a range of activities. We can offer rooms or offices to let or hire at reasonable rates, including an IT suite for training purposes

Also offer non accredited training to the local community, espeically in IT. Other courses are available including family history - tracing your ancestors.

Serving the local residents in Tuxford and adjoining villages. The centre is situated on the Market Place in the centre of Tuxford.

Open Mon- Thurs 9.30am to 12.30pm. Closed on Fridays & Weekends.

A drop in service once a month with the local housing officer on the first Tuesday of the Month from 9.30am-11.30am.  The latest properties available are updated every week and available on the A1 stand inside reception.

Lots of leaflets and supported visits take place. Reception not always manned but bell available on front desk. Dial a trip office is located here.

For debt problems call 01909 498890 or for general problems call 0300 4568369. For cancer-related money problems call 01909 498889.

Every Citizens Advice is a registered charity reliant on our trained volunteers and funding to provide these vital services for local communities.

Bassetlaw Citizens Advice offers free generalist advice to any person accessing the service. Specialist services within our team are only available to individuals resident in the Bassetlaw area.

Generalist Advice sessions cover all enquiry areas such as; employment, debt, welfare rights (inlcuding Universal Credit), relationships, housing, consumer rights & saving money on energy bills.

Our office provides drop-in sessions where a short introductory interview will be held to help decide how you can be best advised. You may then require a follow on appointment. 

Worksop office drop-in sessions:

Mon: 09.30 - 15.00 
Wed: 09.30 - 15.00 
Fri:    09.30 - 13.00 

Retford office drop-in sessions:

Tuesday & Thursday 10.00 - 14.00

Telephone advice line- 03444 111 444

Unless indicated otherwise, an adviser should be available to  provide introductory information to help decide how you can best progress with your enquiry.

Monday-Friday 10.00 - 16.00

National Number: 03444 111 444

COVID19 - update, 16th July 2020 - Telephone safe and well checks, shopping and meds collection if volunteers are available. 

Still no face to face activity. Safe and well telephone calls and assistant shopping only.

Bassetlaw Hospital Discharge Scheme operates in Bassetlaw district for anyone aged 50 or over on hospital discharge and helps them to quickly regain their independence and confidence.

The patients will be visited on the ward before discharge and matched with a volunteer.  Services offered include:

• Preparing the home for return
• Assisting with visits to outpatients' appointments, shopping, collecting prescriptions and social activities
• Signposting to other service benefit checks, home safety, community transport and other community services.

All volunteers are trained and DBS checked, and will provide support for six  to eight weeks.

Opening times

Monday:    9 - 5pm

Tuesday:    9 - 5pm

Wednesday:    9 - 5pm

Thursday:    9 - 5pm

Friday:    9 - 5pm

National Helpline

call 0300 222 1122

National Website

www.alzheimers.org.uk

The Dementia Guide

Suitable for anyone who has recently been diagnosed with dementia and their families.  Can be ordered free from the website.

COVID19 update 17th August 2020 - We have information on shopping, health and wellbeing and finances available.

“Carers Federation is complying with all Government guidance regarding staff working safely and remaining COVID 19 vigilant.”

Please visit https://www.carersfederation.co.uk/covid-19-info-support/ for full details

The Carers Federation delivers a wide range of specialist information and support services, from small local arrangements to a very large national contract with the Department of Health.

We currently offer: 
• Young carer support
• Adult carer support
• Black and ethnic minority carer support
• Drug and alcohol misuse support
• Counselling
• Local Involvement Networks (LINks)
• Independent Complaints Advocacy Service (ICAS) 
• Research
• Mentoring

Covid -19- advice available under the GET ADVICE heading on the website:  http://www.independentage.org/                                                                                                                        Provides information and advice service for older people, their families and caers, focusing on social care, welfare benefits and befriending services. This is integrated wih local support, includin one to one and group befriending schemes.

Befriending the elderly in the community. Providing emotional and practical support for older people living in their own homes, especially those who live alone. 

COVID19 update, 20th July 2020 -  for full details please visit https://www.nottshelpyourself.org.uk/kb5/nottinghamshire/directory/home.page 

We also provide some services to help you keep independent which you can access at anytime, without the need for any type of assessment.

These include:

Meals at Home delivery service

 http://www.countyenterprisefoods.co.uk/

Handy Person's Adaptation Service- help and support to keep people safe  secure in their home with free or low-cost but high quality essential adaptations  small practical jobs.

• telephone: 0300 500 80 80.
• email: enquiries@nottscc.gov.uk.

The Connect Service- can help you by finding info about local services, activities & opportunities. If needed, Connect staff can work with you around money issues, housing problems, health management & other things. This short-term support will be tailored to your needs & will focus on achieving what you want in a way that suits you.

• website: www.personalisedsupport.co.uk/Bassetlaw-Connect
• telephone: 0115 844 3541

Independent Financial Advice & Support 

 0300 500 80 80 

If after exploring these options you feel you may need more support, then you might need to have a Care & Support Assessment. This will allow you to explain the things you are finding hard to achieve & we will discuss with you how we might be able to help you.

The aim of the assessment will always be to help you regain or maintain a level of independence.  We will carry out the assessment in the most proportionate way depending on your needs, this could be over the telephone or at one of our clinics.  

Please contact us on 0300 500 80 80, an advisor can help you with your options and may complete a referral for a care and support assessment.

COVID19 update, 20th July 2020 - Whilst the Aurora Wellbeing Centres are currently closed, our Wellbeing Practitioners are continuing to offer telephone support for people affected by cancer or long term health conditions. Our support lines are open Monday - Friday (9 am-5 pm). Please call us on 01909 470985 or email admin@aurorawellbeing.org.uk

6th August 2020 - Aurora Wellbeing Centre Bassetlaw

Good news
The Aurora Centre, your local cancer charity in the Old Library Building, Worksop has the following services available in the centre, Monday to Friday from 10.00am to 2.00pm. They have opened these services in line with Government guidelines and social distancing rules. They are very fortunate to have a large building in which to utilise the space so that their volunteers and customers can feel safe and confident that the guidelines are being strictly adhered to.
The way in and out of the building is clearly marked. There is hand sanitiser throughout the building and customers are encouraged to use this as they enter and leave the centre.

Pre-loved charity shop
Aurora’s pre-loved charity shop is now open. They have a fantastic selection of good quality clothes, children’s toys and a second hand book collection selling books at very reasonable prices for you to browse. Their volunteers have been busy making hand-crafted quality facemasks, which have an internal breathable filter material and these are available to buy or order from the shop.

Valerie’s tearooms
They are operating a takeaway service from their much loved Valerie’s Tearooms and welcome old and new friends to visit and take away a hot drink, slice of cake or light refreshments. They also have a competitive meal deal on offer.

Aurora services
Aurora continues to offer telephone-based support and services to people and their families affected by cancer or long term health conditions. Every day their advisors speak to people who are living with cancer, newly diagnosed or struggling to move forward with life after treatment, and for many, they face additional difficulties due to the coronavirus outbreak. Right now, it is their priority to stay in touch with clients, volunteers and many friends of the charity. They are continuing to offer support and a friendly listening ear to anyone who may be struggling with feelings of anxiety, loneliness or depression and encourage you to chat about your concerns. Contact Aurora via telephone, Monday to Friday from 10.00am to 4.00pm, on 01909 470985.
Aurora is continuing to offer a range of support services whilst the centre remains closed, and they continue to share information and advice and arrange counselling and bereavement support. Their support groups have moved online, along with Aurora courses and exercise classes. Anyone interested is encouraged to get in touch or to subscribe to their newsletter to keep up to date. Visit www.aurorawellbeing.org.uk/worksop and click on the link.
The rest of Aurora’s facilities in the centre will be monitored closely and will become available when it is safe to do so. They are lucky to be situated in the delightful Memorial Gardens so go along, enjoy the gardens and visit the Aurora Centre.
Aurora would like to thank all of their volunteers and the local community for their continued support.

Support local
If you would like to donate to Aurora to support local people in Bassetlaw diagnosed with cancer, please visit www.localgiving.org/charity/aurorawellbeingcentres.

The telephone service is open Monday to Friday, 10.00am to 4.00pm. Call 01909 470985 or email admin@aurorawellbeing.org.uk, follow them on Twitter, @AuroraCentres, or Facebook, @AuroraWellbeingCentreBassetlaw.

Aurora provides support to people affected by cancer and long term health conditions.We share information and advice, arrange counselling, signpost support groups, courses and exercise classes. We also offer professional beauty treatments and holistic therapies and advice on skin care and hair loss, to help boost self-esteem and self-confidence whilst undergoing, and recovering from cancer treatments.

The Aurora centre is open Monday - Friday 09.30 am - 4.30pm

See our website for other information:  

 http://www.tuxfordmedicalcentre.co.uk/

SOLLA helps people and their families in finding trusted accredited financial advisers who understand financial needs in later life. A well-qualified financial adviser who is also somebody who understands the plans you need to make for your retirement years. 

The Society

SOLLA was established in 2008 as a not for profit organisation dedicated to higher standards and accessibility to regulated financial advice for older people and their families.  There are no shareholders and any profit is used to sustain the Society and its objectives.

The complexities of the many decisions you or your family may need to face when looking at issues such as care funding matters or whether equity release is the right thing for you, need careful and considered advice. Financial advice should help you make clear and informed decisions knowing that you have had the information and choices presented to you in a way that helps you make the best choices and decisions for you or for a family member.

SOLLA helps you to find an adviser who is local and can help you explore what would work for you and where they are involved, your family too.

This is provided by the individual accredited members who are regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

COVID-19 Virus Charity Update

We are closing the Lounges and all face-to face therapy in line with the government’s advice on social distancing, but we are committed to maintaining counselling and support through digital contact or by phone where possible. The position of the government and the measures in place are changing daily so we will stay in touch and be clear about what it means for our charity and for you, our service users.

Please keep in regular contact with your key worker/ therapist via Skype or by telephone during this time. Rachael will be in touch with everyone who attends the Lounge to discuss further measures, including group support. Your therapist will be in touch to organise continued therapy in whatever method suits you best.

Stay safe, everyone, and bear with us as we try to maintain your support in this difficult time.

Survivors Helping Each other (SHE) provides the following support services:

• Provides services for females only
• Information service
• Support service

Survivors Helping Each other (SHE) provides the above services to women who suffered any of the following types of abuse in childhood:

• Emotional abuse
• Physical abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Rape

To provide a variety of self help based support for young people & women over the age of 16yrs who are survivors of sexual abuse.  To promote public education and awareness of long term effects of sexual abuse.  We offer mutual support, drop in and crisis support, befriending, mentoring, creative therapy, personal development skills,  volunteering, skills and literacy.

Weekly drop in and crisis support - first call for details in your area.

COVID19 update, 29th July 2020 - 

The Day Hospice service is closed, however the In Patinet Unit is operating at full capacity.

Visitors Please Note:

Please do not visit if you feel unwell or if you have a persistent cough, or/and a high temperature, or if you share a household with someone who has these symptoms. 

VISITING IS NOW RESTRICTED AND YOU SHOULD TELEPHONE THE NURSING TEAM ON 01777 200060 FOR ADVICE BEFORE COMING TO THE HOSPICE.

Day Care provides support to patients and their carers who have a life limiting illness: Emotional/Social, Psychological, Symptom Management,  Advice and Information. It also provides support to cancer survivors and the bereaved. Day Care for patients available Mon-Thurs 10am-3pm, Fridays for carers, ex-[atients, groups & bereavement support.

COVID19 update, 20th July 2020 - for details please call 01302 812345

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/ Our free national advice line and local advice helps hundreds of thousands of people every year.

Age UK Doncaster provides services including homecare, cleaning services, day services, home and garden services and a home from hospital service.

Age UK Doncaster can also offer information and advice on a range of issues including money, housing, health and social care etc.

COVID19 update

July 4th saw some of the restrictions in our lives lifting. During July our staff will be working from our Worksop, Newark, Mansfield and Eastwood venues although these still remain closed to the public.

If you need to speak to a member of our team our central phone number 0800 470 0203 is still available and messages can be left for any of our team.

Our District Community Recovery Coaches are available on –
Marie Smith (Mansfield and Ashfield) 07852 451959 or marierc@nottinghamshiremind.org.uk
Christy Worthington (Eastwood) 07843 597876 or christyrc@nottinghamshiremind.org.uk
Sarah Carter (Bassetlaw) 07398 073844 or sarahrc@nottinghamshiremind.org.uk

Resilience and Stabilisation service Lead Heidi Cotton can be contacted on 07458 302608 or randslead@nottinghamshiremind.org.uk

Our Promotions and Partnerships Lead Shelly Gascoigne can be contacted on 07458 301834 or partnershipsandpromotions@nottinghamshiremind.org.uk

Counselling enquiries are dealt with by Teela Savoury on 07458 301506 or communications@nottinghamshiremind.org.uk

Administrative and general enquiries are dealt with by Julie Levers on 07930 359048 or admin@nottinghamshiremind.org.uk

Across the Nottinghamshire area we support people with mental health problems and their carers.

Professional and self-referrals  are accepted depending on the services required.

Office Opening Hours: 9am – 4pm Monday – Friday

COVID19 - currently doing telephone support to members as well as collecting any click and collect shopping that members can't get themselves and medication collection too. Sending members some activity packs and information. Support for those that have been bereaved. Considering future digital zoom talks in case something like COVID happens again. Looking T introducing 1 - 1 support when able to visit own homes and outside group support.

We are constantly reviewing the guidance coming out from Government about what this means for our residents and their relatives, members and volunteers. Please be assured we are taking the necessary measures to ensure colleagues, residents, members and volunteers are not put at any unnecessary risk. 

We have coordinated a phased approach to re-introducing visitors to our care homes and retirement living in England, Scotland and Wales. Where a home or scheme has an active outbreak, or is in a location experiencing a regional lockdown it will remain closed to visitors until Public Health advise that they are able to open again. 

If there is a regional lockdown in place, you will not be able to visit loved ones. Please follow local information and if you are unsure please contact the home for more information. In these cases, the end of an outbreak will be defined when Public Health declare the local lockdown is over. This is to account for national differences and changing guidance.

Through befriending, lunch clubs, assisted shopping, activity and friendship sessions, outings, escorts to appointments and much more, MHA's Live at Home schemes across the UK help to tackle loneliness and isolation in people over 55 – helping them to lead fulfilled lives and remain as active members in their local communities. The scheme's activities programme is designed and led by its members and volunteers to ensure that we are providing the practical and social support which those we serve need. Provides emotional support for older people, practical support for older, vulnerable people, enhancing their quality of life and prolonging their independence for as long as possible.

Luncheon Club & Games

Mon 12pm-3pm

Lunch Club

Tues 12pm-1.30pm

Coffee Morning/Bingo

Thurs 10.30am-1.30pm

Lunch Club & Bingo

Wed at Rayton Spur Community Centre 12pm-3pm

Lunch Club

Last Fri of every month at Thievesdale Lane Community centre 11.30am-2.30pm

Volunteering

We are always keen to hear from kind, compassionate people who are able to volunteer some of their time to help us deliver and develop our services. If you have time to spare to help enhance the lives of local older people, please visit the Live at Home Volunteering page to find out more. 

Opening Times: Mon – Thurs 8.30am-4.40pm Fri – 9-4pm

Rotherham Heroes Volunteer Programme

26th March 2020

We are aware that many residents will want to help by supporting their neighbours or others who may be in self-isolation, and that there will be residents in need of help with some tasks who will not be sure who they can turn to. We are working together with Rotherham Council and the Rotherham Together Partnership to help support and coordinate this activity.

ROTHERHAM HEROES VOLUNTEER PROGRAMME

The Rotherham Heroes Volunteer Programme is a borough-wide volunteer programme, co-ordinated by the Rotherham Community Hub to help vulnerable people across Rotherham during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

The Rotherham Community Hub includes Rotherham Council, Voluntary Action Rotherham and other community partners.

WHO CAN SIGN UP?

We want to hear from people who wish to volunteer, and businesses and community groups that can offer help in the coming weeks and months.

We particularly want to hear from community groups and volunteers who can offer help with:

• shopping for essentials
• tackling loneliness
• prescription collection
• pet care / dog walking
• advice and signposting to support services.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

• If you are a volunteer we will match you with a community group who will contact you soon.
• If you are a business willing to help we will link you into the local community organisations in your neighbourhood. We will respond as quickly as we can. We will respond as quickly as we can. Response times will be dependent on the number of enquiries we receive.
• If you are a representative of a community group we will add you to our database, match you with potential volunteers and provide you with the details of anyone who contacts us requesting support.

Please note, we are currently only asking for volunteers to register. Further details on how residents can request help will be available soon.

STAYING SAFE

We want volunteers and neighbours to be safe whilst you help one another out during this uncertain time. We will be providing guidance on this shortly. In the meantime, please refer to the information below on ‘Protecting Yourself and Loved Ones’.

Sign up to the Rotherham Heroes Volunteer Programme

VOLUNTEER TOOLKIT

An information pack has been designed for community organisations and other partners to help us spread the word and get involved in this vital volunteer programme.

Volunteer Toolkit

Voluntary Action Rotherham provide a comprehensive range of specialist support services to meet your needs: Community Accountancy, DBS Checking Service, Funding  and organisational Support, Human Resources, Meeting Room Hire, Office Accommodation, Online Directory, Payroll, Photocopying, Social Prescribing Service, Training Courses

There are a number of ways you can get involved in Volunteering. Either come along for an appointment or apply online. Come along to speak to one of our advisors who will be able to explain what it is all about.

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) UPDATE

NKF (National Kidney Federation) have the latest news and advice for kidney patients on their website.

https://www.kidney.org.uk/news/coronavirus-latest-information-and-advice

100% of all funds raised by SAKA are for the benefit of renal patients who are cared for by the Sheffield Kidney institute. We are the ONLY local kidney charity run by patients that provides grants and support direct to patients and their families.
 

We help renal patients directly by providing financial support for the following:
 
* To purchase essential items when times are hard
* To meet certain holiday treatment costs for dialysis patients
* To meet visitors’ travel costs when patients are hospitalised
* We part-fund our Sheffield Team members at the British and World Transplant Games

* We support research at the Sheffield Kidney Institute (SKI)

We also:

* Represent Patients’ views directly to the Renal Directorate Management Team

* Support the National Kidney Federation (NKF) to provide Patient Information Leaflets and  a Free Helpline

COVID UPDATE

We've seen the recent government advice for reopening and we are working on getting our facilities and team set up and trained to follow the guidance ready for reopening. Perspex is being bought, powerpoint training is being prepared and risk assessments are being done. If you want to know more about a specific group or meeting that was held at the well please contact hte group leaders. The Centre is currently closed as at 25/08/2020

We operate a free debt counselling service, Job Club and Money course via partnership with Christians Against Poverty (CAP) - a national charity. Giving free independent professional debt advice, CAP provides a remarkable service to those who need it most. CAP has helped over 12,000 families on their journey out of debt. If you are in debt and need help... please don't suffer alone... To book an initial appointment, please call FREE on 0800 328 0006.

Contact The Well to book a place.

To book an initial appointment, please call FREE on 0800 328 0006.

CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS

NHS Volunteer Responders offers help to people in need of support or who are avoiding public places during the COVID-19 pandemic. Call 0808 196 3646 (8am to 8pm)

“The Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) supports older people in their own homes by giving time and practical help them get the best from life.

They provide specialist services locally, tailoring them to meet their individual needs with friendly local volunteers. These services range from support at home to social activities within the community.

-          Home Library Service: where we deliver books from the library to your house.

-          Home From Hospital Service: where we support you with practical help for six weeks after a stay in a medical setting.

-          Good Neighbours Scheme: a longer term support system to our Home From Hospital Service

-          Signposting: we help you find the support you need locally

About AdviceUK

COVID19 update, 20th July 2020 - for full details please visit https://www.adviceuk.org.uk/

We are a registered charity which supports the country’s largest network
of Independent Advice Services.

We provide support to front-line centres / agencies that offer independent social welfare and legal advice to those in need.

DUE TO COVID19 PLEASE CALL THE CENTRE FOR LATEST UPDATES ON TIMES AND ACTIVITIES

The Old Library, Memorial Avenue, Worksop S80 2BP

The Aurora Wellbeing Centre Worksop 01909 470985

Offer services for people with a diagnosis of cancer or long term conditions. Provides advice information and support. Drop in support group Macmillan information hub.

Gentle gym sessions Pilates and Yoga.
Beauty and Holistic treatments.
Cancer patients are entitled to 6 free treatments. Carers are entitled to 2 free treatments.
Support group 1st and 3rd Friday of the month

VISIT THE WEBSITE FOR CORONAVIRUS UPDATES AND HOW TO STAY SAFE ABOUT ADVOCACY DURING COVID19.

POhWER is a charity and membership organisation. We provide information, advice, support and advocacy to people who experience disability, vulnerability, distress and social exclusion.

Our services are designed by service users for service users. Last year we provided direct advocacy to over 25,000 people and handled 153,000 contacts for information and advice. Over 70,000 self help materials were downloaded from our website.

POhWER is one of the largest providers of advocacy services in the UK and England's largest provider of NHS Complaints Advocacy.

This provision across Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire includes:

·       Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA), plus hospital based advocacy also providing help to ‘informal’ / voluntary patients.

·       Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (IMCA)

·       NHS Complaints Advocacy

·       Independent Advocacy under the Care Act 2014

·       Independent Advocacy for people affected by the Transforming Care agenda

·       Paid Relevant Person’s Representatives (for people under the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards)

Telephone - 0300 020 0093 (charged at local rate)
	Minicom - 0300 456 2364
	Text - send the word 'pohwer' with your name and number to 81025
	Email - yourvoiceyourchoice@pohwer.net
	Skype - pohwer.advocacy 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday
	Fax - 0300 456 2365
	Post - PO Box 14043, Birmingham, B6 9BL

Cosmic Cottage CIC, is a Community Project based in Retford, run by volunteers. We are situated at the Goodwin Hall as an Internet café with a relaxing atmosphere, Customers are able to browse the Internet for fun or information, fill online forms, job search, and renew driving licences and any other government forms.

We help anyone who is unsure about using technologies. Computer advice is available even if you don’t know anything about a computer we can help. We also take referrals from the Job centre and Library, for job searches and CV creating.

There are some useful resource information leaflets available. NCHA Bassetlaw Connect has a drop in for those people having problems with social security or PIP forms also have information about the new universal credit.

We also have printing and photocopy services or just relax in the café and have freshly made food.

COVID19 update 24th August 2020 - We have been asked now several times if we are going to open after the lock down, our answer is YES! As soon as the government has said it is safe to open cafes and public buildings we will be ready. Cosmic Cottage and Goodwin Hall would like to thank everyone who has supported us before the lock down and cannot wait to open and see you all again.
Anyone who bought meal tickets, please keep hold of them we are hoping to put the meal on at a later date, if this is not possible then we will refund you. The people who have paid deposits for stalls, don’t worry again we can reschedule or we can refund. If you have any questions about this please contact us. We miss you all!!
From Goodwin Hall and Cosmic Cottage, Stay Safe and Stay at Home.  https://www.facebook.com/cosmiccottage.net/

As a Community project, Cosmic Cottage is a non-profit company and relies on community support and Volunteers. Volunteers are given work experience, working with the public; being reliable, punctual and able to follow instructions to fulfil the role. Training “on the job” is available. Also access to online courses to increase their knowledge is supported.

Recently we have been instrumental in helping two homeless people get a new home so they are no longer living on our streets.

We are much more than a café!!

So if you would like to help or donate we are open every Friday from 9am to 4pm. We would love to see you.

Qualified teacher in attendance. Disabled access and toilets.

Macmillan Cancer Support Pod

Our Macmillan Pod, in the main outpatient area of Doncaster Royal Infirmary, helps those affected by cancer.

A friendly atmosphere where you can come and discuss your health in an informal and relaxed way.  Our main aim is to try and maintain positive attitudes towards depression and anxiety and to share ways and things that help us. In our group we chat about the problems we may face on a daily basis such as relationships with friends and family, the stigma of illness, finding and maintaining employment and the effects of medication.  You are welcome to being a relative, friend or carer with you if you prefer not to come alone.  Tea and coffee are available at a small charge.

Held every Tuesday, 1.30pm-3.30pm at Bassetlaw Museum, Grove Street, Retford, DN22 6LD

The Silver Line Helpline is the only national, free and confidential helpline for older people open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year.  We offer information, advice and friendship through our helpline and services.

VOLUNTEER WITH US and make a difference to an older person's life. Contact The Silver Line today on volunteering@thesilverline.org.uk or 020 7224 2020.

Coronavirus: what you need to know

Coronavirus is a virus that affects the lungs and airways. There are some important steps you should take to help protect yourself and reduce the risk of coronavirus spreading.

Coronavirus causes an illness called COVID-19. Most people who catch it will only have mild symptoms, but some people may need to be treated in hospital.

The symptoms of coronavirus are a cough, a high temperature and shortness of breath. But those symptoms are very common, so if you have them it doesn’t necessarily mean you have coronavirus.

The Government has said everyone must follow social distancing measures. 

Go to GOV.UK to help you understand what you should and shouldn’t do.

There are some people who are more at risk from coronavirus, such as people who are over 70, those with an underlying health condition or those who are pregnant. It’s particularly important they follow the Government’s advice and avoid close contact with other people. 

The Government is also advising people to stay home for 7 days if they live alone, or 14 days if they live with other people, if they or someone they live with have either or both of the following:

• A high temperature.
• A new, continuous cough.

You don’t need to tell the NHS if you’re staying at home. If you still have symptoms after 7 days, or think you need medical care, call NHS 111 for help. Don’t go to your doctor’s surgery or hospital – call 111. 

Because COVID-19 is a new illness, we don’t know everything about it yet. But by taking some simple, effective measures, we can all reduce our risk of catching it or transmitting it to other people. 

The best thing to do to reduce the risk of getting or spreading coronavirus is to stay at home, and wash your hands regularly. 

You should wash your hands:

• more often than you would normally
• for at least 20 seconds, or for two rounds of the song ‘Happy Birthday’
• before you eat or handle food
• after you come home from being outside
• after sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose
• before touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Watch this video from the NHS on how to wash your hands effectively. 

If you’re feeling worried about coronavirus 

It’s completely understandable to be concerned about coronavirus and the impact it might have on you and those you care about, particularly if you’re living with health conditions.

Try to stay calm and keep following good hygiene practises like washing your hands regularly.

Have a look at Age UK’s information on coronavirus

COVID19  update 20th July 2020 - Call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 from anywhere in the UK and get the information and support you need. Where appropriate, calls will be referred to the specific services required across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales.

Our Helpline is your direct line to the support, advice, and products you need to face the future with confidence. If you or someone you know has a sight problem, our specialist advice workers can help.

Contact the RNIB Helpline

Get in touch today

Find out all the different ways the RNIB Helpline can support you by phone or email. 

Telephone: 0303 123 9999 open from 8am - 8pm weekdays and 9am - 1pm Saturdays.

Email: helpline@rnib.org.uk

How the Helpline can support you

We aim to help you with any questions or enquiries you have by offering the following services, which are all available through the Helpline.

In depth advice and support

Our friendly Advice Service team are here to provide a listening ear and are trained to give specialist advice to anyone affected by sight loss.

Understanding eye health and eye conditions

Get information on a particular eye condition, the effects and what can be done to help with help from our Eye Information Service

Benefits appeals, community care and discrimination

If you need any information on legal rights, our dedicated Legal Rights Service can give you advice and, where possible, formal representation.  

Emotional support and counselling

If you’re finding it hard to come to terms with feelings about sight loss, our trained counsellors are here to listen and offer support.

Benefits, Consessions and Tax advice

Get in touch with the Tax Advice Service if you need any help with tax and benefit issues, including Blind Person’s Allowance.

Make friends and socialise

Take part in our telephone social groups offered by RNIB Talk and Support to help make new friends. 

Get tech savvy

Find out how technology can transform your life whether you’re blind or partially sighted.

Explore reading choices

If you're struggling to read because of your sight we've got plenty of reading solutions, whatever your tastes and reading preferences.

Get advice on products

Advice on products that support independent living, both in the home and out and about.

*Calls cost no more than a standard rate call to 01 or 02 numbers and count towards any inclusive minutes in the same way as 01 and 02 calls. The price of calls varies between different service providers, including between landline and mobile companies. 

Please note that we record all our calls for training and quality purposes.

Covid-19 Update

In these difficult times SANE is continuing to offer help through our team of professionals and trained volunteers.

Although our previous SANEline number cannot operate at the moment, you can leave a message on 07984 967 708 giving your first name and a contact number, and one of our professionals or senior volunteers will call you back as soon as practicable. You can also contact us, as before, through our Support Forum, Textcare and other services.

See here for more information.

"Mental health is as important as physical health in these worrying and stressful days when there is so much uncertainty.

"For those who are already vulnerable through depression, anxiety and other conditions, the prospect of isolation may be hard to face. By keeping our lines open, we are striving to continue to offer some reassurance, inner strength and hope."

SANE services provide practical help, emotional support and specialist information to individuals affected by mental health problems, their family, friends and carers.

SANEline (helpline):  0300 304 7000 (4.30 pm - 10.30 pm daily) NOT OPERATING AT THE MOMENT DUE TO COVID

Website:  http://www.sane.org.uk

COVID19 update, 17th August 2020 - We are here to keep you safe.

In line with government guidelines, we are limiting face to face contact to avoid spreading the virus.

We will keep in touch with you over the phone to make sure you're getting along ok. Please make sure we have your up to date phone number. If you miss our call please call us back as it is important that we stay in touch. If you have a medical review this will remain in place but unless your worker informs you otherwise, it will likely take place over the phone.

You can contact us on 0115 8960 798 or email us on notts@cgl.org.uk. You can also speak to a member of our online team.

Adults: A service tailored to the individual needs of the service user, Structured treatment including clinical and psychosocial interventions, Access to advice, information and a full recovery assessment; including assessment for detox and residential rehab provision, Recovery planning, Emphasis on peer mentoring and visible recovery to support service users throughout their recovery journey, Referral to other support services, Referral to employment, training and education providers, We always welcome new individuals, so please get in touch if you are interested in getting help from the service or you’d just like to ask some questions. Feel free to bring someone with you on your first visit.

Young Person's Service: Nottinghamshire Young Persons' Service is a is a free & confidential drug & alcohol service for young people up to the age of 18.

Alongside support services for young people we also offer support to parents, carers & professionals who support young people in Nottinghamshire. We want to ensure our service is flexible & accessible for young people so we offer appointments across Notts in youth services, schools & other convenient locations to bring the service to the young person.

Facebook: New Directions CGL          Twitter: @CGLnotts

Especially in a pandemic we believe everyone has the right to a better future.

Brighter Futures provides housing-related support for people in Nottinghamshire, who have a range of support needs and are at risk of losing their homes.

The service can support people who;

• have been assessed by Adult Health & Social Care but are ineligible for statutory services

• have a history that shows they might put their accommodation at risk without intervention and support

• have a need that is likely to require longer term but low level housing- related support.

We work with people who have a wide range of support needs, such as Autism, learning disabilities, Asperger’s or following a brain injury, or where they don’t meet the criteria for statutory adult social care, among others.

The service will be really flexible and service users will be able to have a say in how they are supported and what their needs are. We can help with finding accommodation, accessing specialist services, budgeting and claiming benefits among many other things.

We can offer support in a range of ways, which could include in own homes and in the community, to help maintain independence. The support is linked to the service user and not their tenancy, so if they move within Nottinghamshire we can continue to support them.

Based on the application, assessment and feedback that we receive from an agency, a member of the team will decide whether this service will be beneficial or not. If so they will be in contact within ten days of the referral.

If you would like to speak to anyone at Framework about the Brighter Futures service, you can contact the services in the areas below:

Bassetlaw - 2 Queen Street, Worksop, Notts, S80 2AN 
Tel: 0115 8504014
Email: bassetlawnass@frameworkha.org

Ashfield - Outram Street Centre, Outram St, Sutton in Ashfield, NG17 4AX
Tel: 01623 675418
Email: ashfieldnass@frameworkha.org

Mansfield - The Heath Community Centre, Fritchley Court, Oak Tree Lane Estate, Mansfield, NG18 3QE
Tel: 01623 675402   
Email: mansfieldnass@frameworkha.org

Newark and Sherwood - The Exchange, 38 Waterlane, Newark NG24 1HA 
Tel: 0115 850 4155
Email: newarknass@frameworkha.org

South Notts - Val Roberts House, 25 Gregory Boulevard, Nottingham NG7 6NX
Tel:  0115 970 9581
Email: southnottsnass@frameworkha.org

Pharmacy services

• (NHS) Emergency contraception
• (NHS) Seasonal flu vaccination service
• (NHS) Supervised consumption of medicines
• (Non-NHS) Emergency contraception
• (Non-NHS) Emergency supply of medicines
• (Non-NHS) Inhaler technique service
• (Non-NHS) Seasonal flu vaccination service (not at risk groups)
• (Non-NHS) Stop smoking service
• (Non-NHS) Weight management
• Appliance dispensing
• Appointment booking available for consultations
• Body Mass Index (BMI) Machine
• Boots Macmillan Information Pharmacist
• Cystitis Test and Treat Service
• Electronic Prescription Service
• Emergency Contraception
• In Store Malaria Prevention Service
• Inhaler Recycling Scheme
• Inhaler recycling
• Medicines Check Up
• Medicines use review (MUR) service
• Multi-lingual staff
• New Medicine Service
• Prescription collection from local General Practices
• Prescription delivery service
• Prescriptions Direct
• Private consultation room
• Public Health
• Repeat Prescription Service
• Winter Flu Jab Service

COVID19 update 20th August 2020 - Unfortunately due to COVID19 all our community groups are now currently on hold until further notice. Many apologies we do understand this can be a very isolating time. Please contact us if you have any questions or need support.  Visit https://www.cisfauk.com/ for full information.

https://m.facebook.com/cisfauk1/

To ensure all adults and teens with chronic illness have a safe environment to express how they feel and are made to feel supported and understood. To provide ongoing support both online and in the community without prejudice. To be exactly what it says in our title

Are you in the Nottinghamshire, Cheshire or Manchester area?
Could you volunteer a spare afternoon or evening or anytime at all?
CISFA is desperately looking for volunteers to help with carboot sales, craft fairs and support groups. Have a laugh whilst meeting new people.
Are you a crafter or have a talent ? We are also looking for donations for craft stalls and care packs. If you can help, phone or email at cisfauk@gmail.com

COVID19 Update 17th August 2020 - please visit https://www.caresourcer.com/corona-virus/ for full details

Who we are

Care Sourcer is the UK’s first comparison and matching site for care.  Anyone can enter their care needs on our secure website and find care providers who have immediate availability.

This is in stark contrast to the current landscape of care, where despite their urgent need, people can often wait weeks or even months to find a care provider who can help.

At Care Sourcer, we are transforming the care sector by bringing choice, control and transparency to the market.

COVID19 update, 29th July 2020 - no drop in sessions at the moment but face to face visits have resumed.

For anyone feeling isolated, vulnerable or lonely in their own home. Short term support in the following areas-:
Physical & mental health-Keeping active, support to maintain contacts with family & friends, preventing falls, support to manage long term health conditions
Finances- Supporting to budget, benefits applications, advice on Lasting Powers of Attorney 
Social interaction-Support to find local activities, clubs & leisure

Housing Support to maintain tenancy, housing applications, support to move house, Home Safety-Support with aids & adaptions, repairs, gardening
Maintaining independence to improve self confidence.

Drop In Details: Monday: 1 - 4 Sandy Lane, Partnership House ( Worksop ) - 11am - 4pm

Friday 11.00 - 4.00 Goodwin Hall, Retford

Notts Enabling Service

The Notts Enabling Service aims to improve your independence.

We agree goals that work to your strengths and develop a plan to improve your life skills and confidence.

Our Promoting Independence Worker will work with you on your goals for up to 12 weeks.

This is a free service that can help you with:

• travelling around independently: using public transport and staying safe
• improving skills in the home: managing household routines and cooking
• finding new social opportunities: finding local groups and activities
• finding work: looking for voluntary or paid work or signposting you to more specialist employment support
• budgeting: learning about money, organising and paying bills and making your money last
• keeping well: looking after yourself and improving your confidence.

The service is available for people with social care needs who have a learning disability, young adults with a physical disability, Asperger’s syndrome or autism, including young people with disabilities who are approaching adulthood.

Contact the Notts Enabling Service

To get in touch with the Notts Enabling Service contact our Customer Service Centre.

Telephone

We are closely following Government and Public Health England guidance about COVID-19. In response to this, we ask that you use our online services where you can instead and only call the Customer Services Centre if your enquiry is urgent.

Telephone: 0300 500 80 80

• Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm

Calls cost no more than a standard geographic charge and are included in discount packages and inclusive minutes schemes.

Language translator: If English is not your preferred language you can ask the advisor to use a translator while on the call

Text relay: If you are Deaf or can’t speak on the phone, contact us using  Relay UK.  Download the Relay UK app or using your existing text phone prefix our dedicated text Relay number with the Relay UK code (18001) 

Contact us using Relay UK: 18001 01623 434 993

Service users will receive interventions if they are modertae to severe mental health problems, including depressive illnesses and disorders of personality

Interventions are offered on a 1-1 and/or group therapy basis

Support available Monday - Friday 09.00 - 5.00

COVID19 update 24th August 2020 - 

With the Government advising the public to avoid non-essential travel following the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), we are asking that visitors do not attend any of our treatment centres. This includes veterans, who will receive their treatment and support off-site.

Our 24-hour Helpline 0800 138 1619 will remain open to provide confidential advice and support to veterans and their families.

Self-Help guides and tools for veterans during this difficult time are now available on our website.

>> CLICK for COVID-19 Self-Help guides.

Treats conditions such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety disorders.  Services are free of charge to the Veteran, and provides a dedicated service for Veterans whose mental health condition is often complex and long term.

If you're a veteran worried about your mental health, we can help.

Here are some symptoms you may recognise if you've had traumatic experiences:

• Work-related or relationship problems
• Feeling numb and empty
• Feeling suicidal
• Self harm and self-destructive tendencies
• Avoidance of people and places
• Panic attacks/anxiety/depression/mood swings
• Feeling isolated
• Frequent periods of withdrawal into oneself
• Nightmares/flashbacks/insomnia
• Anger or aggressive behaviour
• Feeling distrustful and suspicious/blaming others
• Misuse of alcohol/drugs/gambling and/or food
• Seeking out high-risk/dangerous pursuits.

Our life-changing treatment is on hand for you.

Visit our website for more information www.combatstress.org.uk

If you’re currently serving or have served in the UK Armed Forces, you can call our 24-hour mental health helpline. If you’re a family member or carer worried about the mental health of a loved one, or need to talk to someone yourself, you can call the helpline too.

The helpline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 

Veterans and their families can call 0800 138 1619.

Serving personnel and their families can call 0800 323 4444.

You can also text on 07537 404719 and email helpline@combatstress.org.uk standard charges may apply for texts, please check with your provider.

Combat Stress and our helpline are not crisis services.  If you are in an emergency situation, and need urgent support please call the emergency services via 999 or the Samaritans via 116 123.

COVID19 update 17th August 2020 -  Currently face to face meetings suspended. Virtual meetings taking place, including information days, education and training - all virtually by either zoom, gotomeeting, and whatsapp

w/c 7th October, benefit awareness training - 2 sessions in this week  -  phone 0115 824 8824 for full information.

The Carers Federation Adult Carer Support Service provides a wide range of appropriate & impartial information & support for all carers across Nottinghamshire who look after someone with an illness, disability or frailty; or is experiencing mental health. Our team work with carers on an individual basis to identify what support they need, they will also refer & signpost to other relevant organisations where appropriate.

On the last Thursday of the month 10.30-12.30pm 

THE CROSSING CHURCH AND CENTRE ARE CURRENTLY STILL CLOSED TO ACTIVITY GROUPS DUE TO CORONAVIRUS.

Please contact Amanda Neilson for latest updates on when sessions will recommence.

Caring for someone with dementia can be an isolating experience for carers. As a group we share our experiences with others who may require support. We invite professional speakers to our coffee mornings to pass onto us relevant useful information. Tuesdays 10am-12pm at The Crossing, Newcastle Avenue, Worksop 

Coronavirus / Covid-19

Visit our website below for information relating to COVID 19 and what we are doing to help during lockdown. https://www.nea.org.uk/category/covid-19/

NEA is a National Independent Charity offering advice, support and practical help if your spouse or dependent family has served in the armed forces, or are currently serving

Do you ever go without heating to save energy?

Are you worried about the cost of your fuel bills?

The Cinnamon Trust

The only specialist national charity for people in their last years and their much loved, much needed companion animals.

A network of 15,000 volunteers “hold hands” with owners to provide vital loving care for their pets. We keep them together - for example, we’ll walk a dog every day for a housebound owner, we’ll foster pets when owners need hospital care, we’ll fetch the cat food, or even clean out the bird cage, etc.

When staying at home is no longer an option, our Pet Friendly Care Home Register lists care homes and retirement housing happy to accept residents with pets, and providing previous arrangements have been made with us we will take on life time care of a bereaved pet.

The Cinnamon Trust - Peace of mind for owners, love, care and safety for beloved pets. But helping 32,142 people a year with 41,342 animals and running two home from home sanctuaries costs - We need your help to make sure we’re always there.

NCC Customer Service Centre can arrange for the person you are caring for to have an assessment.

Call 0300 500 80 80

Monday - Friday 08.00 am - 8.00pm

Or you can email them directly Email: enquiries@nottscc.gov.uk

Visit the NCC Website: http://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/

Call 0300 123 1053

or visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/

Social care and support guide

If you or someone you know needs help with day-to-day living because of illness or disability, this website explains your options and where you can get support.

An emergency card for carers identifies you as a carer in the event of an emergency.

The card does not give any personal information, but provides a phone number anyone can call.

Staff answering the phone will take any action you have agreed with us like: 

• contact family/friends to let them know there is an emergency 
• visit the person you care for and arrange emergency help

Either apply online or call the Customer Service Centre on 0300 500 80 80.

They can guide you through the process, send you a card and can answer any questions you have. 

COVID INFORMATION

To provide food and essential support during the Coronavirus pandemic, our Friary Drop-in Centre will be open:

Monday – Friday

09.00 – 12.00 each day 
We are offering a limited but practical at the door drop-in service daily by giving out food, clothes, essential items and providing welfare support. Please respect the social distancing advice when you arrive. Please only attend our drop-in Centre if essential.

Saturday – Closed

Sunday – Closed

The Friary now delivers a wide range of services with open access drop-in sessions being delivered 3 times per week, 52 weeks of the year. Each drop-in is accessed by over 100 local people in need of support. The Friary is passionate about people and about tackling poverty caused by homelessness and unemployment. The charity is committed to offering person-centred advice and support which is accessible and free to all those who require it.

Facilities Available

Open access drop-in sessions from 9am to 1pm on: MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY

During these times the following available:

• Confidential Advice on Housing, Benefits and Debt related issues
• Practical Assistance (food, clothing & small household items)
• Access to IT Suite for support with Benefit & Housing Claims 9.30am-12.30pm
• A range of Health & Hygiene Facilities
• Refreshments and Nutritious Hot Food
• Emotional Support

Sunday Evening Fellowship
8pm to 9pm

Or by appointment at other times

• Confidential Welfare Guidance
• Practical Assistance
• Someone to talk to

How we do it
By offering the following services:

• Professional Advice and Referral
• GP Surgery
• Homeless Health Team
• Employment Support
• Optician
• IT Literacy Training
• Barber
• Welfare Provision of Nutritious Food, Clothing, Toiletries and Small Household Items
• Shower and Laundry Facilities

The Law Centre can offer support with:

Homelessness

Securing Suitable Accomodation

The Prevention of Homelessness

Defending Possession Proceedings

Eviction Notices

Checking Notices Received

Unlawful Evictions

Negotiating with Landlords

Serious Disrepair

Housing Anti-social Behavious Orders

Provision of Accommodation under Community Care Services

Injunctions under the Protection from Harassment Act

Accomodation under the Immigration Act

Open Monday-Friday 9.00am-5.00pm

Offices throughout Derbyshire & Nottinghamshire: Beeston, Burton, Derby, Eastwood, Gedling, Ilkeston, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Matlock, Sinfin, and Swadlincote.

The scheme can help residents who satisfy the following criteria:

• Have a long term health condition that is made worse by the cold (see agreed list of conditions in the box below)
• Live within the Nottinghamshire County Council area
• Are in fuel poverty (defined as having a gross household income of no more than £16,010 per annum exc. PIP/DLA or £800/month after mortgage/rent)
• Have savings of less than £16K
• Own or privately rent their home (Levels of fuel poverty are considerably higher in the private rented    sector – 19%)

IMPROVING THE HEALTH AND WELLBEING OF BASSETLAW RESIDENTS THROUGH SUPPORTED
ACCESS AND NAVIGATION INTO LOCAL SERVICES AND SUPPORT GROUPS

The Community Advisor is a specialist with a wealth of knowledge and experience about services across Bassetlaw, helping individuals to access non-medical support services from voluntary organisations and community groups.  

Anyone over the age of 16 who is registered with a Bassetlaw GP can access this service.
You can ask at your GP Reception when the Community Advisor will be visiting your local surgery or contact us directly here at BCVS.
The Community Advisor will discuss with the individual how one of the many voluntary or community services may help them improve their health and wellbeing alongside any existing medical treatment.

The Community Advisor can help you to:

•  Identify groups which may offer additional support to help you understand and manage your medical condition
• Access community social groups by giving you a named contact and specific group information 
• Access benefits, debt and welfare advice
• Address loneliness and isolation issues by encouraging participation with local activity group
• Access information and advice on a wide range of services for the whole family

Your Community Advisor will be able to identify suitable support options and they will afford the time to find contact details of the leaders of groups and services to make the access as smooth as possible.

There are several ways to make contact with the Community Advisor:

You can ring the Community Advisor direct for telephone advice. Available Monday to Friday on 01909 476118 Ext 24.

When you are going through a difficult time, it can be very easy to keep your worries to yourself and believe that you are the only one experiencing such painful feelings. While we all have our own ways of coping, information and support can make a huge difference.

Counselling Directory was set up by a team who know how difficult it can be to find the support and information you need. Being a team who between us have experienced various mental health issues, we know how it feels to be overwhelmed, isolated and somewhat lost.

Through our own experiences, we have learnt how important having relevant information is and how the right support can help transform lives.

Our journey inspired us to share what we have learnt along the way with others. Our team is passionate about counselling and we want to promote the huge benefits talking therapy can have. We know how important it is to find the right counsellor for you and we are dedicated to making that process as simple as possible.

Contact us by phone 

Tel: 0333 325 2500 

Monday 9.30am to 5pm
Tuesday - Thursday 9am to 5pm
Friday 9am to 4pm

Coronavirus - changes to our service

Every local Citizens Advice is now closed - you can’t get face to face advice.

You can still get help by calling our national phone line or by talking to an adviser online. 

Contact us about applying for Universal Credit

Our Help to Claim advisers can help you with the early stages of your Universal Credit claim. You can talk to them on the phone, online over chat or face-to-face.

Our advisers can help you:

• work out if you can get Universal Credit

• fill in the Universal Credit application 

• prepare for your first Jobcentre appointment 

• check your first payment is correct 

National Helpline Number 0800 144 8 444 08.00 am - 6pm or visit the website

You can read our online advice on Universal Credit at any time.

Talk to us online

You can also chat with an adviser online about your Universal Credit application. Chat is usually available 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. It's not available on public holidays.

Supporting someone during Covid-19

Checking in on your family, friends and colleagues is always important. But as the coronavirus pandemic continues, this is more important than ever.

Lots of us have felt worried about the coronavirus pandemic, and everyone will feel differently about the changes to lockdown restrictions.

If someone’s feeling anxious or worried, you don’t need to be an expert on mental health to support them. Think about using our three top tips:

1) Check in

If someone doesn’t feel ready to meet face-to-face, picking up the phone, having a video call, starting a group chat or messaging someone on social media lets them know you are there to talk and ready to listen.

2) Listen and reflect

Whether you have a mental health problem or not, this will be a challenging time for our mental health and wellbeing. If someone opens up to you, remember that you don't need to fix things or offer advice. Often just listening, and showing you take them seriously, can help someone to manage.

3) Ask questions  

Ask how people are managing, and ask again if you're worried they aren't sharing the full picture. Asking again, with interest, can help someone to open up and explore what they're feeling.

If you are in need of mental health advice and information in relation to Covid-19, our partners Mind and Rethink Mental Illness have a number of resources at the bottom of our web page.

General enquiries

The Time to Change team is currently working from home in line with Government advice on Covid-19. This means we are unable to respond to calls, voicemails or post. To get in touch, please email our team.

Email: info@time-to-change.org.uk

Time to Change is a growing social movement working to change the way we all think and act about mental health problems. We've already reached millions of people and begun to improve attitudes and behaviour.

Despite the progress we’ve made, we know that many people still don’t consider mental health relevant to them. They don’t believe mental health problems are likely to affect them or people they know.

But the reality is that mental health can affect anyone. Statistically, 1 in 4 of us will experience a mental health problem in any given year. That’s why our work is so important. No one should have to fear being treated differently because of a mental health problem. 

If you're looking for individual advice, information or support for you or someone else, unfortunately Time to Change can't provide that but there are lots of people who can - visit our Mental health help and support services page for a list of numbers to call.

Men's Advice Line: confidential helpline for men experiencing domestic violence from a partner or ex-partner (or from other family members).

We help by: giving you time to tell your story; offering emotional support; providing practical advice; signposting you to other services for specialist help.

Are you being abused? Please contact us

Call freephone 0808 801 0327 Monday-Friday 9am-5pm or email info@mensadviceline.org.uk

Coronavirus: how we are supporting participants during the pandemic

Since March 2020 the Coronavirus pandemic has given rise to an unprecedented situation, affecting the lives of us all and resulting in the closure of key services and support agencies. During this time the health, safety and wellbeing of Opportunity and Change participants remains our priority, and the partnership has been working tirelessly to ensure that participants remain supported.

We are continuing to accept new referrals; offering a remote induction to the project and telephone/online support until we are in a position to fully assess participant eligibility and resume face-to-face contact.

The project is responding to the crisis in the following ways:

All face-to-face appointments have been replaced with telephone and online support (e.g. Zoom, WhatsApp, email, etc.)

Frequency of contact has increased; Navigators are checking-in more often to help reduce feelings of isolation

Up to date resources are being shared, including: mental health tools, online training courses and financial support

Participants accessing counselling services have been able to continue to do so via phone or using a virtual meeting platform

Participants who are missing their weekly Skills Plus for Change sessions are being offered alternative support online

Navigator support has adapted to meet the practical needs of participants; ensuring they have access to food parcels, toiletries, utilities and delivering prescriptions where necessary

What is Opportunity and Change?

Opportunity and Change is a support programme for people with multiple and complex needs throughout Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. Our programme is being delivered by local organisations working together, with a range of experience of working with people with multiple and complex needs.

We aim to support people achieve stability and provide access to mainstream services. We work with individuals to create a tailored package of support that will assist with a range of needs including accommodation, mental healthcare and education.

We are part of the national Building Better Opportunities programme funded by the Big Lottery Fund and the European Union through its European Social Fund. It is being managed by Framework, a charity and housing association dedicated to helping homeless people, preventing homelessness, and promoting opportunities for vulnerable and excluded people.

The Mailing Preference Service (MPS) is a free service set up in 1983 and funded by the direct mail industry to enable consumers to have their names and home addresses in the UK removed from lists used by the industry. It is actively supported by the Royal Mail and all directly involved trade associations and fully supported by The Information Commissioners Office (ICO).

UK consumers generate millions of pounds of postal sales per year, the majority welcome the information and special offers they receive by post. However, some people might take a different view.

If you have suffered a bereavement or just want to stop unsolicited mail register with the MPS

Visit the website to register online for the MPS

This directory is maintained and operated by Nottinghamshire County Council.

If you need help using this directory or would like to contact us for more information, please get in touch with one of our friendly advisors using the details below:

Telephone: 0300 500 80 80

CSC minicom: 01623 434993

Email: enquiries@nottscc.gov.uk

We are open Monday – Friday 8:00am – 6:00pm.

If your query is specifically around SEND, please email local.offer@nottscc.gov.uk.

If your query is specifically for Supported Self Care, please call 0300 303 2600 or email selfcarehub@selfhelp.org.uk.

At Britannia Mobility & Bathing we work hard to provide top class, affordable service and will always do our best to provide you with the best products at the best price. All of our products are compliant with the most recent British and European safety standards, ensuring you can rely on them for years to come. Our professional teams are available 24/7 and will always be on call for any repairs or problems you may have.

COVID UPDATE

We are living through different and difficult times due to the COVID-19 virus, below are some agencies across the county and in Chesterfield who are offering support services to those who need help because they have been told to stay in due to health issues or are self-isolating. 

If you need help with the collection of prescription or shopping contact:-

Organisations that will offer support:-

​Age Concern Chesterfield and District
01246 273333
Telephone Befriending Service
Email enquiries@ageconcernchesterfield.co.uk

Age UK Derby and Derbyshire

Head Office phone number:
01773 766922

Information and Advice phone number:
01773 768240
Email: administration@ageukdd.org.uk

​

Telephone Befriending Service

The Telephone Befriending Service is a community based telephone befriending & support service which provides a link to a trained volunteer up to three times a week.

​This FREE service is for Older People who are socially isolated or lonely.

The Befriending Service Line offers a friendly chat with someone who can summon help if it is required. Wherever possible we link service users with volunteers who share similar interests in the hope friendships can be formed.​

The Telephone Befriending Service can also be a way of helping an Older Person in a crisis e.g. someone recently bereaved, feeling depressed and unsure about the future, by giving emotional support during our The Telephone Befriending Service involvement.

We have achieved the National Council Voluntary Organisations Mentoring & Befriending Approved Provider Standard Award.

What is active age?

Active Age is a community based befriending service. It is for anyone who is over 55 and will enable them to access and attend local groups and activities in their area to help them to explore old or new interests and form new friendships within their own community.

Loneliness can have a significant impact on a person’s wellbeing and is often associated with later life.  As you get older it’s common to find that your social circle starts to shrink.

Loneliness can have a devastating impact on our lives and can be a significant cause of depression, impact on physical health and also dementia.  There are however ways we can make sure we stay connected with the people in our communities around us as we get older.

Loneliness and isolation does not just affect people who live alone

This FREE service is for older people who are socially isolated or lonely but not necessarily living alone.

It covers the areas of Chesterfield, North East Derbyshire and Bolsover.

​​​​​​50+ Forums - Derbyshire County Council

• Are you concerned about your quality of life?
• Are you concerned about your community?
• Would you like to influence what is going on around you?
• Do you find it difficult getting the information and services you need?
• Do you have ideas that you would like to be heard?

Your local 50+ Forum could be the answer...

50+ Forums are about:

• creating a powerful voice for people aged 50 and over
• being involved
• taking action
• influencing services
• enhancing your life and the lives of others

There are a number of forums across Derbyshire with more than 3,400 members.

Your local forum is independently run by local people for local people. They meet regularly to discuss important issues, work with organisations to make improvements to services and facilities and have lots of fun too.

What will my local 50+ Forum give me?

• information
• choice
• opportunities
• fun
• friendship
• opportunity to influence local decision making

Practical support is given by us through our prevention team. Each local forum is assigned a forum support officer who provides administrative and technical assistance.

Transport

Free transport is available from within Derbyshire boundaries to and from the forum meetings if you have no other means of attending.

End of life care during coronavirus

If your family member or friend is approaching the end of their life, you might have lots of questions about how you can support them. You may worry about things like how to keep them safe during the coronavirus situation, what services are available and what to do when your loved one dies.

SUPPORT LINE - 0800 090 2309 - for emotional support and practical and clinical information about terminal illness. Our trained team, including nurses can answer any questions about end of life.

Monday-Friday 8am-6pm, Saturday and Sunday 11am-5pm.

If you want to talk to someone following a bereavement we have a range of services to help you.

General queries - 0800 716 146 - for queries about donating, fundraising, administration, correspondence or anything else or email supporter.relations@mariecurie.org.uk

We’re here for you with the support you need, when you need it

Call the Marie Curie Support Line for practical or clinical information and emotional support if you're living with or caring for someone who has a terminal illness, whatever your situation.

You don't need to have used Marie Curie services or be directly involved in a loved-one's care to call the support line. We're here to help family and friends, and you can find support on a wide range of issues.

No one is turned away, so please do not hesitate calling if you need any kind of support.