FRIENDING/TALK:
Age UK North West Kent
Tel: 01474 564 898
Website: www.ageuk.org.uk
Kent Cohesion and Equality Council (KECC)
8 Wrotham Rd Gravesend Kent DA11 0PA
(Mon – Fri 9.30 am – 5.30pm)
Tel: 01474 369329
Website: www.kentecc.org.uk
Email: info@kentecc.org.uk
Reengage formerly Contact the Elderly
Tel: 0800 716543
Website: www.reengage.org.uk
Samaritans
24 hours a day 7 days a week
Freephone: Tel: 116 123
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Silverline 24 Hour Telephone Befriending service
Free, confidential service to share worries and fears. A good sign posting service. The Silver Line is a helpline and friendship service for people aged 55 and over.
Tel: 0800 470 80 90
CORONAVIRUS:
This is a fast moving situation and the latest information is changing frequently.
For national updates you can sign up to the Gov.UK email alerts
ENERGY COMPANIES:
Emergency measures with the energy industry have been agreed by the government to protect the domestic energy supply of those most in need during the disruption caused by COVID-19.
Customers with pre-payment meters who may not be able to add credit can speak to their supplier about options to keep them supplied.
This could include nominating a third party for credit top ups, having a discretionary fund added to their credit, or being sent a pre-loaded top up card so that their supply is not interrupted.
British Gas
Tel: 0333 202 9802
Website: www.britishgas.co.uk
EDF
Tel: 0333 200 5100
Website: www.edfenergy.com
SCOTTISH POWER
Tel: 0800 027 0072
Website: www.scottishpower.co.uk
E.on
Tel: 0345 052 0000
Website: www.eonenergy.com
NPOWER
Tel: 0800 073 3000
Website: www.npower.com
THE UTILITY WAREHOUSE
Tel: 0333 777 0777
Website: https://uw.co.uk/
Utilities Emergencies:
Power Cut Emergency Line
Tel: 105
Website: https://www.powercut105.com
National Grid Emergency
Tel: 0800 404090
Website: https://www.nationalgrid.com/group/safety-and-emergencies
Gas leaks and explosions
Tel: 0800 111 999
Southern Water Emergency
Tel: 0330 3030368
https://www.southernwater.co.uk
Thames Water Emergency
Tel: 0800 3169800
https://corporate.thameswater.co.uk/contact-us
Help With Finances:
If you are worried about your finances, including paying your rent, mortgage or energy bills:
*Firstly, talk to your landlord, preferably before missing a payment.
*Social landlords will offer help and support to assist their tenants. If you live in a property owned by a housing association, contact them or look on their website for support.
*If you are on a low income and are not entitled to sick pay, you can make a one-off Universal credit application for financial help.
*If you're required to stay at home or are infected by Coronavirus and you need urgent financial support, view the benefits you can claim
*If you think you are going to struggle to make your mortgage payments, contact your mortgage lender before you miss a payment. They can help by offering a three-month payment holiday. It won’t affect your credit rating.
*If you are struggling to pay your home bills, speak to your suppliers. Depending on your circumstances, they may be able to offer lower tariffs and assistance.
*If you have a key meter installed at your home and you cannot get out because you are self-isolating or unwell, contact your supplier. They may be able to add money to your meter that can be repaid at a later date.
*Many of the larger energy companies will be willing to extend payments for customers affected by Coronavirus and many offer other financial assistance schemes to help you pay your bills.
*For advice and help with applications and grants and benefits to help you pay your energy bills, visit the Citizen's Advice website or call Citizens Advice free on 0800 144 8444.
Help with your Council Tax:
You may be eligible for help with your Council Tax. To discuss your situation, including deferring the April and May instalments for two months (for residents who pay in 10 monthly instalments), call us on 01322 343700.
Extra help with housing costs if you are on Benefits
Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) can help with your housing costs. To qualify you must be entitled to and receiving either Housing Benefit or Universal Credit (that includes a housing element).
Housing Assistance
If you are homeless or threatened with homelessness, please contact our Housing Team via our online form or call 01322 343371
The Government has announced that private and social landlords will not be able to evict tenants who are financially disadvantaged due to the Coronavirus outbreak and have brought in measures to protect renters and landlords.
If you are a Dartford Council tenant and are worried about paying your rent call us on 01322 343134 or contact the Rents team via our online form
More housing related information
Helplines:
Kent Advocacy
Supporting people to make sure their views and rights are respected. Helping with speaking up at meetings, dealing with difficult issues and helping understand important decisions
Website: www.kentadvocacy.org.uk
Email: info@theadvocacypeople.org.uk
Tel: 0300 343 5714
Dartford Job Centre
Please note all appointments where possible will be conducted via telephone, if appointments are cancelled the claimant will be notified. All benefits are being processed as usual.
Tel: 0800 169 0310
National Debt Line
Tel: 0808 808 4000
Website: www.nationaldebtline.org
NW Kent Citizens Advice Bureau
Tel: 0300 330 9001
(Mon to Fri 10am – 3pm)
Website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Pensions
You should not give your card and PIN to somebody else to use. You can nominate someone you trust to become a Permanent Agent on your account this person will be given their own card and PIN to collect cash on your behalf. To nominate a Permanent Agent, please complete the ‘Permanent Agent access form’ (P6163), available from most Post Office branches.
Please note: You can ask someone to take the form to the Post Office on your behalf as long as the form is complete and has been signed by yourself.
Universal Credit
Information on how to apply to universal credit: https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/
Telephone: 0800 328 5644
Those applying for Universal Credit will now be able to use their existing Government Gateway account to confirm their identity, helping to speed up their claim.
Food Emergencies:
If you are in need of urgent food support please contact the Council’s Emergency Hub on 01322 343244 during normal office hours.
OR
Kent Together (0300 041 9292) out of hours.
We are working in partnership with the Healthy Living Centre to support those in emergency food need.
Please see here for a list of Resident food support contacts and information
Healthy Living:
Healthy Living Centre Dartford
All activities suspended but still offering information and support via phone, social media, email.
Tel: 01322 311265 (Leave a voicemail - they will be responded to).
Email: info@hlcdartford.org.uk
Dartford Borough Council One You Kent Healthy Living Team
All Healthy Lifestyle activities suspended (Why Weight/Don't Sit Get Fit/ Falls Prevention/Health Walks etc). The One You Kent service is still operational and referrals can still be made. If you would like a One You Advisor to contact you to chat about the service or to book an appointment please contact them at:
Tel: 0300 020 0636
Contact the One You Team via our Online form
Homelessness:
Porchlight
24 hour Helpline
Tel: 0800 567 7699
Kent County Council:
Kent County Council Social Care
Tel: 0300 041 4141 Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Website: https://www.kent.gov.uk/social-care-and-health
Kent County Council Children and Families Information Services
Tel: 0300 041 2323
Email: social.services@kent.gov.uk
Kent Together
Tel: 0300 041 9292
Website: Kent Together
Staying Healthy:
General wellbeing tips
If you can, stick to your routine – If it’s possible try to stick to the same wake up and bedtime every day. Waking up at a set time helps stabilise your internal clock and improves your sleep.
Eat well – Tempting though it is to polish off that packet of biscuits the sugar high will just be temporary. Support your emotional health by eating a balanced diet with a variety of fruit and vegetables. If you feel well in your body, you'll feel better off in your mind and soul.
Lose the booze – Alcohol has a depressive effect and can lower your mood and prevent you from getting good quality of sleep. Both are things that could result in you feeling less emotionally prepared for the extra demands and worries many of us are facing.
Learn to relax – Establishing barriers is especially important with many of us working from home. We are living in unprecedented times and it's easy to feel as though you need to be 'switched on' all the time. You MUST make time for yourself, time to relax and do something that brings you joy. If you don't look after yourself you'll find it harder to look after others.
Keep in touch – Humans are social animals and our current situation of staying at home is necessary to save lives but that shouldn't mean we don't stay in touch with others. Set aside time to call family, friends and colleagues. You could set up a regular chat to give you and your loved ones something to look forward to and establish a routine, which can really help emotional and mental wellbeing.
Be mindful – This doesn’t need to be full meditation unless this works for you. It could be reading, walking, painting, gardening, board games, jigsaws, colouring in, sewing, juggling, listening to podcasts, watching documentaries, calling a friend or anything else that calms you. You could do a short online course to learn a new skill. You could discover a new hobby, plan a new trip you might like to take one day or reminisce and get the photos out of a past holiday. If you start overthinking during these times, recognise your thoughts and let them go.
Good Sleep Tips:
Keep regular hours. Going to bed and getting up at roughly the same time, all the time, will programme your body to sleep better.
Create a restful sleeping environment. Your bedroom should be kept for rest and sleep and it should be neither too hot, nor too cold; and as quiet and dark as possible.
Cut down on stimulants such as caffeine in tea or coffee - especially in the evening. They interfere with falling asleep and prevent deep sleep. Have a hot milky drink or herbal tea instead.
Don't over-indulge. Too much food or alcohol, especially late at night, just before bedtime, can play havoc with sleep patterns. Alcohol may help you fall asleep initially, but will interrupt your sleep later on in the night.
If you can't sleep, don't lie there worrying about it. Get up and do something you find relaxing until you feel sleepy again – then go back to bed.
Leisure Activities/Keeping Fit and Active:
Many of our libraries are offering a Select and collect book borrowing service during the November lockdown. We are also offering pre-bookable 1 hour computer and WiFi sessions at these libraries.
Find out more about our libraries and the services available
Sport England’s ‘Stay in, Work Out’ initiative, for tips/advice/guidance on how to keep or get active whilst self-isolating in and around your home.
Sport England
The Arthritis Action website offers
*Top tips for staying well
*Seated exercises
*Healthy recipes for a varied diet
*Free virtual exercise classes
https://www.arthritisaction.org.uk/covid-19-advice/
Medical:
Non-urgent Medical Enquiries
Tel: 111
Website: https://111.nhs.uk
Mental Health Services:
Health partners and providers, local authorities and emergency services across Kent and Medway are working together to provide information on local support services to help people’s mental wellbeing during the ongoing Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic crisis.
Information is available at Kent Wellbeing for people experiencing bereavement and loss, debt and financial difficulties, pregnant women and new mums needing extra support, families looking for help with young children or teenagers.
There is support for those who might already have pre-existing mental health conditions, are victims of domestic abuse or are people in the shielded community.
The site also offers help for people with learning disabilities, people who don’t use English as a first language, carers and NHS staff, care staff and other key workers.
Aspirations – Porchlight
Aspirations is a free service for anyone over 25 who is not currently in employment. We can help if you feel that your mental health is standing in your way.
Tel: 0333 880 2730
Email: aspirations@porchlight.org.uk or cleorobbins@porchlight.org.uk
Website: https://www.porchlight.org.uk
Crisis Resolution Home Treatment Team
Safe and effective community based treatment for individuals 18 and above experiencing mental ill health crisis
Tel: 01322 622 023
Website: www.kmpt.nhs.uk
Dartford Gravesend Swanley Community Mental Health Service
For older people and carers
Tel: 01322 927461
Website: www.kmpt.nhs.uk
Kent and Medway Mental Health Services
Mental health, learning disability and substance misuse service as well as other specialist services
Tel: 0300 222 0123
Website: www.kmpt.nhs.uk
Kent and Medway Mental Health Support Text Service
A text service has been launched across Kent and Medway for people of all ages needing mental health support. As part of the Release the Pressure campaign, the texts are free on all major mobile networks and the service is provided by SHOUT and the Crisis Text Line. By texting the word “Kent” or “Medway” to 85258, you will start a conversation with one of the many trained and experienced volunteers who can give support at any time, wherever you are. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and you need immediate help.
KOOTH Online Mental Health Service for 10-16 year olds
A free online counselling service for young people, aged 10-16, that is safe and anonymous, using only text based chats with friendly counsellors.
Website: www.kooth.com
Mental Health Matters 24/7 Helpline
Tel: 0800 107 0160
NK Mind Wellbeing service The Almshouses 20 West Hill DARTFORD
Tel: 01322 291 380
Email: admin@northkentmind.co.uk
Website: https://northkentmind.co.uk
Release the Pressure
Tel: 0800 107 0160
Website: Release the Pressure
Samaritans
24 hours a day 7 days a week
Freephone: Tel: 116 123
Email: jo@samaritans.org
SANEline Available 4.30-10.30pm
www.sane.org.uk
Tel: 07984 967708 (leave a message including return telephone number)
Silverline 24 Hour Telephone Befriending service
Free, confidential service to share worries and fears. A good sign posting service. The Silver Line is a helpline and friendship service for people aged 55 and over.
Tel: 0800 470 80 90
We Are With You formerly Think Action
Skills to nurture wellbeing
Tel: 0300 012 0012
Website: www.thinkaction.org.uk
Support Services:
Alzheimer's and Dementia:
Alzheimer's and Dementia Support Services
Support for people with dementia and their families
The Basement Dene Holm House Dene Holm Road Northfleet Kent DA11 8JY
Tel: 01474 533990
Website: www.alz-dem.org
Useful links:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk
Alzheimer's Society Kent and Medway
Tel: 01622 747181
Dementia Friendly Kent / Kent Dementia Helpline
Tel: 0800 500 3014
Website: www.dementiafriendlykent.org.uk
Support For The Disabled:
Information, Advice and Support Kent (IASK)
0300 041 3000
Email: iask@kent.gov.uk
Website: www.iask.org.uk
Kent Friendz Help and support to those with learning/physical disabilities
Tel: 01732 838183
Website: www.symboltrust.org
Mencap
For people with learning disabilities and their families and carers
Tel: 0808 808 1111
Website: www.mencap.org.uk
Domestic Abuse/Violence:
If you are suffering from domestic abuse it is important you tell someone:
If your life is in danger or a crime is being committed call the police on 999
If it is not an emergency you can report on 101
Choices DA Services Providing 1-2-1 support to both children and adult service users via phone/WhatsApp/video calls where safe.
Website: www.choicesdaservice.org.uk
Helpline 0800 917 9948 (9am - 4:30pm)
National Domestic Violence Helpline
Freephone: Tel: 0808 2000 247 (24 hour support)
Medical Emergencies:
When to call 999
Call 999 in a medical emergency. This is when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.
Medical emergencies can include:
*loss of consciousness
*an acute confused state
*fits that aren't stopping
*chest pain
* breathing difficulties
*severe bleeding that can't be stopped
*severe allergic reactions
*severe burns or scalds
Call 999 immediately if you or someone else is having a heart attack or stroke. Every second counts with these conditions.
Also call 999 if you think someone has had a major trauma, such as after a serious road traffic accident, a stabbing, a shooting, a fall from height, or a serious head injury.
Website: https://www.nhs.uk
Dental:
In the event of a dental emergency such as severe facial swelling or uncontrollable bleeding, call your local dentist for advice/triage service/referral information.