Coronavirus (COVID-19): Support for people
Contents
- Overview
- Local restrictions in the North East
- News and messages from the Council
- Council services
- Support for people
- Businesses
- Schools
- Outbreak Management Plan
- Volunteering
- Public transport updates from Nexus
Support for people
There have been a number of support services set up to help support the people of South Tyneside during this time. Many services are also continuing to run and help people during this time.
Most at risk people
- Support for most at risk people
- Clinically vulnerable people
- Laundry service, including a collection and delivery service, for elderly and disabled people. For more information contact 0191 489 1701 or see Community Laundry Service
Financial help and crisis support
- Test and Trace Support is a £500 lump sum payment for people on low incomes, who are unable to work because they have been asked to self-isolate. See Test and Trace Support Payment.
- Hardship Fund to support residents in financial crisis
- All working age households currently in receipt of Council Tax Support will benefit from a reduction of up to £150 in their Council Tax Bill, with no further payment due until 1 October 2020. If you are struggling to pay your Council Tax, you can apply for help towards your Council Tax costs by applying for Council Tax Support.
- The Council has increased its support to food banks.
Care and health
- Check you have everything you need to support you if you need to self isolate
- Recovering from COVID-19
- Mental health support
- Support to stop smoking
- Domestic abuse support
- If you need medication or a prescription, you can order your medicine online and get it delivered to your home (where available), collect it yourself, or get someone to collect it from a pharmacy. For more information see NHS: A guide to ordering a repeat prescription online using an app or website
- Informal carers - information, advice and support
Staying safe
Housing
- At this time priority will be given to people who are sleeping rough, fleeing domestic abuse, or are unable to remain at their current accommodation. Read about support with homelessness and rough sleeping.
- Support and information for South Tyneside Homes tenants
Schools
Free school meals will still be provided to eligible children
Migrant communities
We can provide help if you:
- Currently have no immigration status awarded by the Home Office
- Have no access to benefits (known as no recourse to Public Funds)
- Are homeless
- Need assistance or accommodation
Call the South Tyneside Homes Housing Options team on 0300 123 6633.
Badges for social distancing and face covering exemptions
Optional badges are available on the Government website for people who:
- have difficulties or concerns in maintaining social distancing - GOV.UK: Social distancing cards and badges
- are exempt from wearing a face covering - GOV.UK: Exemption from face covering badge
Food and buying groceries
- If you are worried about visiting the supermarket, you can do your shopping online and get it delivered or collect it. For more information see support with food shopping
- If you are shielding or self-isolating, ask your family, friends or neighbours to pick up shopping for you
- If you struggle to make meals or get shopping, there are cafes and companies who will deliver meals to your door
- You can contact your local cafes to see if they can deliver meals to your door. Before arranging a delivery please check their food hygiene rating and if they are Covid secure (see Keeping workers and customers safe in restaurants, pubs, bars and takeaway services)