WE ARE Islington Are you struggling because of Coronavirus (COVID-19)? We are Islington is here to help you Get in touch
If you or someone you know needs support, then help is available. Islington Council, voluntary sector and mutual aid groups are working together to provide support. This could include help with getting food or medicine, online group activities, legal advice or a friendly conversation. You can contact organisations directly or call the We are Islington helpline on 020 7527 8222. You can also email weareislington@islington.gov.uk Minicom: 020 7527 1900 We will be open every day from 9am to 5pm. Remember you can keep up with local news, link to public health advice and sign up to our ebulletins at www.islington.gov.uk/coronavirus A big thank you to all the residents, volunteers and charities across Islington who are rallying round to support their community. We are Islington.
Can you help someone who is struggling? There are lots of ways to help, including volunteering with local community groups. Charities in the borough also need assistance. If you/your business want to help please approach a local group or check out www.islington.gov.uk/findvolunteering for details of the latest volunteering opportunities. Please ensure that any organisation that you help gives you advice on how to keep yourself and others safe.
Can you donate to help someone who is struggling? If you are able to, please give to the Islington Giving Crisis Fund. Every penny you give to this fund will go to people who are isolated, anxious and in most need of financial support through this crisis. www.islingtongiving.org.uk
A message from Islington Council: We’re here to help We are living in unprecedented times, and the coronavirus outbreak is posing huge challenges to us all.
An extra £4 million is being distributed by the council to support local people facing financial hardship as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
We are working to distribute Government-funded grants of £25,000 and £10,000 to eligible businesses as soon as possible.
Each and every one of us has a role to play in beating coronavirus and the most basic, straightforward way we can save lives, help the NHS and stop the spread of coronavirus is to stay at home.
This funding will help lower Council Tax bills for the 18,000 households on our Council Tax Support Scheme, reducing their annual bill for 2020/21 by up to £150.
Additionally, all retail, hospitality and leisure businesses will have 100% of their business rates paid for the coming year through our Rate Relief Scheme.
Local people who are facing financial hardship as a result of the outbreak can apply for financial support through the We Are Islington helpline on 020 7527 8222 or by emailing weareislington@ islington.gov.uk
Together, we can beat this pandemic by following the advice to stop the virus spreading and supporting one another through this unprecedented time.
It’s natural to feel worried right now, both about the pandemic and how life will have changed once it passes. None of us can be sure about how the coming months will unfold, but I want to send a clear message that, whatever happens, your council will be here to help you.
We know our fantastic local businesses also face very uncertain times, so we’ve put together a package to support them through this.
Cllr Richard Watts, Leader of Islington Council
For clear, up-to-date easy to read guidance and updates, visit www.gov.uk, www.nhs.uk and for updates on council help and changes to services see www.islington.gov.uk/coronavirus and @IslingtonBC on Twitter. All information on this page correct at 11am Thursday April 2.
How you can save lives by staying at home
You can save lives, stop the spread of coronavirus and protect the NHS simply by staying in your own home You should go outside only to shop for necessities, to take exercise once a day, for a medical need, or to travel to and from work, where this cannot be done from home. You must not spend time with anyone outside your household, including family and friends you don’t live with. Self-isolate for seven days if you start displaying any symptoms, including a new, continuous cough and/or a high temperature. Anyone you live with should self-isolate for 14 days from the day you developed symptoms. Don’t forget to wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds.
If you do go outside, keep your distance. Stand at least 2m (6ft 6in), roughly the length of two supermarket trolleys, away from others. Remember coronavirus can be spread even by those whoHow do notfar display is 2 symptoms. metres?
How far is 2 metres? 2m
For more information, see www.gov.uk/coronavirus
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Looking after your mental health • The coronavirus outbreak is changing all of our lives for now, and may cause you to feel anxious, frustrated or lonely. It’s so important to look after your mental health, as well as your physical health, over the next few months. • Maintaining relationships with people you trust supports your mental wellbeing, so try to stay in touch with friends and family by phone, video calls or social media. • If you’re feeling anxious, talking about your worries can help. If you don’t feel able to talk to friends or family, then the NHS has guidance, support and helplines – see www.nhs.uk/ conditions/stress-anxiety-depression
• Exercising regularly and engaging your brain reading, writing or playing games can support your mental wellbeing. • It’s easy to get pulled into constant news and social media updates. If this upsets you or makes you anxious, perhaps try checking the news only a set number of times per day. For further information, see: www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/ coronavirus-covid-19-staying-at-hometips/
Domestic abuse support in Islington We know that Covid-19 is especially hard on victims of domestic violence and abuse who may be forced to isolate with the perpetrator - that’s why our domestic violence and abuse services are still operating.
Ongoing support to victims and survivors of domestic abuse, or domestic, sexual, or gender based violence can be accessed by telephone, text, email or web chat/WhatsApp.
Residents can contact Solace in Islington who provide free and confidential support to women and men affected by abuse – call 020 3795 5070 or email advocacy@solacewomensaid.org (9am – 5pm, Monday-Friday). If you are a housing tenant, our housing officers will work with you to make sure you can remain living safely in your home. Please call us on 020 7527 5300. If you are concerned about a child, please contact Islington’s Children’s Services Contact Team on 020 7527 7400. Anyone in immediate danger should call 999. For more information, visit www.islington.gov. uk/vawg