Coronavirus Support and Information
Read more about The Coronavirus Act and what it means for Disabled people here - https://www.mertoncil.org.uk/news/coronavirus-bill-and-disabled/
Read more about how coronavirus is affecting our service and how we have adapted - https://www.mertoncil.org.uk/news/coronavirus-merton-cil-servi/
Support in Merton – Food, medication and more
People classified as ‘extremely vulnerable’ can self-register for support (food parcels) here: https://bit.ly/34lJhhh
Merton Voluntary Service Council (MVSC) coronavirus support
If you need help, or know someone that does, you can email help@mvsc.co.uk or call 020 8685 2272 between the hours of 10am and 4pm, Monday - Friday. The volunteer taskforce can help with:
- Shopping/basic provision parcel delivery
- Prescription/medication collection
- Dog walking
- Electricity/gas pre-payment card top-up
- A telephone call or keeping in touch
- Posting letters
Volunteer with MVSC
MVSC is working with the voluntary sector in the borough to mobilise a volunteer taskforce to help isolated households and those at risk from COVID-19. Anyone who puts themselves forward may be asked to support people who are currently unable to leave their home.
If you would like to volunteer, please contact the volunteer taskforce at volunteer@mvsc.co.uk. You will be partnered with key groups who will allocate you to tasks.
Commonside Trust – Support and assistance to vulnerable individuals and families in Pollards Hill including food - 020 8764 9582
Wimbledon Foodbank – Part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust - Merton CIL are able to send foodbank voucher. If you are in need you can contact us or the foodbank on 020 8544 0126
Dons Local Action Group – A local network delivering weekly food packages. If you are in need of a food delivery please contact us and we will make a referral on your behalf.
Merton Mutual Aid – A grassroots community organising network established to support vulnerable Merton residents during the COVID-19 crisis - https://mertonmutualaid.co.uk/
Merton CIL – Support to vulnerable Disabled people in Merton by providing them with foodbank vouchers via post – 0203 397 3119
Merton CIL – Advice on issues relating to benefits, community care and hate crime – 0203 397 3119
Advice and wellbeing support in Merton
Age UK Merton – Support for older people around benefits and pensions, housing options, social care and befriending - 020 8648 5792
Merton Community Domestic Violence Support – 0207 801 1777
Wimbledon Guild – Talking therapies, grief support and wellbeing support - 020 8946 0735
South West London Law Centres – Help for local people with legal advice and casework including problems they are facing as a result of coronavirus – 0208 767 2777
Merton Uplift – Mental health assessments and treatments via telephone. Self-referrals accepted - 020 3513 5888
Merton Adult Social Care – Social care and safeguarding concerns - 020 8545 4388
Carers Support Merton – Support for Carers of Disabled people - 0208 646 7515
Merton Council – Coronavirus updates - https://news.merton.gov.uk/covid19/
Every Mind Matters - expert advice and top tips on how to look after your mental wellbeing if you need to stay at home during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic - www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/
Information on Benefits & Finances
Council tax support in Merton - If your income has been affected by COVID-19, you may be eligible for council tax support. You can find out more about eligibility here - https://bit.ly/3c2SM7I
Merton CIL can provide support to apply. Please get in touch to book an appointment.
Local Welfare Support Scheme - Merton have a limited fund to support the most vulnerable Merton residents with short term severe financial difficulties. These grants are usually emergency payments to pay for food, heating, hot water and/or essential household items. Find out more here - https://bit.ly/2XgNXUl
Merton CIL can provide support to apply. Please get in touch to book an appointment.
Citizens Advice – Changes to benefits https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/coronavirus-check-if-there-are-changes-to-your-benefits/
Rightsnet – Social welfare law updates - https://www.rightsnet.org.uk/covid19
Money Saving Expert’s Coronavirus Financial Help & Rights - https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2020/03/uk-coronavirus-help-and-your-rights
Turn2us – Information for employees - https://www.turn2us.org.uk/get-support/benefits-and-coronavirus-help-for-employees
Department for Work and Pensions – updates and information https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-work-pensions
Other information:
Government main page regarding Coronavirus - https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
Easy read guides available from Mencap - https://www.mencap.org.uk/sites/default/files/2020-03/24th%20March%20Cv19%20UpdateCU.pdf
British Sign Language versions of government advice – https://www.signhealth.org.uk/coronavirus/
Public Health England information in alternative formats - https://campaignresources.phe.gov.uk/resources/campaigns/101/resources/5080
Government guidance on shielding and protecting for extremely vulnerable people (a government classification) - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19
Government information regarding getting support if you are an extremely vulnerable person (a government classification) - https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable
Information for carers from Carers UK - https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/health/looking-after-your-health/coronavirus-covid-19
Homeless Link Webinar: COVID-19 and Homelessness Services - https://homeless.org.uk/webinar-covid-19-and-homelessness-services-1
Citizen’s Advice Information about support if you are affected by Coronavirus - https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/health/coronavirus-what-it-means-for-you/
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