Some of the issues addressed in these pages are difficult to think about, especially if you are on your own. The following organisations offer support and someone to talk with if you have particular concerns:
National Helpline
There is a free telephone helpline for people who face significant challenges as a result of COVID-19 but who are not in the shielding group, e.g. those over 70, disabled people, those who require support for mental health, pregnant people, and those who receive a flu jab for other health conditions. This helpline is also open to those in the shielding category who are not yet receiving support, or who do not have family or existing community support and cannot get online. The number is 0800 111 4000. It will initially operate Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Those who call will be connected to their local authority, who will help them to access the service they need, including essential food and medication, contact with local volunteer groups, emotional support, or links to local social work services for vulnerable children or adults.
Advice for People with Specific Health Conditions
Tailored advice for those living with specific medical conditions (including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, IBD; chronic kidney and liver disease; dermatological, neurological, respiratory and rheumatic conditions; and rare diseases) has been published by Scottish Government.
Marie Curie: Caring for someone with terminal Illness
Marie Curie are offering an information service about end of life care during coronavirus for family and friends of people approaching the end of life who might have questions about how they can be supported, including a free daytime phone line.
They also offer a range of non COVID-19 specific guides, sources of information and helpline.
Macmillan
Support Line - 0808 808 00 00 or visit macmillan.org.uk
Macmillan Telephone Buddies is a new UK wide telephone befriending service, set up by Macmillan in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Anyone affected by cancer can receive a regular telephone call – for a period of up to 12 weeks - from a trained volunteer buddy.
Age Scotland
Helpline - 0800 12 44 222
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland can offer support through their helpline 0808 801 0899, Monday to Friday 9.30am - 4pm. They offer the following:
More information can be found on the CHSS support hub: https://www.chss.org.uk/coronavirus/coronavirus-advice/coronavirus-resource-hub/
Alzheimer Scotland
Alzheimer Scotland has produced information resources for people with dementia, their carers and families throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Their 24 hour helpline is also available on 0808 808 3000 to make sure that nobody living with dementia or their families are on their own during this time.
