COVID-19: Organisations Still Operating

In these uncertain times lots of organisations have had to shut their doors to encourage social distancing, however this doesn’t mean that we have to socially isolate ourselves. Many organisations are taking their services online or utilising phone calls. Below is a list of organisations that are still operating, just in a slightly different way.

Please note: The information on this post is up to date as of 22/05/2020. We will endeavour to keep it up to date.

Chelmsford City Mencap

Chelmsford City Mencap will be moving to virtual learning courses. However for those who do not have access to the internet they will be making telephone contact to catch up. For more information please see their website: https://www.cityofchelmsfordmencap.org.uk/

Moulsham Lodge Community Trust

Moulsham Lodge Community Trust are offering support to local residents with shopping, collection of essential items, spiritual/emotional support or signposting to services. You can call them on 07517 715393 or email moulshamchurches@gmail.com

Parents’ Aid

Parents’ Aid is still in action supporting families through the current pandemic, seeking creative ways to deliver services whilst home visits are not advisable and local surgeries are closed due to restrictions on use of the venues. They are, for example, exploring the possibility of delivering mediation remotely using an app such as Lifesize or Zoom.  They still welcome referrals and would like to encourage families to ring in at any time if they think they may be able to help – Telephone 01268-763631 or 07890-861255, or email Info@parents-aid.org.uk

Action for Family Carers

Action for Family Carers is offering information, support and signposting by telephone for adult carers and young carers and their families. Telephone 0300 770 8090 or online https://affc.org.uk/contact-us. Referrals https://affc.org.uk/make-a-referral.

Essex Befriends

Essex Befriends is operating befriending over the phone for carers, older people, people with a mental health condition and those with a learning disability. Telephone 0300 770 1263 or online https://essexbefriends.org.uk/contact/. Referrals https://webforms.dizions.co.uk/action_for_family_carers/2

InterAct

InterAct have now introduced ways to offer support to children, young people and adults registered with our organisation in these difficult times via telephone, email and social media. Form more information please see their website: www.interact.org.uk

Hearing Help Essex

Hearing Help Essex continue to deliver information, advice, guidance, and emotional support via the following communication methods: Phone: 01245 496347 Text: 07950 406173 Email: info@hearinghelpessex.org.uk Live webchat: www.hearinghelpessex.org.uk and via their social media channels.

Ideas Hub

Ideas Hub Chelmsford is offering telephone befriending to their service users + advertising support across community Facebook pages (around 30). For more information see their website: www.ideashubchelmsford.org

Open Road

‘Drop-in’ services and walk-in assessments will cease with immediate effect, with their clients only being seen in person for planned appointments only. All other contact will be made via telephone, so please bear with their teams if you are trying to get through. You can contact them on 0844 499 1323.

CARA

CARA is doing all they can to continue to provide their specialist support for victims and survivors of sexual violence  remotely.   They are offering online and telephone counselling sessions and support meetings, as well as support by e-mail and text.  They are also accepting new referrals.  Please contact them as usual – they will be regularly checking answerphone messages and will return calls as soon as they can. 01206 769795

Essex Sight

Essex Sight have had to suspend all face to face work. At present they are still manning the office for phone support on a rota basis, but how long this will continue is unknown and the ability to offer anything other than online support may become a reality. For those that do not have internet access and may feel particularly isolated please ring the office number 01206 548196. If it goes to answerphone please leave your name and number and say you are happy to be called.

Carers FIRST

CarersFIRST continues to operate a service for unpaid adult carers across Essex as follows: They are accepting referrals through all channels as usual, both self- referral and from professionals at www.carersfirst.org.uk where our online offers such as the My Navigator function are operating normally. They are offering Hub and Community callbacks in addition to wellbeing check telephone calls. You can call them on 0300 303 1555.

Wilderness Foundation

To break up lock down – The Wilderness Foundation UK launches ‘Wild Time’ an online series of tools and exercises to stay engaged with nature and the outdoors – even from your window – during the lock down. Others are to manage your mental health. These can be found on at https://wildernessfoundation.org.uk/wildtime/

Community Agents Essex

Community Agents Essex will continue to support people through these challenging times. They have stopped all non-essential visits within a client’s home or public place. All enquiries for support can be made through the existing Community Agents Essex pathways. Alternatively anyone aged over 18 and live in Essex (excludes Southend and Thurrock) can contact Essex Welfare Service on 0300 303 9988.

Age UK Essex

Age UK Essex currently have a list of volunteers happy to help out with shopping, deliveries or telephone calls for their home help and befriending clients should the need arise.  Please contact them for more information: 01245 346 106

The Stroke Club for Mid Essex

The Stroke Club for Mid Essex has suspended activities at the Stroke Café  but is continuing supporting all existing and new stroke survivors and their families with advice, information, rehabilitation problem-solving and signposting, by phone, text and messaging services through their usual Helpline Tel. 01621 891007, email: contactgo4it@gmail.com and texting 07395 179663. 

Kids Inspire

Kids Inspire remains open and the team are continuing to support families right across the county. They are using safe online platforms to provide much-needed therapy. If you need to speak with one of their team, you can still do so on 01245 348707 or 07908829550. One of the team will be available Monday – Friday between 9am – 5pm.

Dance 21

Dance 21 are setting up classes for our 3 groups on Zoom. Please contact Mary Schultz on 07814 959312 for further information.

Limbless Association

The Limbless Association are still providing their Volunteer Visitor programme however they are offering peer support telephone triage. You can call them on 01245 616674.

SNAP

The SNAP helpline and newly produced comprehensive Coronavirus Family Guide including advice and strategies on a range of topics including anxiety and home education are outlined on their website: https://www.snapcharity.org/

CHESS Homeless

CHESS are still operating a limited service to support their service users. You can find out more information on their website: https://chesshomeless.org/covid-19-emergency-appeal/

Families InFocus

Please note that Families InFocus are still operating and although they are unable to carry out face to face visits, they are still operating a full service, with their helpline open (both phone line and email) and Family Support Adviser contact details on their website.  Their FSAs are able to advise and support via the phone and via Zoom, Skype and Microsoft Teams, with Educational Issues and are able to help parent/carers fill out Benefit Forms. They are able to offer holistic support and to signpost to other charities and organisations. Further details can be found on their website www.familiesinfocusessex.org.uk