Coronavirus - Support

The Compassionate Community hub provides support to people who are in need during the COVID-19 crisis. They can help with a range issues including food, mental health, wellbeing and welfare across Bath and North East Somerset. Please call direct 0300 247 0050. The Hub is led by Virgin Care and the Council with support of the 3SG, B&NES 3rd Sector Group.

While we have tried our best to provide up to date information, with the ever changing landscape, some of this information may change.

Most Parish, Town and Village councils are providing some sort of support to their residents, have a look at their website to see what they are offering, you can find their details here: click here

Information for people affected by dementia can be found here: click here

For details of groups and services in B&NES, who have adapted to continue their work in the community, along with new groups and projects which have started in direct response to the current situation, please see the Virtual Hope Guide: click here

Ageing Better have some information about their response to Covid-19, have a look at thier website for details: click here

During the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak many of us will experience times when our mental wellbeing suffers. Everyone reacts differently to difficult events but for everyone feelings of anxiety, low mood, loneliness, frustration and boredom are quite normal and to be expected from time to time. For those who already have a mental health problem, or who are in particularly challenging circumstances the outbreak may be especially difficult. The following sources are information provide ideas to help you look after your mental wellbeing and to find help when you need it:

• Useful online directory: click here

• Public Health England Guidance for the public on the mental health and wellbeing aspects of coronavirus (COVID-19): click here

• Every Mind Matters :Coronavirus and Mental Wellbeing: click here

• Bath Mind - Top tips for staying mentally well with links to support: click here

• NHS online - Mental wellbeing audio guides: click here

• Samaritans: click here

• Bath Mind also have an evening telephone service supporting individuals experiencing, or at risk of a mental health crisis. Open between 5.30pm-11.30pm everyday - 01225 983130. For more information: click here

Coping with Bereavement

The Coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating affect on everyone who is facing the grief of having lost a loved one.  For those bereaved as a direct result of the virus every statistic we read on the news represents people who are dearly missed and whose family and friends are having to come to terms with a world without them.   For those who have lost loved ones from other causes you too are having to deal with increased trauma created by social distancing measures and being cut off from some of your usual support network.  The following sources of support can provide help and advice.

Practical steps following a death - what to do when someone dies

• B&NES Council – Registering a Death
• B&NES Council – Useful Links about Death
• NHS Bereavement Support and Advice
• Royal United Hospital (RUH) Bereavement Office
• Public Health England  - Bereavement Leaflet
• What is Grief 

Emotional support

• At a Loss
• Wiltshire and Bath CRUSE
• Bereavement Trust (also helpline 6pm – 10pm 365 days a year 0800 435 455)
• The Good Grief Trust
• Focus Counselling Bath
• Dorothy House Bereavement Support and Advice
• Survivors of Bereavement By Suicide (SOBS)  - includes info Bath based group

Support for children and young people

• Child Bereavement UK  (Helpline 9am – 5pm weekdays)
• Childhood Bereavement Network  - Covid-19
• Grief Encounter (Helpline 9am -9pm weekdays 0808 802 0111 and online chat service)
• Hope Again
• Winston’s Wish  (Helpline) 0808 8020021

For details of local food suppliers, please see the 3SG website: https://www.3sg.org.uk/pages/sustainable-food-partnership