Further sources of support COVID-19

For many of us, the COVID-19 pandemic is presenting challenges that we have never experienced before. Healthcare professionals and other experts have responded by creating online resources to help us and there are also networks of local volunteers trying to help their communities.

Below are some examples that we hope you will find helpful.  

Your council

Use this gov.uk page to find your local council and then click the link to go to their web pages. 

Covid Mutual Aid

According to the website Mutual Aid, Mutual Aid is where a group of people organise to meet their own needs, outside of the formal frameworks of charities, NGOs and government. RCN members have found the support they need using their local mutual aid groups, but as with all voluntary schemes you should be safety minded when finding someone to help you or helping others.

Foodbanks

Find a foodbank in your area on the Trussel Trust website.

Charitable grants

Find a charitable grant based on your individual circumstances by using the Turn2us online calculator.

Member Support Services have online guidance around COVID-19 and your mental wellbeing. 

There is an article in RCN Bulletin entitled Mindful Moments in a Crisis.

Other RCN resources that are available to all include our Healthy Workplace, Healthy You guide and our Stress and You guidance.

Psychological Wellbeing

The "Free Guide To Living With Worry And Anxiety Amidst Global Uncertainty" is available in multiple languages, created by  Dr Matthew Whalley and Dr Hardeep Kaur.

The Self Isolation psychological wellbeing pack was created by Alishia Bann-Khellaf for North West Boroughs Healthcare NHS Trust. You should disregard the local contact details if you are not a patient of the Trust. 

The NHS has some tips for how to be well whilst you are isolating at home and the NHS Moodzone. 

Equally Well UK has produced this guide to looking after your health during COVID-19 for people living with severe mental illness. 

Staying active

The World Health Organisation has information on exercise: Be Active during COVID-19.

Money Saving Expert have compiled a list of online exercise resources that are free.

Safe shopping

The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health has produced a quick guide to safe shopping. 

Key worker discounts

You may have noticed many businesses showing their appreciation for key workers with offers, discounts and protected shopping time. It is worth checking for these before making a purchase in person or online. 

Money Saving Expert has a list of offers, freebies, discounts and benefits for NHS staff and care workers, including discounts with restaurants, retail, travel, utilities, mental wellbeing apps, and more.

It's also worth checking your employer or NHS trust's website for details about localised deals and partnerships.

RCN Xtra

RCN members can continue to benefit from reductions using the RCNXtra discount scheme with free offers for you added in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. 

NHS Staff benefits

To see all NHS staff benefits, including staff networks, free eye tests and flu jabs, travel to work incentives etc. see Employee Benefits on the NHS Employers website.