We know life can be tough sometimes, so we have put together a list of some of the key contacts in case you need them. If you need help with food, mental health or your finances, please do get in touch, even if you haven’t needed to before. Please don’t feel alone in these times, help and friendly faces are here for you.
Food
Foodbanks: Please use food banks if you need them. Citizens Advice can refer to the food banks that are open. Call 01702 454352/01702 456366 or email southendinfo@citizensadvicesouthend.org.uk
Storehouse has food supplies, nappies, soap and other basics that could tide you over. Please call 01702 617348
Free school meals: If you have children of school age and claim free school meals, you can get food vouchers through Southend-on-Sea Borough Council 01702 212497
Money
Citizens Advice Bureau 0344 477 0808
If you are worried about the possibility of being made homeless, or if you would like help managing your finances, or are worried about debt, then please call the Housing Solutions team on 01702 215000
Help when you need to self-isolate
If you are a tenant of South Essex Homes, you can try the Hub Project 10.00am – 4pm on 07398 094462
If you are housebound and need help with food collection, prescriptions, dog walking etc, you can ring Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s helpline on 01702 212497.
If you need to isolate but are worried about losing money from not being able to work, you could be entitled to a £500 grant. Please call 01702 215000
NHS volunteers 8am-8pm – 0808 1963646
Loneliness
Samaritans can support you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They can help if you are finding it hard to cope, or worried about someone else. They can also help if you are feeling suicidal or want to harm yourself. Contact them on 116 123 or visit their website.
Age Concern Southend – Due to Coronavirus they have changed their service. They have expanded their befriending service to meet the needs of adults of all ages. They can be contacted on 01702 345373, enquiry@acsos.co.uk
Domestic Abuse
If you are experiencing physical, psychological or financial abuse, please get help or advice.
Compass can support you: 0330 337 444 enquiries@essexcompass@org.uk (8am=8pm weekdays) (8am-1pm Weekends)
In an emergency please call 999. If you are unable to speak, wait to be put through and then press 55 for the silent service.
Mental Health – Urgent Help
NHS 111 If you need to seek help urgently, call NHS 111. From 1st April 2020 this service can direct you straight to a qualified mental health professional.
NHS 111 may refer you to ‘Sanctuary by Sea’. This is an out of hour’s crisis service in Southend. You can go here for a chat and to get support and advice.
Help for people with Dementia
The Dementia Community Support Team are here to help you at this time and throughout the coming weeks and months. For support please call 01702 534772 or email dementiacommunitysupport@southend.gov.uk
The Dementia & Older People’s Mental Health Team at EPUT are available every day except bank holidays. Please call 01268 739111.
Dementia Intensive Support Team (DIST) at EPUT is there for you 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm including bank holidays. Please call 01268 739183.
Support for Veterans
SSAFA Southend and Rochford are here for you. Please call 01702 463113.