These links have been checked out and at the time of posting are, we believe some of the most reliable information we can find.

Virus News and Information

These are the main official sites:
   
Government   www.gov.uk/coronavirus
the latest Guidance at 04.10.21 is here

NHS  www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/    

NHS - mental health guides 
www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/coronavirus-covid-19-staying-at-home-tips/  (for general well-being)

www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/coronavirus-covid-19-anxiety-tips/   (for advice if you are worried about the virus)

Royal Pharmaceutical Society - this includes a table to help work out whether you have the virus and some treatment suggestion 
www.rpharms.com/coronavirus/#Recognise
          
This is a You tube link from a doctor at Queen's Hospital, Romford with some sensible advice on breathing exercises that are designed to prevent secondary pneumonia. They may be worth doing at the onset of the symptoms but take note - the deep breathing can make you feel giddy so sit down for the first part. You are then advised to lay face down for a while to avoid squashing the lungs.
   
https://t.co/xo8AansUvc?amp=1 

To make a cloth face mask (for use in enclosed areas) Government Guidance - for a cloth or t- shirt mask.  

Most reliable News Coverage

Every one will have their preferred news supplier but some have more accurate coverage than others. Several of us have found these to be more reliable.
Do remember that all reporting is likely to contain some bias and it is helpful to read and listen with a degree of scepticism -if something reported sounds unlikely it may well be!

www.bbc.co.uk/news/coronavirus

www.theguardian.com/uk      (The Guardian online news is free to access but they do welcome donations)
 
It is possible to sign up to daily or weekly updates for both of the above.


Advice on pets during the virus

www.pdsa.org.uk/what-we-do/blog/vet-qa-coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-self-isolating-pet-owners 

www.rspca.org.uk/coronavirus 

Your normal pet supplies shop may still be open but there are many online suppliers too just google 'pet supplies'.

For animal medical supplies we recommend the below but there are others out there.

www.animeddirect.co.uk


Scams/Crime Prevention

It doesn't take long for scammers to creep out. If something looks wrong it may well be. Better to miss an opportunity than be taken to the cleaners. These are good reliable source of information about scams currently operating and how to protect yourself.  The Met. Police website also has advice to keep your home safe from burglary and damage.

www.actionfraud.police.uk/news    

www.getsafeonline.org/coronavirus

www.tradingstandards.uk

https://www.met.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/residential-burglary/

Although lockdown restrictions are starting to ease, there are a number of older people and vulnerable adults in our community who still have to observe self-isolation at home - Vulnerable People and Distraction Burglaries.pdf


Domestic violence

The current lockdown can make already fraught situations considerably more difficult. Whether you are a victim or feel at risk, or a neighbour who is concerned there are a number of sources of advice and guidance:

Police - If there is an immediate danger, always call 999. For non-emergencies, dial 101.

Your local Adult Safeguarding unit should be contacted through your local council website.

Refuge - National Domestic Violence Helpline 24/7 - 0808 2000 247  www.refuge.org.uk

Women's Aid -chat.womensaid.org.uk    
             
Rape Crisis line  rapecrisis.org.uk/get-help/want-to-talk/

Galop - The LGBT+ anti-violence charity - 020 7704 2040. Opening hours: Monday to Friday between 10am and 12:30pm, and between 1:30 to 4pm.


Child Abuse

Do use your police or local social services as above or:

NSPCC   www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/

Childline   www.childline.org.uk/get-support/contacting-childline
Children should call 0800 1111 to speak to a counsellor between 9am and midnight

The Ultimate Parent Guide for Protecting Your Child on the Internet - https://www.vpnmentor.com/blog/the-ultimate-parent-guide-for-child-internet/


Other Sources of help

Age UK Advice Line is open from 8am to 7pm, 365 days a year -  0800 678 1602 

Samaritans  - www.samaritans.org
Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org

Money Advice www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/

Food Banks -  If you need emergency food or support you can contact your local food bank, they are doing their best to follow social distancing measures and stay open. Find the contact details of your local food bank here: https://www.trusselltrust.org/




DO YOU KNOW OTHER SOURCES OF HELP AND ADVICE WE MIGHT INCLUDE?

PLEASE EMAIL  joanne@the-tg.com