Coronavirus - Community support
The Government website is the best source of Coronavirus information and what you can and cannot do. For local health information the Gloucestershire NHS website has advice about healthcare and appointments.
Household Support Fund (HSF)
Gloucestershire County Council is pleased to introduce the Household Support Fund to support individuals and families in need over the winter period.
The purpose of the Household Support Fund for Food and Essential Supplies is to support households in the most need with food, energy and water bills and other essential items. Individuals or families can self-refer or be referred by any professional working with the family (e.g.Support Worker, Family Support Work etc.).
See full details and how to apply
Testing
For information about testing in Gloucestershire including what different types of tests are on offer and how to access them, please visit the Gloucestershire County Council - Covid testing pages.
Community support and what you can do
Local support
If you are, or know someone who is in need of help and support but are not classed as high risk then there are volunteers who can help with:
- arranging deliveries and urgent supplies
- picking up shopping and medication
- posting mail
- help topping up electricity and gas cards and keys
- a friendly call
See Community Mutual Aid Groups to find what help is in your area and how you can volunteer.
There are a range of businesses who take telephone orders and also deliver, view Forest Hub - home delivery businesses
Forest of Dean hot meal service can be contacted on 07543446156.
The Forest of Dean Community Information website has information on support and services available in the Forest.
Accessing food and essential supplies
Find information on how to get food and other essential supplies during the coronavirus pandemic.
DEFRA has produced a list of food options for vulnerable people to help you get food when you need it.
Community wellbeing service
We are based within the Forest of Dean community engagement team and are working very closely with the district resilience hub response in the Forest of Dean.
The service can help connect people with additional sources of information, support and guidance on a range of issues; including:
- Information on health conditions and maintaining physical and mental health.
- Sources of support for housing, debt, financial concerns.
- Practical support to work out how to shop, asking for help and ideas to overcome isolation, and liaising with other services.
- Referral to other statutory and voluntary services where a specific need is identified.
The team work very closely with health and social care professionals across the district.
If you’re not sure where to go or what support may be available, they can help contact them on 01594 812447.
NHS Volunteer Responders
NHS Volunteer Responders is being delivered by Royal Voluntary Service one of the country’s largest and longest-standing volunteering charities.
If you are already signed up as a NHS Volunteer Responder and would like more information on your role visit I’m a NHS Volunteer Responder.
If you are a vulnerable person who needs support visit I need support from a Volunteer Responder.
If you are an Approved Referrer and wish to help a vulnerable person visit I’m an Approved Referrer and need more information.
Health and wellbeing
Gloucestershire County Council have created a resource to help with looking after your mental health and advice on how to help and support others
If you have a young baby Icon have advice to help you cope with crying babies during a stressful time.
Scams
For more information on scams related to Coronavirus visit the Friends against Scams website. They have more information on different types and how to protect yourself.
Funding
Sport England have set up a £195 million funding programme to clubs and community organisations cope with the short and long-term impact of the pandemic.