Useful Links

Somerset Businesses

I am sure you are getting a number of enquiries and requests for help from your local businesses and residents on the type of support available and how to access it as a result of the Covid 19 Pandemic.  Heart of the SW Growth Hub (https://www.heartofswgrowthhub.co.uk/) is the main source of advice and guidance. It offers businesses assistance and can sign post to additional help available. Do be aware that this is a rapid and changing set of circumstances, but by registering with the Growth Hub, businesses can receive updates as more information and details on support emerges. Alternatively, email info@heartofswgrowthhub.co.uk or phone – 03456 047 047. There is also a support phone number for anyone self-employed available at 0300 456 3565.

 

 

How communities can help

Somerset County Council is working hard to ensure those self-isolating and/or vulnerable adults and their children receive appropriate food, sanitary products and medication. We’d like to urge everyone to continue to look out for friends, family, neighbours and the community, but most of all yourself.  It’s important you stay safe, so you can continue to help others.

 

A wave of community groups have been set up across Somerset to assist those in need, which is truly humbling to see. Please visit www.sparksomerset.org.uk/ in the first instance for the latest information and guidance on local community support.

  • Somerset Community Foundation has launched the Somerset Coronavirus appeal to get vital funding to local charities and community organisations that helping the most vulnerable people during the outbreak.
  • Money saving expert, Martin Lewis, has launched the Coronavirus Poverty Relief Fund where £1m is available to fund urgent small charity COVID-19 poverty relief. Applications close at 11:59 on Wednesday 25th.
  • Spark has launched ‘Corona Helpers’, a free online platform on which COVID-19 support groups can recruit and manage volunteers and individuals can pledge their support.
  • The Community Council for Somerset (community / village agents) are already working in communities with different groups and individuals to make sure the vulnerable are identified and supported. Local village agent details can be found at https://somersetagents.org/somerset-village-agents/

 

Covid-19 Mutual Aid UK is compiling a list of local groups set up on social media in an effort to share learning, resources and support.  To find out what groups may be in your area, or to register a group, go to: https://covidmutualaid.org/local-groups/

 

 

Emotional health and wellbeing

This is a concerning time for us all. A new webpage is set up at https://www.somerset.gov.uk/coronavirus/covid-19-mental-health-information/ on mental health and wellbeing. Here you can find advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, staying connected, coping strategies, mental health and wellbeing advice if you are self-isolating and helping children cope. If you feel you or someone in your community needs to talk to someone, please contact Somerset Mindline on 01823 276892 (open seven days a week).

 

 

Latest Somerset County Council Coronavirus service updates can be found online at www.somerset.gov.uk. And to keep up-to-date with all the latest COVID-19 information, visit the NHS site at www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/