Local support groups
Home-Start
Home-Start is a Family Support Charity working with families with children aged 0-12 years across Suffolk and North East Essex. Our network of fully trained, compassionate and non-judgemental volunteers support families as they navigate through difficult circumstances including Mental Health, illness, disability, bereavement, domestic abuse, poverty, isolation and much more by providing weekly 1-1 support through home-visiting, telephone or video calls offering practical help and emotional support.
Suffolk – To make a referral please call 01473 621104, email headoffice@homestartinsuffolk.org. or visit www.homestartinsuffolk.org
Mid and West Suffolk – To make a referral please call 01379 678552, email office@homestartmidandwestsuffolk.org.uk or visit www.homestartmidandwestsuffolk.org.uk
Colchester, Jaywick and Clacton– To make a referral please call 01206 854625, email office@homestartcolchester.org.uk or visit www.homestartcolchester.org.uk
Harwich – To make a referral please call 01255 556230, email info@homestartharwich.org.uk or visit www.homestartharwich.org.uk
National support groups
Leading charities and organisations have published guidance for people with long-term conditions. Visit the below websites for information on how to manage your condition during the coronavirus outbreak.
Asthma
Including how to manage your asthma to reduce the risk from COVID-19 and what to do if your asthma is getting worse.
www​.asthma​.org​.uk/​coronavi
COPD
Including what you should do if you have COPD and how to manage your COPD well at this time.
Carers First
Carers First is a UK registered charity working with unpaid carers to provide practical information and advice. We understand the challenges unpaid carers face and offer services designed to make it easier for them to continue living their lives to the fullest.
Phone: 0300 303 1555
Email: hello@carersfirst.org.uk
https://www.carersfirst.org.uk/
Carers UK
Across the UK today 6.5 million people are carers, supporting a loved one who is older, disabled or seriously ill.
Other lung conditions
Including what should people with a lung condition do now and how to cope with staying at home.
www​.blf​.org​.uk/​support-
Heart disease
Including how COVID-19 can affect people with heart disease and information on COVID-19 and heart medication.
www​.bhf​.org​.uk/​information
Diabetes
Including staying at home and managing diabetes.
www​.diabetes​.org​.uk/​about_
Parkinson’s
Including staying active when you’re at home and managing your mental health.
www​.parkinsons​.org​.uk/​news
Power of attorney
Being a deputy or attorney during the coronavirus outbreak
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/being-a-deputy-or-attorney-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak
Multiple Sclerosis
Including practical advice for managing MS and information about disease modifying therapies and COVID-19.
Dementia
Including advice for families looking after someone with dementia, and coping without support groups or day centres during the COVID-19 outbreak.
www​.dementiauk​.org/​get-
Arthritis
Including advice regarding managing pain at home and looking after your wellbeing.
Obesity
Including examples of exercises that can be completed in the home and some practical advice on maintaining health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
https://www.obesityuk.org.uk/covid19
Engaged Communities
Transport support
Essex County Council: Community transport | Essex County Council (essexhighways.org)
Colchester: Community360 provides transport services in Colchester and surrounding areas: Community Transport – Community360
Tendring: Tendring Community Transport: Public and community transport | Tendring District Council (tendringdc.gov.uk)
Connecting Communities: Connecting Communities (suffolkonboard.com)
Register as a Family Carer for your Vaccine
If you are an unpaid carer (aged 16+) and would like to be registered for the COVID-19 vaccination, please contact Suffolk Family Carers (SFC) via the link here. If you are already registered with SFC, or are recognised as a carer by your GP practice, they do not need to do anything. You will be contacted directly by SFC or your nearest primary care vaccination hub.
Last Updated on 2 March 2021
