Halton Health Improvement & Sure Start to Later Life Covid-19 Advice & Support
Mental Health Info Point
Halton Borough Council’s online mental health info point has practical tips on how to manage worry or anxiety linked to the coronavirus situation. If you’re finding it hard to cope, visit www.halton.gov.uk/mhinfopoint.
The site has tips for looking after your mental wellbeing, as well as details of mental health support services.
If you are self-isolating or working from home, remember to look after your mental wellbeing, as well as your physical health.
Men’s Mental Health Helpline
CALM run an anonymous, confidential helpline and webchat service for men every day from 5pm-12am. Call 0800 58 58 58 or visit www.thecalmzone.net if you’re finding things tough.
Health Improvement Team (HIT): Infant Feeding
If you are breastfeeding and worried about coronavirus, Public Health England are providing advice and support. If you have any concerns or questions about breastfeeding, please call the Halton Infant Feeding Team on 0300 029 0029, Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm or email hit@halton.gov.uk.
HIT: Stop Smoking
The Chief Medical Officer and Health Secretary have both highlighted that smokers are at increased risk from coronavirus. Smoking harms the immune system, reducing the bodies’ natural protection against infections like coronavirus. For help to quit smoking, call the Stop Smoking Team for advice and support on 0300 029 0029, Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm or email hit@halton.gov.uk
HIT: Fresh Start, Exercise on Referral, Age Well Exercise
The Health Improvement Team can provide you with diet and exercise support over the phone by calling 0300 029 0029 or email hit@halton.gov.uk.
HIT: Age Well / Sure Start to Later Life
If you are over 55 and in one of the vulnerable groups who are being asked to self-isolate or if you are self-isolating due to symptoms and need support, please call Sure Start 2 Later Life, Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm on 01928 569498.
Affordable Warmth
Spending more time at home and/or financial difficulties as a result of COVID-19 can make it more difficult for people to keep their home warm to protect their health and comfort.
Energy supply companies have agreed with the government that they will support those in financial distress and struggling to pay their fuel bills to manage debt and stay connected. From 19 March, anyone who cannot top-up their pre-payment meter should contact their supplier to discuss options to keep them supplied. More details are available here https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-agrees-measures-with-energy- industry-to-support-vulnerable-people-through-covid-19
Free individual support for those struggling with fuel bills or heating their home is available in Halton through Cheshire Green Doctor on 0808 1683547 or by emailing cheshire.greendoctor@groundwork.org.uk, or via the Energy Projects Plus Save Energy Advice Line on 0800 043 0151. The teams can advise on tariffs, switching, fuel debt management and the Priority Services Register.
Loneliness
The HaltOnLoneliness toolkit is available to provide advice and support on preventing loneliness. If you are feeling lonely, please visit the website for further information about resources and the HaltOnLoneliness campaign: https://www4.halton.gov.uk/Pages/health/hit/Campaigns.aspx
Alcohol Support
This is a stressful time for everyone and we all have our own ways of coping. If you find yourself reaching for a glass of wine or a beer, make a change and keep plenty of non-alcoholic drinks in the house. Alcohol can affect your sleep and it’s important we all get plenty of rest. If you are really struggling with anxiety and worry, check our Mental Health Info Point for details of local and national helplines who can help you: www.halton.gov.uk/mhinfopoint
Keeping Active
Keeping active is important for your mental and physical wellbeing, now more than ever. Try to go for a walk in your local area every day. While we all need to practice social distancing and protective hygiene measures, we still need fresh air and exercise. You mustn’t meet up with friends or family, other than those you live with. If others are out, make sure you keep a distance of at least 2 metres between you.
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