Northampton’s Community Working Together

In addition to the government’s national volunteer scheme to support the NHS, Northamptonshire County Council is coordinating a local effort to help the local community. They are looking for people who are free to volunteer and people who represent groups that are already supporting the local people. 

 

They particularly want to hear from community groups and volunteers who can help to tackle loneliness through phone or face-to-face contact and collect prescriptions for people who can’t leave their home. They are also looking for volunteers who can help with things like transport between foodbanks or who can work in a kitchen. 

 

Volunteer here : https://www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/coronavirus-updates/Pages/volunteer-to-help-those-in-need-coronavirus.aspx 

 

At Co-op stores you can pick up volunteer cards that you can use to offer your help anyone nearby who might be self-isolating. 

 

Help someone nearby: Volunteer Card 

 

Northamptshire’s local councils have also received an extra £17.7million to help them respond in the current situation. The County Council will receive the lion’s share of £17.2 million, and our district councils will receive shares of the remaining £500,000. 

 

Most of these extra funds will probably be used to help with the process of discharging people from hospital, including the elderly and adults in social care. District councils will also be providing shelter for homeless people. 

 

You can receive local updates by following #NorthantsTogether 

 

You can also contact the Council if you are living at home and need some help with your day-to-day essentials like medication or food. 

 

Ask for support: Help & Support - Coronavirus 

 

Alternatively you can call the new support line number 0300 126 1000 and select option 5. 

 

While gyms and leisure centres are closed there are plenty of online home workout sessions and you can be as high-powered or as gentle as you like. Locally, Trilogy Leisure is sharing workouts with Les Mills. There aren’t just workouts, you can also see mindfulness, dance and ‘born to move’ sessions too. 

 

Be active: Watch Les Mills On Demand 

 

As we know, the most common symptoms of coronavirus are a high temerpature and and persistent new dry cough. However, many hayfever sufferers will be experiencing symptoms at this time of year. 

 

You can check out your symptoms and find useful advice on NHS 111 online. 

 

Button: Check your symptoms 

 

Northamptonshire Community Foundation has a Coronavirus Response and Recovery Fund, providing grants of up to £3,000 to local charities and community groups. 

 

The grants are intended to help support local people who have been affected by the social and economic impact of the coronavirus. 

 

A wide range of important local support groups can apply, including those: 

• working directly with vulnerable communities and their carers 

• providing direct services and support to people with low and insecure incomes 

• working with school-age children in disadvantaged communities where schools have been closed. 

 

Local charities and community organisations that have been affected by the impact of coronavirus can also apply. Funding is also avaialble to help them to recover and continue their activities once the outbreak subsides. 

 

Need help?: Apply for a grant 

 

We are so proud to be part of the Northamptonhsire community that is working together to support those in greatest need. 

 

We will be continuing to share the amazing and heartwarming stories of how people are looking after eacah other.  

 

Please send us yours.