Business, utility companies, housing associations and transport providers are providing fact sheets and advice on what they can do to help you during this difficult time.
Please see below for the information I have received so far - I will update it as more comes in.
For up-to-date information regarding what support is available from the Government please click here.
Action for Children
Parent Talk is an online support service from Action for Children designed for parents that is free:
As part of their digital offer to parents, Parent Talk helps to provide extra support. There is guidance for parents on everything from managing behaviour through to sleep and emotional wellbeing, as well as the option to live chat with their parenting coaches online.
There is also support for parents including tools to help them take care of themselves, as well as practical advice on coping with money, relationships and their own emotional wellbeing.
Age UK
Volunteering
Age UK has put together postcards and a short video on neighbourly volunteering which provides helpful information and support for older friends and neighbours: http://bit.ly/2WtAOGT
Demand for our vital services has increased rapidly and online donations are the most effective way to reach the most in need at this time. Volunteers can help us keep our Information & Advice and friendship services running and help the local Age UKs provide practical help such as food parcels by donating at www.ageuk.org.uk/coronaappeal
Age UK is here to support older people during this challenging time. We’ve outlined some tips to help stay safe and well over the coming weeks here
If you have concerns about anything else, including welfare, care or housing, you can contact Age UK’s free advice line, 8am-7pm, 635 days a year: 0800 055 6112
Chelmer Housing Partnership (CHP)
CHP is a local housing association with a number of homes in the Brentwood and Ongar constituency. Enhanced health and hygiene measures have been put in place in its housing schemes and all community meetings and any external use of its facilities have been cancelled, including stopping the booking of guest suites in sheltered schemes. CHP is asking any customers who feel unwell and are self-isolating, to let them know as soon as possible. This is so they know how best to deliver any essential services to them. You can find out more here.
EDF
EDF know that the cost of living has had a significant impact on their customers’ lives and many will be worried about paying their bills. That is why EDF want to reassure customers that they are here to help. EDF are asking all customers who are worried about their finances or about paying a bill to take action and contact them.
Ignoring debt only makes the problem worse. But EDF can only help if a customer gets in touch with them.
- EDF have plenty of advice on what to do if you are worried about debt on their website here.
- Alternatively, you can call their dedicated debt advice line: 0333 009 6992
By contacting EDF, their expert customer services team will work with every customer to provide tailored support to get them out of debt and back in control of their finances as quickly as possible.
EDF have a number of ways they can help:
- Tailored repayment plans: EDF know that every person is different and they will work with each customer to agree an affordable repayment plan which is right for them
- A pay as you go meter – A smart PAYG meter puts their customers firmly in control of their energy usage and payments. Budgeting is made easy via their app, or by an in-home display that allows customers to see exactly how much energy they’re using in pounds and pence. Paying is simple too; customers can set auto-tops, low level alerts and pay online anytime, anywhere.
- Energy saving advice – By better understanding their customer’s energy use, EDF also provide useful tips on how customers can save. This includes installing a smart meter or whether a customer would be eligible for new energy efficiency measures, like insulation, through the Energy Company Obligation.
- If a customer needs extra support with their finances EDF can also put customers in touch with their partners at Citizen’s Advice Plymouth or Income Max to check for additional income sources.
UK Power Networks (UKPN)
"We offer free additional tailored support and guidance to customers on our Priority Services Register if they experience a power cut, reliant on electronic medical equipment or with young children. For more information on our Priority Services Register, please visit www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/priority to register, or call us on 0800 169 9970."
UKPN's latest advice can be found here
