Anything you can do to make things a little less stressful for others during the Coronavirus outbreak can go a long way, especially for those in high-risk groups. Volunteer Centre Kensington & Chelsea is coordinating the community response to the crisis, and you can register your availability here. 

Important Information

Vaccine Sites

A number of vaccination centres have been created, allowing residents to get the Covid Vaccine more quickly. You can locate your nearest centre here. You will also be able to find out where both Pfizer and AstraZeneca jabs, and also first and second doses are available.

Updated guidance from NHS England - Restoration of GP services

You can read the latest guidance here 

COVID-19 Vaccine Scams

There have been several reports of people being contacted by fraudsters offering the Covid-19 vaccine. The reports show text messages being sent providing a link for people to register their details to apply for the vaccine, some of which require payment. These text messages and links are not sent from or linked to, the NHS. 

Please note the NHS will Never:

• Ask you to press a button on your keypad or send a text asking you to confirm you want the vaccine
• Ask for payment for the vaccine or for your bank details.

If you receive a text message from an unfamiliar number:

• Do not respond to it or click on any links
• Do not enter any personal or log on details
• Do not make any payment

The NHS will get in touch with you directly when it is your turn to be vaccinated

• Please don’t contact your doctor or the NHS asking about vaccination; this is not a service that you are able to book in advance.
• The NHS will contact you when your turn comes in the months ahead. If you are contacted, please do attend the appointment.
• We would encourage those over 80 and in the government’s priority list to be ready to accept their invite when called by their GP
• In the meantime, it is vitally important that we all continue to follow the national public health guidance: wash your hands regularly, wear a face-covering in enclosed spaces and maintain safe social distancing. Covid-19 is still very prevalent and highly infectious: the risk of catching it is the same as ever for people who have not been vaccinated.

NHS COVID-19 App

Have you downloaded the NHS COVID-19 App? The app will be used, alongside contact tracing, Click here for more information.

NHS Track and Trace 

The NHS Track and Trace service is the latest tool in the fight against Coronavirus. The system will help to trace the spread of the virus and isolate new infections. 

Community Information
Government Guidelines

COVID-19 BAME Deaths and Health Inequalities

It has been reported that people from black, Asian and minority ethnic groups are dying disproportionately from the Coronavirus. 

Click here to read the review into how different factors have affected COVID-19 risk and outcomes.

Government response to Coronavirus

Government guidance - Coronavirus: How to help safely

Visit the NHS website for advice on self-Isolation

For urgent medical help, contact the NHS 111 online service 

Click here if you are pregnant and worried about Coronavirus.

Click here for information on Coronavirus and Children.

Click here to get Coronavirus support as a clinically extremely vulnerable person.

Click here and here to protect yourself from criminals exploiting COVID-19 fears.

Click here for more Information if you are a NHS Volunteer Responders

Information for staff and volunteers working in the community

Safeguarding adults for people self isolating

Safeguarding adults for Covid-19 volunteer group

Responding to Domestic Abuse

Mental Health

Mental health guidance for young people and children

The Government has shared some new guidance on how you can help young people and children with their mental health. Try some of their tips and remember to look after yourself as well.

There are a few ways you can stay well and work on your mental health. You can:

• stay in touch with family and friends over the phone or on social media
• try to keep yourself busy – you could try activities like cooking, reading, online learning and watching films
• do light exercise at home, or outside once a day

Coronavirus and Mental Health

Click here to download short guide for people with severe mental illnesses on practical ways to protect and support physical health during the pandemic.

Counselling & Support 

The Caravan Telephone service is a free service offering a core service of listening and emotional support. Open seven days a week, there is no need to book or arrange in advance. Call 020 7103 1802, email, or click here for more information. 

Bereavement support for families

Important information on the help and support available and to help bereaved families, friends or next of kin make important decisions during this national emergency.

Please click here for more information. 

Domestic Abuse

New Government Guidance on Domestic Abuse

Click here for more information.

Ascent Moving Forward Group

Ascent Moving Forward Group is a 6-8 week educational programme for women and girls aged 16 plus, who have experienced or are at risk of domestic and / or sexual violence.

You can refer women from the following Boroughs: Bromley, Croydon, Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Hounslow, Kensington & Chelsea, Lewisham, Tower Hamlets and Westminster.   

Before you send this referral, you will need to confirm whether your client is able to access sessions remotely online. Participants will need to have access to a smart phone, laptop, computer or adequate wifi / ethernet connection and a microphone and speaker on their device or headphones.

Download leaflet

Download referral form

Support for rough sleepers

RBKC is working very closely with the Mayor of London to accommodate and support all rough sleepers. The Rough Sleeping Team are on our streets day and night identifying residents sleeping rough and are responding to referrals from the public. Mental health specialists are supporting outreach services to make sure everyone has somewhere safe to stay.

If you wish to report someone sleeping rough you can email streetoutreach@rbkc.gov.uk. Alternatively, you can contact StreetLink: 0300 500 0914 or www.streetlink.org.uk

RBKC Family Information Service website updates for COVID-19

You can find useful information and resources for families and those working with children and young people here.

ACAS - Coronavirus guidance, carrying over paid holiday and short term working

Click here for more information. 

Schools

Department for Education coronavirus helpline

The Department for Education coronavirus helpline is available to answer questions about COVID-19 relating to education and children’s social care. Staff, parents and young people can contact this helpline as follows:

Phone: 0800 046 8687

Opening hours:

8am to 6pm – Monday to Friday
10am to 4pm – Saturday and Sunday 

If you work in a school, please have your unique reference number (URN or UK PRN) available when calling the helpline.

Collection of guidance for educational settings on GOV.​UK

All of the Department for Education’s coronavirus guidance for educational settings can be found here.

Financial Aid 

Apply for a Hardship Fund

Are you a family or individual experiencing difficulties due to Coronavirus? RBKC have added an additional £500,000 to their Hardship Fund and you can now apply to receive support.

Residents can apply for a hardship grant online or by calling 020 7745 6464 between 8.30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Learn more about the Hardship Fund here.

Council Tax Reduction Scheme

A Council Tax Reduction Scheme already offers 100% relief on council tax to the most in need. The Council is looking at extra help for the 3400 people of working age who currently receive partial support as part of its response to COVID-19.

You can find more information here.

Claim for wage costs through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is a temporary scheme open to all UK employers for at least three months starting from 1 March 2020. Employers can claim for 80% of furloughed employees’ (employees on a leave of absence) usual monthly wage costs, up to £2,500 a month, plus the associated Employer National Insurance contributions. Employers can use this scheme anytime during this period.

Click here for more information.