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COVID-19 Middlesbrough Advice and Community Response

This page contains useful advice and information for anyone involved in helping respond to the COVID-19 pandemic in Middlesbrough and join in the #BoroResponse. It will be continually updated, and we recommend you sign up for our regular ebulletins.

Social Media - To share information with us please tag us on Twitter @MVDANews and use the hashtag #BoroResponse

- Help for groups and organisations

- I need help 

- I can offer help

Middlesbrough COVID Champions Network

MVDA is part of the Middlesbrough COVID Champions Network which aims to build on assets within communities to share knowledge and disseminate correct information.

Middlesbrough Council is looking for more local volunteers who would like to become Covid Champions and join the Covid Champions Network to help us tackle the pandemic in our town. Find out how to join the network

The response to COVID-19 has highlighted the impact and contribution that communities can make to public health. It has helped us all recognise the importance of ensuring communities are provided with the right information to allow them to take the necessary steps to keep themselves, their families and their communities safe. Having a trusted source of this information within communities is vital. Below are useful resources voluntary organisations can use to share important messages to their communities.

COVID-19 Resources for professionals

Stay up to date with coronavirus campaigns and resources to download and use in your communications from Public Health England. 

The Cabinet Office’s National Resilience Hub (NRH) provides regular communications and toolkits which can be shared by organisations working with communities, as well as links and information for social media and resources in different languages.

Help us to strengthen accurate messaging locally by sharing information and resources from these toolkits across your communications channels and through your interactions with communities.

COVID-19 community influencing comms pack

Download the 29 April Influencer and Stakeholder Toolkit

The Key Messages this week are:

  • Every vaccination gives us hope.
  • If you’re aged 42 or over, or if you’ll turn 42 before 1 July 2021, you can now book your COVID-19 vaccine.
  • Everyone can get rapid COVID-19 tests via the NHS.
  • Remember to follow the Hands, Face Space, Fresh Air guidance.

 

Advice for your organisation

NCVO has an excellent page of resources and advice, regularly updated. 

Changes to DBS ID checks - these can now be done online.

Charity Digital on communications, planning and offering reassurance and clarity to staff.

How to work remotely in a time of crisis on Civil Society blog.

Carers guidance from We Care You Care - advice for local carers in Middlesbrough specifically around COVID-19.

The North East Migration Partnership page - helpful for anyone working with refugees and people seeking asylum.

Government and Charity Commission advice for charities

Training for staff and volunteers

Whilst many staff are furloughed there is a wealth of free online training relevant for the voluntary sector. We've compiled a list of courses covering a huge range of topics:

Free online training for the voluntary sector

Mental health training and resources for staff in the voluntary sector, provided by Public Health South Tees

Local groups organising aid

Many new local groups have been set up independently in communities to support vulnerable people in their local area through the outbreak:

Looking for help?

Middlesbrough Council has put together important information to help residents through these changing times. This includes translated information.

Middlesbrough Council information for residents

What to do to stay safe

There is also a Facebook and Twitter page to support residents and businesses.

You can also join the Middlesbrough Covid-19 Mutual Aid Facebook Group which is offering help and services from local people and businesses, the email is middlesbroughcovid19mutualaid@gmail.com

Local Foodbanks

Middlesbrough Foodbank

PIPSCO is a volunteer-run community project that delivers food parcels to people self-isolating on Teesside. 

Middlesbrough list of places offering free food

The kitchens listed below are giving out food for people to takeaway in Middlesbrough. Please note these kitchens are for over 18s.

Download Middlesbrough free food list

Homeless/rough sleepers in Middlesbrough

There is a freephone helpline number from the Council for any residents homeless/rough sleeping or potentially homeless: 0800 1303667

Mental Health and wellbeing

Middlesbrough Stockton and Mind have closed their office but are still offering telephone and virtual support. Nationally they have published a guide to help while isolated.

Victim Services

Victim services are still operating across Cleveland. The below services provide support for domestic abuse, sexual violence and illegal cultural harms like forced marriage, honour-based violence and FGM. Please give them a call if you are in need of help.

Help for children and young people

Guidance for parents and carers on supporting young people and children's mental health during COVID-19

Children's Guide to Coronavirus from the Children's Commissioner

Pre-payment meters 
New emergency measures with the energy industry have been agreed by the government to protect the domestic energy supply of those most in need during COVID-19. http://ow.ly/8KZL50z0LMq

Reporting a breach of Covid measures in Middlesbrough

You can report any concerns around people not following Covid guidelines, and putting themselves and others at risk.  Read on for how to report social gatherings and other behaviour within communities or workplaces that might need addressing. 

1)            For activities in workplaces report it to the Council’s Environmental Health Protection Team by emailing: EHTS@middlesbrough.gov.uk

2)            For activities in communities/households there are two ways:

I want to help

Middlesbrough Volunteer Centre has a list of current opportunities:

Current volunteer opportunities in Middlesbrough

We have produced a guide is to help volunteers during the current crisis make the right choices, ensuring their safety as well as the people around them. 

Download the volunteer guide

You can join the Middlesbrough Covid-19 Mutual Aid Facebook Group which is offering help and services from local people and businesses and for those who also need help.

Middlesbrough Foodbank requires more volunteers due to many of their regulars being in the older high-risk categories.

Looking out for your neighbours

The simplest thing everyone can do right now is look out for their neighbours and offer help with shopping and other errands.

It's not just about neighbours who are self-isolating or vulnerable. Other people in the community who might also appreciate help are:

  • stretched medical staff and volunteers
  • staff and volunteers in key worker roles
  • supermarket workers
  • delivery drivers

Staying safe when supporting others

We have produced a Help With Shopping Guide to help with shopping for others safely.

Other tips include:

  1. Let family and friends know what you’re doing.
  2. Support family, friends and neighbours by phone or video call.
  3. Stay at least 2 metres - about 3 steps - away from people you’re helping.
  4. Offer to run errands for people but stay outside of people’s homes.
  5. Keep washing your hands often for 20 seconds.
  6. Don’t take on too much - it's often better not to offer at all than to let someone down.
  7. If you’re trying to help someone with very serious issues – don’t be afraid to flag with appropriate statutory services.

Short videos on how to volunteer safely

Staying safe whilst Volunteering  

Telephone Befriending advice  

Supporting Volunteers: aimed at informal volunteering groups