Specialist sector advice from trusted British organisations
Whilst the overall NHS advice remains largely the same for all people a range of trusted UK charities provide excellent advice for specific subject areas and COVID-19 (coronavirus). This list will be updated as more information and advice is provided.
If your symptoms worsen, or you have health concerns, you should use the online 111 service. If you can't use the online service, phone 111. You should not go to your GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
GOV.UK Coronavirus Information Service on WhatsApp chatbot
The GOV.UK Coronavirus Information Service is an automated ‘chatbot’ service which will allow the British public to get answers to the most common questions about coronavirus direct from government.
To use the free GOV.UK Coronavirus Information Service on WhatsApp, simply add 07860 064422 in your phone contacts and then message the word ‘hi’ in a WhatsApp message to get started.
The World Health Organisation's official WhatsApp chatbot
Add the number +41798931892 and type "hi" to get started. Or you can click here.
NHS Test and Trace
The NHS test and trace service:
- ensures that anyone who develops symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) can quickly be tested to find out if they have the virus
- helps trace close recent contacts of anyone who tests positive for coronavirus
Read more about how Test and Trace works here.
Advice and guidance for those who provide unpaid care to friends or family.
This guidance is for anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who, due to a lifelong condition, illness, disability, serious injury, a mental health condition or an addiction, cannot cope without their support. Click Here.
Remembering loved ones
Led by St. Paul's Cathedral, the online memorial Remember Me was set up to enable families, friends and carers to record and mourn those who have died as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The book of remembrance is open to people of all faiths, beliefs or none. Fundraising has also started for a physical memorial to be created at St Paul’s Cathedral.
Find out more at the Remember Me website.
Other organisations
Diabetes UK - The British Diabetic Association
Mental Health
Public Health England has updated the Every Mind Matters platform, which now provides specific advice for dealing with the Covid-19 outbreak.
There you will find the 'Mind Plan', a short and interactive tool that has already been completed over 1.8 million times.
Mind - the mental health charity
The government has also issued guidance for taking care of your mental health, including the following principles:
- Maintaining contact with friends and family via phone and video calls, or social media.
- Keeping a regular routine and sleeping pattern
- Focusing on a hobby or learning something new
- How people already living with mental health problems can better cope
Read more here
Domestic abuse support
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, both Stop Domestic Abuse and Refuge provide websites with advice and access to support. In an emergency, call 999. In other circumstances, you can call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline 24 hours a day, freephone, on 0808 2000 247. Other sources of help include:
A range of direct services for survivors, including a live chat service and an online Survivors’ Forum. There is also advice specifically designed for the current coronavirus outbreak.
Available at 0808 801 0327, this is a confidential helpline for male victims of domestic abuse and those supporting them.
Available for children and young people to reach out for help and support by phone or using their online chat service.Telephone: 0800 1111.
Find more information and resources at GOV.UK.
Remember, abuse is not just physical: it can take many forms including technological, financial, psychological, and sexual.
