Food parcels for the most vulnerable. The Government is working with supermarkets to ensure food parcels are delivered to the most vulnerable who are unable to leave their homes.  Standardised food parcels will be delivered free to people’s homes for the next 12 weeks. Once the service is up and running, customers will be charged in the normal way.  Visit gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable to register for the support that you need. This includes help with food, shopping deliveries and additional care you might need.

Some of the many independent shops in Brighton which will deliver to people self-isolating, or who can't get to the shops, are listed on this brilliant new website https://www.brightonquarantine.co.uk/

Brighton and Hove City Council are regularly updating their website with information for residents and council staff, including those working in our city’s schools. https://new.brighton-hove.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19.  There is an emergency social fund for people need help with food, energy bills or other essentials (and a phone number 01273 293117 for those who don't have access to the internet) https://new.brighton-hove.gov.uk/benefits/help-and-support/get-emergency-help-food-energy-bills-and-other-essentials

BHCC's website also has a page for requesting help for yourself or another vulnerable person - the form asks for details of who needs help and what support is required.  https://new.brighton-hove.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/request-help-yourself-or-someone-else

For those worried about paying their next council tax bill, there is a hardship and council tax reduction scheme.  Details are here https://new.brighton-hove.gov.uk/council-tax/update/covid-19-council-tax-hardship-fund

Brighton & Hove Buses website has advice about how to use the buses safely and minimise contact with others. https://www.buses.co.uk/communitysupport

Southern Water is giving vulnerable customers such as those with underlying health conditions the chance to sign up for priority services southernwater.co.uk/register-for-individual-needs.  It is also asking customers who may be struggling to pay their bill because of the impact of coronavirus, to get in touch online or via its call centre and request a Payment Break.  https://www.southernwater.co.uk/covid-19

Brighton and Hove Covid_19 Mutual Aid groups form a network across the city, from Portslade in one direction to Saltdean in the other.  They offer non-medical information, and connect those self-isolating with someone living nearby who can help with shopping for essentials, or a chat for a bit of company.  You can find your local group here https://brightonmutualaid.co.uk/ or join the Facebook group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/brightonandhovemutualaid. If you know someone in urgent need of something and they aren't covered by a local group, or can't join one, you can call 07872 023446 (9am-9pm).  Mutual Aid is about asking for what you need and giving what you can.  

There’s more about the Hollingdean Mutual Aid group here https://www.hollingdeannews.org.uk/getting-involved/hollingdean-help-covid-19-mutual-aid-group/

Friends of Westdene are re-establishing their street rep system and keep connected as a wider community.  Street Reps are local people who are willing to be one of several on their street working as a small team to support their neighbours. http://www.westdenegreen.org.uk/street-by-street-support.html?fbclid=IwAR3Mu8EkHeY4vAzbqMGezFXqJpLF9CsM1oLMWh_O4iZ7ui-mZ5QVkQC2Pyk

In Hanover and Elm Grove, the Hanover and Elm Grove Communities Forum have joined with the local Mutual Aid and Support group to offer support and advice.  Their website has information and links on where you can get help, or offer it https://hanoverandelmgrove.net/2020/04/01/joining-forces-with-mutual-aid/

The BBC is changing its schedules to keep people informed.   BBC Sussex, along with other local radio stations, will be launching “Make a Difference”, a community scheme directing listeners to where they can find support. There will be regular bulletins twice an hour during the day about this.

BBC Sussex is also broadcasting a special service each week for people who aren’t able to go to church because of the coronavirus.  There will be features and programmes from other faith groups at other times. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/37nk6YxdFzT2lCyGc0cTDQ5/about-radio-sussex

Get Career Confident is offering free virtual careers guidance to teens and their parents/carers in B&H.  Sign up for an appointment at www.getcareerconfident.co.uk.

For pet owners, there's useful advice about how to protect yourself and your pets from CFSG.  It includes an easy to follow infographic.  There's also information about social distancing when you are out walking your dog, or dog-walking for others http://www.cfsg.org.uk/coronavirus/_layouts/15/start.aspx#/SitePages/Home.aspx

If you want your organisation listed, please drop me a line at clucasmedia@parliament.uk