We recognise that Coronavirus is one the biggest health challenges we have ever faced within our communities in many years. This is why we need everyone who can to follow the government advice in helping us tackle it.
Across Lincolnshire people continue to play their part in the fight against the virus and many vulnerable people who need support.
The act of volunteering at this time can make a huge difference to many people within our communities. Simple acts of kindness can contribute towards keeping some of the most vulnerable people well and out of hospital.
Your help has the potential to make a real difference to some of those most affected by this outbreak – from delivering essential prescriptions to calling to check on the wellbeing of those self-isolating.
Your local councils, voluntary organisations, community groups and volunteers are all working together to ensure everyone has a local point of contact and support if they are self-isolating.
You can volunteer to help and support people with things like:
- Shopping
- Getting prescriptions
- Dog walking
- Friendly chats
I want to help others
Lincolnshire councils and partners have been working with local community groups and volunteers. This has ensured there is a local point of contact for those self-isolating or in need.
Those who would like to volunteer can contact:
- the established voluntary organisations/town and parish councils
- one of a number of local community groups
Thank you to all those who have offered and provided their support. Responses across our communities has been truly remarkable.
I am looking for help
Each neighbourhood has set up groups of people who have come together to help those who are not able to leave their home.
You are not alone. Let us know if you need help and we will link you up with them.
Local volunteers may be able to help you with things like:
- shopping
- getting prescriptions
- dog-walking
- friendly chat
I want to request help from a volunteer
Alternatively, call us on 01522 782189.
Support agencies
Established voluntary organisations and links to the town and parish councils in your area.
NHS Volunteer Responders
Voluntary Centre Services
- www.voluntarycentreservices.org.uk
- Lincoln: 01522 551683
- North Kesteven: 01529 308450
- West Lindsey: 01427 613470
Good Neighbour Schemes
- www.communitylincs.com
- email: [email protected]
- telephone: 01529 302466
British Red Cross – Community Reserve Volunteers
Age UK - Lincoln and South Lincolnshire
- www.ageuk.org.uk
- email: [email protected]
- telephone: 01522 696000
Evergreen Care Trust
- www.evergreencare.org.uk
- email: [email protected]
- telephone: 01780 765900
Lincolnshire Community and Voluntary Service
- Boston, East Lindsey, South Holland, South Kesteven
- www.lincolnshirecvs.org.uk
- telephone: 01205 510888
- email: [email protected]
RAF Benevolent Fund
The RAF Benevolent Fund has begun several new initiatives alongside established support for members of the RAF family. These are some of the services they now offer:
- Check and chat phone calls
- Telephone friendship groups
- Listening and counselling service
- Financial Support
- Legal Advice Helpline
- Benefits advice and advocacy
All these services can be requested via their welfare helpline on 0300 222 5703 or by visiting the website.
District Councils
- Boston Borough Council
- City of Lincoln
- East Lindsey District Council
- North Kesteven District Council
- South Holland District Council
- South Kesteven District Council
- West Lindsey District Council
Town and Parish Councils
- Boston Borough Council
- City of Lincoln
- East Lindsey District Council
- North Kesteven District Council
- South Holland District Council
- South Kesteven District Council
- West Lindsey District Council
Specialist support groups
Details of support groups and links to information which can help you manage your condition at home.
Asthma
Arthritis
Autistic people
Cancer
- Cancer Research UK
- Cancer Research UK – information to help you cope emotionally
- Cancer Research UK – Cancer chat forum
Cystic Fibrosis
Diabetes
- Diabetes UK
- Guide to Diabetes
- Diabetes UK – Online communities
- NHS apps to help you better manage your condition
- Online self -management education for people with type 1 diabetes
HIV
Inflammatory Bowel disease
Kidney Disease
Learning disability
- Learning Disability England
- The Challenging Behaviour Foundation
- Mencap / Mencap – Going to hospital
- SCIE
Liver disease
Mental health
- Mental Health Foundation
- NHS - coronavirus staying at home tips
- MIND
- Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT)
Muscular Dystrophy
Neurological disease
- Parkinson’s UK
- Parkinson’s UK helpline and support
- Motor Neurone Disease Association
- Motor Neurone Disease Helpline and support
- Alzheimer's Society
- Alzheimer’s Society helpline and support
- Multiple Sclerosis Society
- Epilepsy Society
Respiratory conditions
Sickle Cell Disorder
Visual impairment
- Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)
- RNIB's Connect Radio
- South Lincolnshire Blind Society
- Lincoln & Lindsey Blind Society
- Peterborough Association for the Blind
LRF member organisations
Member organisations of the Lincolnshire Resilience Forum.
Local authorities
- Lincolnshire County Council
- East Lindsey District Council
- West Lindsey District Council
- North Kesteven District Council
- South Kesteven District Council
- City of Lincoln Council
- Boston Borough Council
- South Holland District Council
Health
- CCGs
- NHS England
- ULHT
- LPFT
- LCHS
Emergency Services
- Police
- EMAS
- Fire and Rescue
- Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Utilities
- Western Power
- Anglian Water
- IDBs
- BT
- East Midland Trains / Network Rail
Government departments
- MoD (RAF and Army)
- MHCLG
- Met Office
- Environment Agency
- HM Prisons
- Highways England
- Public Health England
Voluntary sector
- British Red Cross
- RAYNET
- 4x4 Groups
- Faith responders
- Coastwatch
Others
- NFU
Self-isolation support payments
District Councils across Lincolnshire are delivering a nation-wide scheme to support people on low incomes who have to self-isolate if they test positive for coronavirus and cannot work from home.
The scheme, offering £500 support payments to help workers on low income, will begin on 28 September and will run until 31 January 2021.
The Test and Trace Support Payment has been introduced by the government in response to feedback from local authorities and directors of public health that some residents are struggling to self-isolate due to financial constraints.
The support payment will help ensure that people on low incomes are able to stay at home and self-isolate when they are instructed to do so by the NHS Test and Trace.
It will also encourage more people to get tested without the added pressure of losing income. It is hoped the scheme will help lead to a reduction in the transmissions of COVID-19.
Local authorities are working hard to put the necessary processes in place to support this scheme by 12 October; anyone asked to self-isolate between 28 September and 12 October will be eligible to receive a backdated payment.
Further information can be found on District Council websites:
- Boston Borough Council
- City of Lincoln Council
- East Lindsey District Council
- North Kesteven District Council
- South Holland District Council
- South Kesteven District Council
- West Lindsey District Council
Testing sites
Lincolnshire has the following fixed testing sites:
- Lincolnshire Showground
- University of Lincoln (this site is for the public, as well as students)
- Skegness
- Boston
- Gainsborough
- Grantham
There are also a number of mobile testing units around the county and community testing is currently taking place in Lincoln and Boston.