Lockdown is hard for everyone, but when the services you rely on for support change, it can be very difficult indeed.
That’s why we asked around local charities to see what services they were still able to offer.
Following are the details we found out.
During our research, we also realised that many of the local charities are keeping their social media up-to-date with the services they can offer, and with restrictions changing regularly, it would be good to check their accounts out, or their websites, for the very latest. Click on the charity name header for a link to their website. Twitter handle included for each charity at the end of their details.
Age UK
Age UK York is still very busy supporting the older people of York, especially on the transport side and supporting people after a hospital stay.
Community Bees
Community Bees are still working hard, supporting those people who are isolated and lonely through socially distanced doorstep chats, craft activities delivered to people’s doorsteps, shopping for those who can’t get out, friendly telephone calls and a walking companion for those that need exercise for health reasons. They also have a book share service, with all books cleaned and bagged for Covid safety.
Dementia Forward
Dementia Forward still supporting people living with dementia, on our helpline 03300 578592.
Move the Masses
All Move the Masses groups sessions are cancelled, but volunteers were still able to walk with beneficiaries in their Move Mate project with strict social distancing in place. This situation may change with new guidelines. Their website has the latest update clearly on the home page.
MySight York
MySight York are still available to offer support, advice and information to anyone living with sight loss. Many of their activities are still running remotely. Please call 01904 636269 or email: hello@mysightyork.org
OCAY – Older Citizens Advocacy York
OCAY are still open and are working from home to provide our advocacy service, during the COVID-19 pandemic and national lockdown.
Staff will take your call and find out if they can provide support via the phone or letter. They are still able to support older people as usual.
If you need help, please ring any of the following numbers:
Ruth Potter, Charity Manager: 07715099498
Dan Brittan, Lead Advocate: 07715099500
Kayleigh Fox, Charity Support Assistant: 07715099493
You can also email them at: info@ocay.org.uk
Peasholme Charity
Peasholme Charity are operating much the same as before.
Sarah (Community Advice Service) continues to operate the crisis helpline for issues relating to debt, housing and food provision.
Alison (My Money, My Life) is working remotely but continuing to support clients with new benefit applications and budgeting advice but via telephone and video call.
Ray and Ian (Housing Team) will be making daily street walks, supporting the homeless community. Ray is also delivering food on a Friday in partnership with Mecca Bingo – obviously with strict social distancing and PPE.
Their latest update is on their website: Pandemic Related Changes – An Update. – Peasholme Charity
The best contact is: info@peasholmecharity.org.uk
Victim Support
Victim Support North Yorkshire are still supporting those affected by crime and traumatic incidents.
York Carers Centre
York Carers Centre is open again, offering free help to anyone age 5 upwards who support a family member/friend due to ill health/addiction/disability. It is an incredibly difficult time for unpaid carers and they are available with one to one support, advice (about benefits/rights etc) and online group activities.
They encourage any unpaid carer to get in touch on 01904 715490.
>York Carers Centre on Twitter
York Foodbank
All 4 sessions of foodbank are open as usual with delivery available for clients self Isolating or physically unable to attend a session due to health reasons. Parcels can be collected on behalf of a client. Delivery option is requested when the voucher is issued.
Mondays: 11am – 1pm
Gateway Centre
Front Street, Acomb, YO24 3BZ
Wednesdays: 1pm – 3pm
Living Word Church
189 Huntington Road, York, YO31 9BP
Fridays: 10.30am – 12.30pm
Cornerstone
119 Millfield Lane, Tang hall, York, YO10 3AP
Saturdays: 10am – 12pm
Citdel
Gillygate, York, YO317EA
York Neighbours
York Neighbours continue to provide welfare calls as well as helping with essential tasks to those that need our help.
City Of York Council Covid Hotline
Finally, If you’re struggling to manage, or you don’t have any support, but need it because of COVID-19, City of York Council may be able to help you through this difficult time. Contact us them by email: covid19help@york.gov.uk or telephone: 01904 551550.
