The SNP Government and local authorities have worked with Local Resilience Partnerships across Scotland to set up and launch helplines to provide essential services to people - particularly those at high risk with an urgent need for support.
The Coronavirus Free Helpline is specifically for those who have neither family nor community support, cannot get online and who are over 70; disabled people, people who require the support of mental health services, are pregnant or receive a flu jab.
This service is in addition to localised support already available for people who have received letters advising them to shield themselves.
Kenneth Gibson MSP said:
“Shielding is a measure to protect people who are clinically at high risk from the coronavirus, by supporting them to self-isolate to minimise all interaction with others.
“Those identified should not leave their homes and minimise all non-essential contact with other members of their household. If you don’t live with someone who can obtain medication or groceries for you, have no support network and are unable to get online, this can be very challenging.
“This is where the helpline comes in. If you fall within the described category and are in need of urgent assistance, please make use of it.”
The helpline will initially operate during core working hours of 09:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday. There are plans to extend its operation for a longer period each day.
Coronavirus Free Helpline: 0800 111 4000
You will be automatically connected to North Ayrshire Council which will support you to access the service required such as:
• essential food and medication
• links to local social work services for vulnerable children or adults
• emotional support
• contact with local volunteer groups.
Please remember this helpline is dedicated to those who cannot leave their home and who cannot get assistance online.
A list of other helplines can be found below.
Health
0800 028 2816
(8am –10pm everyday)
for general information only
Call NHS 24 on 111 for advice if symptoms worsen or if fever is ongoing after 7 days
Feeling anxious or depressed?
NHS Inform:
NHS24:
111
Breathing Space:
0800 83 85 87
Scottish Association for Mental Health:
0344 800 0550
Samaritans Scotland Helpline:
116 123
Age Scotland free helpline on
0800 12 44 222
Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm
Family and friends may also call if they are concerned about an older person
Advice for pregnant women
or contact your midwife if concerned.
Easy-read coronavirus guidance
Social welfare and financial help
Citizens Advice Scotland:
0800 028 1456
Struggling with energy bills?
Home Energy Scotland:
0808 808 2282
Consumer Issues
Advice Direct Scotland:
0808 800 9060
Employment rights advice
Helpline: 0300 123 1100
Relay UK: 18001 0300 123 1100
For business support
Helpline: 0300 303 0660
Advice for parents
Parentline Scotland:
0800 028 2233
The Money Talk Team:
0800 085 7145
Information for young people
Information for older people
0800 124 4222
Carers of people with dementia
Helpline: 0808 808 3000
Autism Advice Line
01259 222022
Domestic Abuse Helpline
Helpline: 0800 027 1234
Rape Crisis Scotland Helpline
Helpline: 08088 01 03 02
Volunteering and helping in your community
ENDS
