Coronavirus (COVID-19) can cause mild symptoms, but for older people and those with an underlying health conditions it can be more serious. As well as health implications the current, necessary restrictions on daily life to stop the spread of the virus will make some of us vulnerable in other ways, for example our personal finances may be negatively affected, or our domestic situation may be difficult.
Many Choice tenants across NI are considered vulnerable at this time and we want to ensure that we support all of them.
On this page we have pulled together guidance for vulnerable people on reducing their risk of catching and spreading the virus as well as other support which is available.
Health & Wellbeing COVID-19
Getting the Essentials
People should order prescriptions and take their medicines as normal. Extra supplies should not be ordered from your doctor.
As well as prioritising online delivery slots for vulnerable people, many of the larger supermarkets have priority shopping times. Please visit their websites for up to date information. If you are unable to use online resources please ask a trusted friend or family member to assist you.
Don’t forget that most local shops are now delivering orders to vulnerable people or those self isolating. Contact your local convenience stores, butchers and bakeries to find out more.
Financial Support
If you have been affected by Covid-19 (Coronavirus) financially and are worried about paying for your rent please check the Department for Communities website:
https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/landing-pages/covid-19-and-benefits
This website will be updated regularly with the latest information, so you should check this page for advice on what to do if you are receiving benefits or how to apply for benefits.
If you are applying for benefits or considering applying for benefits due to the COVID-19 crisis NIDirect has a wealth of information regarding financial support- nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-and-benefits
If you are worried about money, our Financial Inclusion Team are also available to help tenants with benefits, debt and budgeting issues. You can contact our Financial Inclusion Team on 0300 111 2211 and ask to speak with a member of the team today.
Personal Safety
This is a worrying time for everyone, particularly so for adults and children living with domestic abuse. As always, if you or someone you know is in danger please call 999 and ask for the police. Silent Calls will work if you are unable to speak.
The national Make Yourself Heard campaign aims to help people alert police when they are in imminent danger but are unable to speak. The campaign enables a 999 caller who is too scared to speak, to press 55 when prompted to inform police they are in an emergency.
For more information on this system visit http://healthallianceni.com/make-yourself-heard/
As well as the support and information above we are encouraging all our tenants to continue to support each other and our staff in these trying times. We will continue to update this page in line with information from our partners and statutory agencies.
