CORONAVIRUS
To keep abreast of coronavirus as it relates to people with MS please see the MS Society's main website at https://www.mssociety.org.uk/what-we-do/news/covid-19-coronavirus-and-ms
If you need to talk to someone remember our free helpline 0808 800 8000 and for local information line 0191 386 0006. You can also access our Facebook page and join our Chatterbox Group to link up with others with MS.
Washing your hands the correct way
This saves lives
Keep washing your hands. See VIDEO HERE
In line with general public health advice, if you have MS you should make sure
you wash your hands frequently.
Local Sources of help and support
County Durham Together
If you are shielding for 12 weeks, self-isolating or otherwise unable to leave your home to go shopping for essentials or getting prescriptions made up; a helpline, webpage and support network have been set up to help people in County Durham who are struggling during the Coronavirus pandemic.
County Durham Together has been set up to provide people with support, either through established networks of community or volunteer groups, or from the council itself through staff volunteers.
They will help with a number of requests, such as food supplies, general help and guidance, or someone who can listen and support.
If you need help with medicines, please contact your GP or local pharmacy for deliveries.
People are advised to accept help from friends, family and neighbours where possible.
If you need extra support can find a list of local groups on Durham Locate website or fill in the Coronavirus help form on www.durham.gov.uk/covid19help. See also Covid Mutual Aid page
Those enquiries will be directed to the virtual council hubs, staffed by AAP workers and council volunteers, who will assess any requests for information and provide appropriate help to residents.
Alternatively, help can be accessed by emailing communityhub@durham.gov.uk or calling 03000 260 260.
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
Weekends and bank Holidays 10am-3pm
Shopping for vulnerable people
*** ONLINE SHOPPING with major supermarkets. ***
The gov.uk website has created a simple on line register which you can complete if you are classed by the NHS or your GP as an extremely vulnerable person; this is passed to major supermarkets so that you can be given priory delivery slots.
See https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable
You may also get assistance by searching the web for and contacting https://covidmutualaid.org/local-groups/.
Input your location and you will get a list of mutual aid groups in you area.
The following are links to the major supermarkets and how they are helping during the Covid-19 crisis
NHS VOLUNTEER RESPONDERS
A helping hand for those self-isolating
NHS Volunteer Responders have asked us to remind you that their volunteers are ready and willing to help anyone with a medical condition making them vulnerable to COVID-19, or a disability – especially if they are over 70.
If you or somebody else with MS who is self-isolating and needs help with shopping or collecting prescriptions, or would just appreciate a call for a chat, go to NHS Volunteer Responders.
They can call 0808 196 3646 or visit www.nhsvolunteerresponders.org.uk to request assistance.