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During the Coronavirus epidemic

This is an outline of services available and resources you might need.

Please call 999 if you are in an emergency situation. If it is unsafe for you to speak on the phone, after dialling 999 just press 55 for the silent solution. You can also text 999 if you are unable to call them due to hearing or speech impairments.

BSWA Services

Helpline

If you are affected by domestic abuse, or you are supporting someone who is then please call our free and confidential helpline to receive support from our specialists on 0808 800 0028

The Helpline is open Monday to Friday 9.15am till 5.15pm and has also operated over some weekends. The banner at the top of our website will give updates.

Helpline for hearing impaired

We also have a Helpline if you are hearing impaired, to access this please text 18001 0808 800 0028

Live webchat

Our newest service is our live webchat where you can access support if you are affected by domestic abuse, or you are supporting someone who is.

You can access the chat by clicking on the speech bubble in the bottom right hand corner of our website. The speech bubble only appears when there is someone able to chat to you.

The live webchat is open Monday to Friday 10am till 2pm.

Housing Options Hub

If you have nowhere safe to stay tonight due to domestic abuse please ring our Home Options Hub if it is safe to do so and if you have access to a phone on 0808 1699 604

If you are unable to call please drop in to Bank House on 36 Bristol Street between:

Monday /Tuesday /Thursday /Friday 9 to 5 and Wednesday 11 to 5

If you are trying to get support out of hours and require emergency accommodation, please call Birmingham City Council’s out of hours number: 0121 303 2296

Other Support Services and Helplines

Professionals Looking for Advice

Are you a professional looking for guidance during the current COVID-19 crisis? Read our Information for Practitioners Guide.

National Domestic Abuse Helpline

If you don’t live in Birmingham and Solihull and are looking for advice from elsewhere, then the National Domestic Abuse Helpline offers support for those affected by domestic abuse or someone who is supporting someone affected by domestic abuse.

The freephone, 24-hour helpline 0808 2000 247

There is also a live chat service that can be accessed Monday to Friday 3pm to 6pm https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/Chat-to-us-online

Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust

A new Mental Health Support offer is now in place offering emotional help, guidance and reassurance to people in Birmingham and Solihull who may be finding the current Coronavirus situation overwhelming. As well as supporting the public with their worries and increased anxieties about COVID-19, there is also a dedicated helpline to provide support to frontline and key workers.

https://www.bsmhft.nhs.uk/about-us/news/covid-19-mental-health-support-offer-for-birmingham-and-solihull/

Migrant Help

Migrant Help is an organisation for people seeking asylum in the UK. This service can be used to seek help with applying for accommodation and financial support, to report issues with asylum accommodation, and any other advice needed during their asylum journey. They also provide support during the post-decision period, whether the decision has been positive or negative.

Free asylum helpline (open 24/7/365): 0808 8010 503 or you can use their webchat service https://ellis.custhelp.com/app/chat/chat_launch

Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery Support: If you think you, or someone you know, are a victim of human trafficking, you can call our teams across the UK, call 01304 203977 / Out of Hours 07766 668781

Brum Baby Bank

Brum Baby Bank has been set up to support families with babies and young children across Birmingham during coronavirus. To access support, fill out the form on the link. This service is for low income families.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScg8PeeSFZLliW-hRCDeUfrKShKELEKhnD2t2cS97Tlwxb09Q/viewform

Trussell Trust

Trussell Trust know it’s a challenging time for everyone at the moment as the coronavirus pandemic unfolds. The Trussell Trust is an organised network of food banks which are grassroots, community organisations aimed at supporting people who cannot afford the essentials in life. If you cannot afford food, please contact your local food bank using the map in the link.
https://www.trusselltrust.org/get-help/find-a-foodbank/

Birmingham Central Mosque

Birmingham Central Mosque is providing packs for collection on a first come first served basis.

07516 601 585 www.centralmosque.org.uk

Every day during Ramadan 6.30pm to 7.30pm

Collection rear car park Birmingham Central Mosque B12 0XP

Money Advice

Free and impartial money advice, set up by government for: advice and guides to help improve your finances, tools and calculators to help keep track and plan ahead, support over the phone and online.

0800 138 7777, Typetalk: 18001 0800 915 4622

Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm

Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays, closed

https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en

Housing Benefit

You may be entitled to help with your housing cost if you live in council housing. Making a housing benefit or council tax support claim online is quick and easy to do. Your claim will be processed quicker and will provide you with a receipt when you have submitted your claim. When you make an online claim for benefits you may not need to provide evidence to support your application, we may be able to check certain information internally.

https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/20017/benefits_and_support/301/make_a_new_benefit_claim

Universal Credit

Universal Credit is a payment to help with your living costs. It’s paid monthly. You may be able to get it if you’re on a low income or out of work.

https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit

Birmingham City Council – Extra council tax financial support

Some residents may be eligible for further financial support with their Council Tax as the Council has been allocated £17 million from the government’s Council Tax hardship fund for financial year 2020-21. This fund aims to provide further financial support to help economically vulnerable people and households most effected by coronavirus.

https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/50233/support_for_residents_during_the_coronavirus_covid-19/2126/council_tax?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=SocialSignIn&utm_content=COVID-19

Advice and Services related to Coronavirus

NHS 111

Visit the website to check your symptoms and get advice on other health issues related to coronavirus.

https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19/

British Red Cross

The British Red Cross are offering support to anyone who is finding it difficult to access food or medication, or who are at risk of further health and well-being issues as a result of isolation.

0808 196 3651 to speak to a friendly Red Cross volunteer

The line is open every day from 10am to 6pm

Birmingham City Council

Use the Contact Us form on the Birmingham City Council website and select Covid-19/Coronavirus support on the drop down.

https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/50044/contact_us_form

0121 303 1116 (Monday to Friday: 9 am – 5 pm)

BVSC

https://www.bvsc.org/covid-19-pathways-accessing-support-birmingham

Visit the BVSC website to access information about all the help available across Birmingham in relation to coronavirus. This includes support based on the area you live in.