Coronavirus

Support for the most vulnerable

1. Bolton's Humanitarian Response

We have a helpline to access support by calling 01204 337221

Our opening times are:

  • Monday to Friday from 8.30am – 5.30pm
  • Saturdays from 9am – 1pm

If you have hearing or speech difficulties please visit www.relayuk.bt.com to use the free service to talk to us.

Call the helpline if you do not have a network of family and friends you can call upon for support.

The Team Bolton community of volunteers, partners and council staff are offering vital help to people who need support, including food and essential items such as medication, particularly if:
•    you’re clinically extermely vulnerable and have been shielding during COVID-19
•    you’re any age and self-isolating due to illness
•    you’re experiencing financial hardship
•    you’re experiencing food poverty

Our call handlers will provide advice and tell you how you can access practical support.

This includes local support for those who are feeling isolated and alone.

The best thing to do is call us. If you can’t then please use our access coronavirus support online form.

We’re also providing regular updates on the latest government advice, local service information and what to do if you think you have coronavirus.

If your charity or volunteer group would like to participate in the coronavirus response, please contact Bolton CVS at info@boltoncvs.org.uk or 01204 546055

If you have friends or relatives in other areas of Greater Manchester and can no longer support them then these are the emergency numbers to contact for the other councils in the area.


2. Protecting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable

The changes at Step 4 also apply to the clinically extremely vulnerable. However, we continue to advise the most vulnerable to think about extra steps they may wish to take to protect themselves.

There is additional guidance for those classed as clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) who may be at greater risk from the virus.

The guidance sets out additional precautions CEV residents may consider taking, including:

  • Meet friends and family outdoors or in a well-ventilated space
  • Make sure you and your adult contacts are fully vaccinated
  • Wait 21 days after your second vaccine before meeting others
  • Ask others to wait 14 days after their second dose before meeting
  • Continue to work from home where possible
  • Speak to your child’s school about additional precautions for CEV pupils

 

3. Keep yourself and your family safe from domestic abuse

Home should be a place of safety, but measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) mean that victims and those at risk of domestic abuse may be trapped at home with abusive partners or family members.

Their children will also be affected.

Social isolation is important, but your safety is a priority.

Our domestic abuse services remain open and available for specialist help, support and advice:

You can also ring the free 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline - 0808 2000 247

 

4. Children and young people at risk

Children and young people are now spending significantly more time at home, potentially placing them at increased risk of harm.

If a child is experiencing abuse, there aren't as many opportunities for others to spot the signs, or for them to access support, in turn increasing their vulnerability.

If you have concerns regarding child exploitation, please get in touch using our online reporting services, call 101 or via LiveChat.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, dial 999. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

If you’re concerned that a young person is at risk but don’t want to go directly to the police, you can call the @NSPCC Helpline on 0808 8005000, and ChildLine is available to young people 24/7 on 0800 1111.

 

5. Homelessness

 

6. Independent Living Service

 

7. Blue badge scheme

All Penalty Charge Notices for Blue Badge holders with an expiry date of 1 January 2020 onwards have been suspended until 30 September 2020. This update comes from the Department for Transport in line with new UK Government recommendations.