Help, Support and Advice

Last updated on: 11-Jan-2021

3. Latest advice and support

We are working hard to adapt to keep delivering services to residents and businesses. We are working with our key partners, voluntary and community groups to ensure we provide help and support to those in need.

You can find information about changes to our Council Services.

Financial information and support

• If you are unemployed or income affected by Covid-19 and are eligible for Universal Credit, then you may be entitled to a temporary Council Tax Reduction. Please phone 01474 337070 to discuss further.
• If are self-employed and getting less work or no work because of (COVID-19) then you may be able to claim a grant through the self-employment income support scheme. For more details please see the full Department for Work and Pensions guidance web page.
• You can access free advice and support on debt and benefit advice from the Citizens Advice Bureau. You can call them on 0808 2787810 Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm or email advice@nwkent.cab.org.uk
• The Red Cross can offer a range of support and advice covering mental health issues, accessing essential items such as prescriptions and food, and advice about where to turn to for help. They may also be able to provide a Hardship Fund Cash Grant. Phone them on 0808 196 3651 from 10am to 6pm everyday. Visit their website for more information
• The Money Advice Service offers free and impartial money advice. You can call them on 0800 138 1677 from Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm.
• If you need to find a loan then Kent Savers provide information on fair loans and safe savings.
• Kent Support and Assistance Service (KSAS) provides short term help if you are having serious difficulties managing your income due to a crisis or if you are facing exceptional pressures because of an emergency. You can phone them on:03000 419292 or see more information on their home essential website pages.

Food and shopping

We've created a list of local businesses within our borough that are accepting orders for food and supplies.

Find out further information including details of the foodbanks and contact details.

Health and well-being

• Cruse Bereavement Care offer emotional support to anyone affected by bereavement. They have a free helpline you can call on: 0808 808 1677. They have a range of services online or you can email them helpline@cruse.org.uk
• Every Mind Matters provide mental support services from NHS specialists.
• Mental Health Matters have a 24/7 Helpline you can call on: 0800 107 0160
• Mind is a National Wide charity specialising in wellbeing advice and support. The North Kent Mind branch provide online and telephone services. You can call them on 01322 291380.
• Live Well Kent provide support services for mental health in the community. Phone on 0800 567 7966. Email: info@livewellkent.org.uk
• If you would like to discuss any further information on LWK services. Please contact Teresa Snowden teresasnowden@porchlight.org.uk or phone 07788383813
• Vita Minds - your local NHS talking therapies services you can call on: 0333 0153 495 or email: iapt.kentmedway@nhs.net
• Switchboard LGBT+ are a charity providing a safe space for anyone to discuss anything, including sexuality, gender identity, sexual health and emotional wellbeing. COVID-19 is having a significant impact on many LGBTQ+ people with family tensions during lockdown, new levels of isolation and domestic abuse being some of the issues that have been highlighted. The helpline is still open and taking calls on: 0300 330 0630
• The Grand - Healthy living centre located in Gravesend have a wide range of services online.
• The Silver Line are a telephone befriending service for the elderly. They can be phoned anytime on 0800 4 70 80 90
• Living Life to The Full (LLTTF) provide online cognitive behavioural therapy. They have free online courses covering low mood, stress and resilience.
• Young Minds provide children and adolescents mental health resources and support.
• Headspace is a mobile application providing meditation/ relaxation and sleep resources.
• Samaritans are a charity providing free mental health telephone support.
• Centre for Clinical Interventions (CCI) provide self help resources for mental health issues.

Drug and alcohol support services

• Change Grow Live provide advice on drugs and alcohol
• West Kent Drug and Alcohol Advice - Drugs and alcohol well-being services. Phone them on: Tel: 0330 128 1113

Mobile apps

We've put together a list of mobile phone applications which focus on managing stress, well-being, mental health and coping strategies.