Across Fife local people are involved in supporting others. Cllr. Linda Erskine is on the front-line and says Fife Council will continue to put resources in to support activity that helps get food and support to those most in need.
Fife Council Help
Covid19 is affecting a lot of people physically, mentally and financially.
Whether you are self-isolating through the Test and Protect system, or maybe just struggling in general due to the situation, Fife Council can help you.
They can help if you are:
- Needing help with food/shopping
- Struggling to pay your gas/electricity bills
- Unable to collect medication
- Having difficulty paying for a funeral
- Needing Welfare support (help with applying for Universal Credit or other benefits, managing deductions from benefits, support in applying for a Scottish Welfare Fund crisis grant or other financial help)
- Having other financial difficulties (paying council tax, rent, household bills)
- Feeling socially isolated
- Unable to get out and need your dog walked
- Having issues with digital connectivity
- having difficulty isolating due to the Test & Protect programme
You can apply for Coronavirus Community Assistance online yourself or on behalf of someone else. Fife Council will try to process your request within 24 hours or next working day.
Also as not everyone can get online, if you, or someone you know, is struggling, call the free Fife Covid Community Helpline, open Monday to Friday, 9 to 5pm. The helpline will remain open even now shielding has paused.
Covid Community Helpline – 0800 952 0330
Want to help out in your local area? Simple things can make a huge difference:
- Check in on vulnerable family, friends and neighbours.
- If you know someone who is self-isolating, call or text them to check if they’re OK.
- Be mindful of your comments and actions, so as not to cause undue concern or anxiety within your neighbourhood. If you hear misinformation, challenge it.
- Be respectful of anyone you know who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 as it’s likely to be an anxious time for them. Due to patient confidentiality their details will not be publicly confirmed, so please do what you can to respect and protect their privacy, and do not speculate on social media.
- In line with public health advice, any deliveries of groceries, medications or other shopping for people who are self-isolating should be left at the door so they can avoid visitors.
- The Association of British Insurers has confirmed that if you are using your own car for voluntary purposes to transport medicines or groceries to support others who are impacted by Covid-19, your cover will not be affected. You do not need to contact your insurer to update your documents or extend your cover.
Further help is available from a number of organisations including:
The Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH)
Young Scot’s Aye Feel website specifically for children and young people to find out how to support and look after their emotional wellbeing and mental health
Or you can always get in touch with my office, and we will do all we can to help.
