GET SUPPORT, STAY WELL, STAY SAFE
COVID:19 Resources
On this page you will find specially selected links to useful information and resources on coronavirus for both individuals and organisations.
This page will be updated as often as possible!
Last Updated : 2 January 2022 *New #Updated
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FEATURED: THE MAJONZI FUND
This fund was created to provide bereavement and grief support to members of the BAME community affected by loss due to Covid-19.
Fund recipients are provided with a monetary grant to use towards memorial events and tributes to commemorate the lives of those lost in a way that is meaningful to them, and through grieving and bereavement resources in partnership with BAMEstream.
Helplines: Support & Befriending
(Barnardo’s)
Boloh is a service for Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic children, young people, parents or carers, affected by Covid-19? You can speak to them about your worries, problems and stresses during this time.
(Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice)
The coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic is likely to cause a lot of worry, stress and uncertainty for you. St Mary's provides free information and a support line.
(Bethel Health & Healing Network)
Rapha has been set up by Bethel Health and Healing Network so that local people can have somewhere to go where they can talk to someone in confidence about whatever is on their minds and be listened to.
If you’re feeling low, anxious, worried or in crisis. The helpline is able to support anyone living in Birmingham & Solihull and welcome calls from friends, family and neighbours who are concerned for others.
(Omega Group)
Provides a free, short-term telephone befriending programme designed to support those who are lonely and isolated due to their caring role, bereavement, age, or life-limiting and end of life challenges.
BAMEStream Bereavement Services *New
(The Black, African and Asian Therapy Network)
Therapeutic support in over 20 different languages that is committed to providing Covid-19 bereavement support to people from Black, Asian and other minority ethnic communities.
(Family Action)
Family pressures can sometimes be difficult to manage without emotional support and guidance to help. FamilyLine can assist you.
(Birmingham & Solihull CCG)
To help support those who feel isolated and are suffering as a result of a loss, a new bereavement helpline is available to people in Birmingham and Solihull, five days a week.
Worried about a female friend? Could she be struggling with lockdown? Contact Anawim if you think a loved one is distressed.
Personal & Wellbeing
This fund was created to provide bereavement and grief support to members of the BAME community affected by loss due to Covid-19. Fund recipients are provided with a monetary grant to use towards memorial events and tributes to commemorate the lives of those lost in a way that is meaningful to them, and through grieving and bereavement resources in partnership with BAMEstream.
Extra domestic violence support for LGBT+
(WM Police & Crime Commissioner)
People who have been abused in their own home will be more likely to get the support they need after the region’s Police & Crime Commissioner secured funding from the MoJ for new domestic abuse specialists.
COVID-19: Helping Young People Manage Low Mood and Depression
(Future Learn)
Explore practical ways to help young people manage their mood and maintain healthy habits during the coronavirus pandemic.
(Wellbeing Within)
Browse through the Wellbeing Hotel member resources for advice and support. You can filter by category using the option headings. Member plans .
Podcasts - Black Perspectives on Covid
(Red Earth Collective)
Over six episodes, broadcaster and journalist Nikki Tapper speaks to people living and working in Black Communities across the West Midlands to understand how Covid has affected their lives.
These podcasts were created by The Red Earth Collective with the support of Heart of England Foundation.
(Birmingham City Council)
BHealthy is a series of practical resources designed to enable leaders and professionals across the city, such as community leaders, social prescribing link workers and faith leaders, to support communities to reduce their risk of becoming seriously ill from Covid-19.
Looking after your mental health
(Every Mind Matters)
Having good mental health helps us relax more, achieve more and enjoy our lives more. We have expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing.
Others from this provider:
Covid-19: Pathways for accessing support services in Birmingham
(Birmingham Voluntary Services Council)
As a city Birmingham has responded brilliantly to the problems created by the coronavirus outbreak, with citizens, charities, faith groups, Birmingham City Council, the NHS and other services pulling together.
(West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner)
Police say #NoExcuseForAbuse as new campaign launched to prevent domestic violence.
Cranstoun Domestic Abuse Services
Committed to challenging domestic abuse in all its forms. Cranstoun deliver a range of interventions specifically targeted at supporting victims and survivors to safety as well as challenging perpetrators of abuse to take responsibility for their behaviour.
Coronavirus (FREE online courses)
(The Recovery College)
These free online courses have been developed for everyone to use, and was in response to the global Coronavirus pandemic.
Bethel Health & Healing Network
Services are still available to those in need!
Whilst Bethel are adhering to government guidelines, they are still working with those who are vulnerable and need support.
(AgeUK)
Coronavirus is a virus that affects your lungs and airways. Find out about the symptoms of coronavirus and the steps to take to stop it spreading.
(WM Police & Crime Commissioner)
The Ministry of Justice has announced £1.4m of funding will be made available to increase the availability and capacity of sexual violence support services to meet the specific needs of men and boys and respond to demand arising from the pandemic.
Whatever you're going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. They are available to talk 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
a charity providing a free employment law advice for employees and employers in Birmingham.
(CommonUnity)
It is important that all our communities are aware of the recommendations when it comes to wearing face mask. With the input of Healthy Brum (Public Health Birmingham) here is the most up to date information on wearing face masks in 12 different languages.
(Birmingham City Council)
COVID-19, and the various measures taken to manage the virus and protect us, continue to impact everyone here in Birmingham. It is now more important than ever to ensure residents stay up to date with the latest guidance and advice, which aims to keep us as safe as possible.
The CAB gives people the knowledge and confidence they need to find their way forward - whoever they are, and whatever their problem.
Synergi Stories: Covid-19 eJournal survey
(Synergi Collaborative Centre)
This survey aims to capture and document the narratives of ethnic minority people with lived experience of severe mental illness and their carers during the Coronavirus pandemic.
The consortium offers free health and wellbeing services which are provided by over 30 charities based across the West Midlands.
Birmingham Community Groups & Services
(West Midlands Combined Authority)
The West Midlands Combined Authority have put together a detailed directory and information about the organisations working across the Birmingham area to support its citizens during the pandemic.
Waiting Room Wellbeing Directory
(URBRUM)
A Common Unity & URBRUM resource, The Waiting Room (TWR), is the online information directory for health & wellbeing services and much more across Birmingham and Solihull. (Note: Enter 'Coronavirus' in the search option).
(BVSC & SCVO)
route2wellbeing Birmingham is the definitive guide to local voluntary and community health and care services in Birmingham, and makes it easy to find local services and activities that promote good health.
National Energy Action is the national charity seeking to end fuel poverty. They work across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, to ensure that everyone can afford to live in a warm, dry home.
British Gas Energy Trust, incorporating the Scottish Gas Energy Trust, is an independent charitable Trust. The Trust contributes to the relief of poverty, with a particular focus on fuel poverty.
Birmingham Council : Private tenant advice
The council works with landlords, agents and tenants to provide information and advice to tenants on a variety of subjects and encourage responsible renting, to promote a positive image of private renting.
NHS, GOV.UK + Other Information
Working safely during coronavirus
(UK Government)
These guides cover a range of different types of work. You may need to use more than one of these guides as you think through what you need to do to keep people safe. Social distancing review (pdf) >
Testing and tracing for coronavirus
(NHS England)
Information about testing for coronavirus and what to do if you are contacted by the NHS Test and Trace or any related service.
(NHS England)
Get all the up-to-date guidance and information on COVID-19 on how to protect yourself and others in the community or if you are showing symptoms.
( GoodSAM )
Through GoodSAM you have three ways of volunteering even if you are not medically qualified.
All three systems will help to provide local help in a wide variety of roles.
Coronavirus: Stay safe and prevent spread
(UK Government)
Full updates on the governments social distancing methods in place across the United Kingdom.
(Regit)
Cleaning your car is a fast, simple, low cost job that might minimise the spread of coronavirus and keep your loved ones safe.
Get a free COVID-19 PCR test *New
(UK Government)
If you have any of the common 3 coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms, even if they are mild, use this service to get a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test as soon as possible. Order a test kit for delivery or collection.
(Virgin Media)
With these handy apps and step-by-step guide, staying connected with friends, family and work colleagues
has never been easier!
(NHS England)
The NHS publish statistics on a range of health and care subjects. These statistics are used to inform debate, decision-making and research both within Government and by the wider community.
All Covid deaths are recorded against the date of death rather than the date the deaths were announced.
If you are looking for the latest travel information, and advice about the government response to the outbreak, go to the gov.uk website.
Personal Games & Quizzes
Let’s Get Crafty : family friendly education pack
(Black HeART)
Birmingham artist, Adlin Shorter , has put together a DIY education pack called ‘Lets Get Crafty’.
(Microsoft Office)
Connect with your children, family, or friends with a collection of free activities that everyone can enjoy.
FREE Home Learning for Students
( Microsoft Office )
From multiplication tables to science projects, this online collection of templates will help keep remote students interested and engaged.
(Jigsaw Events)
These activities have been produced mainly to be printed and posted to our members, who are people with a learning disability who live independently in the Sandwell area.
Some questions relate to our organisation, (Jigsaw Events) so you might need to change them for alternative questions.
If you see any typos etc. please let Jigsaw know. www.jigsawevents.org
Emergency Funding
Directory of small grants *New
(Heart of England Community Foundation)
The Heart of England Community Foundation understands the impact that the Covid-19 will have upon communities; personally, financially and their capacity to support their most vulnerable members.
Resilience funds: how to request from donors *New
(NAVCA)
Small and local charities in England and Wales helping people overcome complex social issues can now apply for two-year unrestricted grants of £50,000.
(Warwickshire CAVA)
If you require advice or support with funding your group or project please contact your local Warwickshire CAVA Funding and Group Development Officer.
(Ian McLintock)
The previous Charity Excellence funder list has been superseded by a much larger searchable database provided by the Charity Excellence Framework.
Register for FREE here > I Watch video here >
Community grants (short-term crisis)
(Birmingham City Council)
Community, voluntary and faith groups who are helping children, young people and families through the challenges of Covid-19 are invited to apply for grants of up to £10,000 to continue supporting families through this difficult period.
(The NE Trust)
The National Emergencies Trust has launched a massive fundraising appeal to help those most affected by the recent coronavirus outbreak. They have already given over £2.5m to front line charities.
Grants Online (Coronavirus) *New
(Grants Online)
A number of Community Foundations have launched funding programmes to assist local organisations in responding to the Coronavirus Pandemic.
Listing frequently updated.
NSUN Covid-19 Fund #Updated
(National Survivor User Network)
Where NSUN do not currently have any live grant programmes, they do advise that you check their webpage regularly for any updates.
CAF Funding Hub #Updated
(Charities Aid Foundation)
This Fund is to help smaller charitable organisations in the UK affected by the impact of Covid-19. Grants of up to £10,000 are available.
(Greggs Charitable Foundation)
Making funding available for emergency food parcels, hardship payments and other support to schools and community hubs.
(Neighbourly)
Note: Only open to current Neighbourly Members
Where Neighbourly do not currently have any live grant programmes, they do advise that you check their webpage regularly for any updates.
Charity Excellence fundraising page
(Charity Excellence Framework)
Easy fundraising ideas and resources, trust and foundation grants as well as free online funding finders and fundraising websites to help you secure charity funding and grants.
Crisis Fund for affected Families *New
(National Memorial Family Fund)
Open for applications for urgent needs of affected families in-between the standard grant rounds programme which is only open periodically.
Organisations Advice & Tips
Returning to the workplace: Risk assessment and approval process
(Birmingham City Council)
Before any buildings can reopen or services resume safely, the risks must be assessed and appropriate control measures identified.
Mental Health: Sport & Physical Activity+
(UK Coaching)
Mind and Sport England – have decided to continue to reduce the cost of this course by over 30% and so it is available at £12. Subscribers to the exclusive UK Coaching Club enjoy a 33% discount on the course.
SpareHand (volunteer matching)
(HireHand Co.)
SpareHand matches volunteers to the tasks that food banks and community groups are organising during the Coronavirus crisis. Volunteers receive tasks through a dedicated app, based on their location, availability and relevant skills.
Working From Home During COVID-19
(iThemes)
Many small businesses are being jolted into a new direction of doing business. Sometimes for the first time ever people are working from home. Forced to make critical changes just to keep afloat, and it seems like we can’t keep anything under control.
National Business Response Network
Business in the Community have launched the National Business Response Network to identify community needs across the UK and match them to the right business support.
Birmingham Voluntary Services Council
(Covid-19 Response)
Wolverhampton Voluntary Services Council
(COVID-19 Response)
Crowdfunder (FREE for charities)
The Crowdfunder Group has made fundraising on its platform free for charity and community groups during the coronavirus crisis.
More virtual charity fundraising ideas when you are stuck at home
(Fundraising UK)
The organisation shared over 20 ideas for fundraising for charity when you are stuck in lockdown at home. Since then they've come across even more inspiring creativity and plenty more ideas to share for your charity and its supporters.
Online guide to help charities talk about poverty
(Joseph Rowntree Foundation - JRT)
An online toolkit has been developed to help charities effectively communicate issues around poverty amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Financial resilience support for charities and social enterprises in Birmingham
(Birmingham Voluntary Services Council)
BVSC is offering free financial resilience support for charities and social enterprises, in Birmingham, with an annual turnover of less than 100k.
(The Lottery Community Fund)
This is a collection of material that grantholders may find useful in responding to the current crisis. As far as possible these are sourced from reputable, recognised VCS organisations.
A simple guide to help charities and community groups harness digital tools
(UpdateBrum)
A toolkit for grassroots community groups needing to move their work into the digital realm for the first time.
Make 'work from home' work for you
(Google)
Some useful tips from Laura Mae Martin, Executive Productivity Advisor at Google.
Use these 6 tips for better video calls
(Google)
get the best out of your video calling features by following the useful guides covered here.
e-Security vigilance during the COVID:19 crisis
(Avast Internet Security)
The coronavirus scare is posing other risks – some directly, others indirectly related to Covid-19. Consumers hell-bent on gathering the latest information about virus-protection techniques are warned about phishing scams that prey on their fears.
