Belfast Health and Social Care Trust
As of Monday 30 March, Beech Hall Health and Wellbeing Centre will be re-designated as a COVID-19 assessment centre in the community. It is envisaged that the Trust and GPs will work to establish more of these centres as required across the city. All other services provided at Beech Hall will be temporarily stood down.
The centre will provide services for: * patients who have symptoms of COVID-19 and who are at higher risk of complications * those described at having moderate or severe symptoms and who require clinical assessment
It will be for those who do not meet the criteria for Emergency Department assessment or inpatient admission.
Attendance at the centre will be by appointment only. This will be done through triage over the telephone or Skype, or by referral from another Health and Social care practitioner. It will allow primary (GPs) and secondary care (Trust staff) to work together in a suitable clinical environment and plan what is best for the individual in terms of their treatment and any additional care they need.
The centre will initially be open from 8am to 10pm, Monday to Sunday. It will be staffed by both Health and Social Care Trust staff and General Practitioner colleagues.
Age NI Advice Service
If you, or an older person you know needs advice, information or practical support, contact the Age NI Advice and Advocacy Service to speak to a specialist advisor in confidence. Our advisors can provide advice and information including benefit checks to ensure that older people are accessing the benefits they are entitled to. Freephone 0808 808 7575 Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm including Bank Holidays
Face to face services now by phone or virtually.
In Belfast please contact Dementia Support workers directly by email: belfast@alzheimers.org.uk or call:
Catherine 07889 648793
Gemma 07713 780033 (Monday - Friday)
Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Connect Support Line is open 7 days per week 0333 150 3456, website www.alzheimers.org.uk which includes the online forum for carers called Talking Point
Alzheimer’s Society has also published a range of guides on staying safe, and activities at home:
Belfast Safer Homes
The Belfast Safer Home scheme has a limited service available to respond to requests for help. The service delivered by Bryson has the capacity to carry out jobs such as key lock fitting, clearing outdoor paths and delivering coal, medicines and food. Primarily for vulnerable adults and people aged over 65.
For more information contact Gillian McEvoy mcevoyg@belfastcity.gov.uk / Aoife McComiskey McComiskeyA@belfastcity.gov.uk / Claire O'Neill oneillc@belfastcity.gov.uk
Belfast Warm and Well
The Belfast Warm and Well Project aims to help local people struggling to keep their home warm this winter, by offering advice and practical support to stay warm and well.
If you are concerned that someone you know is vulnerable and finding it difficult to keep their home warm, ask them if they would like to speak with NEA and if they do, contact NEA on 028 9023 9909 or warmandwell@nea.org.uk
The Consumer Council has also developed a useful web page on key consumer issues which is updated on a regular basis. This can be accessed here.
East Belfast
For up to date support visit East Belfast Community Development Association (EBCDA) Ebulletin
Engage with Age
Engage with Age can help you on a one to one basis with the basics of getting set up, logging on and using programmes like Zoom or using the internet. Phone Cathy on 07468 695593 or Martin on 07856 926412.
Or follow the Engage with Age Facebook page for home exercise videos, recipes, activities, and more
Greater Shankill Community Support Helpline
HELPLINE #07925612870 which will be available 9am- 5pm Monday – Friday, and a Facebook page ‘Greater Shankill Community Support Helpline’ to receive messages. Callers across Gr Shankill will have their details taken and these will be referred to the relevant support.
A Greater Shankill Community Response Facebook page has also been established.
Good Morning North Belfast
Good Morning North Belfast is working in partnership with other community organisations in North & West Belfast. They are fully committed to continuing our valued and much needed service throughout the potential hard time ahead. If someone needs help with shopping, posting mail, getting urgent supplies or just a friendly phone call contact Good Morning North Belfast on 90719200 or Alternatives 90717077
North Belfast Senior Citizens Forum
We are providing a benefits advice service over the phone and will fill in forms if they are left for us Tel: 07815311783 or email nbscf1@gmail.com
CLARE is a community led voluntary organisation working within North Belfast that enables vulnerable adults and older people to maintain their independence and reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.Our volunteers and staff are providing assistance with food delivery, emotional support and practical support as appropriate. We are also taking phone calls and offering advice around other services Tel: 028 9077 4185 - Email: info@clare-cic.org
South Belfast
A wide range of support is available and being co-ordinated through Forward South. For an up-to-date list of support contact Clare Flynn from Forward South clare.flynn@forwardsouth.org Mobile: 07394 569 155
Good Morning West
Good Moring West Belfast offers call befriending support to those aged 60+. In partnership with other community providers assistance with prescription collection and signposting to other services is also available. Contact 028 9024 5943 ext 7 or MaryEllen.Campbell@ardmonagh.org
Good Morning Colin
Good Morning Colin is operating 7 days a week providing phone calls and shopping for older and vulnerable people it covers the Colin area, Greater Dunmurry, urban and rural Lisburn anyone wishing to avail of this service please contact Isabel Flood isabel@newcolin.com or 028 90627863
Volunteer Now are encouraging organisations to put their COVID-19 related roles onto the Be Collective platform (database for volunteer involving organisations and volunteers). These opportunities will be tagged as COVID-19 so that they are easy to search for. For further information please contact Jamie Greer Jamie.Greer@volunteernow.co.uk
Information Resources relating to Covid-19