Welcome
Sid Valley Help is a local charity that
provides information on health and
social care support services in the
Sid Valley - see the Information page
or contact us. During the coronavirus
outbreak we are working with
Sidmouth Town Council and other
local organisations to provide
information and operate a Community
Volunteer scheme. If you need help,
for example for shopping or collecting
a prescription, or you want to
volunteer please contact us.
Phone: 01395 892 011
text: 07378 964521
Telephone Shopping and Home Delivery leaflet 10 May 2020
The leaflet has been produced by Sid Valley Help for residents who cannot shop online.
It lists local shops and businesses who have told us they are willing to accept orders by telephone and to arrange delivery. It can be downloaded HERE. To request a printed copy to be posted to you please phone or email and tell us your name and address. Note that many local shops and businesses have closed temporarily at present.
GP practices, pharmacies and A&E departments open 7 May 2020
GP practices and A&E departments in Devon remain open during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. So, if you need to see your GP, for something like back pain, arthritis or asthma, do contact your practice via their website or by phone. Your consultation may be via phone, video or in person.
If you or someone you know has a life-threatening injury or illness, such as severe chest pain, bleeding, loss of consciousness or signs of a stroke, you should call 999 or go to your nearest accident and emergency department without delay.
SIDMOUTH HERALD - Community Support Information 25 April 2020
An article listing local volunteer support networks, shops and restaurants that deliver, and useful contacts can be seen HERE
TALKWORKS - an NHS service 24 April 2020
At TALKWORKS we’re here to help you feel better about life, and to help you feel like yourself again. Our service is for people aged 18+. Whether you’re dealing with an overwhelming life event, feeling like you’re stuck in a rut that you can’t get out of, having sleepless nights or living with a long term health condition that leaves you struggling to cope, we are here to help.
We know it’s not easy to seek help, and that sometimes it can feel difficult to pick up the phone to speak to someone or to arrange an appointment to talk to your GP. If you prefer not to speak to someone, you can simply self-refer online.
Please be assured that accessing TALKWORKS is simple and easy. We have short waiting times for you to be seen for your first appointment, and a range of approaches and talking therapies for you to try, to see what works best for you. The website is HERE or call 0300 555 3344.
Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust
Many hospital procedures, operations and clinics are continuing to take place. You should attend your appointment unless you are self-isolating due to coronavirus or have been contacted by the hospital. If you are unsure, contact the number on your referral letter.
If you, or someone you know, has a life-threatening injury or illness, call 999 or go to A&E
Looking after your mental health 18 April 2020
Having good mental health helps us relax more, achieve more and enjoy our lives more. The NHS website Every Mind Matters has expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing.
Sid Valley Help is supporting people who are lonely with regular telephone conversations. Some of our volunteers have previous experience as counsellors or with end of life, bereavement or dementia support and we are deploying them as required. However we know that many lonely people are reluctant to ask for support so if you know someone who might find befriending helpful please encourage them to contact us.
Other support on mental health is available through the links on our website at
www.sidvalleyhelp.co.uk/mental-health-support.
Children and young people with mental health issues are being supported by the Sidmouth school and college pastoral care teams. Parents, children and students who feel they need support or advice can contact either Tracey Tipton on 07540 668 525 (primary age) or Carole Clark 07495 540 415 (college age - see resources at www.sidmouthcollege.devon.sch.uk/coronavirus-covid-19.html)
Young Devon (www.youngdevon.org 08082 810155) has produced a good wellbeing toolkit with tips, tricks and techniques for maintaining positive mental health during lockdown and beyond. It has advice for parents if children feel anxious about coronavirus. A PDF copy can be downloaded HERE.
Older news items
Many news items that were posted on this page more than a week ago have been copied to another page and can be found HERE
