Updates and useful links

Dorset HealthCare COVID-19 Equality Impact Analysis (EqIA)

The coronavirus has affected everyone across Dorset, particularly people with protected characteristics.
There is new evidence every day about the extent of this impact.
We are using this equality impact analysis to understand the possible impact of our decisions on people with protected characteristics and the wider community. We are updating the analysis continually to reflect emerging issues and developments.

Armed forces and veterans health and wellbeing support tool

A new platform called 'HeadFIT for Life' has been launched with online tools to help defence personnel to take a more proactive approach to their mental health and mental fitness.

What is HeadFIT and who is it for?

  • HeadFIT has been developed in partnership with The Royal Foundation's Heads Together campaign, the Ministry of Defence and King's College London
  • HeadFIT is a new online platform, which will provide the military with 24/7 access to self-help tools to help them manage the stresses of everyday life
  • The platform includes tools such as breathing exercises, body posture and relaxation techniques that have been designed for all defence personnel, whether they are new recruits, long-serving personnel, veterans, civilian staff or those in uniform. The techniques are designed so they can be easily integrated into their everyday lives.

Visit the website here for more information.

You can also read more here about the new service being launched by the Duke of Sussex on behalf of the MOD.

Looking out for each other

There are safe ways to provide essential support to vulnerable people who may be in isolation.

How you can help:

  • phone or keep in touch on social media
  • pick up food for others
  • pick up medicines.

Find out how to help others safely at gov.uk/safehelp

Support and advice helplines

Dorset and BCP councils have also set up special helplines for people that need help accessing vital food and household items during COVID-19. The helplines are intended for vulnerable people requiring vital items during the lockdown.

Contact Dorset Council on 01305 221 000 or at communityresponse@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole residents can receive vital support and advice from the Together We Can helpline.

The helpline can assist with deliveries of food, prescription collections and other essentials, as well as support for loneliness and wellbeing issues.

The number is 0300 123 7052 and the line is open 9am-5pm Monday to Friday. A voicemail service is available for anyone calling after 5pm and during the weekend, or you can use the online form.

Sign up for Government WhatsApp alerts

You can now sign up to a new, free service providing official, trustworthy and timely information and advice about coronavirus (COVID-19) via WhatsApp.

You’ll be able to get answers to the most common questions direct from Government by simply adding 07860 064422 in your phone contacts and then sending the word ‘hi’ in a WhatsApp message to get started.

A set of menu options will be provided and you can then select what information you’d like to be sent from guidance on GOV.UK pages.

This new service is hoping to reduce the burden on NHS services and help combat the spread of coronavirus misinformation in the UK.

Further information

gov.uk/coronavirus

nhs.uk/coronavirus.

You can also sign up for alerts on the Government site so that you know when new guidance has been added or updated.

Schools and education

Children in nursery, reception, year 1 and year 6 can return to school but schools remain closed for other year groups, except for children of key workers and vulnerable children. Childminders can return to work. More information and guidance on the government's education and childcare page.

Keep well

It’s really important you look after yourself and your community by following government advice. Here are some tips to help look after your mental and emotional wellbeing and some information on Smoking and COVID-19

Business protection

The Government has announced a range of measures to help to protect businesses including a £330 billion package of loans and guarantees, mortgage payment holidays and relaxing rules so pubs and restaurants can operate as takeaways. 

Support for vulnerable people

Together We Can is an initiative led by BCP Council, working in close partnership with many other public, private and voluntary sector organisations as well as community groups and residents who have offered to help and support the vulnerable people in our Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole communities to get through the coronavirus crisis. Find out more on the BCP Council website.

Dorset Council is working with public sector partners and charities to respond to the impact of the coronavirus outbreak. Communities and volunteering information is available here.

If you don’t have family, friends or a support network that can help you get the things you need, you can call 01305 221000, 8am to 8pm, seven days a week to get specific help and advice. Alternatively, you can email communityresponse@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.

For free, independent and confidential advice, visit the Dorset Council section of the Help and Kindness website.

For further information, always use trusted sources including gov.uk/coronavirus and nhs.uk/coronavirus.

You can also sign up for alerts on the government site so that you know when new guidance has been added or updated.

COVID-19 (coronavirus)