Staying at home (self-isolating) can be difficult, but it’s important to stop coronavirus (COVID-19) spreading to other people.
We’ve pulled together lots of information and top tips to make it easier for you and your family to stay at home.
From help to shop online, to wellbeing advice and links to local organisations, you’ll find everything you need on this page.
Have you been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace?
If you are contacted by NHS Test and Trace and told to self-isolate, we may be able to help with practical support, making it easier for you to stay at home. Make sure you pass on your contact details so that our practical support team can discuss your needs and get you the support you require.
Click here for information on the practical and financial support for self-isolating
Other support and helplines
Foodbank Vouchers
If you are in receipt of a qualifying benefit or are struggling financially, you may be eligible for a foodbank voucher. Please call 01253 658658 for further guidance.
Click here to find out more about Fylde’s Foodbank
Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction
If you live in rented accommodation or your own home, you may be able to claim Housing or Council Tax Benefit.
More information and details about how to apply
Universal credit
If you are on a low or reduced income, we recommend you check with the DWP to see if you’re able to claim Universal Credit or any other benefit during this period.
More information and details how to apply
Help with shopping
Shop local
Many local bakers, butchers, chemists and more offer home deliveries. You should contact them directly to ask about availability and how to order.
Register an online account with your local supermarket
If you need to shop online and book a delivery slot, the process will be much quicker if you already have an account set up.
Click here for guidance on how to shop online
Support for shopping
Contact the NHS Volunteer Responders – support can be provided for shopping, picking up your prescriptions or for a regular friendly telephone call
Click here to access the NHS Volunteer Responders scheme
Wellbeing
Wellbeing is always important for everyone, but more so than ever at the moment. Self-isolation can be lonely and boring, and the information in the news and on social media can make you feel worried or fed-up.
Below is some useful information to help you stay busy and in touch with the world whilst isolating.
Stay connected with others
Maintaining healthy relationships with people you trust is important for your mental wellbeing.
Think about ways to stay in touch with friends and family if you or they must stay at home – by phone, messaging, video calls or social media.
You can also get in touch with one of the many organisations who offer a telephone friendship service, where you can enjoy chatting with someone over the phone from the comfort of your own home.
Talk about your worries
It’s normal to feel worried, scared or helpless about the current situation. Remember; it is OK to share your concerns with others you trust, and we would encourage you to do so. You may also find that sharing your concerns may help them too.
If you cannot speak to someone you know or if doing so has not helped, there are plenty of helplines you can try instead.
Look after your body
Physical health has a big impact on how we feel. It can be easy to fall into unhealthy patterns of behaviour that end up making you feel worse.
Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, drink enough water and exercise regularly. Avoid smoking, drugs or drinking too much alcohol.
If you are staying at home, you could try exercising indoors, with lots of free online classes. Or try an easy 10-minute home workout.
Carry on doing the things you enjoy
If you are feeling worried, anxious, lonely or low, you may stop doing things you usually enjoy.
Try to focus on your favourite hobby if it is something you can still do at home. Or start a new hobby; read, write, do crosswords or jigsaws, or try drawing and painting. Whatever it is, find something that works for you.
If you cannot think of anything you like doing, try learning something new at home. There are lots of free tutorials and courses online.
You can still stay social at home by joining others online; book clubs, pub quizzes and music concerts are just a few of the things to try.
Do not stay glued to the news
Try to limit the time you spend watching, reading or listening to coverage of the Covid-19, including on social media, and think about turning off breaking-news alerts on your phone.
You could set yourself a specific time to read updates or limit yourself to checking a couple of times a day.
Use trustworthy sources – such as GOV.uk or the NHS website – and fact-check information from the news, social media or other people.
Stay in the know
Keep up to date with the latest COVID guidance and Fylde Council services by following us on social media or subscribing to our newsletter. Any new information will be posted directly through these channels, so if you are following us, you’ll be the first to know.
