The Coronavirus (COVID-19) is changing how we all live, work, & interact. It is important that we respond, both as individuals, and as a party.
How can I, or someone I know, get support locally?
You can contact Sefton Council on 0345 140 0845 or fill in their online form ( https://forms.sefton.gov.uk/covid19referral/ ) to ask for the support you need, and to get advice on where else you may be able to access information and help.
You can find out more here: https://www.sefton.gov.uk/miscellaneous-pages/support-during-covid-19.aspx
Sefton residents in need may also be able to access hardship funds – please contact the council, or see: https://www.sefton.gov.uk/advice-benefits/discretionary-housing-payment-and-exceptional-hardship-fund-policy-statement.aspx
Please also keep an eye on the gov.uk website for new announcements & policy changes which may apply to you: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
You can also refer to the National Health Service information & advice site: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
It’s also important to consider the effects of the pandemic, lock-downs, and isolation on mental health. You can find more information and advice on MIND’s site: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus/
How are the Liberal Democrats responding?
It’s important that you know we are here for you.
You can email us via communityaction@seftonlibdems.uk, if you think we can be of assistance, & we’ll do our best. Our local party members group on Facebook is also here, for members or supporters who need to reach out. Please DO NOT use these in an emergency.
Our excellent Liberal Democrat councillors in Southport, and candidates & members across Sefton are continuing to work hard to ensure the council is responding to this crisis, and that local people are supported throughout.
Nationally, the party continues to hold the government to account, fighting to secure our civil liberties, better protection for health & social care workers, and greater support for us all e.g. Lib Dem pressure led to the chancellor increasing the financial safety net for the self-employed.
The Liberal Democrats have also launched a nationwide Community Action campaign, mobilising over 100,000 members & supporters. You can find more details on the national website, alongside vital health & hygiene advice, and information about ways you can help the most vulnerable:
https://www.libdems.org.uk/coronavirus
Follow us on twitter & facebook to keep up with our community action campaign & Coronavirus response.
How can I help my community [safely] during the Coronavirus crisis?
Firstly: look after yourselves, your families, & your neighbours. It is important not to take unnecessary risks, or take on too much.
The best thing you can do is follow the NHS advice to maintain physical distance, and limit the spread of the virus.
#StayHomeSaveLives.
If you can safely volunteer to help in the community, there are now a number of ways you can help:
- If you would like to volunteer in Sefton, please visit https://volunteeringsefton.org.uk/ – who are coordinating the response locally.
- You can become an NHS Volunteer Responder here: https://www.goodsamapp.org/nhs
You can find more information about volunteering, and links to national volunteering organisations here: https://www.ncvo.org.uk/ncvo-volunteering/i-want-to-volunteer/volunteering-coronavirus
If you cannot formally commit to volunteering, local facebook groups have been set up for providing ad-hoc support Please note, while some of these groups are undoubtedly very active, and very effective – please use your discretion – we cannot vouch for them. It is also just as important to follow safety advice.
Foodbanks are also under a lot of pressure – and will need both supplies and volunteers.
- The South Sefton Foodbank can be found here: https://southsefton.foodbank.org.uk/
- The Southport Foodbank can be found here:
https://southport.foodbank.org.uk/ - You can also find more information, e.g. what to donate, and where on the Sefton Council website: https://www.sefton.gov.uk/foodbank
If you have other ideas about how you / we can help locally, or would like more information, please email communityaction@seftonlibdems.uk.
Take care & stay safe – from all at SC&B Liberal Democrats.
See Also:
The Liberal Democrat response to coronavirus
It is vital that we pull together as a country during this difficult period.