Community help
New Vision Homes - If you are in need of support and friends and family are unable to help you our Housing Team may be able to assist or we can put you in touch with various groups and organisations that may be able to help.
To speak to our Housing Team phone 0300 373 0373 option 4 or email us at enquiries@nvhwoking.co.uk
Woking Borough Council The Civic Offices remain closed to the public but the Council continues to deliver services to the community. Help, advice and service updates on things such as local services, health and wellbeing, coronavirus testing and the latest government advice can be found on their web pages at:
https://www.woking.gov.uk/coronavirus
You can also keep up to date with Council activities by signing up for their enewsletter at:
https://www.woking.gov.uk/coronavirus-information/enewsletter
Surrey County Council have also been running a community helpline throughout the pandemic and they can offer further help and support
Surrey County Council Community Helpline number: 0300 200 1008
Availability: Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm SMS: 0786 0053 465 for Deaf and hearing impaired residents only (Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm)
Financial Support – Important Information
If you are struggling financially, you can access help from a range of services
New Vision Homes tenants - If you are having problems making your rent payments please speak to our Income Recovery Team on 0300 373 0373 option 3
You can also find a list of grants via our website at https://www.nvhwoking.co.uk/coronavirus-financial-help
Other options for finding financial help and advice can be found at:
Surrey Crisis Fund This is a discretionary fund run by Surrey County Council providing financial help to Surrey residents who have nowhere else to turn in an emergency or after a disaster.
https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/people-and-community/surrey-crisis-fund
Benefits If you require information regarding claiming benefits during this time please visit the webpages at the Department of Work Pensions:
https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/employment-and-benefits-support/
Universal Credit helpline You can apply for Universal Credit on this link: www.gov.uk/how-to-claim-universal-credit
You can also call the Universal Credit helpline to get help making your claim online or if you need help applying for an advance payment.
Telephone 0800328 5644 or Textphone 0800 328 1344 (open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm).
Surrey Welfare Rights Unit (SWRU) website contains up to date information about benefits available. There is also guidance for the self-employed. https://www.swru.org/covid-19-updates/
Job centres remain open and will continue to support people who are not able to use phones and online
Advice about how to access benefits and job centre appointments can be found on the government web pages at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/coronavirus-support-for-employees-benefit-claimants-and-businesses
Citizens Advice Service can help with enquiries about benefits and financial support. Their service is now completely online and has a wide range of help and support via the web page:
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/health/coronavirus-what-it-means-for-you/
Council Tax help can be claimed via calling: 01483 755 855 or visitng www.woking.gov.uk/counciltax
Health and wellbeing
Many of us are finding long periods of time at home and in isolation very difficult there are a number of resources available to those that are struggling:
Ten top tips from the NHS on keeping in good mental health whilst staying at home during the pandemic
https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/coronavirus-covid-19-staying-at-home-tips/
NHS Volunteers Service can also provide a telephone ‘check in and chat’ for if you have mental health issues and are feeling isolated. Call 0808 196 3646 (8am to 8pm) or visit their web site to see if you qualify for help https://nhsvolunteerresponders.org.uk/services
Mind.org.uk All of us are worried about coronavirus (COVID-19) and how it will affect us and those we love. Mind are there to support you and to make sure everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect. To find information, help and support visit their web pages at: https://www.mind.org.uk/coronavirus-we-are-here-for-you/
NHS Get the latest NHS information and advice about coronavirus (COVID-19) including, checking for symptoms, testing and tracing, self-isolation and treating symptoms, social distancing and people and higher risk:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
Finally, if you think you have symptoms, get a test for coronavirus:
Call NHS 119 or visit https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test