AFRICA HOUSE (NI) COVID-19 SIGNPOSTING RESPONSE

Belfast City Council COVID-19 Helpline

For people whose first language is not English, we are using the Big Word translation service. How to contact the helpline - freephone number 0800 587 4695. The helpline is open from 9am - 5pm. You can also email covid19@belfastcity.gov.uk Further information can be found here: http://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/community/Healthandwellbeing/COVID-19-Belfast-Community-Helpline.aspx

Covid 19 Community Support Fund

Aims to offer community organisations emergency funding to deal with emerging issues, affecting Housing Executive communities, as a result of the continuing threat of Covid-19. Awards of up to a maximum of £1500 will be considered for those groups supporting vulnerable people/families within NI. The Housing Executive legal remit does not extend to financial support for the purchase of foods or utility costs, therefore awards cannot be made on this basis. The fund will help provide emergency support to those within our communities who have been affected or likely to be affected as a result of the Covid-19 to: Provide support and assistance to those considered vulnerable within our communities. Assist those most vulnerable within our communities stay connected. Reduce isolation

For more information please contact CovidCommunitySupport@nihe.gov.uk

Online food delivery

If you have been advised by your GP to shield (avoid all face-to-face contact for 12 weeks) because you have a medical condition which makes you extremely vulnerable to Coronavirus (COVID-19) you can register for support with securing an online shopping delivery from one of the large supermarkets. https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/register-priority-online-food-delivery

Covid-19 Response for Refugee & Asylum Community food bank provision 

The Refugee and Asylum sector are collaborating to coordinate responses in an attempt to avoid duplication and maximise limited resources. This response will work with SB Food bank and Storehouse under their existing criteria but will seek to access a wider range of providers as it becomes clearer what sustainable local initiatives are able to offer. We are aware that over time it may become difficult to access adequate food supplies via food banks and are exploring a range of other options. Please see attached leaflets in a range of languages - should you wish to refer: Contact: 078 7852 5870 phone, text or crracni@gmail.com

Updates from African Media/Papers on COVID-19

Access thousands of newspapers every day, along with 90 days of back issues from national, provincial, and global leading publications. Over 100 countries in 60 languages provide must-have newspapers, and with a press of a button, you can translate your favourites from their original language into more than 16 languages. Go to Libraries NI home page https://www.librariesni.org.uk/Pages/default.aspx 

COIVD-19 and Africa Daily Updates

Check what is happening in all African countries by visiting: https://www.afro.who.int/

and https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-4a11d568-2716-41cf-a15e-7d15079548bc