Useful Coronavirus information

Written by Hayley

The amount of information about Coronavirus and how to get support can be overwhelming. We've tried to summarise some of the best sources of information here.

The Wakefield District Sight Aid team is all currently working from home. We are accessing messages left on our main number regularly during our usual opening hours (09.30 - 13.30 Monday - Thursday) so you can still reach us by phone or by email in the usual manner. Please check this page regularly as we will seek to update it as often as we can.

Wakefield Council's Coronavirus information page can be found here: https://www.wakefield.gov.uk/about-the-council/coronavirus-information. Wakefield Council are hosting a Covid 19 Response Helpline for people who need additional support. Anyone worried about themselves or someone else, who does not have an existing support network of friends, family or neighbours can call Wakefield Council's dedicated phone line 0345 8 506 506 between 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday. Choose option 3 to make a request for support and help will be arranged.

There is a network of Covid-19 Community Hubs operating across the District who can provide support for people in need. Please check the Nova Wakefield website for a list of current Community Hubs (note this information is being updated often so do check back regularly): https://www.nova-wd.org.uk/news/2020/03/25/covid-19-community-hubs/

Healthwatch Wakefield have put together a helpful PDF document containing information on local Coronavirus support which you can access here.

Wakefield's Eye Clinic Liaison Officers (ECLOs) are still working, albeit from home. Our colleagues Elaine Kee and Moira Horsfield who are usually based at Pinderfields and Pontefract Hospitals may be contacted either by email at moira.horfield@rnib.org.uk elaine.kee@rnib.org.uk and by phone on Elaine Kee 07834390659 Moira Horsfield 07540677014.

RNIB’s Helpline is still operational and may be accessed by telephoning 0303 123 9999 (8 am - 8 pm weekdays, and 9 am - 1 pm on Saturdays) and by email at helpline@rnib.org.uk.

The Research Institite for Disabled Consumers has compiled a useful list of links and online resources, including the latest Government advice, registering yourself for help with care or essential supplies, and guidance from other charities including the Sight Advice website: https://www.ridc.org.uk/news/coronavirus-useful-links