help and support

Older people’s services

Carers Support East Kent
CSEK are operational and the Hub team is still offering information and guidance and assessment for Carers.
Open Mon, Weds and Fri 8:30am–6pm
Tues and Thurs 9am–5pm
0300 302 0178
Silverline Befriending Service
Helpline and friendship service for people aged 55 – 24 Hour befriending service.
Free, confidential service to share worries and fears.
0800 470 80 90
Age UK
Advice line
0800 169 6565
CROP
(Citizens Rights for Older People)
Charity that aims to leave an older person stronger and more able to cope. Not every older person is familiar with modern technology so can often benefit from some help and guidance to sort out their problems
01622 851 200
http://www.cropkent.org.uk
Bright Shadow
Support for people with dementia and their families
01227 467 272
zest@brightshadow.org.uk
Dementia Connect Support Line
Hosted by Alzheimer’s Society Information, advice and support for people living with dementia and their families.
0333 150 3456
Open:
Mon-Weds: 9am-10pm
Thurs-Fri: 9am-5pm
Sat-Sun: 10am-3pm
Kent Dementia Helpline
Practical and emotional support
0800 500 3014
Cinnamon Trust
Dog-walking
For help with dog-walking for elderly isolated people.
01736 757 900
http://www.cinnamon.org.uk

Benefits, Jobs & Debt

Citizens Advice Bureau
For help 03448 487978
General enquiries 01304 374333
For debt enquiries 01304 202442
For Universal Credit enquiries 01304 202030
ALL 9.30am – 4.30pm
doverdealadvice.co.uk
Family Lives
Charity supporting vulnerable and lower-income families
Free helpline
0808 800 2222
askus@familylives.org.uk
Job Centre (DWP)
For DWP advice call this number.
01304 866190
Money Advice Service
For advice regarding finances and debt
0300 500 5000
http://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk
National Debt Line
Advice hub for money worries
0808 808 4000
http://www.nationaldebtline.org
Step Change
Free debt advice online or over the phone
0800 138 1111
http://www.stepchange.org
Christians Against Poverty
Debt help
0800 3280006
http://www.capdebthelp.org
info@capuk.org

Utility Bill Debts

British Gas Energy Trust
For advice and help with utility debts
01733 421021
http://www.britishgasenergytrust.org.uk
Scottish Power
Hardship fund for customers having difficulties paying their bills due to low income or other circumstances.
Eligibility check and referral for access is needed online or over the phone via National Debtline and/or Social Enterprise Direct (SED) National Debtline
0808 169 8780
Lines open Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm, Saturday 9.30am to 1pm
http://www.SEDhardship.fund
0808 800 0128
Lines open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 8pm and Saturday 10am to 2pm.
Ovo hardship grants
Help for OVO Energy customers to clear/pay off any debt on their OVO Energy account. Applicants must have run up a debt on their gas or electricity account of at least £150, have an annual household income of £16,190 or less and have a valid reason affecting your ability to pay. Online access only.
E.on
For existing or previous E.on customers to help with bills or household items. Priority will be given to those who have already received debt advice.
https://www.eonenergyfund.com/
03303 80 10 90.
Mon-Fri 9-5pm
Npower Energy Fund
For current domestic customers.
http://www.npowerenergyfund@lets-talk.online
01733 421 021
Pre-pay meters
For those on electricity or gas pre-pay meters for remote top-ups
0330 100 0303
Southern Water
For information about water supply during current situation.
https://www.southernwater.co.uk/covid-19
Emergencies only – please telephone us on 0330 303 0368
Priority Services Register (for customers of utility companies including Affinity and Southern Water)
For help in a utility emergency. Sign up for free. For those with chronic illness, have medical support at home, refrigerated medication, dementia, a disability, pensionable age, children under 5, suffering a bereavement.
southeastwater.co.uk/priority

Health and Wellbeing

NHS One You
Health support for weight loss, giving up smoking and general lifestyle information
0300 123 1220
oneyou.kent@nhs.net
Forward Trust
Substance abuse (drugs)
Dover and Folkestone area substance misuse services.
Dover office is still open 10am-4pm for any service users who need support. They are seeing people through the hatch for needle exchange services and Naloxone dispensing.
New clients can be offered expert telephone advice and consultation including harm-reduction advice.
24-hour number
0300 1231186
http://www.forwardtrust.org.uk
Kent & Medway NHS Mental Health
Available online and over the phone.
Support regarding mental health if not sure what help is needed.
0300 222 0123
Livewellkent.org.uk
Single Point of Access
0300 123 4496
KCC
New text service for immediate mental health support. 24/7 service provided by Shout and the Crisis Text Line.
Text the word KENT to 85258
SpeakUp CIC
Providing a full mental health support service, including virtual group sessions, one-to-one support and advice. admin@speakupcic.co.uk
Maggie on 07958 242834
Kay on 07543 977670
David on 07907 803031
East Kent Mind
Mental health support https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/
info@eastkentmind.org.uk
07950 608827
South Kent Mind
Provides a wellbeing programme
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/
01303 250090
http://www.southkentmind.org.uk
Release the Pressure
24-hour helpline or online for free confidential support at any time.
Text the word Kent to 8525
0800 107 0160
https://www.kent.gov.uk/social-care-and-health/health/release-the-pressure
Talk It Out
Talk It Out is a social support self-funded group founded 9 years ago for adults aged 18+ with mental health problems and their carer’s.
We also offer online support with our confidential Facebook support page and online counselling.
07923096273
talkitout1962@gmail.com
Facebook: TalkItOutKent
Take Off
Take Off Peer Groups
Remote peer group Sessions
and some one-to-one support slots via Zoom
Attendees should email or submit request via website contact page
01227 788 211
Zoom@takeoff.works
http://www.takeoff.works/contact-us/
Safe Havens
Friendly support available to anyone over the age of 16 across Kent and Medway. Available between 6pm – 11pm and 365 days a year. http://www.kmpt.nhs.uk/safehavenskentmedway
NHS Kent & Medway
If you are known to KMPT or need urgent mental health support, advice and guidance call the 24 hour helpline.
0300 222 0123
NHS Talking Therapies
Sometimes it takes more than one conversation to make a difference. You can access a range of NHS therapies from the website. http://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-psychological-therapies-service

Live Well Kent
Still accepting referrals – if you need support or need to refer someone you can call the referral line or email.
Free service for anyone over 17
0800 567 7699
info@livewellkent.org.uk
livewellkent.org.uk/
Aspirations
Free service for unemployed people aged over 25 living in Kent who feel their mental health is holding them back.
0333 880 2730
Mental Health Matters
24/7 helpline providing emotional support, advice and guidance.
0800 107 0160
Samaritans
24/7 free helpline
Dedicated to reducing feelings of isolation. A safe place to talk to trained counsellors about whatever is troubling you.
116 123
SANEline
SANE provides emotional support, guidance and information to anyone affected by mental inllness, including families, friends and carers.
Call and leave a message with your name and number on:
07984 967 708
Someone will call back as soon as practicable.
support@sane.org.uk
CALM
(Campaign Against Living Miserably)
Support line for men
Helpline 5pm – midnight
365 days a year
Webchat also available via website
0800 585858
https://www.thecalmzone.net
No Panic
10am–10pm every day
Helping break the chains of anxiety disorders
0844 967 4848
info@nopanic.org.uk
Combat Stress
24-hour helpline
Mental health support for veterans and their families
0800 138 1619
combatstress.org.uk
Dads Unlimited
Provides practical advice, support and guidance for dads going through emotional issues around separation, divorce and access to children. 1:1 support is being provided virtually
http://www.dadsunltd.org.uk
01233 680150
Cruse
Bereavement counselling
https://www.cruse.org.uk/
KCC
Resources to support families to cope with bereavement and grief.
http://www.kent.gov.uk/wellbeingfamilies
Dover Counselling Services
NHS adult psychological therapy services
Call to self-refer and they will assess eligibility.
01304 204123
https://dovercc.org.uk/
Befriending
Phone a Community Friend
A free phone call service – an opportunity to chat to like-minded local people. Need to go online and complete an easy form and someone will be in touch within 24 hours.
(Organised by Kent Equality Cohesion Council and Cohesion Plus)
http://www.kentecc.org.uk/phone-a-community-friend/
Camerados
Tackling loneliness and supporting mental health.
http://www.camerados.org/when-hugs-are-banned/
Kent Coast Volunteering Good Neighbours Service
Currently a free service over the phone, this may be charged in the future.
https://kcv.org.uk/need-a-befriender/
phone us on 01843 609 335
or email at dovergns@kcv.org.uk

Carer support and special needs

The Family Fund
Grants to help low-income families with seriously ill or disabled children with the cost of equipment, goods or services. E.g. domestic appliances; sensory or educational equipment that they might not otherwise be able to afford
For further information and to apply for a grant visit:
http://www.familyfund.org.uk
01904 550055
Carers Support UK
Advice for carers from Carers Support UK can be found on the Carers UK Website https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/health/looking-after-your-health/coronavirus-covid-19
DISK (Disability Information Services Kent)
Free confidential specialist information for people with a disability, older people and carers
07743 177581
Look Ahead
Support for learning disabilities, mental health, homelessness and young people
CherylRisley@lookahead.org.uk
ClareVale@lookahead.org.uk johnpender@lookahead.org.uk
East Kent Mencap
Free E books to support people with learning difficulties
http://www.eastkentmencap.co.uk
https://booksbeyondwords.co.uk
Carers Support East Kent
Information and guidance and assessment for carers.
0300 302 0178
Open:
Open Mon, Weds and Fri 8:30am–6pm
Tues and Thurs 9am–5pm
Help To Care App
Help to Care, an innovative new mobile phone app, has been launched to support people who care for others
Download the app in the usual way through the Apple App Store on Google Play. Search for Help to Care
Intensive outreach community support for people with a learning disability. Provide support, advice and consultation to care providers, supported living, families and KCC colleagues & KMPT mental health service i.e. SPOA & crisis team for adults with a learning disability in Kent
Kentchft.SKCTLDvirtualteam@nhs.net
Penny Clark – 07760164704
Once contact is made the Community Matron will collate further information regarding need and either provide on the spot support/ advice or allocate to another nurse.
KCC Autistic Spectrum Conditions Team
The Social Care Team at KCC that specialises in supporting adults who have an Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC)
03000 418100
SensoryandAutism@kent.gov.uk
Kent Autistic Trust
Provide personalised and specific support for people with autism
01634 405168
http://www.kentautistic.com

Emergency health and patient transport

(NHS) 111
If you think you need urgent dental treatment.
Call your Dentist
Call Kent Emergency Dental support on 0300 123 4412
Use the NHS 111 online service if you cannot contact your dentist Patient Transport Services
Can be offered up to 48 hours in advance of appointments. Subject to availability.
0800 096 0211
24 hours a day freephone.
Kent Coast Volunteering Transport
£20 per year (membership fee)
Then 45p per mile and a £2.00 admin fee for each trip.
To discuss further please call or email:
01304 380513
transportddh@kcv.org.uk

Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse can be physical, emotional, or harassment or threats. It could be financial control, stalking, inappropriate sexual behaviour or shouting at you in front of the children.
If you are a victim of domestic abuse or know someone that needs help or advice please call the 24 hr Domestic Violence Helpline on 0844 8044999 or the domestic violence office at Kent Police on 01303 289074 (office hours only).
Freedom programme
The Freedom Programme is a safe group which offers women an insight in to the abusive and controlling relationships and their effect upon the family. It is a free 2 hour, weekly session, run over 12 weeks.
It is open to any woman who has experiences or is experiencing domestic abuse. For many women the abuse may have occurred many years ago but its effects still negatively influences their lives
There are a limited number of free crèche places
To find out more please call 01304 872165 or 07815 429755 or email kayleigh.jones@dover.gov.uk.
Domestic abuse services
If you or your family are in immediate danger don’t be afraid to call the police on 999. Otherwise please contact Kent Police on the non-emergency telephone number 101 or visit your local police station to speak with an officer in confidence.
Alternatively, you can contact the freephone 24 hour National Domestic Violence Helpline run in partnership between Women’s Aid and Refuge on 0808 2000 247 or the Mens’ Advice Line on 0808 801 0327.
Immediate danger call Police on 999
In a non-emergency call 101 or visit a Police Station.
Domestic abuse one stop shop
The domestic abuse one stop shop is funded by the Dover District Community Safety Partnership and is held at the Buckland and Whitfield Children’s Centre, at St Nicholas Church, The Linces, at Buckland.
At the one stop shop there is support for those experiencing domestic abuse. Free and confidential advice and information is available from different agencies, all under one roof.
Other support
Oasis Helpline (Kent and Medway): 07926 842183 – Monday to Friday 9am-5pm (there is an answerphone outside of these hours) National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 – 24 hour Freephone helpline)
Men’s Advice Line: 0808 801 0327 – 24 hour Freephone helpline
Galop’s National LGBT Domestic Violence Helpline: 0800 999 5428
Rising Sun Domestic Violence and Abuse Service: 01227 452852 – Monday to Friday 9am–4.30pm
Victim Support: Freephone 0808 16 89 111 – Monday to Friday 8pm-8am and 24 hours on the weekend
Rights of Women
Hidden Hurt: Women who have moved to the UK and suffering from domestic abuse
Refuge.org.uk: Help for sufferers and information and advice for friends and family

GENERAL SUPPORT AND ADVICE

KCC Kent Together
For those who are vulnerable and have an urgent need that cannot be met through existing support networks.
This is also the place to report any concerns about the welfare of someone else.
03000 41 92 92
24 hr helpline
http://www.kent.gov.uk/kenttogether
KCC Adult Social Care
contact Centre
Any enquiries regarding adult social care
03000 416 161 – weekdays
03000 419 191 – out of hours
KCC Emergency Safeguarding
Concerns about an adult
Concerns about a child
Out of hours call
03000 416161
03000 411111
03000 419191
Home-Start
Home-Start Dover District supports families with at least 1 child under 11 where there are parental mental health issues and children’s emotional health and well being issues.
01304 242314
home-startdoverdistrict.org.uk
Cafcass
Free online resource for separated families to help them maintain co-parenting arrangements during this time http://www.cafcass.clickrelationships.org.uk
innovations@cafcass.gov.uk
Help for Heroes
Helping wounded veterans and their families
0300 303 9888
Kent Association for the Blind
Support for blind or partially sighted people
01622 691357
http://www.kab.org.uk
Be You
Virtual LGBTQ+ Groups: safe spaces for anyone who thinks they might be LGBT+
07966 368250

Community Safety

Trading Standards
SCAMS
For info and advice about scams
http://www.nationaltradingstandards.uk/news/beware-of-covid19-scams/
Victim Support
Callers are asked to leave a message and a team member will call them back.
If it’s not safe to talk, Live Chat is available from 9am-5pm Monday to Friday
0808 168-9276
0808 168 -9111
Phone line operational
8am-8pm Monday to Friday
9am-5pm on Saturday
Closed on Sunday
http://www.victimsupport.org.uk/help-and-support/get-help/request-support http://www.victimsupport.org.uk/help-and-support/get-help/support-near-you/live-chat
Rubicon Cares
Free counselling service for victims of crime
Mon, Thurs & Sat 12-3pm
Weds 7-10pm
http://www.rubiconcares.org
07505 709876
NSPCC
Support is continuing for Kent clients into the Pear Tree House Service Centre.
http://www.nspcc.org.uk
Oasis
(Domestic Abuse Support)
Continuing to take referrals.
07856 856278
Open:
Monday – 10.30am -11.30am
Tuesday – 9.30am – 12.00pm
Wednesday –10.30am -11.30am
Thursday – 10.00am -11.30am
DAVSS
The Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Service
Supporting male and female victims of domestic abuse.
01892 570538
http://www.davss.org.uk
Rising Sun & Choices DA service
Services for women, children and families who are affected by domestic violence.
01227 452852
Open: Mon – Fri, 9am – 5pm
http://www.risingsunkent.com
Suzy Lamplugh Trust
(Stalking Helpline)
Advice and information for victims of stalking.
0808 8020300
Helpline open 9:30am to 4pm weekdays (9:30am to 1pm Wednesday)
http://www.suzylamplurgh.org
Forward Trust
Substance abuse (drugs)
Dover and Folkestone area substance misuse services.
24-hour number
0300 1231186
http://www.forwardtrust.org.uk
Rehab4Addiction
A free addiction helpline run by people who’ve beaten addiction in their own lives.
0800 140 4690
http://www.rehab4addiction.co.uk
Prisoners’ Families Helpline
Free advice and information on all aspects of the criminal justice system for families of those in the system. 0808 808 2003
Open:
Mon-Fri: 9am-10pm
Sat-Sun: 10am-3pm

Local Housing Providers

Sanctuary Housing
Customer Service Centre is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including public holidays for both repairs and general housing enquiries.
Tel: 0800 131 3348 (landline) or 0300 123 3511 (mobile)
Text: 07795 265 843
Typetalk/minicom: 01482 580 576
Town and Country Housing Group
General enquiries
Telephone: 01892 501480
Open:
Monday – Friday: 8.30am – 5.00pm.
https://www.tchg.org.uk/
Southern Housing Group
Latest position via web site
https://www.shgroup.org.uk/
Moat Housing
Latest position via web site
https://www.moat.co.uk/
Orbit Housing
Orbit are offering customers a range of support packages to help with well-being and financial needs
0800 678 1221 (option 4)
Text cv19 to 07860 018 202
inc. your name and Orbit will contact you
http://www.betterdays.orbit.org.uk
betterdays@orbit.org.uk

Homelessness

Porchlight
Porchlight Community Inclusion Service
Porchlight Community Link Service
Porchlight Community Housing Service
Central Referral Line 0800 567 7699
info@livewellkent.org.uk