We are going through tough times as the Covid-19 pandemic has led to a country-wide lockdown.
We have compiled a list of places and pages for those in need of help during this crisis:
If you need a helping hand
Volunteers across the area are offering to help people who are self-isolating by delivering food and essential items. Some charities you can get in touch with are:
- Small Acts of Kindness - Call 01923 37271 or email info@smallactsofkindness.co.uk
- Watford and Three Rivers Trust - With the help of Hertfordshire County Council, the charity has set up a group of volunteers
- Communities 1st - If you need help, you can complete an online form on the charity's website. More information here.
- London Colney Parish Council - The council has created a hotline to match volunteers to vulnerable people living nearby. To get in contact, call 01727 261104 between 10am to 1pm.
There are also several online groups with volunteers offering to help others. The Covid-19 Mutual Aid UK website has an interactive map where you can find these local groups.
Some groups in and around the Watford area include:
- Watford COVID19 Support Group
- Watford Gift it, swap it, request it
- Watford & Bushey Coronavirus Mutual Aid
- Watford People Helping Their Community
- Covid-19 Support Watford and South West Hertfordshire (Telegram)
- Oxhey Village Residents
- Abbots Langley Covid-19 Mutual Aid Group
- Abbots Langley Furtherfield Residents' Association
- Rickmansworth Covid Mutual Aid
- Rickmansworth Covid Mutual Aid (Whatsapp)
- Chorleywood Corona Support Group (Whatsapp)
- Coronavirus community help for Northwood, Northwood Hill, Pinner & Ruislip (Nextdoor group)
- St Albans Covid 19 Mutual Aid
Businesses offering deliveries of food and essentials
Bovingdon Co-op
The store is providing free deliveries for people over-70 and those need to self-isolate. But this is for only people living near the area. Call the store on 01442 833273 to make an order.
Sainsbury's
The supermarket chain has prioritised online delivery slots for elderly, disabled and vulnerable customers. If you think you should be on this list call 0800 328 1700.
If you are struggling financially
The One Vision Project
Based in Stanborough Park Church, The One Vision Project provides hot meals if you are over 70 or if your child's free school meal has been disrupted. For more information, contact the church.
Foodbank
Using this interactive map, you can find your nearest foodbank
New Hope
If you find yourself homeless during the crisis, you can reach out to Watford charity New Hope. The charity provides emergency accommodation.
Council grants
If you are a charity or community group, contact your local council to see what funding is available. Watford Borough Council and Hertfordshire County Council have already announced some grants:
- Watford Mayor's Small Grants Fund
- Watford Borough Council Neighbourhood Locality Funds
- Hertfordshire County Council Locality Budgets
If you need a chat or advice
For medical advice, call 111
Watford Citizens Advice
Call 03444 111 444 (Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm) or visit the website.
West Watford Community Centre
The centre is offering a chat with people who feel lonely or isolated. Call 01923 235488.
Covid Herts Counselling
The temporary service, with more than 30 qualified volunteers, has been set up to offer counselling and support to people who are housebound.
Call 07375 922 224 or email cs@covidherts.com.
Domestic abuse support
Watford Women's Centre's website provides contact details for domestic abuse victims.
You can also try the National Domestic Violence Helpline (0808 2000 247) or the Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse Helpline (08088 088 088)
For legal advice, call 0203 935 5999. To talk to a domestic abuse specialist, call 01923 816229
Ruth Lee Therapy
Based in Watford, the therapist is running a free telephone support service for frontline workers (NHS, police, supermarket workers). Call or text to 07593 804958. You can also book an appointment at ruthleetherapy.co.uk
Mind Hertfordshire
You can contact the charity's crisis helpline on 01923 256391. More information on the charity's website.
Croxley Green mental health group
A Facebook group for people to speak to others about their mental health issues. Visit the page here.
If you are a charity, group or business offering help during the coronavirus pandemic and want to be added to our list, email ann.yip@newsquest.co.uk
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