We are back in lockdown……Many households in Stevenage are experiencing an unexpected and protracted loss or reduction in income or benefits.   In addition, necessary restrictions on movement can mean that some people who are isolated or alone can be in particular difficulty.  The town is rising to the challenge with many people seeking to help with food or cash donations or by giving their time.

Isolation can create particular difficulties for elderly or disabled people or those with mental health problems.  Stevenage Football club is managing Community Careline offering help to people in self-isolation.

If your mental health is suffering  or you just need some contact, Mind in Mid Herts is operating a telephone service for now.  Monday to Thursday 10 – 4pm.  Telephone: 01438 369216.  Email: admin@mindinmidherts.org.uk

Stevenage Borough Council is working in coordination with a range of charities to help people donate goods or cash  or volunteer time. #StevenageHelps provides a lot of useful information for donors, volunteers or people in need at this link

Stevenage Community Foodbank is experiencing much increased demand and donations of storable food such as tinned or dried food and toileteries  are needed so please consider donating.  (See here for suitable goods). The normal donation points in supermarkets etc are closed in line with government advice but Stevenage Football Club is helping and you can still donate storable goods, by calling 01438 222 222 to arrange safe collection.

Stevenage Haven for the homeless is seeking help  such as donations of canned and dried foods, sealed donations of fresh vegetables and frozen meats, hand soap, and hand sanitiser.  For more information on how you could help the Haven, call 01438 354 884.

Donations to help people in difficulty can also be made to Stevenage Community Trust  who are collaborating with the Borough Council to collect money.

People for People (Stevenage) have a donation site at this link.

Stevenage COVID-19 Mutual Aid is a Facebook site for Stevenage residents looking to help each other out during the emergency.   Their Facebook Page is here

Other useful numbers and websites

Samaritans                                               116123 from any telephone

Age Concern Stevenage                        01438 314 164

Domestic Abuse helpline                      24 hours a day on 0808 2000 247. (Refuge UK)

Childline                                                 0800 1111 or via 1-2-1 chat  7.30am and 3.30am 

Alcoholics Anonymous                          0800 9177 650

Narcotics Anonymous                           0300 999 1212  10am till midnight

LGBT Hate Crime Helpline                  0808 801 0661

Anxiety UK                                             03444 775 774 between 9.30AM – 5.30PM, Monday – Friday