Local Services – Isle of Wight
People Matter IW
Updated phone numbers for support for vulnerable residents:
| Organisation | Contact | Help offered |
| Local Authority working in conjunction with Community Action IW – co-ordinating local efforts | 01983 823600 (Please do not ring The Riverside Centre number) website: www.iowcoronavirus.co.uk Email: contact.centre@iow.gov.uk | Support to access groceries and medication. Volunteers also needed – Isle of Wight Coronavirus Community Help Group on Facebook |
| Alzheimer’s Society | Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Connect Support Line – 0333 150 3456 Our Isle of Wight staff can be contacted via email at the following address: iowdementiasupportss@alzheimers.org.uk | Local Dementia Support workers can offer support by phone or email to anyone affected by dementia; people living with a diagnosis, their carers or family. We can offer practical guidance and information to help people cope with the day to day challenges during this difficult time. |
| Adult Social Care hotline for PAs for Covid19 queries | 01983 821000 ext 6322 | Advice for Personal Assistants only |
| Age UK IOW | 01982 525282 | Message says “If you are not an existing client and have concerns about coronavirus” and redirects to IW Council helpline below |
| Action on Hearing Loss (Isle of Wight) | Ring 01983 529533 or email iow@hearingloss.org.uk General Enquiries – 07774724555 (Leave a message). Batteries/Hearing aids – 07918740936 Visual impairment – 07918148177 Dual Sensory – 07918740942 Hearing Loss – 07918740912 | Action on Hearing Loss are continuing to provide service and support. Some of their service provision has changed due to Government guidelines. |
| Carers IW | Carers IW offer advice and support for unpaid adult Carers of adults. Carers Lounge at St Marys Hospital is still open and you can contact them on 822099 ext 2568. Carers Centre are hoping to restart some groups in September. We are able to see some carers face to face at the Carers Centre but this must be pre booked – ring 533173 to book Carers IW Helpline – 533173 9-4pm Mon – Fri Carers IW Video Calls – we can use a variety of technology to have a video call with you, please ask. Carers IW Email: info@carersiw.org.uk Carers IW Carers Assessments We will offer these via the telephone, video call or a pre-booked appointment at the Centre. Join our gym session with Ali – ring for details Dementia Carers Support Session online for carers Monday afternoon at 1.30pm on Zoom by clicking https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82111661137 Carers Support Session online for carers Thursday afternoon at 2pm on Zoom by clicking https://us02web.zoom.us/j/71067292434?pwd=ZWlQVFptWXVvNmJGaVN0MisyMFNiQT09 (For help downloading Zoom ring 533173) | Advice and support for unpaid Carers given the new guidance, all face-to-face meetings, home visits, gym, groups and events will be suspended until further notice. However, in order to support carers in the community we will be able to respond in other ways. If you feel the need to have a regular telephone call with us, please do ask. For carers caring for those with high anxiety or dementia, it may be beneficial to avoid watching the news so to reduce their anxieties, if you are struggling with any aspect of their illness please do ring us. If you have no access to online shopping or friends and family who can help you get shopping, but we are a small team, so we are looking at supporting the vulnerable of our carers, then please contact us and we may be able to assist you or put you in contact with someone who can, then contact us on one of the ways listed. |
| Citizens Advice | 03444 111444 https://www.citizensadviceiw.org.uk/ | Issues around money, benefits, housing or employment |
| Coronavirus Ryde Support Hub | You can call 01983 811105 between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday Please call in order to access our services. | Ryde Town Council are working with Aspire Ryde and other organisations to support residents of Ryde and the surrounding areas. Residents can access: Advice and information from Citizens Advice Assistance for those in food poverty and for those in vulnerable situations Assistance for those experiencing difficulties with self-Isolation Assistance with the delivery of prescriptions |
| Cross Solent Travel Scheme (information provided by Wessex Cancer Trust) | Wightlink and Red Funnel car ferries running to newly revised timetables FastCat service has resumed with limited capacity onboard. Pre-booking required – online www.wightlink.co.uk or by phone: Customer service: 0333 999 7333. | Cancer and Renal patients can claim refunds on car ferry travel Red Funnel: £10.60 return (day return or period return) for all NHS patients. Pre-book. |
| Daisy Bus services (information provided by Wessex Cancer Trust) | Running to newly revised timetables (meeting Red Funnel car ferry and Hovertravel) and free of charge Please note: Call the minibus driver the day before travelling: Portsmouth: 0799 000 1072 Southampton: 0774 777 6874 | Transport links for Island Cancer patients receiving treatment at QA Hospital, Portsmouth and Southampton General Hospital. Booking required on Hovertravel |
| Footprint Trust | 01983 822282 Email: info@footprint-trust.co.uk Website: www.footprint-trust.co.uk | Help and advice around fuel poverty Guidance on energy matters |
| Isle of Wight Community Mental Health Support Hub (website only) | iwmentalhealth.co.uk | Information on self-help tools including links to apps, videos and workshops, helpline numbers and local support services and groups. |
| Isle of Wight Positive Minds (Two Saints/Mind District) | Contact the Isle of Wight Safe Haven on 01983 520168 during their normal opening hours: Monday to Friday – 5pm – 10 pm, Weekends and Bank Holidays – 10am – 10 pm | Support around mental health and wellbeing |
| Isle of Wight Autism Support Hub | Telephone 07498500607 Facebook @aimisleofwight Skype – Search: IOW autism support hub Email support@aimisleofwight.co.uk Monday – 4pm to 9pm Tuesday – 11am to 4pm Wednesday – 4pm to 9pm Thursday – 11am to 4pm Friday – 4pm to 9pm | Peer support through telephone, instant chat or video call. Talk to people with lived experience and who understand. For Autistic adults and their families and parents/carers of autistic children and young people |
| Isle of Wight Council Helpline | 01983 823670 | |
| Mencap – Learning Disability Helpline (national) | You can call the Learning Disability Helpline on 0808 808 1111, we’re here from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday. Or you can fill in our online form or email us at helpline@mencap.org.uk. | At the moment a lot of people are worried about coronavirus. We have been asked lots of questions about what coronavirus and the lockdown means for people with a learning disability. You can also ask us questions about things that aren’t to do with coronavirus. We may be able to help with questions about social care, money and benefits, the Mental Capacity Act (best interests, capacity decisions), health and assessments. |
| ‘No Limits – Space 4U’ Isle of Wight mental health crisis helpline for children and young people | Space 4U now accessible by phone or webchat on: Monday 5pm to 8pm, Tuesday 11am to 1pm, Wednesday 5pm to 8pm, Friday 10am to midday. To speak to a youth worker in these times, call 0774 1665182 or visit nolimitshelp.org.uk to speak to a youth worker on webchat. For further details, phone 02380 224224, email enquiries@nolimitshelp.org.uk or visit https://nolimitshelp.org.uk/get-help/support-groups/ | Support for young people (11 to 17yrs) to de-escalate emotional crisis and promote positive mental health. |
| Priority Service Register | Electricity: 0800 316 5457 (0800 316 5457 text phone) www.ssen.co.uk/PriorityServicesRegister/ Water: 0330 303 0277 http://www.southernwater.co.uk/register-for-individual-needs Gas: 0800 072 8625 or 0800 294 8604 if you’re a Pay As You Go customer. Or you can contact by textphone on 18001 0800 072 8626. https://www.britishgas.co.uk/Priority-Service-Register | Ensures vulnerable people are prioritised in the event of water or electricity outage or problems with their gas supply. |
| Pan Together | Please phone 01983 248 170 between 9 am and 5 pm seven days a week or email enquiries@pantogether.org.uk Please note: All services will be suspended for 2 weeks – week commencing Monday 10th August and week commencing 17th August. Services will resume on Monday 24th August. | Pan Together will be offering: a ‘special of the day’ meal delivery service now only £2 per meal. Order by 10.30 am for a delivery between 11.30 am and 1.30 pm. Help with shopping and a prescription-collection service. |
| Stroke Association Local Stroke Support, Isle of Wight | If you or someone you care for has had a stroke, ring: 01983 898301 or email: iow@stroke.org.uk Stroke Association Helpline: 0303 3033 100 Helpline from a textphone: 18001 0303 3033 100 Website: www.stroke.org.uk | During the COVID 19 outbreak, we continue to offer support to stroke survivors and their close network |
| Ventnor Town Council | Helpline: (01983) 853775 or 857848 between 09:00 and 16:00 Monday to Friday only E-mail: help@ventnortowncouncil.org.uk | Ventnor Town Council have set up a helpline If Ventnor residents need – • Help with shopping • Collection of prescriptions • Information or advice • Dog walking |
| Working Towards Wellbeing | www.workingtowardswellbeing.org.uk FB Page – workingtowardswellbeingIW WTW are also on the Isle of Wight community Mental Health Support Hub website. www.iwmentalhealth.co.uk/local-support-adult-mental-health You can refer yourself to this service either through their website or by using a referral form. (You can contact People Matter IW for a Self-Referral Form at admin@peoplematteriw.org). | Working Towards Wellbeing is able to offer the following support to anyone employed or self-employed, currently affected by the Covid-19 situation: Support in retaining current employment Support in securing new employment Support for the self employed Guidance in applying for relevant benefits Guidance in applying for mortgage holidays and council tax breaks Furlough – understanding and guidance |
| West Wight Coronavirus Support | 01983 752168 help@westwight.org.uk | Support to access groceries and medication. Volunteers also needed |
| Wessex Cancer Trust, Isle of Wight | Help line is operational 10 am – 3 pm Tue – Fri on 01983 524186. You can also email enquiries to: isleofwight@wessexcancer.org.uk | Support line for people affected by cancer or those who might be supporting somebody affected by cancer |
Please note: Information for contacting People Matter IW:
Lines open 10.00am – 4.00pm Monday to Thursday and 10.00am – 1.00pm on Friday
Telephone Number – 01983 241494
Email: admin@peoplematteriw.org
Website: www.peoplematteriw.org
Safe Places
Safe Places are shops, businesses or public buildings where adults with learning disabilities can go to get advice and help if they feel vulnerable or unsafe. Adults with learning disabilities are sometimes singled out when socialising and are then open to being exploited, made fun of or intimidated. Each venue will have a sticker prominently displayed in their window, and there is also a Safe Places app, which can be downloaded onto a mobile phone and will show the nearest available ‘Safe Place’ when out and about. The O2 shop in Newport have offered to help anyone download the app. Each Safe Place will be at a trusted location where people can feel safe to ask for assistance. The target audience is people with learning disability, but as part of our training we ask all our Safe Places to help anybody, no diagnosis necessary.
To access the list of IOW Safe Places, please click here.
To download the Safe Places App, please click here.
The Safe Places Scheme is a National initiative, and the Isle of Wight launched it’s first Safe Place in November 2019 at County Hall, Newport. Any agency or business on the Island can apply to be a ‘Safe Place’ – free training will be provided, as well as free membership and resources. If you would like more information about becoming a Safe Place, please contact People Matter IW on 01983 241494 and ask for the project coordinator.
The Isle Help Hub
Isle Help Online Portal
Isle Help is an online information and advice portal for the Isle of Wight. Here you can find information about benefits, care, health, debt problems, housing, immigration and a host of other subjects. The site also has a Dementia Directory which is a comprehensive service directory for people affected by dementia in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Click here.
Where you can also get help and support
Newport and Ryde Help Centres
Newport and Ryde Help Centres provides assistance and support to local residents to use digital sources, directing customers to use online transactions through a number of self service options available at this site with some direct support. This then leaves the face-to-face advice for those in greatest need. Assistance and support through digital channels is provided with regards to a wide range of Council services which include, Housing Benefit and Local Council Tax Support, Council Tax, Blue Badge and Waste Collection.
Newport Opening Times:8.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Thursday and 8.30 to 4.30pm – Friday
Phone:01983 821000
Newport Help Centre, Floor 1 , County Hall, High Street, NEWPORT, Isle of Wight, PO30 1UD
Ryde Help Centre (based in Ryde Library)
Opening Times: Monday, Tuesday, and Friday between 9.00am – 5.00pm.
Please Note: Ryde help centre will be closed between 12.15pm – 1.30pm
Phone: 01983 821000
Ryde Help Centre, Ryde Library, 101 George Street, RYDE, Isle of Wight, PO33 2JE.
IWASP
Protecting Yourself, Family and Friends from Scams
The IOW Trading Standards Service has joined forces with the Police, Fire and Rescue, Age Friendly Island and Citizens Advice Bureau to form a partnership called IWASP. IWASP is an acronym for Isle of Wight Against Scams Partnership.
Under the Charter all of these organisations will work together to better protect people on the Isle of Wight from scams, doorstep crime and fraud and to support victims. IWASP doesn’t intend to stop there though, we hope to increase our partnership providing on-going support and information from a wide range of organisations and agencies. Their website contains information about current scams on the Isle of Wight, gives information about how to protect yourself, family and friends from scams, and also contains phone numbers for advice lines if you need to speak to someone. Click Here.
Domestic Abuse
You First
Men’s Advice Line
Call Freephone 0808 801 0327 Monday-Friday 9am-5pm or email info@mensadviceline.org.uk
Confidential Helpline for men experiencing domestic violence from a partner or ex-partner (or from other family members) We help by:
- Giving you time to tell your story
- offering emotional support
- providing practicial advice
- signposting you to other services for specialist help
National Centre for Domestic Violence and Helpline
The National Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV) provides free, fast emergency injunction service to survivors of domestic violence regardless of their financial circumstances, race, gender or sexual orientation.
Phone Number: 0808 2000 247 (FREE) Call any time day or night
The helpline can give support, help and information over the telephone if you or someone you know is experiencing abuse and may need help and support.
Refuge
Phone Number: 0808 2000 247 (FREE) Call any time day or night
Provide support to those who have experienced violence and abuse. Run specialist services to help survivor’s access to safety and rebuild thei lives.
Respect
Phone Number: 0808 802 4040 Available Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm or info@respectphoneline.org.uk
A confidential and anonymous helpline for anyone concerned about their violence and/or abuse towards a partner or ex-partner.
The Hideout
A wesite to help children and young people to understand domestic abuse and how to take positive action if it’s happening to you. Also contains an adult page which gives information to adults about domestic violence and the effect it has on children.
Woman’s Aid
The Survivors Handbook – The Survivor’s Handbook provides practical support and information for woman experiencing domestic abuse, with simple guidance to every aspect of seeking support.
Phone Number: 0808 2000 247 (FREE) Call any time day or night
This national charity is working to end domestic abuse against woman and children.
Slingshot