That's the message to residents across Middlesbrough as one of the toughest years in living memory draws to a close.
While Covid-19 restrictions remain in force, a huge range of services are still available for the vulnerable and those in need.
Councillor Dorothy Davison, Middlesbrough Council's Executive member for Adult Social Care & Public Health, said many people could find themselves in need of food, heat and emergency care through no fault of their own.
Cllr Davison said: "The festive season can be tough for those who find themselves lonely and isolated at the best of times, and this year is far from the best of times.
"But help and support is there from the Council and its many partners, and often it's just a phone call away.
"Now more than ever we all need to look out for family, friends and neighbours - if you or someone you know need a helping hand, get in touch and we'll do what we can.
"There's light at the end of the tunnel, but the fight against this dreadful virus is far from over so we must continue to do all we can for the most vulnerable in our communities."
- For help, advice and information, visit Middlesbrough Council's winter advice page https://www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/social-care-and-wellbeing/health-and-wellbeing/winter-health-wellbeing-and-safety
Services available include:
Adult social care
Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 01642 065070 (Option 1) or 01642 726004 (Option 1)
Age UK Teesside
Telephone befriending service - for more information contact Paula Taylor on 01642 433725, call 01642 805500 or visit www.ageuk.org.uk/teesside
Dementia Connect Support Line 0333 150 3456
Face-to-face appointments in urgent and critical circumstances - call 01642 488977
Middlesbrough Citizens Advice Bureau
Advice on a wide range of issues including welfare benefits, debt and employment matters. Call 01642 802286 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Middlesbrough and Stockton Mind
Anyone with an existing appointment or who would like further information can call 01642 257020
Ageing Better Middlesbrough
Free telephone befriending service for the over-50s - call 01642 257020 or visit www.ageingbettermiddlesbrough.org.uk/how-we-can-help/1-to-1-support/
Hearing aids
Contact Audiology at James Cook University Hospital 01642 800500
Specsavers Audiology Clinic
Monday - Friday 8am-6pm, Saturday 9am-4pm. Specsavers are carrying out audiology assessments via telephone and can post out replacement batteries etc. Call 01642 222234
Middlesbrough Council Sensory Impairment department
For further information email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Samaritans
To talk through worries and troubles, call any time on 116 123.
Cleveland Fire Brigade
Free Stay Safe and Warm scheme offers access to heaters and other equipment. For a free home assessment, call 01429 874063 or visit www.clevelandfire.gov.uk/SSAW/
MBC Staying Put Agency
Advice on home repairs, improvements or adaptations to your home including minor plumbing and joinery repairs, grab rails, stair rails, and half steps as well as assistive technology to help maintain independence.
Call 0800 5875184 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Public health and wellbeing services
- Sexual Health Services 0300 330 11 22 (The Live Well Centre clinic will not be open to those without an appointment)
- Substance misuse and alcohol services 01642 876323.
- Harm Minimisation (Needle Exchange) is still open at The Live Well Centre, Mon-Fri 9-5pm (9am-6.30pm Wednesdays) and Saturdays 9am-1pm.
- Smoking Cessation Services https://www.stopsmokingsouthtees.co.uk/want-to-quit/
- For the latest local updates and information, visit middlesbrough.gov.uk/covid19
For information on local help and support, visit www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/helpboro
For advice for Clinically Extremely Vulnerable residents call Middlesbrough Council's support line on 01642 729777
The latest advice from Government and Public Health England can be found at https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
