| Letter from Dr Rosena Allin-Khan MP
“I hope you and your loved ones are as well as can be during the exceptionally uncertain time that we are living through.
I know that everyone is dealing with new challenges at the moment, whether you are part of a young family only allowed out once a day and trying to keep your children happy, a key worker worried about bringing coronavirus home, or someone who is shielding and unsure when you will next be able to leave your home.
Reliable Information and Advice
At times, the amount information that is being circulated, updated and changed can be overwhelming. That is why I have put together a Frequently Asked Questions page, which has reliable information on the topics I am asked most often about.
You can access it here https://www.drrosena.co.uk/faqs
There are also a number of free advice services that can give you expert, confidential and impartial advice on a range of issues. If you have a question that is not answered in my FAQs, I would recommend contacting them.
General Questions
For general queries, Citizen’s Advice Wandsworth should be your first port of call. They have a section on their website dedicated to coronavirus, with advice ranging from help to claim benefits to what to do if you are a victim of domestic abuse (if you are a victim of domestic abuse please know you can get help from Refuge’s helpline 24/7 on 0808 2000 247 or online here). You can access the Citizen’s Advice Wandsworth website here and if you have any further questions you can call them on 0300 330 1169 (open 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday) or request advice online here.
Employment/Business Questions
For general queries related to your employment or business, you should contact the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS). If you are not already aware of ACAS, it gives employees and employers free, impartial advice on workplace rights, rules and best practice, as well as training and help to resolve disputes. ACAS has comprehensive coronavirus advice packages on their website, which you can access here.
ACAS experts host free webinars on employment law topics and employment relations. You can sign up to attend future webinars and view a recording of the most recent webinar here, and if you have any further questions you can call them on 0300 123 1100 (open 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday).
Questions About Your Living Circumstances
If you are worried about your living circumstances, whether you are in a housing association owned property, privately renting or in a property managed by Wandsworth Council, you can find out what rights you have by contacting Shelter. Shelter provide free, confidential and impartial advice via a helpline and online. If necessary, Shelter can also provide legal advice. You can call them on 0808 800 4444 or access their webchat service here.
Questions About Your Mental Health
Even if you don’t have specific concerns about your circumstances, I know everyone is feeling the strain and everyone is having bad days. For tips on how to look after your mental health during coronavirus, the Mental Health Foundation has put together a comprehensive package of information, links and tips which you can access here.
As ever, if you’re feeling overwhelmed and just want to speak to someone, Samaritans are always there to talk to – no problem is too big or too small to talk about. Call any time, day or night on 116 123
Questions About Elderly Support
If you are older and feeling lonely – you are not alone. Both Age UK, Independent Age and The Silver Line are offering phone friendship services, as well as advice and information. You can contact Age UK on 0800 678 1602 (8am to 7pm, 365 days a year) or you can contact Age UK Wandsworth via email on: info@ageukwandsworth.org.uk, you can contact Independent Age on 0800 319 6789 (8.30am to 6:30pm, Monday to Friday) and you can call The Silver Line on 0800 4 70 80 90 (any time, day or night).
I hope this information is useful to you. Throughout this crisis, our community has shown the incredible strength of spirit that I know will carry us through. We have seen the best of our collective endeavours in the last few weeks and I am so proud to represent Tooting as the Member of Parliament. If there is anything I can help you with in my capacity as MP, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
I hope you stay safe and well.”
Best wishes,
Rosena
Dr Rosena Allin-Khan MP
Labour MP for Tooting |
