Coronavirus: help for residents

Help and support is available if you've been affected by coronavirus.

Financial support

Test and trace support payment – You may be entitled to a payment of £500 if you have been told to stay at home and self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace
Council Tax Support – You may be eligible if your income has been affected by COVID-19.
Local Welfare Support Scheme – We have a limited fund to support the most vulnerable Merton residents with short term severe financial difficulties.
Turn2Us – A national charity helping people when times get tough.

Merton COVID-19 Community Response Hub – help for isolated households and those at risk from COVID-19
Merton Community Response factsheets – information about where to go for support
Age UK Merton – support for older people
Wimbledon Guild – Talking therapies, grief support and well being support
Commonside Trust – Support and assistance to vulnerable individuals and families in Pollards Hill.
Wimbledon Foodbank – Part of a nationwide network of food banks, supported by The Trussell Trust.
Merton Mutual Aid – A grassroots community organising network established to support vulnerable Merton residents during the COVID-19 crisis.
Merton’s Community Fridge – Surplus fresh food is donated and redistributed to the community
Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Organisation – Network of volunteers providing support to the vulnerable and those self-isolating. Linked to Bhaitul Futuh Mosque in Morden.
South West London Law Centres – Help for local people with legal advice and casework including problems they are facing as a result of coronavirus.

Carers Support Merton – Providing support to unpaid carers, both adults and young people.
Merton Dementia Hub – Providing support for people with dementia as well as their families and carers.
AECHO – Providing support for anyone from Afro/Caribbean and other ethnicities feeling worried, afraid or lonely during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Association for Polish Family – Providing advice, information and guidance including on Covid19 related issues. The service is available in Polish/English from 9am – 2pm Monday-Friday.
Merton Community Transport – Offering food collection and transport for groups, organisations or individuals.
Merton Growbaby – Providing good quality, new and second-hand, baby clothes and equipment.

Bereavement support
Merton Uplift (NHS) – Free service for anyone experiencing stress, anxiety or depression. Offers psychological therapies, wellbeing and specialist employment services.

If you’re worried about losing your job
Your employer may be able to claim 80% of your salary from the Government under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
If you’ve been made redundant
Your employer is allowed to re-employ you and receive payment from the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
If not, you can find out about other support here:
Citizens Advice benefits calculator
New Style Job Seeker’s Allowance
Universal Credit
If you need help to find a job
Visit our Get Help Finding a Job page
Training and skills
Many free online courses are available to help you upskill and potentially change career.
Training and skills providers
National Careers Service provide free support to any workers on Furlough, one-to-one redundancy support, career planning, and advice and guidance for all staff at risk of redundancy as well as matching employees to new job and learning opportunities.

National Youth Agency
Resources to help you keep calm, stay connected and be safe.
Merton Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAHMS) offers a crisis duty line on 0800 292 2505 / 020 8254 8061 from 9am to 5pm Monday – Friday.
SLP CAMHS Crisis Line information support line is available out of hours on 020 3228 5980 for young people who need urgent support.
Off the Record provides online and telephone counselling services.
SWLSTG Mental Health Support Line 0800 028 8000
Monday – Friday: 10.00 pm – 9am
Weekends and Bank Holidays: 9.00 pm – 9am

Information and support for families of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)

Disability Grants News – Self-Isolation Resources – Regular newsletters and resources to support disabled people at home. The newsletter contains details about grants, support and resources available.
Merton Mencap – Provides support and service for children, young people and adults with a learning disability.
Merton Centre for Independent Living – Support for disabled people in Merton
MertonVision – Support for residents with impaired vision.