A helpline has been set up to assist vulnerable people who have been affected by coronavirus. If you are struggling to get the food, medicine or essential supplies you need for yourself or for your family, call the helpline for advice and support.
Hampshire Coronavirus Support and Helpline - 0333 370 4000
Please note the service is for people currently residing in the county of Hampshire. If you are a resident of Southampton, Portsmouth or the Isle of Wight, and call the number above, you will be signposted to their respective local support numbers.
The NHS coronavirus vaccine
The NHS is rolling out coronavirus vaccines to those who need them most. The vaccine has been delivered in hundreds of hospital hubs, local GP-led services and care homes, at the same time as providing care to all those who need it and the rising number of coronavirus cases.
Extension of furlough scheme
The coronavirus job retention scheme has been extended until 30 September 2021.
Self-employed income support scheme
Self-employed people will be able to claim a fourth grant through the self-employed income support scheme.
Applications are due to open in late April.
Visiting people in care homes
Care home residents are now allowed one regular visitor.
Please contact the relevant care home to find out how you can arrange to visit.
Recreation and exercise
You are now allowed to leave home for recreation and exercise outdoors with your household or support bubble, if you are eligible for one, or with one person from outside your household.
Jobs and training
We want to help make sure everyone has the support they need. This page shows where you can get help if you have found yourself in difficult circumstances relating to employment and finding work.
- Job Centre Plus (JCP) - local job opportunities.
- Work and health programme - help to find and keep and job if you have been out of employment for less than 24 months. For further assistance speak to your work coach or local Job Centre.
- National careers scheme - personalised advice on training and work.
- The Princes Trust - support if you want to start your own business, guidance to find a job and help to build confidence. Free work experience courses are available with top employers in the area. Available to those aged between 11 - 30.
- Job finding support service - online one-to-one job finding support. Anyone can access this support, if they have been unemployed for less than 3 months.
- Kickstart scheme - six month job placements for young people currently receiving Universal Credit. It will help you back in to work to prevent risk of long-term unemployment. The scheme covers 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours per week and employers can top this up.
- Lifetime skills guaranteed - free college courses valued by employers. Entitlement to flexible loans allows you to take courses in segments, providing you with the opportunities to retain and enhance your skills.
- National apprenticeship scheme - help you find an apprenticeship.
- East Hampshire District Council enterprise apprenticeship scheme - apprenticeship scheme for residents of the district, supporting local people into local jobs.
- Careers help Hampshire County Council - careers help, information, guidance, traineeships, apprenticeships and supported internships.
Benefits
Discretionary housing payment extension
Discretionary housing payments are an extra award of financial help, that can be awarded for a short period to help you out of a difficult financial situation.
Test and trace support payment
In some circumstances, if you are told by NHS test and trace to self-isolate from the 28 September 2020, you may be supported by a payment of £500, payable from East Hampshire District Council.