Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP

Member of Parliament for Streatham (and parts of Balham, Clapham Common, Tulse Hill and Brixton Hill)
Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Clapham & Brixton Hill

Coronavirus Information

Since the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in March 2020, this virus has left no area of our lives untouched. It has been an important reminder for all of us that our health is connected. It depends on the health of the person standing next to us and the person standing next to them. As the pandemic continues, let’s keep working together to protect everyone and keep Streatham safe.

I remain in touch with local volunteers, businesses, community groups and Lambeth Council and this page will be updated with the latest advice for Streatham residents and businesses throughout the pandemic. Please do reach out to me at bell.ribeiroaddy.mp@parliament.uk if there’s something you think I should include.

**Update**

As of the 24th February:

  • You are no longer legally required to self-isolate if you test positive for COVID-19 but you the Government encourages you to stay at home if you can and avoid contact with other people.
  • You are no longer required to take daily tests or legally obligated to self-isolate following contact with someone else who has tested positive for COVID-19.
  • The Test and Trace Payment Support Scheme (such as it was) has come to an end.

General Health Information

Physical Health

Always ensure any information you’re reading is from an official channel. The main symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are a high temperature and a new, continuous cough. If you develop either of these, your first ports of call should always be the latest NHS advice. This is the official NHS website containing all necessary health related information and advice on Coronavirus: https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19

Mental health

  • Don’t suffer in silence. We know it’s going to be a difficult time for everybody but there’s always help out there. Here’s a list of helplines who can offer you and your loved ones support.
  • Mind Lambeth and Southwark may be able to offer you more detailed advice on accessing local services. You can also call them on 020 3982 9221.
  • Campaign to End Loneliness have published a helpful briefing advising you on how to deal with the long-term challenges of self-isolation.
  • Samaritans are always there to talk if you need as well. Call them for free on 116 123.

Local Hospitals

Hospitals in our area have dedicated information pages for patients and visitors. If you’re planning to visit a hospital, please check before doing so

Translated Coronavirus Advice

Doctors of the World have published health advice sheets in an array of different languages (Albanian, Amharic, Arabic, Bengali, Dari, English, Farsi, French, Hindi, Kurdish, Malayalam, Mandarin, Pashto, Portuguese, Somali, Spanish, Tigrinya, Turkish, Urdu and Vietnamese): https://www.doctorsoftheworld.org.uk/coronavirus-information/

If you think there’s some information that needs to be included on this page or wish to raise an individual case, please drop an email with some details to bell.ribeiroaddy.mp@parliament.uk.

Information for Individuals

Financial Support

It’s no secret that this is a tough time for many people in Streatham. Citizen’s Advice and Step Change have published helpful advice on support for anyone struggling to meet their living costs, outlining how you can access emergency loans, access benefits payments early and other vital resources such as food.

Department for Work and Pensions (Benefits)

Official DWP website for claiming benefits including Universal Credit: https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/coronavirus/

Utility Bills

You can get temporary assistance with utility bills by calling your provider and telling them you are self-isolating. If you have a prepay meter, they will give you two weeks of gas/electricity and if you have a smart meter, they will top you up.

  • British Gas – 0333 202 9802
  • EDF – 0333 200 5100
  • EON – 0345 052 000
  • Npower – 0800 073 3000
  • Scottish Power – 0800 027 0072
  • SSE – 0345 026 2658

Lambeth Council Emergency Support Scheme

This scheme provides in-kind support wherever possible rather than cash grants and may be available to you if you are experiencing a crisis or an emergency: https://www.lambeth.gov.uk/apply-for-emergency-support

If you are on a low income and need to self-isolate, you may also be eligible for Lambeth Council’s emergency £500 payment: https://beta.lambeth.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-covid-19-find-what-support-available/coronavirus-covid-19-financial-help-benefits-employment-support-housing-advice/test-trace-support-payment-scheme

Housing

StreetLink London

If you are concerned about someone over the age of 18 that you have seen sleeping rough in London, use this website to send an alert. The StreetLink team will consider the information you provide and make a judgement about dispatching local street outreach to help them find the individual and connect them to support: https://www.streetlink.london/Streetlink_London_HomePage

Lambeth Council Homelessness Prevention Team – emergency support for rough sleepers

Local community organisations are doing brilliant work to help rough sleepers and working to prevent more people becoming homeless. Most emergency centres remain open in Lambeth.

Phone: 020 7926 4200

Shelter (England) – Covid 19 Housing Advice Line

Support and advice to constituents who are facing problems with their housing.

Phone: 0808 800 4444

Webchat: https://england.shelter.org.uk/get_help/webchat

Domestic Violence – support for survivors

The Gaia Centre supports Lambeth residents who are survivors of gender based violence. They are providing support via phone and email during this crisis when survivors may feel additionally isolated and at risk.

Phone: 0207 733 8724

Email: lambethvawg@refuge.org.uk

Information for Vulnerable People

Lambeth Council has set up a local helpline for over 70s and those with chronic health conditions who may be at increased risk: 020 7926 2999.

People with underlying medical conditions

If you have an underlying medical condition, you can register for special assistance during self-isolation. You are considered to have an underlying medical conditions if you:

  • Have had an organ transplant.
  • Are having certain types of cancer treatment.
  • Have blood or bone marrow cancer, such as leukaemia.
  • Have a severe lung condition, such as cystic fibrosis or severe asthma.
  • Have a condition that makes you much more likely to get infections.
  • Are taking medicine that weakens your immune system.
  • Are pregnant and have a serious heart condition.

Register here if you have one of these underlying conditions: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable.

The Disability Law Service offer free legal advice to people with disabilities and their carers. They can assist in situations such as; unlawful care assessments, reduction in care hours, removal of direct payments, financial assessments and disabled facilities grants. You can find their services at: https://dls.org.uk/

 

 Assistance for older people

Age UK

Age UK Lambeth are doing great work in the borough. If you know of someone who needs help, get them to call 0207 346 6800 or email mycommunity@ageuklambeth.org.

Useful Numbers

Here’s a list of useful numbers that may be useful for older people seeking help:

  • Asthma UK: 0300 222 5800
  • The British Heart Foundation: 0300 330 3311
  • Diabetes UK: 0345 123 2399
  • Mind: 0300 123 3393
  • Scope: 0808 800 3333
  • The Silver Line UK: 0800 470 8090

Supermarkets

Many supermarkets are offering specific hours for the elderly to come in. They’re also encouraging those who can to shop in-store in order to free up delivery slots for more vulnerable people and those in self-isolation. This useful app tells NHS workers and older people the best times to visit for groceries.

If you think there’s some information that needs to be included on this page or wish to raise an individual case, please drop an email with some details to bell.ribeiroaddy.mp@parliament.uk.

Information for Local Businesses and the Self-Employed

There is support available to help local businesses deal with the coronavirus crisis. Some details for how to apply are still to be announced so I will continue to seek clarification and update this page with specific details as soon as they are available.

The government’s response is a start but they need to do better than loans and there are still big gaps. I know many businesses continue to  worry about how they will survive. If you have any concerns you would like me to raise, please email me at bell.ribeiroaddy.mp@parliament.uk. 

 

Existing support for businesses: 

  • The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme will see the government guarantee 80% of a loan up to £5m with no interest due for 6 month. For more details please see the British Business Bank and application advice.
  • The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme opened for applications on 20th April. Employers can apply for the scheme here. Employees can check if their organisation is eligible for the scheme here.
  • 100% business rate relief this year for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses.
  • The Bounce Back loans have now opened for application. Loans of between £2000 and £50,000 are available for small and medium-sized firms. The loans are 100% guaranteed by the government and repaid over six years, with no fees or interest to pay for the first year. You can apply on the gov.uk website.
  • For smaller businesses there are grants of £10,000 and £25,000 available. These are being administered by Lambeth Council. To apply please see the two forms on their website.
  • For businesses with fewer than 250 employees, 14 days of sick pay per employee will be refunded by the government in full.
  • For those who are ineligible for Statutory Sick Pay, such as the self-employed, there will be help to access benefits more quickly if they have to self-isolate.
  • HMRC has launched a new telephone helpline to discuss how you can restructure tax payments due to coronavirus. You can contact them on 0800 0159 559 and there is an additional business support helpline on 0300 456 3565.
  • The Government will also be providing income support to the self-employed, providing a direct cash grant of 80% of their profits, up to £2,500 per month. You can claim a grant for self-employment.

 Further Information: 

For the most up-to-date information please see the relevant government advice:

InStreatham Business Improvement District provide support and contacts for businesses based in Streatham. You can get in touch with them at:

 Businesses based in London can contact the London Growth Hub for help.

Lambeth Council will be updating their guidance for how they are administering business support here.

If you think there’s some information that needs to be included on this page or wish to raise an individual case, please drop an email with some details to bell.ribeiroaddy.mp@parliament.uk. 

Information for Streatham Foreign National Constituents

Visa Extensions

If your leave expires between 24th Jan 2020 and 31st May 2020 and you cannot leave because of coronavirus travel restrictions or self-isolation, your visa will be extended to 31st May 2020.

The Home Office has also set up a Coronavirus Immigration Help Centre, which may be able to offer more advice.

Phone: 0800 678 1767 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)

Email: CIH@homeoffice.gov.uk

Here’s the full advice from the Home Office: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-uk-visa-applicants-and-temporary-uk-residents

If you have any further queries or want to raise an individual case, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at bell.ribeiroaddy.mp@parliament.uk

Information for Constituents Stranded Abroad

I’ve been in communication with dozens of constituents stranded abroad in foreign countries, many of whom are facing extortionate airfares and a lack of flights.

From the outset, I’ve urged the Foreign and Commonwealth office to make every effort to repatriate citizens, including chartering our own flights where necessary. The Government’s repatriation scheme is too little, too late. I’ll be lobbying them further until all my constituents are safely back in Streatham.

Travel Advice

If you or someone you know is stranded, please follow the advice below.

If you are a constituent:

  • Double-check you’re contacting the right MP by confirming your constituency (just type in your postcode): https://www.theyworkforyou.com
  • Email me at bell.ribeiroaddy.mp@parliament.uk with the following contact details: Full name, UK address, Date of birth, Passport number, Current location, Contact phone number, Medical conditions.
  • Go to your nearest embassy or consulate to register and confirm they’ve received your contact information and other details.
  • Monitor the relevant Foreign and Commonwealth Twitter feed for the most up to date information on the ground.
  • Some British ambassadors are also issuing Twitter updates on the latest developments.

If you are a constituent (friend or family member) but the person stranded doesn’t live in Streatham:

Your first point of contact will be the MP for the constituency your friend or family member lives in. The quickest way of moving forwards will be:

  • Determining who their MP is by confirming their constituency: https://www.writetothem.com/
  • Getting them to contact their MP directly with all the appropriate details: Full name, UK address, Date of birth, Passport number, Current location, Contact phone number, Medical conditions. You can do this on their behalf if they are unable to.
  • Get them to register with the relevant consulate or embassy
  • Get them to monitor the relevant Foreign and Commonwealth Twitter feeds for the most up to date information on the ground.

If you have any further queries, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at bell.ribeiroaddy.mp@parliament.uk.

Information on Schools for Carers, Parents and Families

Schooling and Other Essential Children’s Services

Here is the current official Government list of key workers. If you work in one of these critical roles and cannot safely leave your child at home, they will get priority for education provision.

Lambeth Council are maintaining a webpage with the latest information on local provision: https://www.lambeth.gov.uk/children-young-people-and-families/coronavirus-covid-19-information-about-services-for-children-and

Department for Education Helpline

Available for parents, young people and staff to ask any questions about Covid-19 and education and children’s social care.

Phone: 0800 046 8687 (Open: 8am to 6pm Monday-Friday and 10am to 4pm Saturday-Sunday)

Email: DfE.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk

Educational Activities for Younger Children

As well as the suggestions below, Mumsnet also has a very comprehensive list of free and paid resources for home schooling.

Website Information
BBC Bitesize From Monday 20th April, BBC Bitesize will publish daily online lessons for all ages alongside a new learning TV channel, BBC Sounds podcasts and iPlayer educational videos.
Book Trust Interactive online story books to keep the kids entertained.
British Council Good English teaching resources to help with lesson planning.
CBeebies Radio Listening activities for younger children.
Crash Course Family-friendly educational YouTube videos for all ages.
DuoLingo Free language learning resource.
Mystery Science Science lessons aimed at primary school children.
National Geographic Kids Range of humanities and science resources targeted at younger children.
Oxford Owl Resources for primary age kids including ebooks, games, activity sheets and more.
Red Ted Art Easy activities for little ones.
Tate Kids Art resources for kids: activities, games videos, interactive tours.
Ted Ed Educational videos on a host of topics.
The Imagination Tree Art games for very young children and preschoolers.

If you think there’s some information that needs to be included on this page or wish to raise an individual case, please drop an email with some details to bell.ribeiroaddy.mp@parliament.uk.

Information on Volunteering

Advice on Volunteering

If you are offering support to people in the community, please see the below guidance on keeping safe while helping out.

Personal safety

  • Do not volunteer if you are unwell – Follow the stay at home guidance
  • Try to support people who live close to you, so you don’t travel larger distances at a time of travel restrictions
  • Be sure that someone knows where you are, when you arrive and when you leave a specific location/address
  • Avoid going into peoples’ homes
  • Don’t bring people together face-to-face, be mindful of the Government’s advice on social distancing and isolating people at greater risk from coronavirus (COVID-19).
  • Be ready and willing to provide the relevant reassurances about your identity to any residents who ask.

Good flyering practice

Good hand hygiene is the best way to prevent spreading viruses like coronavirus. Viruses like coronavirus (COVID-19) don’t survive long on objects, such as letters or parcels.

  • Do not volunteer if you are unwell
  • Use disposable gloves during leafleting where possible
  • Regular use of alcohol-based hand sanitisers if hands are physically clean
  • If possible, door knock as opposed to ringing door-bells
  • Avoid touching door handles where possible
  • Where parcels need to be delivered that won’t fit through letterboxes: place the item at the door, knock on the door, then step aside to a safe distance (2m or 3 steps) while the item is retrieved. This will ensure that items are delivered securely rather than being left outside.

Local Initiatives

Lambeth Mutual Aid

For those looking to volunteer in Streatham, a good starting point is Lambeth Covid Mutual Aid group, who have published a document where you can locate your nearest neighbourhood group.

Lambeth Council volunteering

Lambeth Council have also set up a new volunteering initiative to help some of the borough’s most vulnerable people.

NHS Volunteering

The NHS is looking for volunteers to help the most vulnerable by:

  • Delivering medicines
  • Transporting patients
  • Calling self-isolating people
  • Sign up here if you can help: https://goodsamapp.org/nhs

Helping Food Banks

As demand surges and supplies are squeezed, food banks are struggling to get volunteers and staples. If you have the means, most of them also accept financial donations as well as food. You can find your nearest food bank to volunteer at on The Trussell Trust website.

The two nearest food banks in Streatham for most will be Brixton/Norwood food bank and Clapham Park. You can find other food bank drop-off points at:

  • Balham High Road Waitrose
  • Brixton Acre Lane Tesco
  • Brixton Water Lane Sainsbury’s
  • Tulse Hill Co-op
  • Streatham Tesco Extra
  • St Paul’s Church on Ferndale Road (Saturday mornings only)
  • South London Refugee Association, Leigham Court Road, SW16 2PJ (10am-4pm, Mon-Fri)

If you think there’s some information that needs to be included on this page or wish to raise an individual case, please drop an email with some details to bell.ribeiroaddy.mp@parliament.uk.